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Everything you ever wanted to know about your car, but were afraid to
ask...
send your questions to: questions@tribblesautomotive.com
If your car’s air conditioning isn’t working up to par, don’t sweat it. In most
cases, Tribble's Automotive can solve the problem.
Q.
When should my air conditioning system be checked?
A.
Each year prior to the warm weather months.
Any time it isn’t working to your satisfaction you should bring it in for an A/C Check.
Q.
What is included in the Air Conditioning Service?
A.
System performance check
System inspection
Q.
Are there environmental concerns with Air Conditioning?
A.
Because the refrigerant used in most air conditioning systems is considered harmful to the environment, it is critical that it not be allowed to escape during servicing. We begin each air conditioning service with a leak detection test. Our technicians use a sealed, environmentally friendly process which captures the refrigerant, cleans it, replenishes it and returns it to your car’s air conditioning system good as new.
Q.
What if my car still uses Freon?
A.
Air conditioning systems in cars built before 1995 use the refrigerant
R-12 or (CFC-12) also referred to as Freon. The EPA determined
that Freon was destroying the ozone layer and in 1995 all production
ceased. Freon is now extremely expensive and difficult to find.
Tribble's Automotive offers a retrofit service that enables
your a/c system to use the inexpensive R-134a refrigerant. The
retrofit pays for itself in cost savings on the refrigerant.
Q.
What does the retrofit service include?
A.
All retrofits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Different vehicles may require slightly different procedures.
We evacuate all R-12 and most of the existing refrigerant oils from the air conditioning system.
In some instances, certain parts, such as the O-rings, hoses, accumulator or receiver/dryer, must be replaced to assure compatibility with R-134a.
In addition, special fittings and labels must be placed on the vehicle to properly identify that it has been retrofitted. This is required by law and is a mandatory part of any air-conditioning retrofit procedure.
A retrofit does not fix a broken air conditioning system. If your A/C is not cooling properly then a diagnosis must be performed to determine the problem. Only after a complete diagnosis, can a decision be made whether to repair the A/C system and then plan a retrofit. If a retrofit is desired, then it is important to know this when planning the repair.
As with all services you receive at Tribble's Automotive, the parts we install will meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer’s standards, and all used parts will be returned to you upon request.
This service, like all services performed at Tribble's Automotive, is advised based on manufacturer’s recommendations, or as needed as determined by our inspection and based on industry standards.
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| Brake Systems |
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When it comes to safety, no part of your car is more important
than the brakes. They should be inspected at least once a year
to determine the condition of the hydraulic system and operating
hardware. While the entire braking system requires attention,
the friction materials - the pads, shoes, rotors and drums -
require constant attention because they wear down each time
you apply your brakes.
Q.
How can I tell when my brakes need servicing?
A.
The brake pedal can be depressed nearly to the floor.
You hear a squealing or other unusual noise when you apply the brakes. Some brands of brake pads have a built-in device that produces a high-pitched squeal when the brake pads are getting low.
The car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes.
You feel a grinding or bumpy sensation as you come to a stop.
In general, if there is something about your brakes that is making you uncomfortable, you should have them inspected.
Q.
What is included in a brake service?
A.
We begin with a comprehensive inspection of your car’s entire
braking system. Pads and shoes are replaced . Wheel bearings
are repacked as needed. The backing plate and caliper anchor
are lubricated. The brake fluid is topped off. The hydraulic
system is purged of air and adjusted. Drums and rotors are refinished
if they have become scored. At an additional cost, the drums
and rotors are replaced if they are too badly worn. Based on
our inspection, there may be other components that may need
to be replaced. Metallic pads are extra.
Our technicians are also experts in servicing the computer-controlled components of the anti-lock (ABS) braking systems that are common on today’s cars.
All of the parts we install are guaranteed to meet or exceed manufacturer’s standards. If you wish, we’ll return your old brake parts to you.
This service, like all services performed at Tribble's Automotive, is advised based on manufacturer’s recommendations, or as needed as determined by our inspection and based on industry standards.
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| Oil and Other Fluid Changes |
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The services that are most often neglected by drivers are also some of the easiest to take care of. The expensive, sophisticated engines in today’s cars can be utterly destroyed by improper care of fluids. Fluid maintenance services are a Tribble's Automotive specialty.
Oil Changes
Expert technicians agree that "...the oil change is the single
most important maintenance service your car can receive."
Q.When does my car’s oil need changed?
A.
Most manufacturers
recommend an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles under
severe driving conditions - city driving, stop and go traffic,
short trips, dusty conditions - just about every case except
steady highway driving.
Q.
What does an Oil Change include?
A.
up to 5 quarts of major brand oil
new oil filter
lubrication of the various fittings on your car’s undercarriage when applicable
thorough maintenance inspection of all safety and performance related systems.
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Transmission and Differential Fluids
In addition to the oil change, transmission and differential fluids must be changed to assure proper operation. On four-wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case also requires regular fluid maintenance. Neglecting transmission and differential fluid service could result in extensive repairs, or the replacement of some of your vehicles most expensive components.
Tribble's Automotive generally recommends these services every 30,000 miles. For your vehicle, refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendation.
Oil, Transmission and Differential Fluid changes are performed based on manufacturer’s recommendations, or as needed as determined by our inspection and based on industry standards.
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Air Filters
 Think of your engine
as a giant air pump. It takes in air, mixes the air with fuel
and ignites this mixture in order to produce the power to get
your vehicle down the road. Over the course of even a minute,
your engine takes in a massive volume of air—and all of it enters
through the air filter. A small 2-liter engine can breathe nearly
3,000 liters of air per minute at comfortable cruising speeds.
Imagine 1,500 empty 2-liter bottles of soda, and you get the
idea.
A clogged air filter affects your car's performance on a number of levels. It robs your car of power, something you need every ounce of when you're navigating a freeway on-ramp. Perhaps more important is the effect a clogged air filter has on your gas mileage. It takes 10 minutes and usually costs less than $20.
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COOLING SYSTEM
(or RADIATOR) |
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Your cars' cooling system consist of several components. The radiator which 'cools' the coolant.
The hoses (2) deliver
the coolant to the engine and back to the radiator. The water pump "pushes" the coolant through the radiator,
hoses and engine.
The engines in many of the cars on the road today are smaller than they used to be, as well as being far more efficient.
But they also produce a great deal of heat. The cooling system is responsible for maintaining the engine at an acceptable
operating temperature.
Q.
When does the Cooling System need service?
A.
The Cooling System should be checked yearly. Failure to maintain the cooling system can result in overheating, which can cause severe damage to the engine.
Q.
What is included in the Cooling System Service?
A.
The pressure conditions and coolant volume are checked.
The radiator cap is checked that it functions and fits correctly.
Radiator hoses are checked that they are not worn, cracked or disintegrating.
Engine belts are checked.
Q.
Are there environmental concerns?
A.
Tribble's Automotive services cooling systems in an environmentally safe way. We pump out the existing coolant and properly dispose of the used coolant according to EPA standards. We service the cooling system with a conditioner, which will clean out your system. We then re-fill the system with new anti-freeze, adding a coolant system sealer when recommended. The last step of the process is to purge the system of all air pockets, ensuring that the cooling fans function in a timely manner.
As with all services you receive at Tribble's Automotive, the parts we install will meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer's specifications, and all used parts will be returned to you upon request.
Cooling system service is advised based on manufacturer’s recommendations or as needed as determined by our inspection, and based on industry standards.
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| Tune-Ups |
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When your car is properly tuned, the ignition system, fuel system, emission system and the computer system are all working together. This results in peak combustion chamber efficiency, saving you money at the gas pump and making sure your car is emitting a minimum of pollutants.
Q.
How do I tell if my car needs a Tune-Up?
A.
Check your owner's manual. Tune-up intervals are different for each car.
Many people assume a tune-up will solve a drivability problem. That's not always the case. Our experts perform a tune-up verification to confirm that your car will benefit from a tune-up. Your problem may be unrelated to a tune-up and may need an engine diagnosis.
Q.
What does a Tribble's Automotive Tune-Up include?
A.
• A tune-up verification
• Replacement of spark plugs
• Emission levels analysis
• Timing/idle speed adjustment (if adjustable)
• A complete maintenance inspection
All of the parts we install are guaranteed to meet or exceed manufacturer standards,
and if you wish, we'll return all of your old parts to you.
This service, like all services performed at Tribble's Automotive,
is advised based on your manufacturer's recommendations, or
as needed as determined by our inspection and based on industry
standards.
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. Tires
Keeping Your Tires Filled Saves Gas and Money. Did you know that how much air
you have in your tires can have a direct affect on your gas
mileage? It's true.
Here's why:
Let's say your tires are supposed to be filled to 35 psi. If they are filled correctly, six square inches of your tire are touching the road, just the way your tires were designed. But let some air out, and now the pressure is only 30 psi. Since your tire is like a balloon, the more air you have on the inside, the rounder and more firm your tire becomes. If you had six square inches touching the road at 35 psi, the flatter 30 psi tire will have eight square inches touching at once, making it harder for your engine to get things rolling from a dead stop.All drivers want peak performance from their tires, as they are an additional costly investment to the vehicle. Just as you have your oil changed with frequency, so should you have your tires checked to help reduce accidents, save gasoline, and keep your tires going longer.
Q.
How do I tell if my car needs new tires?
A.
While there are certainly a number of visual cues when determing if your tires are in proper operating condition (don't forget your spare!), as part of a complete maintenance inspection, you should be able to have the below tire safety items checked by a certified technician. Before replacing your tires, be sure to consult with your owner's manual and follow the vehicle's manufacturer recommendations, as vehicle handling may be affected by a change in tire size or type.
In addition, did you know that tire age is an important factor in tire safety? When it comes to determining the age of a tire, it is easy to identify when a tire was manufactured by reading its Tire Identification Code (serial number). Unlike vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and the serial numbers used on many other consumer goods (which identify a specific item), the Tire Identification Codes are really batch codes that identify which week and year the tire was produced.
Tire Codes After 2000: The week and year the tire was manufactured is contained in the last four digits of the series, with 2 digits used to identify the week a tire was manufactured immediately preceding digits identifying the year. Example:
XXXXXXXX 0600 (06, manufactured during the 6th week of the year; 00 is the year it was manufactured)
Tire Codes Prior to 2000: the Tire Identification Code for tires was based on the assumption that no tire would be in service for 10 years. They were required to provide the same information, but the last three digits identified the week followed by the year of the decade.
Example:
XXXXXXXX 068 (06, manufactured during the 6th week of the year; 8 is the 8th year
of the decade in which it was manufactured) (Source: www.tirerack.com)
What can Tribble's Automotive do to help keep your tires going?
Tire Pressure:
Under or over-inflation can result in irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat! Please have your tire pressure checked with every oil change. (Recommended air pressure is posted on the driver's door or in the glove compartment.)
Tire Alignment:
If your vehicle is pulling to one side or shaking, it may be out of alignment and causing damage to your tires. Have your vehicle checked for proper alignment periodically, especially if you notice driving irregularities.
Tire Rotation:
Regular rotation of tires promotes more even wear, which in turn prolongs tire life. The general guideline for tire rotation is every other oil change (or every 6,000 to 7,500 miles), unless otherwise directed by your vehicle or tire manufacturer.
Tire Tread:
While the penny test can do the trick if you're in a pinch (legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch - the exact distance from the tip of Abe's head to the rim of a penny), you may feel more comfortable having your certified technician measure this during an inspection. Note that in many states, it is illegal to drive on tires that below safe tread depth.
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| Engines |
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We can service the
engines of most domestic and import cars, light trucks and
SUVs. If your engine must be replaced, we offer a number of
different types of replacement engines call for prices: 770.926.5883
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| Transmissions |
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We can replace transmissions on most cars and light trucks.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call us at
770.962.5883.
Expert Tip:
Two of the main causes of transmission failure are bad radiators
and not flushing your car's fluids regularly. Wre recommend
flushing the fluids of your car every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
(These recommendations may be more often than those listed in
your owner's manual.)
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All of the parts we install are guaranteed to meet or exceed manufacturer standards, and if you wish, we'll return all of your old parts to you.
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| SERVICES
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Ten
most common systems and components that should be regularly
maintained on your vehicle. |
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Tips
for Better Mileage: |
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• Replace your air filter. |
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• Keep your tires properly inflated. |
| • Use the recommended grade of oil. |
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