AUTONET TV
Archive for July 2024Staying In Charge (Alternator Repair)Posted July 28, 2024 4:44 AMSeems like these days, we're hearing about more and more electric or hybrid vehicles. Keep in mind that conventional gasoline internal combustion vehicles have important electrical components, too, and it's important to make sure they're operating at their peak. In a vehicle with a gasoline engine, the part that keeps the battery charged is the alternator. It converts the mechanical energy created by the engine into electrical power. To do that, a shaft in the alternator has a pulley on one end that's driven by a belt that is turned by the engine. A series of magnets then spins around coiled wires and it creates alternating current, or electricity. Your vehicle uses that to charge the battery that, in turn, keeps other electrical components in your vehicle working. Here are a few signs that the alternator isn't doing its job right. The battery keeps going dead, your instrument panel's battery light is on (it looks like a rectangle with a - and + inside and a couple of "terminals" on top), or your lights are dimmer than they usually are. You may also have a voltage gauge that shows lower than usual power. If bearings in your alternator are seizing up, you may hear a grinding noise coming from your engine compartment. If you have any of those signs, bring your vehicle to us so we can check your electrical system. A technician will run diagnostics on your alternator, the cables and the battery. Because the alternator is driven by a belt, the technician will check what shape all the drive belts are in. Plus, we'll see how much electricity the alternator is putting out. If your alternator has failed, it can be replaced with a new or a remanufactured one. Speak with your service advisor about which will best suit your needs. Oh, and keep in mind that sometimes other parts may have to be replaced at the same time. For example, if your alternator's bearings froze up, that may have damaged the drive belt, and it may have to be replaced at the same time. Long Hill Auto Service Do I Need Brake Service? (Brake Service)Posted July 21, 2024 4:43 AMThink of how many times you put your foot on your vehicle’s brake pedal every day. And think of how much you rely on your brakes to slow down and stop your momentum. When it comes to safety systems, your brakes are at the top of the list, and that’s why it’s so important to keep them in top condition. Brakes are something you make sure you keep maintained before they start showing signs of problems. Some of those signs are a grinding sound when you step on the brake pedal, your vehicle pulling to one side when you brake, you don’t feel your brakes stopping you as quickly as they used to, or you notice the brake light is illuminated on your instrument panel. We ask a lot of our brakes. They have to work no matter how hot or cold it is outside. That means whether it’s sunny, snowing, raining, or icy; you’re traveling at highway speeds or school-zone speeds; or when suddenly you find yourself trying to avoid hitting another vehicle, animal, person, or obstacle in the road. They have to work on smooth or rough pavement. When you bring your vehicle in to us for brake service, we will first inspect your brakes and all the parts in the system. Our technician will closely check all the components for wear, deterioration, and corrosion. We’ll check fluids, bushings, seals, and other components and make recommendations for what should be replaced or repaired to keep the system in top condition. We’ll recommend quality parts that meet your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. We want to make sure your vehicle’s brakes are doing for you what they are designed to do. Your safety—and the safety of all the people around you—is at stake when it comes to your brakes. Long Hill Auto Service Slippery When Wet (Driving on Wet Leaves)Posted July 14, 2024 5:42 AMWhen the leaves fall, you might take a sightseeing trip to see them at peak color. Or you may simply live in a spot where there are a lot of trees. When those leaves get wet, you'd be surprised to learn just how slippery they can be. We all know ice is slippery to drive on. What causes tires to slip on ice is a thin layer of water that comes between the road and your tires. Wet leaves can have the same effect. The surfaces of leaves are super slick when they're dry, even worse when you add a little moisture. There's one other thing about leaves. They are smaller than each tire's footprint, so your tread grips the pavement with uneven traction. One study showed that your stopping distance can more than double on a surface covered with wet leaves when compared to that same road when it's dry. Double! That can spell trouble. So if you find yourself heading into an area with wet leaves on the road, slow down before you get into a jam. If you do start skidding, use the same driving techniques as you would on ice. Let off the accelerator, resist jamming on the brakes and steer into the skid. Again, speed can get you into trouble fast on a slippery surface. One thing that can help is having tires that are appropriate for the way you drive and the places you travel. Your service advisor can offer suggestions for tires that are right for you. Have a technician examine your tread depth and the condition of your tires' rubber. Sun can break down rubber over time, and age can cause tires to fail, even if their tread seems to be deep enough. Your tire is the point of traction between your vehicle and the road. Uncontrolled skids spell trouble and danger. Slow down when you see wet leaves on the road. They can make traction disappear before you know it.
How Tired Are Your Tires? (Tire replacement)Posted July 7, 2024 5:45 AMOf the things you think about most, your tires are probably pretty far down the list. That’s understandable because today’s tires are engineered to do their job without needing you to pay too much attention to them. But they DO wear out, and worn tires can contribute to skidding in bad weather, not being able to stop, a ride full of uncomfortable vibrations and, even a sudden blowout. Yikes. Let’s figure out right now how to know if your tires need replacing! Let’s face it. Most of us don’t know the first thing about tires. So, the best way to make sure what shape yours are in is to take your vehicle to a qualified service facility to have the tires checked out by a trained technician. Here are things they’ll check:
If it’s time to replace your tires, you’ll find you have many choices for new ones: different brands, models, designs, etc. Your service adviser can help you figure out which ones are right for you. It’s much better—and safer—to do it before one of them fails at the least opportune time. Long Hill Auto Service | ||
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Reviews
The guys working there are super nice and friendly F. Ahmed, 10/19/2024 |
The staff here are great people. I would recommend checking them out before anyone else. Sebastian Mendoza, 10/02/2024 |
We were in town visiting family for a wedding celebration. I noticed vibration in the front end of our Honda Pilot, and at the advice of my brother (local resident), I asked if Bob could check it out Friday afternoon. Having a full schedule on Saturday, Bob slipped us into the schedule, made the repair, and got us on our way back to Florida. Great service/great communication/honest and friendly staff/fair pricing- strongly recommended! Barton Parker, 08/11/2024 |