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FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

 

Preventative maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to insure your vehicle is as reliable as possible. The manufacturer of the vehicle, Honda or Acura, has set intervals for when certain items should be replaced. We refer to these "intervals" as Factory Scheduled Maintenance. When we perform these services, we refer to the manufactures recommendations and perform the services that they require.

OIL CHANGE SERVICE

Why we do it : The oil inside the engine of your vehicle is 100% necessary for your engine to run. Just a few minutes without oil pressure and the engine can be completely ruined. The oil itself lubricates the moving components inside the engine and it has very specific standards to how it lubricates, cleans, and what additives are in it. The oil and filter are constantly cleaning debris and byproducts created from the process of the engine running. We replace the oil to insure it stays clean and that the proper additives stay "fresh" and continue to perform their intended functions.

 

What we do : We repalce the engine oil and filter, set all tire pressures to factory settings, adjust all under hood fluid levels as needed, and we perform a 45 point courtesy inspection of the main safety components on the vehicle.  We strive to keep the emergency repairs to a minimum on your vehicle, by doing an inspection at each oil change, we can typically prepare you for any upcoming repairs that may be needed.

 

When we do it : We believe in the idea that you cannot change the oil too much! Our standard interval is 3,000 miles, and for the vehicle with Maintenance Minder Systems (if your vehicle can tell you what the percentage of oil life is) we suggest changing the oil at anything less than 50%.

30,000 MILE SERVICE

Why we do it : The fluids and filters in your vehicle will all wear out at some point. The fluids and filters keep all systems clean, lubricated, and have additives in them to keep things running smooth. Some fluids and filters may be designed to last longer than the vehicle, while others can only handle a certain amount of use.

 

What we do : Each of the services will be different on each vehicle. Typically we perform an oil change service, transmission fluid service (replace fluid), brake fluid replacement service, differential fluid service, replace the engine air filter, replace the air conditioning cabin filter(s), perform a tire rotation, and perform specific tests or checks for each individual vehicle. We also perform an extensive mechanical and safety inspection of the vehicle. This includes checking ALL suspension, steering, braking, exhaust, drivetrain, and other undercar systems to insure proper operation and condition.

 

When we do it : Usually these are performed every 30,000 miles. If the vehicle has a Maintenance Minder System it will inform you of when these are due with a series of numbers and letters displayed.

TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT SERVICE

Why we do it : Timing belts break! The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft(s) spinning in unison with each other. This is critical to making the engine run at all, and if they get too far out of unison, the pistons (in the bottom of the engine) can come in contact with the valves (in the top of the engine) and can severly damange the engine. The belts are made from similar material as the other belts that can be seen runnung your alternator, a/c compressor, and power steering pump. When they become weak due to age OR mileage they can "jump" timing or break.

 

What we do : We remove all the necessary items to get to the timing belt. Usually there is quite a bit of labor cost in doing this, so we like to replace any other items in that area that could wear out later. To save you from paying that labor time again in the future, we also typically replace the water pump, and the oil seals that are behind the timing belt (usually seals on the crankshaft and camshaft(s)). We also replace the drive belts and antifreeze at the same time as replacing the timing belt and water pump.

 

When we do it : Each engine has different requirements for the timing belt replacement. Typically they are replaced by a certain mileage or age. We strongley recommend adhering to the manufacturers recommendations. Also keep in mind that some vehicles do not have timing belts at all. You can refer to your "maintenance manual" or just ask us if your vehicle has a belt, and when it should be replaced.

BRAKE SERVICE

Why we do it : The brake pads (or shoes depending on the application) slow the vehicle down by creating friction on the brake rotors (or drums). This friction causes the pads (or shoes) to wear their "linings" down. At some point they will be worn out and will need to be replaced. 

 

What we do : We replace the worn out pads (or shoes) with brand new OEM parts. We will libricate all necessary parts of the pads (or shoes) and clean and lubricate all necessary parts of the brake calipers (or wheel cylinders). We also machine the brake rotors (or replace the drums) to ensure the brand new "lining" on the pads (or shoes) has a perfectly smooth and straight surface to properly "seat" the pads (or shoes). By replacing the worn parts, and providing a new surface for them to work with, we are insuring that your brake pads will last as long as possible and provide trouble-free service.

 

When we do it : When they wear out! We typically recommend replacing the brake pads (or shoes) when they have reached a minimum thickness of 2/32". If you come to us for oil changes, we inspect the brake "lining" thickness each time to insure the safety of your vehicle and we can also give you plenty of time to prepare for when they will be due.

VALVE ADJUSTMENT SERVICE

Why we do it : Most Honda and Acura vehicles have adjustable valve lash. This refers to the gap on top of the intake and exhaust valves to insure they close and open exactly when they are needed to. (The valves are located in the top half of your engine known as the cylinder head). As the engine ages, the "lash" adjustment will become larger and larger due to wear and this will prevent the engine from running as perfectly as it should. This adjustment is critical to how efficently the engine will run, thus impacting the performance, fuel ecomony, and how smoothly the engine runs.

 

What we do : We remove all the necessary components to get down inside the top of the engine where the valve train is located. Once the engine is completely "cold" (usually less than 100 degrees farenheight) we can then adjust each and every valve to the proper "lash" as specified by the manufacturer. This adjustment is so specific that we adjust the lash to within 1 thousandths of an inch! We will also replace any gaskets or o-rings that are removed during disassembly.

 

When we do it : Each engine has different requirements for this service. Some vehicles do not require it at all. You can refer to your "maintenance manual" or just ask us if your vehicle needs it.

Of course there are many other services that we perform on each vehicle. These are just some of the most common services that generally most vehicles need. When you come to us for your oil change service, you provide us with the opportunity to prepare you for any of these services BEFORE they are due. We strive to keep the surprises to a minimum when possible.

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