Jefferson City Auto Repair

Listed below are a list of everyday things that you could look for to make sure that you vehicle remains safe to drive.

If you notice any of these following things, or something just doesn't feel right then you should probably call one of our specially trained technicians for a checkup. Also listed at the bottom is a regular vehicle maintenance schedule. We also rebuild (overhaul) automatic & manual transmission and engines. All our repairs come with one of the best warranties in the area, a 2 year/ 24,000 mile standard warranty. When you call ask about our great discount and referral programs.

TIRES:

Check pressure, tread wear and age. The inside door placard on the driver’s side will tell you the inflation pressure of the tire NOT the side of the tire as it will only show you the maximum air pressure allowed for those tires. I recommend changing your tires when going below 4/32nds tread remaining. This is Washington’s head on a quarter NOT Lincoln’s head on a penny. Tests have shown that wet braking distance increases dramatically between 4 and 2/32nds of tread. I also recommend changing any tires that are over 5 years of age. You can find this information by reading the last four numbers of the DOT code. The first two are the week of manufacture and the last two are the year. Anything built before the year 2000 will only have one number for the year. (And boy are you past due if this is the case.)

TRANSMISSION FLUID:

Like engine oil, transmission fluid needs to be changed. Over time and miles, your transmission’s fluid begins to wear out. With even more moving parts than your engine, the transmission depends on its fluid to keep it clean, cool and free of harmful deposits. Worn out fluid will cause erratic shifting, hesitation, and gear noises. The first step is to add a powerful cleaner to loosen sludge and baked on deposits in each shifting position. It’s important to completely replace all the old contaminated fluid with new fluid. A special additive package offers seal protection, better gear lubricity and sludge inhibitors to keep your transmission shifting like new.

POWER STEERING FLUID:

Old power steering fluid turns into costly repairs. Under extreme heat and pressure (1800 psi) power steering fluid wears out. Old fluid can quickly damage and destroy bushings, seals, bearings and gears. Fluid should be changed when you experience: squealing from sticky valves, whining and grinding noises on sharp turns, jerky and erratic steering, wear metals, hose and seal debris found in the fluid. Before we remove the fluid a cleaner first dissolves and suspends varnish, deposits and debris from seals and parts. The system is cleaned with specialized equipment that removes the old, contaminated fluid and debris. Then new premium fluid and conditioners are added to help reduce heat and friction while protecting vital system parts.

HOSES:

Should be checked periodically for softness. Age is the major culprit for hose deterioration and is often overlooked. You should have your hoses changed at 60,000 miles or over 5 years of age.

LIGHTS & BULBS

Save yourself the hassle of being pulled over by the police for a tail or brake light bulb being out. Have all lights checked when performing a regular oil change.

ALIGNMENT:

The front end components of a vehicle can be out of alignment, but not give any indication or warning signs. Shimmying and shakes in the front end are usually not caused by the car being out of alignment. But will be caused by tires being out of balance, lack of rotation or the tires being separated. The vehicle pulling to one side or unusual tire wear are the two most common warning signs for the alignment being “out”. The alignment should be checked every 15,000 miles or yearly depending on your driving habits. ALWAYS have the front end aligned when replacing tires. Some adjustmentsto the rear alignment are available on most new model vehicles.

The following matrix covers maintenance items up to 60,000 miles.

15 (15,000) 20 (20,000) etc.

Car Maintenance Interval (in thousands of miles)

R=Replace I=Inspect

The following matrix covers maintenance items from 70,000 to 120,000 miles.

15 (15,000) 20 (20,000) etc.

Maintenance Interval (in thousands of miles)

R=Replace I=Inspect