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Archive for July 2016

autoclinic of brandon On Your Serpentine Belt

Posted July 31, 2016 6:32 AM


 

Today we're going to be talking about serpentine belts for our brandon, florida, customers. Let's start by talking about the accessories that are driven by the serpentine belt. First is the alternator. That's the device that makes electricity to power the vehicle and recharge the battery. Then there's the air conditioning compressor that makes cool air for you while you're driving around florida in the summer.

The power steering and power brake pumps are driven by the serpentine belt in most brandon residents' vehicles. Those pumps provide pressure that assists your steering and braking.

In many vehicles, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt. The water pump is what circulates the coolant that protects your engine. In some cars around brandon, florida, the water pump is driven by the timing belt.

The radiator cooling fans on some vehicles are also driven by the serpentine belt. Some have separate electric motors. That's really a lot of work for one belt.

But modern engine design has a single belt that snakes around the front of the engine and drives most, if not all, of these accessories. Serpentine belts do a lot of work, but they're tough and can last for a long time.

Just how long will they last? That'll vary for each individual car in the brandon area. Your owner’s manual will have a recommendation for when it should be changed, but it could need it sooner. The good news is that a visual inspection at autoclinic of brandon can detect a belt that's getting close to failing.

Your friendly and knowledgeable autoclinic of brandon service advisor can look at the belt: if it has more than three or four cracks per inch, it needs to be replaced. A deep crack that's more than half the depth of the belt - replace. Frayed, missing pieces, a shiny glazed look? Toss it. Come see us.

autoclinic of brandon
901A WEST BRANDON BLVD
brandon, florida 33511
813-654-8686



Brake Service at autoclinic of brandon in brandon

Posted July 25, 2016 11:25 AM

Brakes really aren't optional equipment for brandon drivers' vehicles. And taking care of them isn't optional either.

A regular brake inspection is on every florida driver's vehicle maintenance schedule. At autoclinic of brandon, our team will check your brake system and let you know if there are any problems. Of course, if you're having trouble with your brakes, get your car into your brandon service center right away. And watch out for these problems:

  • Low or spongy brake pedal
  • Hard brake pedal
  • A brake warning light that stays on
  • Constantly squealing or grinding brakes
  • Vibrations or clunking sounds when you apply your brakes

There are two types of brakes: disc and drum. Disc brakes have a rotor that's attached to the axle. Calipers straddle the rotor, kind of like the brakes on a bicycle. Drum brakes are more common on back wheels. Pads, called shoes, push against the inside of the drum to slow the vehicle.

There are several things that need to be serviced on the brake system. First, the brake pads and shoes wear out with use and become too thin to really help. If the brake pads wear away completely you can damage the rotors. The calipers can grind grooves in the rotor. Then the rotor must either be resurfaced or replaced, and that can be expensive. But putting it off is dangerous because your vehicle won't stop as quickly. Sometimes rotors warp or crack and must be replaced.

Brake fluid is also important. When the brakes are applied, the pressure in the fluid activates the brake pads or shoes. Not enough fluid, not enough pressure to brake properly. Also, water builds up in the brake fluid over time, which leads to corrosion, leaks and brake damage, and with hard use, the brakes could severely fade or even fail. brandon  drivers should change the brake fluid when their vehicle manufacturer recommends it.

Be sure to properly maintain your brakes because it's a lot cheaper than paying your nearest brandon area body shop after an accident.

autoclinic of brandon
901A WEST BRANDON BLVD
brandon, florida 33511
813-654-8686



Automotive Tips from autoclinic of brandon: Air Conditioning ? Common Problem

Posted July 17, 2016 8:50 AM

Your auto air conditioning system cools and conditions the air in your passenger compartment when you are driving around brandon. It also removes moisture from the air to keep your windows from fogging up.

A common A/C problem for brandon drivers that visit autoclinic of brandon is contaminated refrigerant (the gas that cools the air). The inside of the A/C hoses deteriorates over time and tiny fragments of rubber clog passages. This makes the system less efficient and overworks various components.

Leaks can develop at seals and gaskets and may reduce the amount of refrigerant, causing the system to work too hard to compensate. Dirty components can have the same consequences.

Ask your autoclinic of brandon service advisor for an air conditioning system inspection to make sure everything is up to spec.

autoclinic of brandon
901A WEST BRANDON BLVD
brandon, florida 33511
813-654-8686

 



Stay Headed in the Right Direction, brandon

Posted July 12, 2016 10:04 AM

Power steering is standard on nearly every vehicle in brandon, florida, these days. Now there are some exotic, new types of power steering systems, but for the most part, the general setup is a pump that's driven by a belt powered by the engine.

Contact the automotive professionals at autoclinic of brandon in brandon for questions about your power steering.

The pump generates power that assists drivers as they steer their vehicle around brandon, florida. Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it's a good idea to have autoclinic of brandon inspect them at every oil change.

A check of the power steering fluid level is on the list for every full service oil change at autoclinic of brandon because low fluid can damage the power steering pump. And the fluid needs to be compatible with the hoses and seals, so it's important to use the correct type – just ask your service advisor at autoclinic of brandon.

In addition to providing a boost, the fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the power steering system. Over time, the lubricants and detergents diminish so brandon drivers need to replace their old fluid with clean, fresh fluid periodically.

Excess moisture can collect in the power steering fluid as well. That can lead to rust and corrosion as well as reduce the effectiveness of the fluid. Many outline power steering service intervals in the owner's manual. Unfortunately, this service is sometimes left off the maintenance schedule. For brandon drivers who are not sure, every two years is a good rule of thumb. 

At autoclinic of brandon, we use a detergent to clean the system, flush out the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Now, if you are experiencing high steering effort, erratic power assist or loud whining coming from the pump, you may have a power steering problem. Another sign is having to frequently top off the fluid.

Holding the steering wheel to the far right or left for more than a few seconds at a time can wear your pump out quickly. We want you to be sure to service your power steering system regularly at your service center, or autoclinic of brandon in brandon, to keep you headed in the right direction.

autoclinic of brandon
901A WEST BRANDON BLVD
brandon, florida 33511
813-654-8686



brandon Exhaust and Emissions Service

Posted July 4, 2016 7:40 AM

Many brandon residents don't realize that there is more to exhaust system maintenance than just tailpipes and mufflers, if you can see smoke or if it's too loud. Exhaust service at a full-service automotive center like autoclinic of brandon is really a lot more comprehensive these days.

For example, in the U.S., the federal government required catalytic converters for all cars in 1976 and on-board emission control computers in 1990. florida and federal emissions requirements have forced manufacturers to come up with much more sophisticated ways to comply with environmental laws. This also goes for cars sold in Canada.

So, exhaust service has really become exhaust and emissions service. High-tech computer-controlled emissions devices are now necessary. And because it's so sophisticated, we recommend having your emission system checked out by a qualified technician, like the ones we have at autoclinic of brandon, regularly to make sure everything's working right – which is usually every six months or 6,000 miles/10,000 kilometers.

If your 'check engine light' comes on while you are driving around the brandon area, especially if it's flashing, then you need to bring your car into autoclinic of brandon ASAP. Chances are it's an emission related problem. Signs of exhaust or emissions trouble include difficulty starting, engine noise or smoke.

We hope this hasn't been too 'exhausting' of a discussion. Remember that a properly functioning exhaust system is for florida’s health and safety. Talk with your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at autoclinic of brandon in brandon if you think you might need your exhaust system checked. A quick look can sure save a lot of pain down the road.

autoclinic of brandon
901A WEST BRANDON BLVD
brandon, florida 33511
813-654-8686



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