Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Timing Belts A timing belt, which is a rubber belt with small spikes or teeth, is an essential tool in your car. Its central purpose is to synchronize the different parts inside your car that help keep it moving. It does this by making sure that the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft are in sync, which results in the engine valves opening and closing at the right times. This is important because there are several problems that can arise if the intake valves aren't working properly. These include: Poor combustion Loss of power Loss of pressure Engine damage If you don't properly maintain your timing belt, it could greatly damage your engine which ultimately leads to more expensive repairs down the line. In some car models, the timing belt is in charge of powering the oil, injection, and water pump which makes it an even more important tool. Some cars have timing chains instead; they perform the same duties but are made of metal which makes them louder and heavier ... read more

Not everyone is a major car enthusiast; it’s easy to get lost in automotive jargon when speaking to a mechanic. It may even feel like they’re speaking an entirely different language altogether. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the meanings of commonly used automotive terms to effectively communicate with your mechanic.    ABS – ABS is an abbreviation for the anti-lock braking system. If you find yourself slamming on your brakes, the anti-lock brake system helps your wheels grip the road and prevents them from locking up.   Aftermarket – These are automotive parts that aren’t made by the original manufacturer.   ASE – ASE is an abbreviation for Automotive Service Excellence. This is a professional certification that requires a mechanic to have at least two years of on the job training and pass a skill test.   Battery – This is the component under your hood that stores the electrical power neede ... read more

Oil Changes: What You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know Here’s a question you probably don’t ask yourself often enough: “When’s my car due for its next oil change?” If you’re like many drivers, changing your car’s oil might be something you think about doing before a long road trip, but it’s a vital component of proper automobile maintenance that all too often gets lost in the bustle of day-to-day life. Of course, there’s those handy reminders your mechanic will often stick to the underside of your windshield, but when’s the last time you looked at it? Quick—without peeking, can you remember what it says? No? Well, you’re not alone. It’s easy to neglect a task like getting an oil change until the moment a warning light appears on your dashboard, but our goal is to help you avoid that moment at all costs. Here’s all you need to know about standard automobile oil changes for your ... read more

What's the Best Oil for My Car? To sum it up in two words, CLEAN OIL. Check out this case study: The photos are of two identical Toyota engines with approximately 110,000 miles on each of them. One has obviously been hit or miss on its oil changes, the other has obviously had its oil changed on a regular basis. These engines are capable of 300,000 miles plus with proper maintenance. The more consistent you are with following a regular maintenance plan the longer your car will last. That goes for all of the fluids in your car. Over time the chemical composition of the fluids in your car will change and not for the better. As far as what type of fluid or oil is best is generally a matter of opinion. Just be sure that the oil or other fluid being put into your car meets the manufacturer requirements. You will be fine, don’t let this very costly experience happen to you. Invest money into maintenance and your overall cost of ownership will be much less. We help people set ... read more

There are many reasons for keep your car or truck tires in line with each other. Proper alignment will help you get the most out your tire investment. A car that is aligned properly will also be more fuel efficient. To give you an idea of what I am talking about, have you ever found yourself trading one grocery cart for another because you know that you will have to constantly correct its direction, or it feels like something is dragging it down. Why should you have to put the extra effort into getting this cart through the store? This is generally due to the fact that one or more of the wheel’s have been impacted sufficiently enough to bend its mounting position out of alignment. Some of the things to watch for with your car or truck. Is the steering wheel in the 12 O’clock position when you’re driving straight down the road? Does it go straight down the road if you let go of the wheel on a flat level road surface? Are all of your tires wearing evenly? If you ... read more