Battery charging is done by an alternator and in some very old cars, it is a generator.

The alternator is driven by a belt and produces energy measured in volts and amps. As the cars accessories are turned on, like lights, wipers, radio etc., the power demand increases and the alternator must re-supply the battery with what is used.
Weak batteries can overwork an alternator, and a weak or worn-out alternator, can make a battery life much shorter than normal.

We have all the test equipment to verify your vehicles charging system is operating efficiently.

If your car starts slowly or your lights don’t seem as bright as normal, make an appointment with us for a charging system analysis.

Look after your car and it will look after you!

Complete Diagnostic:

Why a complete computerized engine analysis is worth every penny! In 1970, the average car had only $25.00 worth of electronics. By 1981, the average car electronics had risen to over $1,000.00 per car and by 1996 to over $3,500.00 per car and still rising. Today's vehicle computers operate everything from air conditioning, radios, air bags, alarm systems, anti-lock braking systems, traction control, ride control, cruise control, electronic digital and analog instrument panels, automatic transmissions and, last but not least, emission and engine controls.

Today, too many people have tried to take advantage of the system. Instead of using proper diagnostic procedures, some people (mostly do-it-yourselfers, but also some so-called professionals) resort to trial-and-error parts swapping when they don't know how else to fix a computer or performance problem. Computers and electronic parts are easily damaged by improper installation or testing and are very sensitive to voltage overloads. It does not take much of a voltage spike to ruin a component. Because of such risks, and the high cost of many parts, car dealers/parts suppliers refuse to allow returns on any electronic components and it is posted on their invoices and at their parts counter - leaving you, the customer, with expensive parts you didn't need. Most computers range in price from $250.00 to as high as $1500.00 depending on what they control. The major manufacturers have reported that as high as 80% of all computers returned for repair were found to be OK! For this reason, a complete computer engine analysis can save you money by correctly diagnosing your vehicle's problem the first time!

You can see, for this reason, it is even more important to choose a shop that has experienced certified technicians, the latest computerized diagnostic equipment and a computerized information system. Trying to diagnose today's vehicle without the proper training and diagnostic equipment can result in misdiagnosis costing you, the consumer, $100's and even $1,000's of dollars of unnecessary repairs.

Drivability Concerns:

Today's vehicles are very complex. They are controlled by many computers and are very efficient compared to years past. Carburetors are no longer used and simple repairs are not as common.

We have the most current and up to date diagnostic equipment with certified technicians necessary to diagnose and repair hard to find drivability issues.

Sometimes these "gremlins" are computer software updates, broken wires that supply either power or grounds to electrical parts, simple bad connections buried deep in all those wires under the hood or dashboard. Sometimes they can be any combination of the above or more.

We will always authorize a dollar value that we feel should find the problem and will never go over that pre-set spending limit without further authorization. We promise no surprises when paying your invoice. It takes the most experienced technician, plus the most current equipment to find these problems quickly and efficiently. Completing a correct diagnosis to identify the faulty part or problem is the least expensive way to repair a drivability issue.

Look after your vehicle and it will look after you!

Heater & Air-conditioning Controls:

Heater and air-conditioning controls today are not just cables pulling and pushing doors under the dash to control air flow.
Today they are all computer activated motors, switches and controllers.

In order to correctly determine improper operation of these components, a large information database supplied by the manufacturer is essential. We has the necessary information to correctly diagnose and repair this type of problem.

Call us today for an appointment to have your heating and cooling system controls correctly diagnosed and repaired.

Look after your vehicle and it will look after you!

Ignition Systems:

Vehicle ignition systems have evolved from the old point type distributors to computer controlled modules and distributorless ignition systems.

The new computer controlled types are very complex and expensive to repair. A correct diagnosis is by far the least expensive way to repair a malfunctioning ignition.

We have all the necessary equipment and information to correctly diagnose and repair current model cars and trucks.

Instruments & Gauges:

Your dashboard is full of gauges and lights which are all designed to keep you, the driver, aware of what is going on with the entire vehicle. If you see erratic gauge movement or operation, it is time to alert your repair professional to find out just what is happening. It may just be a faulty sensor or a problem you just don’t understand. The most common light people ignore is the “service engine soon” or “check engine” light. Ignoring this light for too long can lead to further and more expensive problems.

We are able to help you understand and repair the instrument, gauge or problem causing the erratic gauge reading.

Look after your engine and it will look after you!

Lights:

Your vehicle is loaded with lights, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, license plate lights, backup lights, park lights, dash lights, interior lights, just to name a few. Correct headlight aiming will make for safer driving and should be readjusted periodically. Keeping all vehicle lighting working is not expensive and can be a huge safety issue. If you have a hard time driving at night, it is time to realign your headlights.

If you cannot read your dashboard or if you notice any lights not working, it is time to make an appointment to have them serviced. Look after your vehicle and it will look after you!

Starter Motor:

When you turn the key to “start” your vehicle, what actually happens is a power transfer to an electric motor used to spin your engine or turn it over. This start position also activates the ignition system and fuel system. When the engine does start, the starter disengages.

When the battery is weak, the starter has a smaller supply of electric power to draw from, and the motor will turn over or spin slower than usual. Sometimes a starter motor will draw more power than a “good” battery can supply. Often simple battery cables need to be serviced or replaced. In either of these cases, the engine will turn over or spin slower than normal which sometimes results in a hard start or no start problem.

We we have the test equipment to determine if these or other problems are the cause of a no start or slow start.

Make your appointment today for a thorough diagnosis to fix this problem correctly “the first time”.

Look after your vehicle and it will look after you!

Tune-up:

When?

The term "tune-up" dates to the time when Henry Ford was working on his first automobile prototype.

Today's automobiles do not require "tune-ups". The term indicates the need for routine maintenance and should not be associated with poor performance. If you experience any operating or performance problems between maintenance, let us perform an engine analysis. Make an appointment today!

Automobile manufacturers have developed recommended routine maintenance schedules, which specify intervals for replacing spark plugs, PCV valves, fuel filters, etc. These schedules also specify intervals for checking or adjusting ignition timing, idle speed and other items related to engine operation, as well as emission control related devices.

Why?

Spark plugs, wires, distributor caps and rotors break down and fail over time, due to exposure to moisture, oil, grease and underhood temperatures, that can reach as much as 550 to 700 degrees.

Here's what happens:

Worn spark plus cause higher voltage requirements, forcing the ignition module and coil to produce higher and higher voltages to overcome the resistance. The higher voltage breaks down the spark plug wire's insulation, creating an easier path to ground. This causes the ignition module and coil to produce even more voltage, creating even higher current temperatures within them. (Remember that higher resistance correlates to higher current temperatures and that electricity always finds the easiest path to ground). This higher than normal resistance weakens transistors and electrical insulation within modules, coils and computers, resulting in intermittent and premature failure.

What does all this mean to you?

If your vehicle has over 60,000 miles on it and you haven't replaced your spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, you may experience a variety of drivability problems that are often difficult and very costly to diagnose and repair. In fact, ignition modules and vehicle computers range in price from $200 to $450, plus labour!

That's why you should replace your spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor after 60,000 miles. (on distributorless ignition, the spark plug wires should be replaced).

Take care of your vehicle, and your vehicle will take care of you!