It is best to have the transmission fluid flushed at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer under normal driving conditions. Under severe service it may be advisable to have it flushed more often. Transmission fluid breaks down over time due to the extreme temperatures during operation. 

The idea is to replace the fluid before it looks dark or smells burned so the transmission can operate at its best. This will prolong the life of the transmission and head off costly repairs and inconvenience for you.

It is best to have the differential and transfer case fluids replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer under normal driving conditions. Under severe conditions it may be advisable to have the fluids changed more often. The fluids in these units do become contaminated over time, and during normal use can lose their lubrication qualities.

Aside from engine oil, there are many other fluids that are vital to the health of your vehicle. Some examples include the transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, and power-steering fluid. Their levels are not only affected by how frequently you drive but extreme temperatures as well. As such, specialists advise checking them at the same time as your oil change or every month or two.

It is best to have the cooling system flushed at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Having the system flushed once a year is commonly recommended if the vehicle is driven regularly. Coolant breaks down over time, becoming corrosive which can cause premature failure of gaskets and seals. The idea is to replace the coolant before it gets contaminated to avoid costly repairs.

It is a good idea to check your coolant and engine oil at least 1 to 2 times a month to make sure the fluid looks good and is filled to the appropriate level.  Every manufacture will have suggested maintenance schedule for replacing your cars fluids.  In most cases, we suggest you change your coolant every 30,000 miles.  If you are unsure whether it is time to have your coolant replaced, call us, and we can help you determine if a coolant change is needed.

Typically, there are two filters in a vehicle. One is for the engine and the other is for the cabin. A dirty filter can prevent airflow, limiting the engine's ability to expend hot air and inhibiting clean air to pass through. How often you need to change it varies, though the conventional timeframe is about 30,000 miles, which is why the best way to determine that it needs a replacement is to check it periodically. Fortunately, replacing a filter is a quick and easy process.

Why Does My Car Smell Musty When I Use the A/C ?

There are several reasons for a Musty Smell, but the most common one would be that the Cabin Air Filter has gotten damp.  There could be leaves and other debris that has gotten moldy.  The best way to solve your smell problem would be to replace the Cabin Air Filter and clean out the Air Conditioning and Heater Box. Then the A/C System and the interior of the car should be disinfected.  

We recommend the Terraclean MiST service which sanitizes the interior surfaces as well as inside the AC ducts that are behind the dashboard.  MiSt uses food-grade sanitizers delivered ultrasonically as a clean fog of nano-droplets throughout the car’s entire ventilation system and interior cabin surfaces.  

Why Is Water on the Passenger Side Floor Every Time I Use the AC in My Car?

Most likely your problem is a Clogged A/C Drain. The drain gets clogged with debris and the water can’t drain. Usually, it’s a very simple fix. Just clear the drain with some compressed air and watch the water drain out.

This is an orange or yellow light in the dash area that is the on board computers way of talking to you, the driver and the technician. Dash lights mimic traffic lights in color. A red light means STOP RIGHT NOW! A yellow or orange light means caution, you can continue to drive, but pay attention to smells, vibrations and to your gauges.

How quickly should I bring my car in when the check engine light comes on?

When your check engine light comes on, it's your vehicle's way of telling you something isn't right.  It is the same thing that happens to us when we get a cold.  You feel tired but don't know why you feel this way, because your nose hasn't started running and you aren't coughing.  You're body is giving you the first signal that you are sick.  Your check engine light is your vehicle's signal that it's time for a check up before it turns into a coughing, sputtering mess.  Once you notice your check engine light is on, don't panic, but know it is time to call 360 Mechanic for an inspection.

Most all of the American cars since 1981 are very sophisticated. On board computers control the timing and delivery of spark and fuel depending on the conditions (uphill or downhill, cold or hot). Many '88 through '92 cars owners manuals recommend the plugs be replaced at 30,000 mile intervals. I believe sooner is better. I change the plugs in my own cars every 20,000 to 25,000 miles. Statistics show that the loss of one mile per gallon over a years period of time will equal between $80 and $150. So, again, we are back to, "you can pay me now...."

How do I know when I need a tune up?

You may notice your vehicle starts to run rough or the check engine light may come on.  Each vehicle has a different manufactures recommendation for when a tune up is needed.  You can check your owner's manual or stop in and we can help you determine if it's time for a tune up.

The standard battery is projected to last three to five years, but variables like hot and cold weather can influence its longevity, so it is best to keep an eye out for signs your battery power is declining. If your headlights and dashboard lights are starting to dim or if your vehicle has difficulty starting, these are clues that your vehicle may be due for a battery replacement.

A couple indicators that your battery may be starting to fail are the clock in your vehicle has been reset or isn't keeping correct time or your radio stations are no longer programmed.  You may also notice your car is slower than usual to crank over when you start it.

On average, brake pads begin to wear out around the 20,000- to 30,000-mile mark, but there are many factors that may impact this figure. Knowing what signs to look out for will therefore prove instrumental in detecting when your brake pads need to be replaced. 

If you feel your vehicle taking longer to come to a stop or notice a high-pitch screeching or grinding noise when braking, scheduling a checkup is integral. Running with worn brake pads will eventually affect the rotors, which can be a costly repair, so taking a proactive approach will not only keep you safe but save you money as well.

My brakes make noise when I engage them. Is this an issue?

If your brakes make a grinding or squeaking noise, it normally means your brake pads are worn out and need to be changed.  It is always best to have any noise your brakes make looked at by a professional technician to make sure it isn't a safely issue.

Shocks or struts are bad for many different reasons. They are bad and need to be replaced when they are:

• Leaking oil
  
  

• Broken
  
  

• There are symptoms that are directly attributable to the deterioration of the shock or strut like knocking, banging, squeaking or rattling.

As the main point of contact with the pavement, tires are subject to the most wear and tear. This is especially true if you utilize your vehicle for off-roading or have a two-wheel drive system which puts most of the labor on a specific set of wheels. 

Rotating your tires every 3rd oil change or 9,000 miles (based on tire application) helps insure the life of the tire and its warranty. Avoidance of this can cause tire damage (cupping), and may make the steering of the vehicle difficult. Pay close attention to the tread depth of your tires to observe that the wear patterns are equal.

How Much Air Pressure Should I Put into My Tires?

The amount of pressure a tire requires depends on its type and the vehicle. You can find out the optimum air pressure either printed on the door jamb, the side-wall of the tires, or in your owner's manual. 

Too much pressure can make it difficult for you to maneuver your vehicle while too little pressure can result in a blow-out. You can always speak with a product expert to determine what pressure levels are most appropriate.

It is typical that they not need replacement for at least 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Replacing worn belts reduces the chance of breakdowns, the chance of damaging other components when they break and insures that all belt-driven components operate normally.

When do I need to replace my belts?

If you notice any cracks on your belts, it is time to replace them.  Other indicators it is time to replace them is if they feel hard or extremely soft.  

Yes, in most cases, if your timing belt fails, you can cause severe engine damage.

Replacing worn hoses reduces the chance of failure that could cause engine overheating, and allows for testing of the coolant.

When do I need to replace my hoses?

If you notice any cracks on your hoses, it is time to replace them.  Other indicators it is time to replace them is if they feel hard or extremely soft.  However, hoses can start to wear from the inside out, and this isn't something you would be able to see on a visual inspection.  We typically recommend you replace them every 2 to 4 years.

Once you notice your vehicles temperature is starting to climb, it is best to take immediate action.  First thing you should do is turn off your AC if you have it on and find a safe place to pull your car off the road.  Do NOT attempt to remove the radiator cap or check any of the hoses.  

It is very dangerous to do this under these conditions, and you are likely to get severely burned.  A car that has over heated can cause massive damage, very quickly.  This is why it is important to pull off the road as soon as you safely can and give us a call for an inspection. 

Call (917) 242 6202 

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