Think about this: Most vehicle belts fail without warning. Now think about yourself stranded on the side of the road. Not a pretty picture, is it?
Visit Advanced Auto Clinic for belts and hoses inspection. If needed, we’ll install a new NAPA Premium Micro-V AT Serpentine Belt and DriveAlign Tensioner – and you’ll save $25 instantly! Start off 2015 right!
Offer is good through February 28, 2015!
Struts are a structural part of the suspension system and are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle on the top, and they come down through. They give us a place to mount the coil spring, and the spring is what maintains the height of the vehicle, so we have a plate in here for the spring.
Car Struts are used on the front end of nearly every front-wheel-drive vehicle. They are more than shock absorbers and with a different name. A strut integrates numerous different suspension parts into one compact assembly. This includes:
The Coil Spring
The Spring Seats
The Shock Absorbers
The Strut Bearing
The Steering Knuckle
The shock absorber portion of the strut is the most commonly serviced part of the strut assembly.
Struts perform two jobs: They provide a dampening function like shock absorbers, and they provide structural support for the vehicle suspension. That means struts deliver a bit more than shock absorbers.
A shock absorber keeps the vehicle from bouncing. It limits the rapid movement of the wheel when it hits something , like a pot hole. A shock absorber is basically an oil pump placed between the frame of the car and the wheels.
Upper & Lower Mounts
The upper mount of the shock connects to the frame & the lower mount connects to the axle, near the wheel.
Twin-tube design: the upper mount is connected to a piston rod, which is connected to a piston, which in turn sits in a tube filled with hydraulic fluid. The inner tube is known as the pressure tube, and the outer tube is known as the reserve tube. The reserve tube stores excess hydraulic fluid.
When the car wheel encounters a bump in the road and causes the spring to coil and uncoil, the energy of the spring is transferred to the shock absorber through the upper mount, down through the piston rod and into the piston. Orifices perforate the piston and allow fluid to leak through as the piston moves up and down in the pressure tube. Because the orifices are relatively tiny, only a small amount of fluid, under great pressure, passes through. This slows down the piston, which in turn slows down the spring.
In modern shock absorbers the faster the suspension moves, the more resistance the shock absorber provides. This allows shocks to adjust to road conditions and to control all things such as bounce, sway, brake dive and acceleration squat.
When To Replace Your Shocks & Struts:
Because shocks and struts have so much to do with the handling of a car, they can be considered critical safety features.
Right now at Advanced Auto Clinic you can buy four qualifying NAPA Shocks and Struts for the price of three! Plus, with your purchase, receive a $50 NAPA AutoCare Center Service Card to use on a future service or repair of $75 or more! If your shocks and struts are worn, it may be time to replace them, so schedule your inspection today!
Offer good September 1 through October 31, 2014
You need three elements for combustion: fuel, oxygen, and ignition (spark plug in gasoline engines and compression in diesels). Superchargers and turbochargers deal with the oxygen part of the formula. In the normally aspirated engines Delavan drivers are familiar with, air is just drawn in from the outside by vacuum pressure created as the engine runs. Turbochargers and superchargers compress the air that goes into the engine’s combustion chamber, forcing in more oxygen. This forced charge of air allows an engine to make more power than a similarly sized normally aspirated engine.
So today we have small 4-cylinder turbocharged engines on Delavan expressways making more power than a full-sized V8 did twenty years ago and getting far better MPG. And the power on charged six and eight cylinder engines is through the roof.
In addition to power and fuel economy, charged engines deliver essential benefits for Delavan motorists at higher altitudes. As the air thins with an increase in elevation, there is less oxygen available to burn in the engine resulting in a significant power loss. Charging forces more air and oxygen into the engine, preserving much of the power at altitude. Turbochargers use exhaust from the engine to spin an impeller that compresses the air sent to the engine. Because there is a short time between when you step on the accelerator and the time the exhaust pressure builds up enough to spin the turbo up to speed, there is a short lag in power. To combat this “turbo lag⠀, some automobile manufacturers use two turbos: a small one that quickly spins up when engine speed is low and a larger one for when the engine is running fast. Others use a variable vane technology in the impeller to accomplish the same thing.
Superchargers are driven by a belt connected to the engine’s crankshaft.
There is no lag because charging starts immediately (it doesn’t have to wait for exhaust pressure). Superchargers are less efficient for Delavan drivers because they require engine power to run the compressor whereas turbochargers are powered by an exhaust. In both types, the air heats up as it is compressed. In some engines it is necessary to cool the air before it goes into the engine. In those engines, the air passes through what is called an intercooler to bring its temperature down to the proper range. An intercooler is like a small radiator and may be cooled by air flow or by liquid coolant.
Delavan owners of superchargers and turbochargers should always use the fuel grade recommended by their vehicle manufacturer. This is important in charged engines because of the extra pressure as the fuel and air is compressed. Using fuel with too low of an octane rating could lead to premature detonation which can cause pricey damage.
Generally speaking, turbochargers and superchargers do not require regular maintenance. But they do wear like any other part in your vehicle and will eventually need repair or replacement. All of your vital regular vehicle maintenance should be done on schedule – things like oil changes and transmission service and so on. Talk with your knowledgeable Advanced Auto Clinic tech about any concerns you have and about the next services your vehicle needs.
Advanced Auto Clinic
1101 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115
Front-wheel drive vehicles have axles that transfer power from the transmission to your front wheels. There is one for each front wheel. These axles are called constant velocity axles or CV axles for short. Auto owners with rear-wheel drive vehicles have axles that are in back and run between the differential and the rear wheels. Of course, all-wheel drive vehicles will have an axle at each wheel.
“…finding the trouble early will make the repair easier and less expensive”
When a front CV axle goes bad, it will commonly make a clunking noise as you make a slow turn. When a rear axle goes bad, the clunking or moaning sound will be in the back. Now there really isn’t any preventive maintenance you can have performed to make your axles last longer, but you can have them inspected from time to time to see if a problem such as a leaking seal or torn protective boot has arisen. Sometimes finding the trouble early will make the repair easier and less expensive.
Of course, axles do wear out and need to be replaced. This is essential and should not be put off by car owners because a severely worn axle can seize up causing costly damage to your transmission or other components. This could even lead to an accident for drivers who ignore a worn axle.
If you suspect an axle problem, have it looked at right away. Ask your knowledgeable Advanced Auto Clinic service specialist if it’s time for an automotive analysis of your axle.
The simple answer for Delavan drivers is to follow the auto manufacturer’s recommended service intervals listed in your owner’s manual or in your service center’s database. But the team at Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan sympathizes with motorists because of the confusing intervals for modern vehicles.
The days of simple rules of thumb that applied to most vehicles are long gone. For example, let’s look at an oil change: automakers’ recommendations run anywhere from every 3,000 miles to 15,000 miles. This big range comes from engine design and recommended types of oil – so Delavan car owners really do need to ascertain and follow the recommendations for their specific vehicle.
Your owner’s service manual will have a schedule for critical maintenance services and inspections.
Tire rotation, wheel balancing, oil change, coolant service, transmission
service, brake system, power steering system, fuel system, differential
service, and transfer case service.
Alignment check, air conditioning, brakes, suspension, axles, exhaust,
tires, lights emissions, belts and hoses, and steering.
It’s essential for Delavan car owners to remember there is no exception that would make it OK to extend an interval. These intervals already assume “best case” conditions for a safe margin of error. However, you may live or drive in Delavan conditions that are harsher than average. Your owner’s manual may have a modified schedule for âsevere service” – things like extreme WI temperatures, towing, hauling heavy loads around Darien, short trips, stop-and-go interstate conditions, etc.
Consult your owner’s manual or with your Advanced Auto Clinic service specialist about your driving situation and adjust your service intervals accordingly.
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Old style neoprene belts crack with age, making it pretty obvious to Delavan motorists when they needed to be replaced. Nowadays, serpentine belts are made from a different material that doesn’t crack or glaze the way neoprene did.
Stepping back, the serpentine belt transfers power from the engine to various essential accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor – even the power brakes and water pump on some vehicles. Modern serpentine belts have several grooves running their length. These grooves mate with the pulleys on the accessories. When the belt is within its useful life, it spins the accessories at the designed speed.
Over time, belt material is worn away. When as little as 5% of the material is lost, the belt can slip and not properly spin the accessories leading to detrimental stress and expensive damage.
Using a special tool, an Advanced Auto Clinic service specialist can measure the material lost in your serpentine belt. We will ascertain if it needs to be replaced.
It’s critical for Delavan auto owners to understand that the serpentine belt is part of the accessory belt drive system which also includes the serpentine belt tensioner and any idler pulleys. The belt tensioner has the same service life as the belt itself, so if it is time to replace the belt, you should also replace the tensioner and idler pulleys as well.
A worn belt tensioner can cause belt slip and enough belt-slap to really hammer the accessory upstream from the tensioner. Running too long with a worn belt, tensioner, or idler pulleys typically causes excessive heat at the accessory pulleys, resulting in inefficiency, expensive damage and premature replacement.
Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan, WI can perform a diagnostic examination to see if your belt or tensioner is worn and should be replaced. Ask your service advisor if it’s time for a serpentine belt system replacement.
Summer — and lot of extra driving — are just around the corner. It just makes sense to have your vehicle’s brakes checked today.
Grinding or growling: This loud metallic sound means that you have worn down the pads completely, most likely beyond replacement. The grinding or growling noise is caused by the two pieces of metal (the disc and the caliper) rubbing together. This can “score,” or scratch your rotors, creating an uneven surface. If this happens, do not be surprised if your mechanic tells you that the rotors need to be “turned” (a process that evens out the rotor surface), or even replaced.
Squealing: The most obvious indicator that your vehicle’s brakes need attention is an incredibly high pitched squeal when you come to a stop.
Car is pulling: It often indicates that a driver needs new brake pads. If the car pulls to one side or another, without turning the steering wheel when a driver applies the brakes, this often indicates that the current brake pads are wearing unevenly and need replaced with new brake pads. If a car is simply pulling while a driver is accelerating, or driving at a steady speed, without applying the brakes, this pulling usually indicates a different repair issue.
Pulsating: A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a symptom of warped rotors (but can also indicate that your vehicle is out of alignment). The vibration can feel similar to the feedback in the brake pedal during a panic stop in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes.
You should make sure you are keeping up with the maintenance of your vehicle. Even if there are no warning signs, you want to get your brakes checked to ensure that everything is in order. Not to mention the increased cost of repairs if you wait until problems occur. Better to prevent issues altogether.
If you do need new brakes, you can save big with the great “Brake Out Savings” Rebates on NAPA Brakes now at Advanced Auto Clinic. For your qualifying NAPA Brakes purchase now through June 30, you’ll get up to a $50 Rebate Visa® Card, by mail.
Reliable stopping power. Plus, BIG Savings.
Wash Your Vehicle – Especially The Undercarriage
Wash your vehicle thoroughly. The Winter months have taken a toll on your vehicle, so it is important to wash away all of the salt, sand and debris that has accumulated. Road salt can cause damage to a car’s exterior, and it’s undercarriage ( That is where corrosive elements can do the most damage). Bottoms of doors can get coated with grime, so be sure to wash there as well.
Use a garden hose with as much water pressure as your system can muster to loosen winter grime and salt. Or, if you have a movable lawn sprinkler that’s low enough, set that under the vehicle to wash away what you can’t reach.
Spring is also a good time to check your entire vehicle for rust, which can worsen during the winter months.
Replace Wiper Blades
Wiper Blades go through a lot in the Winter. Check the blades to make sure the have full contact with the windshield and have not dried out. Also, refill the wiper fluid reservoir.
It’s important to check tire pressure after weather changes. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended pressure for your tire, and never exceed that. Higher pressure generally results in improved steering response and fuel economy, but a stiffer ride, and it wears out the tread in the center. Underinflation generally provides a smoother ride, but it causes tires to wear out at the sides. It also wastes gas because tires need more power to push the vehicle.
Also, rotate the tires. Rotating your tires extends the life of them and ensures safe driving
Check Steering, Suspension, Shocks & Struts
Your suspension system keeps your car up off the road. From there, it’s responsible for a smooth and comfortable ride. Suspensions keeps the car wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves on roads and interstates. Your suspension system has many essential parts that do a big job. They should be inspected for damage and excessive wear at least once a year.
Worn shocks can increase the time and distance it takes you to stop your car in an emergency situation.
Advanced Auto Clinic is a full service, automobile repair and auto repair maintenance shop serving the Delavan and Lake Geneva area with many years of consistent and friendly service. Our Mechanic Shop is a NAPA AutoCare Center that has been AAA approved and uses quality Valvoline oil. We look forward to serving you. We make your service experience hassle-free.
At Advanced Auto Clinic, we know how busy you are and want to help keep your vehicle in top condition. We offer free service reminders. Get your car a quick oil change! When it is time for maintenance, we remember for you! We are your Auto Repair Service Station.
View Our Services Here: https://www.aacdelavan.com/automotive-services/
Keeping up with your vehicle’s exhaust will reduce noise, environmental pollution, and risk of engine failure. A typical exhaust system includes: the exhaust manifold, downpipe, catalytic converter, center section, and rear silence assembly. All working together to keep you safe and sound and quiet on the road.
Custom Mufflers Bending Machine Mufflers Exhaust Advanced Auto Clinic, Delavan, Wisconsin
BRAKES
Keeping up with brake maintenance, paying attention to the signs of brake wear and choosing the right equipment for your vehicle is very important to keep your car safe to drive.
Neglecting your braking system can lead to increased repair costs, or worse, no brakes at all.
The most obvious indicator that your vehicle’s brakes need attention is an incredibly high pitched squeal when you come to a stop. Brake pad manufacturers include a little piece of metal called an indicator on the pad itself.
Rotors are a little trickier, as they can usually last through two or three sets of brake pads before needing to be replaced. If your steering wheel wiggles in your hands when you come to a stop, it’s a good idea to get some new ones.
Get repairs on exhausts and brakes at Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan, WI near Lake Geneva.
PHONE: (262) 728-2944
EMAIL: hwy50@aacdelavan.com
Fast, Convenient, Affordable Service:
4300 WI-50, Delavan, WI 53115
