Air Conditioning Service

The air conditioning unit in your vehicle operates similarly to a refrigerator. Your vehicle’s air conditioning unit is designed to move heat from the inside of your car to outside of it.

Your vehicle’s air conditioning unit has six major components:

• The refrigerant carries heat. In modern cars, refrigerant is a substance called R-134a. Older cars’ refrigerant is called r-12 freon, which is more expensive and difficult to find than R-134a.
• The compressor circulates and compresses refrigerant within the vehicle’s cooling system.
• Your vehicle’s condenser changes the refrigerant from gas to liquid and expels heat from the car.
• The expansion valve (sometimes called the orifice tube) is a nozzle that simultaneously drops the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, meter its flow and atomize it.
• Your vehicle’s evaporator transfers heat to the refrigerant from the air blown across it, cooling your car.
• The receiver or dryer filters your vehicle’s refrigerant and oil, removing moisture and other contaminants from them.

When you start your vehicle’s air conditioning system, the compressor works by putting the refrigerant under pressure, sending it to the condensing coils, which are generally in front of your vehicle’s radiator. The condenser expels hot air to outside the car, cooling the air within the vehicle. When this happens, the refrigerant is cooled, and it changes form a gas to a liquid, which then passes through the expansion valve and to the evaporator.Once the evaporator receives the liquid-state refrigerant, it loses pressure and cools the remaining liquid. The vehicle’s blower moves air across the evaporator and into the vehicle’s interior. If you keep your air conditioning unit turned on, the refrigerant goes through this cycle continuously.

If any of these components is damaged, it can turn your cool car into a furnace during the summer months. Your vehicle’s air conditioning issue could be as simple as topping off refrigerant to replacing a valve. When your air conditioning unit is not working as it should, bring your vehicle to Cedar Bluff Auto Care. One of our trained air conditioning specialists will inspect your car’s air conditioner, all lines, the evaporator and the compressor for leaks and wear.

Axle Replacement

Most autos utilize an axle system with CV (constant velocity) joints connecting the transmission to the drive axles and wheels. The CV joints are protected by rubber or plastic boots to keep lubricant in and water and debris out. If one of these boots cracks or breaks allowing the CV joint to dry or corrode the axle itself may break. Vibration in the front end of a car when turning or oil on the inner wheel are signs that a CV joint may be damaged. Contact Cedar Bluff Auto Care for an inspection and put any axle worries to rest.

Balance and Alignment

The correct balance and alignment of a vehicle's wheels are important for a smooth ride and to prevent consequential damage to tires, tie rods, and other major components. An alignment corrects the angle of your wheels while a balance equalizes their weights. It is recommended that a balance and alignment be performed whenever tires are replaced or rotated. Excessive wear on the inner or outer tire or drifting to one side while driving indicates an alignment is needed. The most common sign that a balance is due is shaking of the vehicle at speeds of around 60 or 70 MPH.

Computer Diagnostics

Modern vehicles are equipped with computers that generate codes whenever circuits encounter abnormalities. At Cedar Bluff Auto care our friendly and talented ASE Certified techs use computer diagnostic testing equipment to read these codes and determine if any particular part or component of an auto is malfunctioning. In many cases, computer diagnostics give mechanics the ability to hone in quickly on a problem that might have otherwise taken days to discover. Computer diagnostic testing is great, but it takes great technicians like those at Cedar Bluff Auto Care with extensive training and experience to properly read the results and address any issues.

Battery Service

Your vehicle’s battery is the source of electrical currents necessary to start the engine. The battery provides power to your vehicle’s accessories and electrical parts; it allows them to operate even when your vehicle’s engine is not running. Additionally, components such as your engine and starter rely on the battery for power; they cannot run without a properly functioning battery. Your battery is your vehicle’s voltage stabilizer for the entire electrical system.

Most vehicle batteries need to be replaced every few years, depending on the conditions in which you drive. Extreme weather, continued use of vehicle accessories and other conditions can lead to shorter battery life. Over time, your battery loses juice, and you may need to occasionally jump-start your vehicle in order to get it running. If your vehicle is showing signs of lessened battery life, such as delayed start time, you may need to get your battery replaced.

If your battery dies before you replace it, you might be stranded without a vehicle. The expert team at Cedar Bluff Auto Care can examine, diagnose and replace your battery as needed. You can trust us to service your battery and, if necessary, help you find and install the perfect new battery for your vehicle.

Brake Repair

Brakes are pretty much the most important safety device on your car. If you’ve ever partially lost your brakes in the past, you’ll agree that it’s not something you want to experience again. Inspecting your brakes twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers. Additionally, it will also help save you money by catching any damage before it becomes too costly.

Brake System Components That Can Fail

The master cylinder, the heart of the vehicle’s braking system, holds the brake fluid when it is not being delivered to the brakes through the brake lines. If brake fluid leaks because the master cylinder is worn or brake lines are plugged or broken, the fluid cannot be delivered, and the brake pads will become ruined.

The brake fluid itself can become dirty or contaminated as it draws rust-causing moisture and picks up other debris, or it can break down from excess heat. Clean brake fluid is either clear or slightly yellow, while dirty brake fluid may be brown or even black. Old and dirty brake fluid can damage ABS brake systems internally.

The brake lines connect to the master cylinder through a combination valve, which combines a metering and proportioning valve. It regulates the pressure on the front and rear wheels to make sure both sets of brakes are applied simultaneously. A malfunctioning combination valve may cause the wheels to lock up.

Brake pads and shoes can be made of ceramic, metal or organic materials, while the disc rotors and drums they press against are made of metal. Because the pads and shoes create friction to stop the car, they gradually wear down over time and may wear away completely, letting the metal of the calipers and cylinders they are attached to grind against the rotors and drums and damage them. Some pads have a metal strip attached that sounds a warning whistle when the pad becomes too worn, but this strip sounds only when the car is in motion and the brakes are not applied.

Oil and Oil Changes

Experts recommend changing the oil and oil filter in your vehicle every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever is first. It’s an essential way to maximize engine protection.

Engine Oil

Engine oil is what lubricates a car’s engine, allowing it to run smoothly and last longer. Car owners must maintain a car’s engine by changing the oil and using the oil appropriate for their cars make and model. Every car comes with a “check oil” light and an oil filter under the hood. These components allow car owners to monitor their oil levels and add oil as needed without having to hire a mechanic.

Changing the Oil

An important part of routine car maintenance is changing the oil regularly. The necessary frequency of oil changes has become a point of contention among experts. The Engine Oil Bible maintains that engine oil can’t be changed often enough, but Nordic Group insists that, with the advent of detergent oils and multi-weight oils, some vehicles can go as far as 6,000 miles before needing an oil change. The best course of action is to check the owner’s manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

An obvious benefit of changing one’s own oil is saving money, but oil change services frequently advertise bargains. If the “check engine oil” light comes on while driving, this is a strong indication that the car is running low on oil.  A driver does not need a mechanic to add oil. However, if the oil light stays on or lights up shortly after adding oil, there may be a leak, and a mechanic should look at the car.

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to prevent long-term and costly problems with your vehicle is to keep up with its preventative maintenance schedule. One major key to successfully making sure you are doing all you need to do is to read your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Regardless of your vehicle’s make or model, its owner’s manual will contain a maintenance schedule. Every make and model is different, and standby beliefs such as “You have to change your oil every 3,000 miles,” may not apply to your car.

The maintenance schedule within your owner’s manual is provided by the people who understand your vehicle the best—the company that built it. The manufacturer provides suggestions for how often you need to change your oil, filters, driving belts, timing belts and more.

While some preventative maintenance—such as topping off fluids—can be performed by the vehicle’s owner, other, more complicated procedures should be done by experts like the team atCedar Bluff Auto Care. Our team can keep your vehicle in top shape by performing the following maintenance:

• Inspecting and replacing timing belts (preventing damage to other accessories)
• Inspecting and replacing serpentine belts (preventing damage to other accessories)
• Checking and changing oil
• Checking, repairing and replacing battery connection components
• Checking and replacing batteries
• Checking and replacing cabin air filters: This can keep your car comfortable during the hot summer months.
• Checking and replacing your engine air filter, You may need to replace your engine air filter more frequently if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or have a long commute.
• Checking and replacing spark plugs
• Tire rotation: This helps ensure even wear on your tires, which can help prevent blowouts and leaking. It also helps make your ride smoother.
• Tire balancing: Balancing your tires prevents wear, which can significantly improve their life and save you money.
• Wheel alignment

By following your vehicle’s owner’s manual and having your vehicle inspected and maintained regularly, you can greatly reduce problems and save money in the long run. Let the expert team at Cedar Bluff Auto Care help your vehicle stay in good condition.

Radiator Services

The cooling system in any vehicle is imperative to it's overall performance. Auto manufacturers recommend regular radiator service to provide optimum engine performance and prevent the need for costly repairs.

At Cedar Bluff Auto Care our ASE Certified technicians perform complete radiator services which include: a cooling system flush, pressure test, and inspection of the cap, hoses, and connections.

Overheating is the leading cause of roadside breakdowns so be sure and check your coolant levels about every 4 to 6 weeks at home. If you can't remember the last time you had your radiator serviced, make an appointment with us today.

Suspension Work

An automobile's suspension connects its body to the parts that move it. Some major components include shock absorbers and struts, tires and wheels, and the steering system. Problems with a vehicle's suspension can cause difficulty steering because the suspension absorbs the force of the moving vehicle. If you notice your car lurching forward at stops or pulling on turns, it could be a sign of a failing suspension. Other indications are a rough or bouncy ride, uneven tire wear, or oil visible on the shocks. Cedar Bluff Auto Care is here to help with all suspension repair and maintenance issues.

TIRE SERVICES

Improve your vehicle’s handling, increase tire life and drive with safety by checking your tires every month to ensure that they are inflated with the right amount of air pressure. We offer a wide range of tires for your vehicle. Let our professionals help you find, balance and mount the right tires for your car.

Call or email us and let us help you with your tire services.

Below are some of the tire services that we offer:

• Wheel Alignment
• Tire Mounting
• Tire Balancing
• Tire Rotation
• Tire Inspection

We also carry various tire brands. Here are some of the tire brands that we carry:

Tire Guide and Tips: Understanding your Tire

For example, the number may read P225/70-R15, 89H:

• P = Passenger Tire (LT = Light Truck)
• 225 = Overall width of the tire in millimeters
• 70 = Sidewall height (distance from rim to tread) as a percentage of the tread width (known as aspect ratio)
• R = Tire construction, this one is Radial (also, B = Belted Bias, D = Diagonal Bias
• 15 = Represents the size of the wheel in inches
• In this example, the tire has the number 89H. This is the weight capacity of the tire. However, in most cases, you will not see this heading on the sidewall.
• A speed rating is sometimes put in front of the R (or B or D). A straight R rating means that it is rated for speeds of up to 100mph. The manufacturer does not recommended this tire for speeds greater than 100 mph. Other speed ratings are: S=112mph, T=118mph, U=124mph, H=130mph, V=149mph, & a Z rated tire is for speeds in excess of 149mph.
• The V and Z rated tires have excellent dry pavement grip/traction but due to their soft rubber compounds, do not have a long life.
• A tread rating indicates how long a tire should last. This figure is written in small letters on the sidewall of your tire. The higher the number, the longer the tire should last. 100 is the basic tread wear rating.
• The traction rating works just like grading – ‘A’ being the best, ‘B’ is good, and ‘C’ is acceptable. This number is also found on the sidewall.
• Temperature ratings work the same – ‘A’ best, ‘B’ good, ‘C’ acceptable. If you drive your car very hard, you want a temperature rating of ‘A’ because a ‘C’ would fail faster under these conditions. Again, look for this number on the sidewall.

Transmission Services

Using the latest in state-of-the-art technology, we will install a safe and effective cleaner to suspend harmful varnish and sludge from the transmission valve body, torque converter and lines and install new high-tech fluid with conditioners.

Just like your engine, you should have your transmission serviced regularly. When Cedar Bluff Auto Careservices your transmission, we:

• Remove and inspect the pan
• Clean or replace the screen
• Clean the pan
• Reinstall the pan
• Install a new gasket
• Replace old transmission fluid with new, high quality fluid
• Make any additional needed changes and adjustments

By replacing the old transmission fluid, the expert team at Cedar Bluff Auto Care essentially gives your vehicle’s transmission new life. The new fluid restores your clutch’s holding power. This reduces slip and heat production. Additionally, flushing the old fluid gets rid of small bits of clutch material and metal shavings, which can damage your transmission by clogging passages and wedging themselves between moving parts. Getting rid of the old fluid reduces wear within the transmission.

Replacing old fluid with new also provides better lubrication within the transmission, which boosts the holding ability of the transmission’s friction components. Improved lubrication also results in less heat. By decreasing friction and heat, your transmission will work better for a longer amount of time. A simple service can save you the money and time that come with a major transmission repair or replacement.

Wheel Alignment Services

When a vehicle's wheels are properly aligned it prevents consequential damage to the tires and suspension and steering is improved. If you've noticed your vehicle pulling to one side when driving or excessive wear on the inner or outer side of your drive tires your car or truck may be in need of a wheel alignment. Many vehicles are knocked out of alignment when rear end damage is sustained. An alignment corrects the angles of the wheels by setting them to exact specifications. A wheel alignment service at Cedar Bluff Auto Care ensures your wheels are rolling in perfect harmony.