Your vehicle's transmission is one of the most complicated parts on your car. It is also one of the less reliable parts. The repair of an automatic transmission is complex and tends to be quite expensive.
In as little as 30,000 miles, transmission fluid can begin to display signs of age. The fluid begins to turn brown and loses its viscosity. Without this viscosity the moving parts become less lubricated causing the gears to grind causing permanent damage to your vehicle's transmission.
As your transmission fluid begins to oxidize due to the combination of time and heat, your transmission begins to suffer causing permanent internal damage. Deposits begin to form around the transmission’s many moving parts, resulting in valves that stick and gears that slip or are sluggish and chatter as they shift.
A transmission problem can also be unsafe. Some transmission defects may cause, your car to roll with the shifter in Park or drive forward with shifter in Neutral.
Call PACC today to schedule a transmission service.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Know Your Car
Knowing and understanding your car is the first step towards increasing the life of your car. The second step is choosing a mechanic and staying with that shop. The final step is understanding the importance of preventative maintenance.
It is important to know your car. If you pay attention to your vehicles running habits, you will be able save gas, increase the life of your vehicle, and save money on costly repairs.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Common Questions About Your A/C System
What happens if I continue to use my AC even if it is not working properly?
If your car's cooling system is not working properly, heat can destroy your car's engine.
Water drips underneath my car when I use my AC. Is this normal?
This is a normal thing to happen.
A musty odor comes out of my A/C vents at times. Can anything be done about this?
When an air has mildew odor comes out the car air conditioning vents this indicates that the car air conditioning system has a drain pan problem. The evaporator drain pan is not draining properly and the reason is that there is clog somewhere the drain hose.
My car's A/C system seems to cool intermittently and I hear a clicking on and off from underneath the hood. What does this mean?
Noise from the compressor usually means the compressor is on its way out. But noise can also be caused by cross-contaminated refrigerant (operating pressure too high), air in the system or the wrong type of compressor lubricant. Noise can also be caused by hoses or other parts rattling against other components in the engine compartment.
I have an older car that still uses R-12 or freon refrigerant. Does it make sense to switch it over to R-134a?
As long as the A/C system has no leaks and it cooling normally, there is no need to convert from R12 to the new "ozone safe" R134a refrigerant. But if your A/C system has lost its charge because of a leak, collision damage, or the need to open it to replace a compressor, hose or other component, you may have to convert from R12 to R134a when you recharge the system.
If your car's cooling system is not working properly, heat can destroy your car's engine.
Water drips underneath my car when I use my AC. Is this normal?
This is a normal thing to happen.
A musty odor comes out of my A/C vents at times. Can anything be done about this?
When an air has mildew odor comes out the car air conditioning vents this indicates that the car air conditioning system has a drain pan problem. The evaporator drain pan is not draining properly and the reason is that there is clog somewhere the drain hose.
My car's A/C system seems to cool intermittently and I hear a clicking on and off from underneath the hood. What does this mean?
Noise from the compressor usually means the compressor is on its way out. But noise can also be caused by cross-contaminated refrigerant (operating pressure too high), air in the system or the wrong type of compressor lubricant. Noise can also be caused by hoses or other parts rattling against other components in the engine compartment.
I have an older car that still uses R-12 or freon refrigerant. Does it make sense to switch it over to R-134a?
As long as the A/C system has no leaks and it cooling normally, there is no need to convert from R12 to the new "ozone safe" R134a refrigerant. But if your A/C system has lost its charge because of a leak, collision damage, or the need to open it to replace a compressor, hose or other component, you may have to convert from R12 to R134a when you recharge the system.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Don't get Stranded on Foot...
Extreme heat can ruin a mediocre cooling system. Come into PACC Automotive before 36,000 and have the BG cooling service performed at regular service intervals based on the manufacturer's suggested service intervals and get a lifetime guarantee on your cooling system.Manufacturers use DEXCool. This is the most common formulation of antifreeze. It is green in color and orange in color in the after market world. This coolant uses ethylene glycol as a base with anti-corrosion additives mixed in. The ethylene glycol part of the formula provides crucial anti-freezing characteristics and the additives deliver the anti-rust and anti-corrosion capabilities.
Check your owner's manual for antifreeze usage specifications. Antifreeze, when mixed at a 50/50 ratio with water, provides excellent anti-freeze, anti-boil, and anti-corrosive properties. Come into PACC Automotive today and get your cooling system checked out. Remember preventive maintenance is cheaper than a major repair.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Right Repair Shop
Choosing the right repair shop can be a challenge. Here are some guidelines to help you along the way.
Q. Does the shop have set pricing?
Beware: Is a shop does not have set pricing many times they are “shooting from the hip” and your repair bill will be much higher than the original quoted price.
Q. Are they comparable with other local shop’s prices or are they too low?
Beware: Many shops shoot you a low price to get you in the door and then upcharge you before you leave.
Q. Do they provide you with a price prior to looking at your vehicle?
Beware: You are not a mechanic so why should your mechanic diagnose your vehicle over the phone. Make sure your shop looks at your car before providing a final price.
Q. Is there a warranty?
Beware: Every good shop has a warranty. PACC Automotive offers a one year/12,000 mile warranty. If there is no warranty you probably paid too much!
Q. Do they have reviews independent of third party marketing company?
Beware: Third party marketing companies send out customer surveys after your car has been serviced. If you are unhappy, and you complain your review does not appear through the third party marketing resource posting. We like a happy customer which is why; we strive to make everyone happy. Rather than using smoke and mirrors we simply encourage you to go online and let the world know about your experience with PACC Automotive.
Once you find a shop that you like, stay with that shop; maintaining a long term relationship with your automotive repair shop will save you thousands over the life of your car. Automotive repair shops generally make recommendations regarding preventative maintenance so you can avoid major costly repairs like engine replacement. Good shops also provide an avenue of communication and transparency so that you can see your service records online and track your recommendations, and plan for your repairs.
Q. Does the shop have set pricing?
Beware: Is a shop does not have set pricing many times they are “shooting from the hip” and your repair bill will be much higher than the original quoted price.
Q. Are they comparable with other local shop’s prices or are they too low?Beware: Many shops shoot you a low price to get you in the door and then upcharge you before you leave.
Q. Do they provide you with a price prior to looking at your vehicle?
Beware: You are not a mechanic so why should your mechanic diagnose your vehicle over the phone. Make sure your shop looks at your car before providing a final price.
Q. Is there a warranty?
Beware: Every good shop has a warranty. PACC Automotive offers a one year/12,000 mile warranty. If there is no warranty you probably paid too much!
Q. Do they have reviews independent of third party marketing company?
Beware: Third party marketing companies send out customer surveys after your car has been serviced. If you are unhappy, and you complain your review does not appear through the third party marketing resource posting. We like a happy customer which is why; we strive to make everyone happy. Rather than using smoke and mirrors we simply encourage you to go online and let the world know about your experience with PACC Automotive.
Once you find a shop that you like, stay with that shop; maintaining a long term relationship with your automotive repair shop will save you thousands over the life of your car. Automotive repair shops generally make recommendations regarding preventative maintenance so you can avoid major costly repairs like engine replacement. Good shops also provide an avenue of communication and transparency so that you can see your service records online and track your recommendations, and plan for your repairs.
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