Name: Red Rock Auto Service Center
Address: 2045 Yavapai Dr, Sedona, AZ, 86336
Telephone: 928-282-4988

Our Services

We offer a long list of services including the list below and much more

Air Conditioner Service

Brake Service

Cooling System Service

Differential Service

Electrical Repair Service & Diagnosis

Engine Diagnostic Service & Repair

Full Automotive Service

General Inspection Service

Lube Oil & Filter Service (Oil Change)

Maintenance

Pre-purchase Inspection Service

Pre-Warranty Expiration Service

Scheduled Maintenance Service

Steering Service

Suspension Service

Timing Belt Service

Transmission Service And Flushes

Transmission Repair or Replacement

Trip Check Service

Tune Up Service

Auto Makes We Service

Acura

Buick

Chrysler

GMC

Hummer

Isuzu

Kia

Lincoln

Mercedes-Benz

Mercury

Mitsubishi

Nissan

Pontiac

Saturn

Suzuki

Volkswagen

Volvo

Audi

Cadillac

Dodge

Geo

Hyundai

Jaguar

Land Rover

Mazda

Mini

Oldsmobile

Porsche

Scion

Toyota

BMW

Chevrolet

Ford

Honda

Infiniti

Jeep

Lexus

Plymouth

Saab

Subaru

Why Auto Repair Costs Seems High.

People ask me all the time how the price of an auto repair is determined,

Usually phrased something like, "Why does my car repair cost so much?" This is a question worth asking, especially if you've been given a repair quote that runs into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

There are three main criteria used in pricing any given auto repair.

The first is the labor rate, or what the shop charges for the time and expertise (such as a master technician) that goes into repairing your vehicle. The second is for the parts themselves, and whatever other shop support materials are used in the process of the repair.(like cleaners, solvents, sealants, towels, uniforms, etc.) The third area to consider are the fixed costs or overhead that the repair shop has to cover, but that doesn't get reflected on your bill. (rent, utilities, garage keepers insurance, etc.)

Understanding Labor Charges

When you see a line item for "labor" on your repair estimate or bill, there are two factors that go into it.

The first is the shop's "per-hour labor rate." The second is "book time."

A shop's labor rate is the hourly rate it charges for work.

The term "book time" refers to the average amount of time it takes to perform a particular automotive repair or maintenance job. This is a number that's set based on how long it takes a factory mechanic (or "technician," as is the common industry parlance) to do the job, but with a modifier applied in order to establish a more realistic time that a less trained technician might take. It's the automotive tech's responsibility to complete the job within that "book time" window, though sometimes repairs take longer or can be performed quicker.

Shop labor rates vary with the geographic area of the country and are competitive within a particular area.

Labor rates typically run $80-$150 per hour nationwide.

A shop that specializes in a particular area usually charges higher labor rates for their service than a general service shop.

Parts And Supplies

Yes, auto repair shops mark up the price of parts.

These guys have to make a profit to stay in business, so typically they will tack on about 30 percent. Keep in mind that this markup also means that reputable shops, like ours, can provide a warranty for their repairs.

The type of parts used for auto repair directly affects the bottom-line price.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts tend to be the highest priced, followed by aftermarket parts. There are typically two to three tiers of aftermarket parts. Different tiers are defined by quality. I use the top of the line aftermarket parts to raise the chance of a longer lasting, effective auto repair.

Finally, used parts also vary in price depending on the mileage and/or demand of the part.

A used part can render an effective repair, depending on its condition. we generally don't install used parts unless it is disgussed with the customer first. Usually parts like a complete rear differential or a munual transmission are the only type of used parts we will install and only at the customers request.

"Shop support" or "Shop supplies" can be defined as any products or services used to complete the repair.

During the course of any auto repair certain stuff gets used, supplies like brake cleaning solution, shop rags, and replacement fluids. There are other ancillary services that you might encounter, such as recycling and disposal fees for old tires, oil and other fluids. Costs of this nature are often passed onto the consumer. It is not only illegal to dump oil and other harmfull fluids and chemicals, it is very bad for our planet. We recycle everything we can in order to do our part in preserving the earth and it costs money to have our used oil and antifreez picked up for recycle.

Keeping The Lights On

What's not often passed onto the consumer are the costs of running a shop, which in this modern age, can be pricy.

Regardless of size, a shop has expenses that have to be paid by the work generated. There are the obvious ones, like the rent, electricity, heat and other utilites.

But there are also substantial costs for equipment and technology.

In order to work on today's cars a shop must have state-of-the-art scanners, diagnostic software, and lab scopes to analyze vehicular datastreams in an effort to extract critical information for accurate vehicle repair. This type of equipment is outragiouse and has to continually be updated which also costs a small fortune. Without such info, techs cannot deliver accurate repairs. Other equipment such as vehicle lifts, floor jacks, lubrication equipment and the likes are necessary to operate a shop efficiently and effectively.

Good trained service personnel costs money, period.

Usually techs are classified as "A", "B", or "C" techs, and the more high-grade techs in a shop, the more it costs to pay them. In order to attract a high-grade technician these days, shops have to pay a good hourly rate or weekly salary. In addition, health insurance and other benefits, like vacation time often go into the package to attract the class "A" technician.

These technicians have to go to school on a regular basis to keep up with new automotive technology.

Without this training, techs cannot repair vehicles in the "book time" allotted for a particular service operation. (Not to mention the occasional "headache" job that comes along that every tech in town has had his/her hands on without success.) We pay for this training in order to repair your vehicle correctly, in a reasonable amount of time and at a reasonable cost.

Many shops carry their own parts inventory.

Given the number of different years, makes, and models of vehicles on the road, this inventory must be broad. Sitting on this inventory is not cheap.

As you can see, there's a lot more that goes into auto repair pricing than parts and labor.

Air Conditioning

When its hot outside, you want to push the button on the dash and have it cool inside.

We can make that happen. With up to date equipment and trained technicians, we can give you the comfort you need on those days that are unbearably hot. Whatever the problem, Red Rock Auto & Cycle understands and can repair your climate control system.

Improper service can damage your air conditioner system and that can be extremely expensive.

The professionals at Red Rock Auto & Cycle are trained and equipped to service your system properly. As with everything we do, we test, we don't guess.

Refrigerant leak diagnosis and repair

Insufficient cooling or heating solutions

Dual-zone temperature diagnosis and repair

Automatic temperature control system service

System reprogramming with factory specifications

Water dripping into the passenger compartment

Total system repair to simple recharge

Changing parts without finding root causes for failure is expensive and frustrating.

Root cause analysis and diagnosis are second nature to us, It is what we do. With air conditioning as with all our services, we don't work on cars, we fix them.

Battery Service

The battery is the sole source of electrical power for the car.

The battery is charged and maintained during vehicle operation by the alternator. If the battery is not charged sufficiently, you may not be able to start the car or use any electrical components (lights, radio, etc.). An undercharged battery will cause the electrical components in your vehicle to not operate correctly such as the starter and alternator. A faulty or defective battery can kill the alternator, vehicles powertrain control module (PCM), and other electrical components which can lead to expensive repairs that could have been prevented. Batterys typically last around 2 to 3 years in the southwestern states like Arizona due to heat. Heat kills batterys.

We recommend and sell quality Deka batterys made by East Penn Manufacturing.

Over the years we have sold several different brands of batterys and have found that Deka batterys are by far the best.

East Penn Manufacturing is the actual manufacturer of many european origional equipment batterys and Harley Davidson.

Battery Cables

Corrosion is the battery cable's worst enemy.

Corrosion is caused by lack of maintanance and leaking battery terminals. If you open the hood of your car, you may find a white or bluish powder looking substance (dried acid) on the battery and cables. This acidic substance will corrode the battery terminal-ends and the battery cables. It is good practice to have the battery and cables checked and cleaned at regular intervals. We do this with every maintanance service on every vehcle. This will prevent the corrosion from building up and it will extend the life of the battery cables. Applying Vaseline or a dielectric grease compound to the terminals of the cables will also prevent any corrosion build-up.

Many times we find that customers or other repair shops have removed the origional battery cable terminals due to corrosion and installed a "bolt on or what I call a smash on" terminal.

These are meant as temperary repairs. This type of terminal should be removed as soon as possible and correctly repaired with a solder on type of terminal or replace the cable all togather. We use solder on type terminals that are corrosion resistant.

After our technician installs a new battery, you may lose your personal settings for radio stations, clock etc.

If possible we intall a preset saver in order to prevent this from happening.

Brakes

Brakes are probably the most important and often times the most overlooked component on vehicles until its too late.

Brake service has changed drastically over the years.

Many service practices that were acceptable a few years ago, may actually do extensive damage to a modern braking system. On today's vehicles, installing a set of brake pads improperly, may result in very expensive problems. The brake caliper is the lowest spot in the system and most debris and contaminants in the fluid tends to collect there. When caliper pistons are improperly pushed in, to install the brake pads, trash can be forced into your anti-lock brake system (ABS) controller or master cylinder, causing problems. This is why we thoroughly purge the system before brake work is begun. This helps eliminate moisture, trash and dirt from the system. It also keeps it out of expensive hydraulic components. With this simple change of procedure, many problems are avoided. Improper service can cause major problems. These problems sometimes show up months later, causing the client major expense.

Calipers can be tested for hydraulic pressure and clamping force.

We test rather than guess to help eliminate expensive rework and premature failures.

Another major cause of brake problems is the use of brake pads that do not meet the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) specifications.

Many shops use these pads to reduce the PRICE of the brake service. We realize the PRICE is not as important as the actual COST to our client. We work very hard to provide the overall lowest cost. A cheap set of brake pads may reduce the price of the brake service by $50 or so. The resulting squeak, dust, and shudder on braking, may result in not only their having to be replaced again, but more extensive replacement of the rotors. Now that $50 savings has turned into a $300 expense.

Our philosophy is to do it right the first time and eliminate the aggravation and expensive rework.

Is It Nessisary?

If you're like most drivers, you don't think about your brakes until they stop working (and hopefully you're not careening down a mountain road when this happens).

But, if you're smart, you'll take good care of your brakes. You'll replace the pads and resurface the rotors as needed. Still, when your mechanic recommends that you get your brake system flushed, do you think you should you do it or save the cash?

Do it

Braking systems aren't indestructible.

Parts, like the rubber in the valves in the master cylinder, calipers and wheel cylinders deteriorate. All the nasty little bits that flake off end up in your brake fluid. Plus, the fluid itself can get old and worn out. Moisture can also get in the system. Brake fluid is glycol based, therefore it absorbs and attracts water or moisture. The master cylinder is vented to the atmosphere and there is humidity in the atmosphere. The brake fluid draws this moisture in causing brake fluid contamination, which leads to rust, which leads to more nasty bits in your brake fluid. All this adds up to a brake system with compromised effectiveness and decreased stopping power.

Think of it this way.

You wouldn't skip changing your car's engine oil, right? It's the lifeblood of your engine, and when it gets contaminated by impurities, you put the entire engine at risk. It's the same with brake fluid. Let it get dirty and you won't be able to stop as well. So while it may not seem like a big deal when you're standing at the service desk and the mechanic asks if you want him to flush your brakes, but when you're careening down that mountain road, you'll understand why it's an important part of vehicle maintenance.

A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes flushed about every 30,000 miles (48,280 kilometers) or so.

Note that brake flushing and bleeding the brakes are two different procedures. Brake flushing involves removing all the brake fluid from the system and getting all-new, clean fluid inside. Brake bleeding just means removing enough brake fluid to get air bubbles out of the brake lines. So, make sure you get your brakes flushed regularly.

And, if you ever notice your car or truck has decreased stopping power, have it inspected by one of our certified mechanics right away -- even if you're not planning a drive in the mountains.

Cooling System Service

Have you ever felt helpless while stranded on the side of the road with your vehicle hood up and your vehicle steaming?

Has your vehicle ever not started in the dead of winter because the fluid in your engine was frozen? Not fun. That's whyRed Rock Auto & Cycle offers a BG cooling system service.

Does your engine run hotter than normal just after starting it?

Does the temperature slowly creep higher and higher as you drive down the road? Do you detect an odor that's a little like boiling maple syrup or see green or orange fluid pooling beneath your vehicle? If you do, it's time to visit us and let our highly trained ASE certified technicians perform there magic.

A properly functioning cooling system circulates antifreeze/coolant through the engine and radiator, helping reduce heat levels produced by your vehicle's engine.

When your vehicle's cooling system isn't functioning properly, the temperature of your engine can get hot enough to damage itself. Heads can warp. Gaskets can blow. Your engine can fail. And all of those can be costly repairs. Getting an inspection and antifreeze/coolant flush and fill can save you a lot of money and time spent on the side of the road. Not to mention a tow bill and rental car.

Cooling System Flush and Fill

An antifreeze/coolant flush and fill at regular intervals can help prevent overheating, freezing and premature cooling-system corrosion. A coolant service starts with an examination of your radiator and engine cooling system. Then, old antifreeze/coolant is removed from your radiator and engine, flushed to remove any debris that has accumulated and settled and replaced with new antifreeze/coolant per your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

Signs or Symptoms your Vehicle Needs a Cooling System Service

Temperature gauge fluctuates between normal and hot or reads lower than normal.

Antifreeze/coolant pooling under the vehicle

Grinding sounds coming from the engine area

Visible rust and/or scaling in the antifreeze/coolant

Steam and/or hot maple syrup-like smell coming from under the hood

Warning

Never remove the radiator cap on your vehicle while the engine is still hot or warm. Severe scalding could occur.

Did you know that overheating is the most common cause of mechanical breakdowns on the road?

And that overheating can cause severe damage to the engine and the transmission? Maintaining your vehicle's radiator, fluids and cooling system is essential to keeping you and your vehicle on the road.

Coolant (anti-freeze) protects your engine from overheating and from freezing.

The coolant's effectiveness can diminish over time and lose many of its protective properties, causing your radiator, freez plugs and intake manifold to rust and corrode. The cooling system itself can get clogged with built-up deposits from oil, grease, scale, hose decomposition and other materials.

Most drivers know it's recommended that a vehicle's oil should be changed at regular intervals.

Drivers typically don't realize, however, about the proper intervals for changing their vehicle's other vital fluids. For the cooling system, check your car's owner manual or give us a call to determin the recommended interval for changing the coolant in your vehicle but you'll want to come in now if you have any of the following symptoms: Your vehicle has recently overheated; Your coolant or temperature light comes on; Your temperature gauge reads higher or lower than normal; Your heater does not work.

Radiator, Thermostat and Heater Services

Our certified technicians have years of experience in working with radiators, thermostats and the complete cooling system, due to the cooling system's critical impact on proper transmission operation. Any of the following signs could indicate your vehicle needs service or repairs to the cooling system:

The vehicle is running hot or overheating

Leaking of fluid

Belts or hoses that have not been replaced during the past 4 years.

We can repair or replace any of the following components of the cooling system

Radiator, radiator cap, radiator hoses and radiator fan or fan clutch; Thermostats,Water pumps, Fan belts and serpentine belts, Temperature sensors, Heater cores and hoses.

Differential Service

Most folks never consider rear differential service until one of two things occurs

A leak or a noise. Both problems are actually symptoms and many times both could have been prevented. Our philosophy is to prevent expensive breakdowns, rather than only treating them after they occur.

can service the rear differential in your vehicle, checking seals, the vent and replacing the lubricant.

We have found rear differential fluid, like all lubricants, breaks down over time. As lubricants lose their ability to protect, damage occurs. We use Mobil One fully synthetic lubricants to protect your investment.

Much damage also occurs because of damaged and missing vent hoses.

All differentials build pressure when operated. This pressure is vented to prevent damage to seals. The vent is normally connected to a rubber hose, preventing water from entering the differential when driving in the rain. Over time these hoses crack and often come off. This allows water to emulsify the lubricant and quickly destroys the differential.

Performing a differential service can prevent this and many other problems.

Spotting a dry-rotted vent hose and replacing it may be a small thing, but it can prevent a huge problem.

Even when a problem occurs, such as a whining noise on acceleration, quick action can drastically contain cost.

We can often replace bearings and seals, restoring the differential to original condition. Left un-repaired, the bad bearing quickly degrades to a ring and pinion replacement, which is far more expensive.

Whether a fluid change

Leak repair, upgrade to a locker, gear ratio change or total rebuild, let one of our highly trained technicians take care of that differential problem.

Electrical Repair & Diagnosis

There are few things, on your vehicle that can cause more problems than electrical systems.

We can repair anything from a dead battery to a short-circuit and even transient current problem.

Our technicians are trained and equipped to handle it. As with all our service, repair starts with a proper diagnosis of the problem.

Once diagnosed we not only provide you with the cost of repair we also guarantee that our repair will resolve the problem or you don't pay for it.

And much, much more. If it's an automotive electrical problem, chances are better than average we can solve it.

Just a Few of the Electrical Problems We Can Solve Include

Power window and door locks

Power seats and lumbar supports

Cigarette lighters and accessory outlets

Cruise control systems

Remote entry and security systems

Charging systems, alternators, starters

Parasitic electrical problems

Warning lights, Air suspension

Traction control, ABS, Airbag, SIR

Lighting systems, turn signals and brake lights

Windshield wipers

Engine Diagnosis, Service & Repair

Check engine lights

Service Engine Soon Lights (SES) or more properly "malfunction indicator lamps" (MIL) can be quite confusing. First they come on, then they go off and just when you think everything is okay, they come back on again!

The MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) on a modern vehicle can check for about 2000 different problems and conditions.

It is an extremely complex system and is informing you that the vehicle has encountered a problem with the computer engine management systems.

When the light comes on, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored in the computer's memory.

Retrieving this numeric code will tell our technician which system the engine computer saw a problem with. Contrary to common belief, it does not tell us what is wrong with the vehicle.

The DTC (diagnostic trouble code) is only the beginning of the diagnostic process.

For instance a code might be set that indicates the oxygen sensor is out of range. This does not mean the sensor is bad. There are many reasons for it to read out of range including a vacuum leak, coolant leaking into the intake, or even a loose connection among many other things.

This is where the professionals at Red Rock Auto & Cycle come in.

We have the correct scan tools and software for most makes and models. Scan tools help find problems quickly, to save you money. We also have OEM level information to determine the cause of your MIL light quickly and accurately. No changing parts at your expense while hoping to fix the problem.

Our methods will electronically isolate the possibilities, without guess work or expensive part replacement.

If your check engine light comes on or if you fail State inspection, call us right away and find out why a professional diagnosis is the best investment you can make.

Fuel Injection Service

Fuel injector service is a must to preserve the performance of your vehicle.

Fuel injectors are located in the intake manifold, just above the intake valves, or in the actual combustion chamber. they spray fuel through a tiny nozzle as they are pulsed open and closed using electrical commands by the vehicles powertrain control module (PCM) The fuel injector uses a special nozzle to spray the fuel as mist, instead of a strong jet stream. Just think of the nozzle on the hose you use in your yard. You can change how the water flows out of your nozzle. There can be jet stream, shower, mist, and many more settings. A fuel injector must spray fuel as a mist so that it can atomizes with air for a cleaner, more efficient burn. When you step on your gas pedal, your vehicle's throttle valve (which is a valve that opens and lets air into your engine) works in conjunction with your fuel injectors. When the throttle valve opens, your fuel injector sprays fuel to mix with the air as it enters the engine's combustion cylinders. Fuel injectors can become dirty and clogged over time, which will lead to poor performance, bad gas mileage, and even dirty exhaust emissions. A fuel injector can become clogged around its valve and nozzle. The opening on a fuel injector's nozzle is very tiny; since a fuel injector's nozzle must spray a fine mist, any tiny build-up of fuel, carbon, or debris can affect the fuel injector's performance. Build-up can consist of wax, dirt, and other carbon deposits. Most build-up occurs from short trips, meaning a vehicle that normally travels for only fifteen minutes; low-quality gasoline that does not contain detergents also causes build-ups. Detergents can actually clean a fuel injector while you are driving, but many refineries are removing the detergents from their fuel to sell gas at a cheaper price.If a fuel injector is dirty or clogged, your engine won't get the necessary flow of fuel to mix with the air, which will lead to poor acceleration, engine performance, and gas mileage. A fuel injection service can be done with leaving the fuel injector in the vehicle or taking it out. Almost all of the time, fuel injection service can be done with the fuel injector still in the car, unless it needs to be replaced. During a full fuel injection service, several things are done: your fuel pump's pressure and volume is checked; your pressure regulator is checked; your fuel rail, which is the pipe that sends the fuel from your pump to your fuel injector, and fuel injector screen is flushed; your fuel injectors are flushed and cleaned; your throttle valve and air passages are flushed; and your engine's computer is checked to make sure the air/fuel mixture is correct and all of the sensors are working. Thus re-creating the power, performance and gas mileage that has deteriorated over time. other benefits included are the intake and exhaust valves get cleaned, removing carbon buildup that slows down air flow, the top of pistons and the ring lands get cleaned and even the oxygen sensors and parts of the catalytic converter get cleaned and this all helps with cleaner emissions from the exhaust pipe.

Full Automotive Service

In today's fast-paced world we realize the last thing people need is more things to think about.

We make that aspect of life a little simpler, Broken ca. Call Red Rock Auto & Cycle @ (928) 282-4988.

We provide full service on most makes and models.

This means we are equipped to repair any problem you may experience with these vehicles and particularly engine diagnostics.

From a power window, to a fuel gauge. Brakes to Timing belts. Even a transmission or engine replacement.

Of course we can still provide brakes air conditioner repairs, transmission services and maintenance on other models as well.

If you have a problem with your vehicle, just give us a call, we want to be your full service provider.

We also recommend and use quality BG products.

Check the link and see what we offer from BG. https://www.bgprod.com/bgams/ Broken car, call us first.

General Inspection

A leading cause of breakdowns is lack of maintenance.

Several vehicles come in each week with expensive problems that might have been prevented.

With all the things folks have to remember, vehicle maintenance simply gets overlooked, with expensive consequences.

Our General Inspection can help prevent break downs.

We know it's hard to know who to believe. Some shops use free inspections to try to sell every sort of "wallet flush" imaginable. Manufacturers say, no maintenance is fine (just buy a new car.) Finding reliable, honest advise has always been tough.

Our Automotive General Inspection is designed precisely for this purpose.

We advise bringing your vehicle in at least once a year. We can review all maintenance for you, based on what the vehicle needs. Not just visual inspections, but testing. We test coolant for pH and specific gravity to make sure your cooling system is in good shape. Did you know that there can be electricity in the cooling system? It's called electrolysis, and can cause damage to engine components crating cooling system leaks. It can also cause drivability issues.We can also test the Air Conditioning and heating system for efficiency and let you know which filter or fluid needs replacement.

We can even scan your vehicle's computer system for "pending" codes and things that are nearing their tolerance levels.

We will even check the air in your spare tire. Like all our services, you are only billed for the time we spend on your vehicle, usually about an hour. Need reliable transportation? Come on in for a general inspection at least once A Year.

Other Great Times for a General Inspection

Bringing the vehicle up to date on maintenance

It's easy to let maintenance go, just overlook things. But we know over time, this is going to create problems for us. When we perform a general inspection we can determine the things needed to bring the maintenance up to date and prevent future problems.

Before considering a large repair

When a vehicle needs a major repair there is always the question, "Is it worth it?" A General Inspection helps determine the likelihood of other problems, before investing in major repair.

Before the kids go off to school

A general inspection spots problems, before they become break downs. It helps make sure the vehicle is safe. Correcting small problems, before they get big. We can also bring maintenance up to date and help prevent breakdowns.

Just a Few of the Things We Check

Performing a general inspection creates overall lower cost for our customers.

Brake linings

Hoses, cylinders and operation, engine performance Belts, hoses, coolant pH, specific gravity and condition.

Maintenance items. is maintenance up to date?

Codes and pending codes in the vehicle computer.

Tire condition, age and air pressure, including the spare

Suspension and steering components

Drive axles, differential and transmission

Air conditioner efficiency and operation

Exhaust system and components

Power windows and accessories

Lights, Turn Signals.

Windshield wipers and washers

And of course fluid levels and condition.

Maintanance

Service and maintenance doesn't have to be difficult to keep up with. Make an appointment and we'll get your vehicle in and out of our service center as quickly as possible. We can even take you to work, home or wherever within the area. Pick-up and delivery is also available.

Everyone is familiar with repairing a vehicle when it is broken.

It's often expensive and inconvenient. Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to prevent repairs? Preventive maintenance can do just that.

Having us check your vehicle and perform the recommended maintenance goes a long way in preventing unnecessary breakdowns.

Proper maintenance not only prevents breakdowns. Maintenance also makes vehicles last longer and actually lowers the overall cost of vehicle ownership. For instance, something as simple as replacing a fuel filter can help prevent an expensive fuel pump replacement. We are equipped to perform all factory recommended maintenance.

Vehicle maintenance saves money.

Our aim is to provide an overall lower cost of vehicle ownership to our clients.

Wouldn't it be great to know which components of your vehicle may fail in the future?

We can do an evaluation of your vehicle and let you know where you stand. Should you keep this vehicle or is it time to consider another? We can give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

The Importance of Regular Service and Maintenance

At Red Rock Auto & Cycle we're committed to making sure our customers understand the benefits of keeping up with regular service and maintenance on their vehicles. Standard scheduled service is crucial to making your vehicle last. And given the investment that goes into purchasing a vehicle, the last thing you want to do is to let it's performance suffer due to a lack of regular maintenance. General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Acura, Honda, Nissan, Infinity, Subaru, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Range Rover, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, and more. We offer a full range of auto care services including:

Oil and filter change

Engine diagnostics

Transmission service

Brakes, power steering, cooling systems And much more

Benefits of Getting Consistent Mechanical Check-Ups

Visit or call Red Rock Auto & Cycle Today (928) 282-4988. The overall benefits of keeping up with routine maintenance can be summarized best by the following three categories:

Reliability

Simply put, if you don't take good care of your vehicle, then it's not going to be there for you down the road. Sure, this means following the recommendations for oil changes and tire rotations that you'll find in your owner's manual, but it also entails having routine check-ups performed by expert technicians. Visit our service center at least once a year and we'll give your vehicle a thorough inspection … That way, we can identify and fix any issues before they turn into larger problems that require costly repairs.

Value

Are you looking to sell your car at some point in the future so that you can get behind the wheel of the latest and greatest. Then you'll want to keep up with routine service and maintenance so that it continues to run in optimal condition and retain a higher value.

Fuel Economy

There are a number of ways that regular maintenance can help ensure you're getting the most out of your vehicle's fuel economy. For instance, making sure your tire pressure is set to the right levels can help prevent your car from expending unnecessary energy and fuel while moving. Similarly, if your air filter is clogged or your fuel lines are leaking, your vehicle's fuel economy can be negatively affected by up to 20%.

Info

Red Rock Auto & Cycle is now offering our premium lube oil and filter service at the amazing low price of $39.95 for conventional oil and $59.95 for full synthetic oil, for most cars and light trucks.

This one of a kind service includes draining and refilling the engine oil, (up to six quarts), lubricating chassis, replacing oil filter, checking and adjusting all other fluids and tire pressures, free tire rotation if needed, our custom designed, extensive multi point digital inspection, a computer scan health check, road test, and a factory recommended service interval print out for the mileage that your vehicle has.

Red Rock Auto & Cycle is one of the very few shops in our area, providing such an extensive personal overview of your vehicle.

Each service takes approximately one and a half hours as our inspections are very thorough and packed full of information and specific photos.

Free Sedona area pickup and delivery or a courtesy ride is available for you busy working folks that are on the go.

We want to be your number one choice for all of your automotive service and repair needs and we go the extra mile to provide you

With convenience, piece of mind, and satisfaction that all of our work is covered with a 12 month 12,000 mile nationwide warranty.ph here.

Oil Change / Lube Oil and Filter Service

The benefits of regular oil changes are many. In order to keep your vehicle performing optimally and to get the maximum life from your engine, your vehicle ABSOLUTELY needs an oil and filter change regularly. Why does your engine need a regular oil change? Let's keep it simple and highlight some key facts about oil. Engine oil is a:

Lubricant

Oil, whether it is synthetic or conventional, is first and foremost a lubricant. After a while the oil will break down and lose its lubricating properties, this is natural and with almost any vehicle this will occur every 3 months of solid driving or 3,500-5,000 miles.

Coolant

Oil's lubricating properties reduce friction and pulls heat away from the moving parts of the engine. Also most newer cars have an oil cooler that pumps cooled oil back through the engine to reduce overall temperature.

Cleaner

Engine oil will filter debris from the crank case and oil galleys. Most oil is also built with detergent packs which keep all internal moving parts clean. Cheap oil will work for any vehicle but your vehicle can really benefit from the good stuff.

The Importance Of An Oil Filter

Because engine oil is in constant contact with the many moving parts it can start to collect minor pieces of debris.

An oil filter will sift these fine particles of debris out and collect them in its catch. If debris is left to build up the filter can become clogged, reducing the flow of needed oil to the moving internal parts and the entire system can suffer. Changing the engine oil filter is recommended to ensure safe operation.

Pre Purchace Inspection

Before you invest in a used vehicle, let us give it the once over. Just call (928) 282-4988 to schedule an appointment. You will see why we say Red Rock Auto & Cycle is the place to go.

Many people see the wisdom of buying a pre-owned vehicle rather than buying new.

The trick is to find a vehicle that is in good condition. With our pre-purchase inspection, you pay only for the time spent working on the vehicle. For example, we may determine after ten-minutes that there is a major problem. This may be all the information that you need to make a decision. In this case that would be all you would pay.

On another vehicle you may wish a total report.

This could include not only present but likely future problems and pattern failures on the vehicle you are considering. With this information you can set up a maintenance schedule and budget future repair in a very cost effective manner.

A thorough inspection, performed by a professional is your best assurance.

The pre-purchase inspection may detect a multitude of problems. The report issued by our skilled technicians can also be used as bargaining leverage. This may often save many times the cost of the inspection.

Our pre-purchase inspections help avoid lemons.

Just looking for a certified vehicle is little assurance of quality. These can merely be a used vehicle with an extended warranty tacked onto the price. Reports that are available without inspecting the vehicle may also be very incomplete. Such reports often only contain information purchased from insurance companies and warranty service providers. A serious collision poorly repaired in a back-street shop could go totally unreported. They may also lack information on any existing conditions that have not been repaired.

Steering Service

Signs your power steering needs service. Concerned that your power steering might need some attention? Here are some symptoms to look out for:

Color changes in your power steering fluid

A change in power steering fluid color might mean it is beginning to oxidize. If this is the case, you'll see it's gone from red to gray to black. When that happens it's time to change it out with new, fresh fluid.

Bubbles in your power steering fluid

If you see bubbles in your fluid, come see us quickly because you may have a potentially dangerous air leak in your power steering system.

Leaky fluid

Because your power steering system depends on a steady, high level of steering fluid being pumped into it, a leak means a problem. It could be a couple of things, such as a hole in the pipe or a connection that's out of line.

Difficulty Steering

Is your steering wheel harder to turn, or stuttering when you turn? These symptoms could mean your drive belt needs attention because it either is getting too hot or isn't staying in place and needs to be tightened.

Strange Noises

If you hear a whinnying squeal when turning the steering wheel, you may have a power steering issue. These noises usually come from a worn out drive belt or a steering pump that's on its last legs. Be on the lookout for strange noises because that's one of the main ways your car is telling you something is wrong. A strange noise from your car usually means it is trying to tell you something, so it's a good idea to listen. We recommend having your power steering system flushed using our BG power steering service every 2 years or 30,000 miles to keep it safe and performing at its best.

Dont Ignore the Warning Signs

Call Us at (928) 282-4988 to Schedule an Appointment.

Reduced Braking Ability

When your shocks or struts become worn down, your vehicle "jounces" more over bumps, which means it bounces up and down. This makes braking more difficult and could significantly increase your stopping distance. So take note: If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to stop, or if it is nose-diving when you do so (another sign of decreased traction), BRING IT IN FOR AN INSPECTION A suspension check is part of our Multi-Point Inspection. During the inspection our technicians will ensure that all possible issues are assessed, and you'll have less to worry about.

Less Control on Corners

Watch out for an exaggerated "body roll" when you turn corners—this is when you feel yourself and your vehicle tilting a bit more than normal, which can be a sign of damaged shocks or struts. If that's happening to you, bring your vehicle in for a suspension check right away, because excessive body roll can affect your ability to safely steer around obstructions in the road.

Rougher Ride

Getting jostled on your journey is not only uncomfortable, it can affect your ability to safely control your vehicle. Try a quick bounce test at home by pushing down firmly on the front and rear of your vehicle. If the car moves up and down more than once or twice, have your shocks and struts checked.

Tire Wear

When struts or shocks are worn out, your tires wear out faster. A damaged strut or shock can also contribute to quicker wear on the other steering components of the vehicle, like rods and wheel bearings. If you notice a rumbling or increased vibrations at higher speeds, have one of our technicians look for "cupping" on your tires, which is a type of scalloped wear pattern associated with struts and shocks. Cupping happens when your car jounces up and down, leaving indented scuff marks on the tires, and is a big red flag that your suspension needs repairing.

More Hydroplaning & Skidding

Worn shocks and struts can affect the way your wheels engage with the road, especially when roads are slick. If your vehicle is sliding or hydroplaning frequently, get your suspension checked right away.

Why and When Should You Replace your Timing Belt?

If an auto mechanic told you that your car's timing belt needed immediate replacement and it was going to cost more than $1,000, you might assume it's a scam.

But unlike the shady mechanic who attempts to change your engine air filter every oil change, replacing the timing belt is absolutely crucial.

The timing belt is an integral part of your engine and, if it fails, so does your engine

Causing your car to shut down and in many cases (depending on manufacturer) can cause serious damage to your cars engine.

You don't want to be driving 75 miles per hour on the highway if it breaks.

It's definitely a safety issue.

How the Timing Belt Works

The rubber timing belt is part of most internal combustion engines and is responsible for synchronizing the engine's functions.

It controls the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft and the opening and closing of the engine's many valves to allow air and gas in and out, which causes the fuel to ignite in the combustion chamber. During this explosion, the valves push the pistons down.

In order for the process to take place, the valves have to open and close at the right time

The valves have to be in the correct position as well as the pistons. The valves open at different times for each cylinder. It's a mechanical ballet of sorts.

When the timing belt breaks

The valves, which are very light, will open and stop altogether and the larger pistons, still in motion, will make contact with them and cause expensive and time consuming damage.

When to Replace the Timing Belt?

Unfortunately, in most cases, there are no obvious signs the timing belt is near death; it will just break.

That's why highly rated auto repair shops like Red Rock Auto & Cycle recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Always check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations.

Timing belts used to be a relatively ignored maintenance item by many drivers.

Replacing a broken timing belt used to be common, but now most replacement jobs are for preventive maintenance.

People are a lot more aware of the timing belt, and the mechanics are educating drivers more about them

Now, more people know about it and what can happen when it breaks.

The cost to replace

Replacing a timing belt for preventive reasons typically costs $500 to $900. However, replacing a broken timing belt may cost up to $2,000 or more if it caused damage to the valves, pistons or water pump.

Many vehicles use the timing belt to also drive the water pump and or engine balance shafts.

In these cases we will recommend that you replace the timing belt and water pump as a kit. A timing belt kit comes with the timing belt, idler pulleys, belt tensioner and a water pump. when you install a new timing belt and not the water pump, the tension is going to be different and usually leads to the water pump leaking within a short time after the replacement of the timing belt, then you will have to pay for the labor all over again. because the timing belt will have to be removed again to gain access to the water pump.

What is a Transmission Flush?

Process and Advice. The importance of a transmission flush often goes unnoticed until serious problems arise. It is a process that is important to the health and maintenance of your car, and if done properly, is an excellent preventative maintenance procedure. However, if you feel there are certain problems with your vehicle such as odd noises or gear shifting issues, it might do more harm than good.

Definition

A transmission flush is a maintenance process where all of the oil in a transmission is removed, new oil (and sometimes cleaning solutions) is run through it using a special machine to push out grime and sludge and then it is filled up with new oil. The process is used to remove debris and sludge and replace 100% of the used oil with fresh, clean fluid.

Effectiveness

There are debates as to the effectiveness of this procedure.

Some state that flushing your vehicle using professional equipment may actually damage your vehicle. They say that the gunk and residue that are being flushed out may actually get lodged somewhere where it shouldn't be, which could cause failure sometime in the future. Some believe that valves and seals may be bent or weakened with the pressure some machines use to force cleaning solution and fluid through the lines.

On the other hand, most agree that it is a legitimate maintenance procedure for your vehicle.

They believe that a flush can help remove residue and materials from the engine, improving its performance and its lifespan. Whenever you are considering having one done, consult our service advisor or one of our trained ASE certified technicians.

Flush vs. Change

A flush uses a professional grade machine to completely flush all the transmission fluid from your vehicle and to remove grime and contaminants.

This process runs a special solution through the lines until they come out completely clean and then fills up the system with new fluid.

A change on the other hand simply drains it using natural gravitational forces.

Not all the fluid in the system is drained using this method and it does not flush out contaminants. Most say it only drains between 20%-40% of the total volume.

The goal of both changes and flushes is to improve and extend the life and performance of your car.

Process – How it's Done Properly

Before hooking your car up to the machine

Our technician will take it on a test drive in order to recognize and diagnose any serious problems that should be looked into during inspection and servicing. We will also inspect the transmission for any external signs of problems or leaks.

A professionally done procedure requires the use of specialized, government regulated machines.

There are a few ways in which these machines differ in their performance and operation, but you can discuss the type of machine and method used with our service advisor or technician.

Our machine (pictured on the left) connects to the transmission cooler lines.

The line that connects your vehicle's transmission to the cooler will be disconnected and attached to the machine's line in. This will allow the car's fluids to drain into the machine. The line out from the machine then connects to your car's cooler. This allows the new fluid in the machine to be transferred into the vehicle. The transfer process only utilizes the pressure produced by the car's pump to circulate it, so no damage can be done to the internal parts of the system.

As the old fluid side of the diaphragm fills, it pushes the new fluid diaphragm up, making it flow through the lines.

It circulates just as it would under normal operating conditions, the only difference being that the incoming oil is perfectly clean and the outgoing liquid is gone for good. The way fluid cycles through the unit, some of it is dropped back into the pan without going to the cooler. but is continuously diluted with new oil instead. We then remove the transmission pan and replace the filter, thus insuring a complete flush with no contaminants or debris is left inside the transmission.

Another method used is a pump inlet flush.

This method attaches the machine's line out to the pump intake. The process transfers fluid through the vehicle and into a drainage pan, completely flushing the system. When cleared, new fluid is supplied to fill up the car. This process requires the complete removal of your pan and filter and a new filter and pan are installed at the end. This requires more time, a few extra quarts of fluid (around 20) and costs a bit more.

Note

Some service centers use machines that add additional force to blast fluid and/or cleaning solution through the system. This is NEVER a good idea as this can damage seals and/or lodge sludge in places it shouldn't be as mentioned above.

A complete service should ideally include removing the pan and inspection of the old oil to look for signs of current or near-future issues.

Dropping the pan is important because the used fluid, what is lying in the pan and what is trapped in the filter will all tell you a lot about what condition it is in. Some of the gunk that is flushed ends up in the pan and is then sucked up into the filter. If the filter becomes too clogged, then the pump will starve for fluid, components will not get lubricated which leads to heat, friction, slippage and eventually failure.

Normally, and this varies between year, make and model, darkened oil with some debris or residue is normal.

Metal flakes may be seen in the oil or the plug. An excess of gunk, grime, or metal flakes; A burning smell or other unusual odors or the oil is black, it often means that your car has (or will soon have) some serious issues.

It is recommended to always have the filter replaced regardless of whether you're getting a fluid change or flush (some vehicles do not have one that is replaceable).

Some gaskets may still be "usable", but it is always best to replace both filters and gaskets.

Overall, the key to maintaining a transmission is following exactly what is recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.

It will tell you whether you to get a flush or change and how often to have it done (after a certain number of miles or amount of time). Do not trust it's health to something you read online.

Note: Flushing and changing the filter are important preventative maintenance procedures

They are not a solution for ones that already have problems or are on the way to a problem according to their black, burned and/or high-debris-content fluid. Getting a flush when you think there might be a problem can do more harm than good and make it fail faster than it would have otherwise. The same applies for higher mileage vehicles that have never had their lines flushed.

By that time the damage has already been done and there is likely a lot of sludge and varnish built up inside.

The fresh additives from the new fluid attack the deposits, causing them to break off and jam valves, clog passageways, etc. In that case the tranny is doomed anyway, so your best bet is to do nothing to it, set aside some cash, and drive it for as long as you can.

Types of Automatic Transmission Fluids

There are different types and grades that can be purchased and used in the exchange.

Some of the most recommended are full synthetic fluids. However, certain vehicles and their parts may degrade with the use of full synthetic oil. This is usually the case for older makes and models. For the most part, full synthetic will lubricate better, combat heat and friction better and last longer. we can accurately advise you on the type of fluid to use in your vehicle.

Important: Use of the wrong type of fluid can damage your transmission

How often should it be done?

This maintenance procedure should be performed every 30,000 miles or so.

Some service centers will advise doing it every two years or 24,000 miles. You can often review your owner's manual or speak to our service advisor however it is important to understand your driving habits and relay that information to a us. Vehicles that are often towing or drive through sand, dirt and other harsh terrain, may require earlier service.

Importance of Finding a Reputable Service Provider

A reputable service center like Red Rock Auto & Cycle will advise you on several aspects.

We will determine if you even need one based on your driving habits, mileage and the manufacturer's recommendations. We will also determine the proper method to use and will do the job professionally and properly; utilizing the proper kind for your particular make and model, not finishing until the fluid appears clean and clear, thoroughly inspecting what comes out of the car, replacing all gaskets and filters and properly installing all parts back onto your car so that it runs just right. In addition, We will do all this at a reasonable price and back up our work with a warranty.

In summary, this procedure is an easy, low cost maintenance option to perform on your car.

It is essential over the lifetime of your vehicle in order to protect it from harmful damage caused by wear and tear. It is also a great indicator of the internal health of your vehicle and will prevent costly damage over time. Transmission repair or replacement can be quite costly so it is important to do your best to maintain a healthy, properly functioning transmission.

Transmission Repair / Replacement

We don't rebuild transmissions as there are so many different manufacturers and types of automatic transmissions.

Transmission rebuilding is a speaciaized field that requires thousands of dollers in tools and equipment for each and every manufacturer and type. Automatic transmission builders have hundreds of hours in training every year to stay up to date on all the changes from year to year and make to make. and that is all they do is Build transmissions. So we leave that up to the experts.

We recommend, sell and install Jasper transmissions.

We believe Jasper to be the very best.

All of there remanufactured transmissions come with the latest updates and improvements. There products come with a 3 year 100,000 mile nationwide parts and labor warranty. We have been selling and installing there transmissions for many years and have never had a failure.

follow the link to Jasper found under testamonials and cool links

We do however service transmissions.

See transmission service and flush under our services.

The Best Ways to Destroy Your Transmission

Transmission Basics

Bad habits are hard to break but just being aware of some of the ways you can avoid destroying your transmission can help immensely down the road. The automatic transmission is a very important module of your vehicle. It allows your vehicle to cruise at highway speeds without blowing up the engine. It multiplies the torque of your engine to aid in propelling the weight of your vehicle. It makes driving in traffic less stressful as it eliminates the clutch and shifts itself. While vital to the proper operation of your vehicle, many people take their automatic transmission for granted. Even worse, they contribute to its failure via bad habits. Let's take a look at some of the bad habits that can destroy your transmission,.

Overheating your vehicle

Most automatic transmissions are designed to operate at a maximum temperature of 200 degrees. For every 20 degrees you go above this limit, you risk cutting the expected lifespan of the transmission by a factor of two. To put that in a better perspective, by the time your transmission reaches 300 degrees its life span will be reduced to 1/32nd of what is considered normal. You should also note that at temperatures as low as 240 degrees your organic oil based transmission fluid can turn to varnish, leaving it unable to properly lubricate the moving parts inside your transmission.

Maintaining improper fluid levels.

Letting the transmission run out of fluid or operating it with a low fluid level is a guaranteed way to have a transmission breakdown. The fluid keeps the transmission's internal components cool and lubricated. When the fluid level becomes low or runs completely out, the internal parts begin to grind and overheat which leads to failure.

Never changing the fluid.

Another way to kill your transmission is failing to change the fluid according to the schedule in your automobile's owner's manual. Like the oil in your automobile's engine, transmission fluid becomes dirty and eventually needs changing. Failure to change the fluid can lead to the seals and gaskets, as well as internal transmission components, beginning to overheat and break down along with particles from the constantly wearing parts settleing in passagways and especially in the torque converter.

Useing the incorrect fluid type.

Adding the wrong type of transmission fluid can kill it. Automatic transmissions by different manufacturers use different fluids. These fluids cannot be mixed with other fluids or added on a temporary basis to "just get by."

Drag raceing from light to light.

This causes the torque converter to produce a lot of heat. If you don't give the transmission a chance to cool down between jack-rabbit starts, it will overheat quickly. We know what happens to a transmission when it overheats. Unless your vehicle was specifically designed for this purpose, it cannot sustain that form of abuse. You run the risk of damaging all driveline components.

Stoping abruptly.

Like fast starts, sudden stops can damage drivetrain components like engine and transmission mounts. These can lead to transmission damage. After any sudden emergency stop, it would be wise to have your mounts checked.

Leaving the shift lever in park without the parking brake on.

If another vehicle were to even tap yours at the front or back while you're parked, it could cause the parking pawl to break leaving your vehicle to roll down the street unattended. parking on an incline or a hill without the parking brake puts major pressure on the parking pawl. The parking pawl is about the size of your finger. Imagine trying to hold your car on a hill with just your finger.

Downshifting to "brake" at traffic lights.

A forced downshift at high engine RPM is sure to cause excessive wear on transmission friction components (clutches and bands).

Placeing the shift lever in drive or reverse when engine is at "fast idle".

This can cause abrupt transmission engagement leading to early failure of clutches, bands, gear sets, driveline components and engine or transmission mountings.

Using your shift lever instead of your brake.

Before changing direction your car must be at a complete stop. Using the transmission to stop the vehicle will lead to premature transmission failure.

Driving before the engine warms up.

For your transmission to perform properly, the fluid must be at operating temperature. (Give it a few minutes and it will give you better and longer service).

Towing your vehicle with the drive wheels on the ground

Rear wheel drive vehicles must be towed with the rear wheels off the ground. or the drive shaft removed Front wheel drive with the front wheels in the air. All wheel or full time four-wheel drive vehicles should be flat towed (all four wheels off the ground) Not sure? Check your owner's manual. Also, every vehicle comes from the factory with a recommended maximum towing limit. Unfortunately, few owners obey it. The bands and clutches can start slipping. This causes them to wear out very quickly. It also results in the transmission getting pumped full of debris as they start failing. Improper towing can cause serious damage!

Playing transmission "doctor".

Over the counter additives that are supposed to stop leaks or make the transmission shift better many times contain chemicals that may cause worn seals to swell. This can interfere with the function of these operating rubber parts and lead to severe damage.

Abusing the drivetrain.

By being stuck in sand, snow, mud or another substance, rocking will cause excessive heat which can burn out a transmission in a very short period of time. Instead, dig it out or have it towed. Both are less expensive than the damage you may cause by quick shifting between Reverse and Drive over and over again. Driving in stop-and-go traffic for an extended period of time; idling the vehicle too long; driving off-road; or using your automobile as a snowplow will also kill your transmission. The engine and transmission is working, but nothing is happening because the wheels cannot move. This leads to the fluid in the transmission overheating and its internal components failing. Avoiding these bad habits can do wonders for your transmission, not to mention your wallet!

Trip Check Service

Is your Vehicle Ready for a Road Trip? Nothing goes with cars better than a road trip! When you become free from your daily schedules, and experience the open road - it's an awesome feeling! But there's nothing like having car problems to bring that great road trip fun to a grinding halt. Now you can't always avoid problems, but you can take steps to reduce the probability of getting sidelined on your trip. Let's look at some of the auto maintenance related problems you might encounter on a road trip and what you might do to avoid them. It all starts with a thorough trip inspection At Red Rock Auto & Cycle. Let's talk about some of the items on the trip inspection checklist. Trip Inspection Checklist

The most common vehicle component to failure is the tires.

Of course, you can't always avoid a road hazard that leads to a flat, but you may be able to head off some maintenance-connected tire problems.

A good tire inspection will start with looking over the condition of each tire, including the spare.

Are there signs of uneven tire wear? Are the tires properly inflated? Is the tread worn to the point that the tire should be replaced? The answers to these questions may lead to a recommendation to balance, rotate or replace your tires. It may also be time to have an alignment service.

Your brakes should also be inspected based on the manufacturer's recommendation or as necessary for function as well as to determine how much life is left in your brake pads.

You'll also want to know if it's time to service your brake fluid. Over time water and contaminants make their way into your brake fluid and the system needs to be flushed, cleaned and filled with fresh fluid.

While looking under your car, our ASE certified technician will also inspect your suspension system for worn or damaged parts.

If you need new shocks or struts, you'll really notice the difference on your trip once you have them replaced. (shocks and struts should be replaced at 70,000 mile intervals).

Now the second most common vehicle failure is the cooling system.

It may be time for a coolant exchange or flush. These services remove old fluid that has become corrosive and replaces it with fresh, clean fluid that restores the effectiveness of your cooling system. The cooling system inspection will reveal leaks and weakened hoses.(all cooling system hoses should be replaced every 5 years, regardless of milage) Replacing worn parts, like the radiator cap or water pump may be indicated. Even though cooling system failure is fairly common, it's easy and relatively inexpensive to prevent with proper maintenance.

Another thing people often overlook is their transmission service.

This is very important before a road trip because transmission problems tend to take some time and a lot of money to get fixed. Not the way you want to spend your vacation.

Our technician will also inspect your belts to see if they should be replaced.

A failed belt is at best an inconvenience. (most vehicles today use a serpentine belt that operates many components such as the alternator, powersteering, air conditioning, water pump and more) if the belt brakes you lose all of that and the engine can very quickly overheat, and you could loose your breaking ability.

You also should give your exhaust system the once over to make sure there aren't any dangerous leaks that could harm you and your passengers.

Of course, there are the usual things as well.

An oil change, engine air filter, fuel system cleaning, and a routine maintanance items. If you need any of these things, get them done today - the improved fuel economy and performance will be well appreciated on your road trip with less money spent on gas.

If your heater or air conditioning isn't working as well as you'd like, let our service adviser know.

We can easily check to make sure your heater and air conditioning systems are working properly.

Other important items that are often overlooked are power steering service, differential service and timing belt replacement.

If these things don't ring a bell, have our service consultant check to see if they're due and show you virtually what can happen when any of these services are not performed as recommended by the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedules. Or you can watch the videos on this website.

Now while you're out seeing the sights, you'll want to make sure you can see the sights.

Replace your windshield wipers if they aren't working well. And don't forget your headlamps. They gradually lose their brightness and you don't even realize it. Many people replace their lamps once or twice a year.

All the items mentioned are part of any good vehicle maintenance plan.

These are things that you want to take care of anyway, but they all come into focus as you plan for a trip or daily driving. They'll always save you money in the long run and may prevent inconvenient delays on your travels.

Schedule an appointment several days before you are planning your trip

just in case you need repairs that take a couple days.

Let us give you piece of mind as you go out and enjoy our beutifull countries open roads.

What Is a Tune-up? (and Why You Shouldn't Ask for One)

The word "Tune Up" is probably the most misused and misunderstood Automotive term.

According to the Merriam-Webster's dictionary under the term "Tune-up" it says: "general adjustment to insure operation at peak efficiency."

Before electronics came into the picture the term "tune-up" was applied to the maintenance operation of replacing the spark plugs

Distributor points, inspecting or replacing the cap and rotor adjusting the carburators air and fuel mixture, ignition timing and possibly replacing the fuel and air filters. There were many adjustments to be done on these cars; point gap, ignition timing and idle mixture and dwell.

This was a preventative maintenance operation that usually needed to be done about every 12,000 - 20,000 miles.

In Today's Cars

Distributors are now gone and even spark plug wires are missing from many applications.

They have been replaced with coil on plug, meaning each spark plug has its own little coil that is controled by the powertrain controle module (PCM). Forget those adjustments, there are none , the onboard computer handles fuel mixture, timing and idle speed control. On many of the newer cars, just spark plugs, fuel and air filters and PCV valve remain of the items that we used to consider part of a "tune up". Someday the spark plugs may disappear also.

Because the word "tune up" can mean so many different things the manufactures don't even list tune ups in their maintenance schedules.

They list the items individually at specific miles or duration of time.

Due to the electronics and newer technologies the recommended mileage between "tune-ups" or spark plug replacement has gone up to 30,000, or 60,000 and even 100,000 miles!

This means that a $250 tune-up now, is cheaper than the 2 or 3 tune-ups in the same amount of mileage that were done for $100 or more each time twenty five years ago. Especially when you compare what $100 was worth then.

Every repair shop determines what their particular meaning of a "tune-up" consists of.

What parts are replaced and what types of tests are done. One shop may consider a "tune-up" as throwing in a set of spark plugs and parking it on the lot, while the next may replace spark plugs, fuel and air filters, PCV valve and include testing to verify the electronic engine management system (if equipped) is doing its job.

If you request a tune-up, always ask what is being done for your "tune-up" before comparing prices and don't expect a "tune-up" to cure your performance problems.

A "tune-up" is a maintenance procedure and if it makes your car run better, you waited too long for the service. Performance problems on today's cars are usually caused by something that is not normally replaced during a maintenance tune-up.

Best Option

The best option is to not ask for a tune up, check your owner's manual for a guideline on spark plug replacement intervals.

If they are due, replace them and use original equipment style and brand spark plugs for best performance. If you do much city driving, extended idling, towing or high speed driving, reduce that recommended mileage by at least 10 - 15%.

Fuel filters, distributor caps and rotors and PCV valves should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Spark plug wires should be replaced every 60,000 miles. Most cars today dont even have distributor caps, rotors or spark plug wires.

On some vehicles

Chrysler products especially, fuel filters are part of the fuel pump and are only changed when they plug up and ruin the fuel pump, and that can be a little expensive.

If your car is misfiring and you don't know if the spark plugs were replaced at the last recommended interval it might be a good idea to have it done.

We can determine quickly if spark plugs are causing the problem or not.

A 30, 60 or 90 thousand mile service is not a "tune-up", it may include tune up items but will also include many other services.

If you are wanting the scheduled services, ask for a breakdown on what that consists of and what it entails.

(such as a 60,000 mile service) We will give you a written estamate before work is performed.

A Tune-up does not usually fix problems with a way a car is running.

If your car is running bad, don't expect a tune up to necessarily fix it. Computer's control the fuel and timing and perform all of the adjustments. Many of the performance problems are caused by a malfunctioning sensor, vacuum leaks or other failed components. If the spark plugs or fuel filter are overdue, get them replaced. Have one of our ASE certified technicians determine the cause of the issue. We have the correct testing equipment for your car and can diagnose and repair the running problem.

Did You Know?

Many early car's had magneto ignition systems, which were very simple.

With one ignition coil for each spark plug. Each coil needed to be adjusted to provide the same spark intensity for better idle and acceleration. As these coils worked, they made a buzzing sound. When adjusted properly, they all buzzed in tune, thus coining the term "tune-up".