Gig Harbor Auto Repair

Most folks around have had a flat tire. You know it's inconvenient and a pain. Our tires are important. Keeping them in good working order isn't just a big safety issue - it also has a financial impact. With high gas prices, we've all heard about the importance of keeping proper tire pressure to save on gas. In addition, proper inflation promotes even tread wear so your tires last longer. There's another danger to under-inflated tires. Low tire pressure puts added stress on the structure of the tire itself, causing it to break down prematurely. Also, under-inflated tires generate more heat which also reduces tire life. So get those slow leaks fixed quickly - don't just keep airing them up every few days. You want to avoid serious tire damage. Tires can also be damaged by road hazards in and around . Punctures, cuts and impacts on curbs or potholes can also cause damage that could lead to tire failure. Sometimes, it's something that a visual inspection would reveal. Take the opport ... read more

Make an appointment with to have your on board diagnostics analyzed. Today we're going to talk about on-board diagnostics and the questions we hear from folks around who need answers about diagnostic services. They want to know what diagnostics are, what's involved and what the benefits are. They really want to understand the value of diagnostic scans by a trained technician in . These are valid concerns. If you don't understand something it's really hard to know its value. Let's start with some history. Since 1996, all cars and light trucks in have been required to use a standardized diagnostic system to help repair technicians determine what's wrong with your vehicle. The diagnostic system works with the vehicle's Engine Control Module - the computer that controls many engine functions. The computer monitors dozens of components and processes. Depending on what the sensors read, the computer will make adjustments to compensate f ... read more

Today's auto maintenance article focuses on your serpentine belt. Your serpentine belt is a long belt that's driven by your engine. It winds around several accessories that power important automotive systems. Let's go over them. First, the serpentine belt drives your air conditioning system. It spins the compressor that makes the cool air that takes the edge off the summer heat in . Next, the belt powers the alternator. The alternator creates electricity that's used by your 's electrical systems and also charges your car battery. All drivers know that without the alternator, the battery will go dead in a few miles. The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. And, on many s, the serpentine belt powers the water pump. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to keep i ... read more

All modern vehicles come with fuel injection systems, so it's a topic we all need to know something about. All new cars and trucks sold in , over the last 30 years or so have come with fuel injection systems. The fuel injector is a valve that delivers the gas or diesel fuel to the right place, in the right amount, at the right time; to be mixed with air and burned in the engine. So how many fuel injectors does your car have? There's one for each cylinder. So four, six or eight for most folks in , . Some vehicles have 10 or 12 cylinders. The engine control computer makes adjustments to the fuel injector as it monitors the engine and other sensors. Fuel injectors are a pretty sophisticated part. can help you with a fuel injector cleaning service. What's the benefit? In order to work right, the fuel injectors have to deliver the fuel at a precise pressure at a very precise time. The fuel needs to be sprayed in a particul ... read more