We are located at 102 Weisenbaker Road, Rincon Georgia
Telephone (912-826-2004 or 826-2114)
We are locally owned and operated. We believe in what we do and we service what we sell. Unless otherwise stated we offer warranties. We are a Napa Auto Care Center so yes " We sale the good stuff ". Randy & Rhonda have been in Business at this location for over 13 years and we thrive in the advanced technology of Automotive Repair. Our textbooks in learning are our Customer comments or complaints. We use this as a tool to better serve our customers. We have ASE Certified Technicians and the latest Diagnostic Equipment. Let us take the guess out of your Automotive Repair Problems. We suggest that you follow all your recommendations from your vehicle's manufacture to get the best performance possible. We love our Effingham County customers as well as the surrounding areas. We service the Coastal Empire, South Carolina as well as traveler's. We do Fleet accounts with GE Fleet, Preferred Vendor Network, Wright Express, ARI and many many more. We do oil changes as well as install engines. We specialize in Custom Exhaust, Preventative Maintenance, Air Conditioning, Brakes, Engine Performance, Electrical. We rebuild differentials. As always we are extremely Thankful for each and every customer. We may at times forget to say hello if we are busy or to tell you to have a good day. Please always know that you are the reason for our success and we have and never will forget that. We are proud to have you and we hope that you will come again. We also believe in word of mouth as advertisement so we strive hard to keep that in good standing. We feel that sometimes instead of paying high dollars to post billboards or newspaper ads we give you discounts and let your savings be our advertisement. We stand behind what we service. If you have questions please just ask. We are a family run Business with traditional family values.
Maintaining your vehicles performance is the key to having a smooth running vehicle for as long as possible. Today's rising gas prices and general cost increases have prompt people to spare on purchases as much as possible. As a general rule preventative maintenance is must for all vehicle's and keeping up with what's been serviced and what hasn't. Prolonged servicing can lead to unwarranted and costly repairs. Be sure to check things often on your vehicle while in for service, you should then obtain an accurate ideal of how long you have until replacement or service is due.
Breakdowns can be costly. When you depend on your vehicle daily it's a good ideal to know exactly what your vehicle needs to keep it going. We also recommend that you keep a log or copies of all service records on your vehicle and ask for information to help you understand the knowledge and upkeep of your vehicle. Knowing what your getting and knowing when you need it can help you to not be caught off guard. Woman in today's world are learning more and more technology about vehicles and there engines performance which is so needed. The Internet is a great book for learning when you should and when you shouldn't. Trust your Automotive Repair Shop to keep you informed and explain what they have or need to do so that you have a full understanding of what's going on with your vehicle. Ask friends, family or neighbors who they trust in Automotive Repair and their experiences, this will give you a better understanding as well. Ask about warranties, brands, and how often. Talk to your repair shop, don't be afraid to ask questions.
Drive Belts can include 1 single serpentine belt as a stand alone or in combination with other v-belts for particular parts. Belts are the key to the engines movement. The main belt is usually the Serpentine Drive belt but not always and it controls the crankshaft which turns the engine. Along with other necessary parts that must run when the engine is running as well. Like the Water Pump, Alternator, Air Conditioning Compressor, Power Steering and others. Belts tend to dry out over time and start cracking in the opposite direction of the belt turning you will notice cracks. When you see this it's time to change the belt. Your engine will not run without this belt. Other belts such as v-belts usually run air conditioning compressor, power steering, air pump and the alternator. The belts are very important too. Avoid costly breakdowns and replace belts when necessary.
Timing Belts
Timing belts are mandatory to run your engine and must be changed at the manufactures mileage recommendation. Some but not all Timing Belts need to be replaced with Water Pump because the Timing Belt is what turns the water pump. If you don't replace the Water Pump if or when you have Timing Belt failure then if the Water Pump goes out later you will then need to replace it along with the Timing Belt again which is costly. Some engines are interference engines and if you do not change the Timing Belt at the Manufactures recommendation it could break causing major engine damage, bending valves. Use caution and replace them when your vehicle manufacture recommends that you do. A Timing Belt has rubber teeth and and can lose 1 tooth and cause engine damage.
Hoses
Hoses are very important to your engine as to keep the antifreeze flowing correctly so that the engine does not over heat. Many vehicle's will have overheat damage due to a busted or pin hole occurrence in the hose. Changing your Hoses should be followed by the recommendation of your Vehicle's Manufacture.
Today Air Conditioning is a must in areas where the heat index stays above comfort. Retail values of your vehicle fall well below it's worth without AC in these climates. Unfortunately it is considered a luxury not a necessity in the pricing for repairs. Listen for any noise when turning your AC System on, like whining, rattling, hissing or burnt smells. These can indicate a signal for inspecting your AC System. Some Repair facilities may require you to repair the entire AC system and some may not. There isn't a way to make sure your system does not have problems or even failure. Common issues are AC Compressor failures (locking up) or leakage at the shaft seal. Some shaft seals can be replaced without replacing the entire Compressor but not all. AC Compressor Clutches can lock up preventing the belt to turn on some vehicles, this will affect the usage of the defrost even in heat mode. AC Evaporator Cores can leak, Condensers can leak, hoses, lines and fittings. These can cause the Freon to leak out which will gradually or all at once reduce the cooling of your AC System. Blower Motors can fail, which blows the strength of the air out of the vents. Placing objects such as pens, pencils or coins on the dashboard should not be done, they can fall into the vents and block the blend door for the venting system this will stop switching from Hot to Cold or vice versa. Always use the recirculation mode in hotter temperature this will allow the cold air inside the car to recirculate within the vehicle. Using Max on High is the best mode. If you use a less than high mode then use regular AC not the Max system.
Heating System
Heating Systems are extremely import to maintain in your vehicle. Problems can lead to intense engine damage. Your Heat requires Thermostats and Heater Core's to be in good condition and working properly. Either one can induce overheating in your engine or failure to get Heat from your engine to Blow inside the vehicle. Engine Temperature Sensors can also cause your engine not to run correctly or your Heating System to heat, if they are not working properly the temperature of the engine will not be what it should be. Your Heating System relies strongly on the Engine's Coolant (Antifreeze). Keeping it clean and the correct ph balance is a must. When not flushed corrosion build up can stop up the Heater Core and overheat your engine or cause you not to have Heat when you need it. Additionally Radiators, Water Pumps and Gaskets depend on your Coolant System so keep it clean and flushed. If your vehicle is overheating do not add cold water to it until it cools, do not remove the radiator cap until it cools. Do not continue to drive when the engine is overheating, this can lead to extreme engine damage.
Batteries usually have a life expectancy of about 3 to 5 years, this can vary. If your Battery is serviceable the water level should be checked while your vehicle is in for service. Maintenance free Batteries are not serviceable. Running your vehicle with a weak Battery can cause many problems. If the correct amperage is not being produce by your Battery then it will use the Alternator to charge, which will drain your Alternator and Battery. If you have known issues with the Battery Charging it's not recommended running or cranking your vehicle until the Battery is replaced. Some Computer controlled devices can be damaged if ran with a weak or bad Battery or Alternator. This can all be avoided. Batteries or Alternators may or may not give your prior warning to the expiration. Your vehicle should not be operated with either the Battery or the Alternator not working correctly. Battery terminals that are loose or damaged can produce low amperage and sometimes will not crank your vehicle. Battery Cables can do the same. If your charging light comes on or the gage shows that it has dropped below what it normally runs then you should take your vehicle to a Repair Shop then to avoid a towing. Voltage Regulators must be working properly as well.
Alternators
Alternators are the key to keeping the Charging System Charging. They are belt driven and charge your system while running the engine. Belts that break or become too loose will result in the Alternator failing to Charge which will cause your Battery to drain and possible failure to the Alternator and Battery may occur. Sometimes Alternators that go bad by them self without another cause will whine or squeal. If your Alternator fails and your Battery fails your engine will not run without them.
Starters
Starters may or may not give you a warning sign of having problems. Usually you will get a click when you try to crank and sometime you can hear the Starter trying to engage but fails. Your Vehicle will not go without the Starter performing it's job to crank the engine.
Changing your engines oil is a major importance to keeping your engine running smooth. Prolong Oil Changes can and will damage your engine. It is always recommended to change your Oil every 3,000 miles. If you suspect a Fluid leak always check your engines oil before starting your vehicle. When having your vehicle serviced with an Oil Change always ask how your oil looked and if any leaks were found. Valves and Lifters will make a noise in the engine when running if your oil level is low or insufficient. Your engine can have many places that oil can leak from so have your vehicle serviced regularly so that any leaks can be noticed. As your vehicles ages you should change the weight of oil you use to adjust to the change in the engine aging. With the climate here in Southern Georgia on a vehicle over 60,000 miles it's recommended to use 10W30 weight oil. Lower mileage engines should use 5W20 or 5W30 weight oil. Using an Oil System cleaner and Conditioner every 24,000 miles is a good ideal for vehicles over 60,000 miles.
Rear and Front differentials Fluids and Transfer Case Fluids should be changed every 30,000 miles. If you use your vehicle in areas where water could enter into the fluids it is strongly recommended to change the fluid when there is this possibility. Repairs on these items are almost always very expensive and can be avoided by changing your fluid regularly. When servicing your vehicle you should have them check the fluid levels and possible signs of water in the fluids. Commercial vehicle should always service these fluids if hauling or towing. Some Commercial vehicles are used in construction areas that put have large puddles of water that can get into your fluids and if not changed it will cause damage.
Flushing your Power Steering Fluid should be done every 50,000 miles. Front wheel drive vehicle should use this advice. Front wheel drive vehicles have rack-n-pinions and it's important to keep clean Power Steering Fluid in your vehicle to get the longest life of your Power Steering Pump and or Rack-n-Pinion. When servicing your vehicle such as an oil change be sure to have them check your Power Steering Fluid Level and the color.
Have your Brakes checked every 25,000 miles and every time you rotate your tires ask the technician to look at your brake pads and let you know how they look. Warning signs are squeals and grinding. The longer you drive after the warning signals the worse the damage will be. Brake Pads will stop until they no longer can and then it's too late. Once you use all the Brake Pads up then you start grinding into the Brake Rotor which usually will have to be replaced if you have driven much without proper pad thickness. Remember to log when you checked and about how long you have before you should get them done. Brake Calipers do not always give you forewarning before they fail and sometimes they do. Pulling when you apply Brakes to stop can be of some indication and the wheel overheating is another. Always have your Brake Rotors machine turned when you replace the Brake Pads. Keep it safe for you as well as others on the road. Check your Brakes and replace them when necessary. Don't risk it.
Have your Brakes Checked when getting a Tire Rotation or at least every 25,000 miles. Squeals and grinding noise should always be evaluated. If you notice fluid on the inside of the tire or tires leaking, have it checked! It could be Wheel Cylinders leaking. Brakes are a safety issue and you should not question it, if you need brakes get them done. Keep a log of when you checked last and approximately how long you have left before they need to be changed. Always have your drums checked and machine turned when you do a brake shoe replacement.
When you are servicing your vehicle always have your Brake Fluid level checked and the color checked as well. Old and Dark Brake Fluid should be flushed. It's a good ideal to flush your Brake Fluid every 60,000 miles if the system has not been flushed with a brake service already.
The engine Antifreeze should be changed by Flushing every 24 months. Keeping the ph balance and freeze level is important to keep corrosion from building up. Corrosion build up can destroy gaskets, radiators, water pumps and freeze plugs. When servicing your vehicle such as an oil change have them check your engines Antifreeze ph balance and freeze level and visually look at the Antifreeze to check for changes.
Your vehicles engine Air Filter is used to filter air that is drawn into the engine, when you service your vehicle such as an oil change have them check your Air Filter, if it isn't dirty at the time have the shake it out to remove sand and particles. If your Air Filter become dirty, wet or clogged it can keep your engine from running properly. The is constant suction through the Air Filter keeps debris and particles out of the engine which can cause damage with prolong build up. Filters should be changed at least every 10,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter
Cabing Air Filters should be changed every 24,000 to 30,000 miles.
It is strongly recommend that you change your Fuel Filter at least every 24,000 miles if your vehicle is equipped with a filter that is serviceable alone, without the Fuel Pump. With todays fuel having many contaminates in it, it is necessary to change the fuel filter to prevent clogging which causes your vehicle to become hard to start or shut off at stops. A Fuel Filter that is not working properly in preventing contaminants from entering into the fuel injection system and fuel tank can lead to Fuel Pump failure. Once your fuel filter becomes full then it is no longer stopping particles and containments from escaping. Some Fuel Filter will stop up and create a very slow fuel release so that your vehicle is not getting the proper amount of fuel that is needed. Today's prices on most fuel pumps are very expensive. Adding Gasoline additives to your fuel that are recommended by most repair shops is a good ideal, use them on a full tank of gas so that you get the full benefits, it will work the same on a 1/4 tank as well as on a full so why not allow longer cleaning time. Some fuel filters are made into the Fuel Pump module which can not be serviced. Ask your Repair Shop if you have a serviceable Fuel Filter and keep it changed regularly.
Changing your Transmission Fluid and Filter is of great importance in maintaining the life of your Transmission. If you haul or tow it is necessary to change your fluid and filter more often than if you do not. About every 18,000 miles is recommended on a vehicle that hauls or tows and others that do not should change your fluid and filter about every 24,000 to 30,000 miles. When you prolong the servicing of your Transmission you should flush with a complete Transmission filter change as well. Flushing exchanges all fluid verses a filter change (removing the transmission pan) only replaces about 5-7 quarts of fluid. A flush consist of 12-15 quarts or whatever your vehicle's transmission holds. Darkened Transmission Fluid needs changing. If you have waited for years or many miles and have not serviced your Transmission it is not recommended that you do so. It could cause Transmission Failure. For example if you have waited 5 years and 150,000 miles and have never serviced your Transmission it's not recommended to do so if you are experiencing Transmission shift problems unless you are prepared to Repair the Transmission at the time because the possibility is great that it will have problems and the chances are slim that it won't. Routinely when getting an Oil Change Service, have them check the fluid, for very dark or a burnt smell. If that is found, service your Transmission to prevent damage.
When you are servicing your vehicle always have your Brake Fluid level checked and the color checked as well. Old and Dark Brake Fluid should be flushed. It's a good ideal to flush your Brake Fluid every 60,000 miles if the system has not been flushed with a brake service already.
Change your Crankcase, Breather and PCV Valve every 24,000 miles if not needed sooner. These are smaller filters but are still important to your engine. PCV Valves can stop up causing engine performace problems.
Most vehicles have a life expectancy on the Spark Plugs of 100,000 miles if they are double platinum spark plugs. Standard Spark Plugs should be changed about every 30,000 miles to avoid damage to other parts. You should change Double Platinum Spark plugs at about 80,000. Spark Plugs misfiring can cause a Check Engine light issue and a misfire code can be stored, however a misfire code can be many other issues. Prolonging the change of your Spark Plugs can cause other problems with spark plug wires, coils and modules. When your Check Engine Light comes on or you notice that your engine is not running it's normal way always take your vehicle to a service shop and have checked.
Your Fuel Injectors should be cleaned about every 35,000 to 45,000 miles to remove build up. It is best to use a Gas Additive as well and so that you get the full potential of cleaning the injection system you should use with a full tank of gasoline. Cleaning injectors, throttle body and the air intake should be done as a complete service. Dirty Fuel Injectors can affect the engines performance. Leaking Fuel Injectors and or Fuel Injector seals are an extreme danger and can cause a fire. It is not safe to drive a vehicle with leaking Fuel Injectors or Injector Seals.
