CHECKLIST  
 

 
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     WINTER  
 
What we do for you:
 
Check your complete brake system.
Check your Steering, Suspension and Shocks.
Check your Exhaust system.
Check brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, headlights, and trunk/hatch light
Check your antifreeze
Check your windshield wiper fluid and wiper blades
Check your tire treads
Check your suspension
Check your  battery and charging system
Clean or replace your air filter
Change your oil
 
 

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     F.A.Q's  
  Frequently Asked Questions

PICK A CATEGORY
  		 
 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ALTERNATOR  
  Alternator gauge shows charge, but the battery light is on dim.
The alternator has a bad diode. It's still charging, but if it is not
repaired or replaced you may not know when it does go bad.


Motor starts fine in the morning, but engine dies after a short drive.
Alternator is not charging.
The alternator will need to be tested and either rebuilt or replaced.


The headlights are very dim, until I race the motor.
The voltage regulator is bad. And will need to be replaced. On most systems
the regulator is inside the alternator and it will need to be rebuilt or replaced.		  
 

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     BATTERY  
  Battery is dead in the morning, but works fine the rest of the day.
The battery has a dead cell and loses charge overnight.
The battery needs to be replaced.


Turn the key and get one loud click and then nothing.
Check and clean the battery terminals, and replace if necessary		  
 

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   BRAKES  
  Squeal or squeak that disappears when the brake is applied.
Most disc brake pads have a warning clip that rubs the rotor
when the pads need replacing, check the front brakes.


Installed new disc brake pads and now I have a squeal when braking.
Disc brake pads need a proper backing so they don't vibrate. A
good product to eliminate this problem is called "Brake Quiet".


Brake pedal pulsates when I apply the brakes.
Disc brake rotors are out of round and need to be resurfaced.


When stoped at a traffic light, brake pedal slowly goes to the floor.
The master cylinder is bad and needs to be replaced.


Car pulls to one side while braking.
The front disc brake caliper, opposite of the pull is not
working and will need to be rebuilt or replaced.


When I apply the brakes, one rear wheel grabs.
A rear wheel lock up is caused by fluid on the brake shoes.
Check the rear wheels for a leaking wheel cylinder or axle seal.		  
 

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     COOLING

  
  Motor overheats very quickly when started.
Thermostat stuck in closed position.



Motor never overheats but runs much warmer than normal.
Radiator is partially restricted, and needs to be cleaned or replaced.



Coolant appears foamy and a brown color.
Oil has gotten into the coolant. This is because of
a bad head gasket or a cracked cylinder head.		  
 

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   ELECTRICAL  
  Turn signals come on but only blink on one side.
There must be a bulb out, check the bulbs on that side.


Turn signals come on, but will not blink on either side.
The turn signal flasher is bad and needs to be replaced.


When trailer is hooked up, turn signals blink very fast.
The turn signal flasher is not strong enough, install a heavy duty flasher.		  
 

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     STARTER  
  I hear one click, then after 2 or 3 tries, it starts.
The starter solenoid relay) is bad and needs to be replaced.
On some models this is mounted on the top of the starter,
on others it's mounted on the inner fender near the battery


I hear a rapid clicking sound when I turn the key.
The battery is weak and needs to be recharged or replaced.


The starter tries to turn, but then just whirls.
The bendix (starter drive) is bad and needs to be replaced.
Make sure you inspect the flywheel.


Even when cold the starter turns very slowly.
The starter is drawing to many amps. It will need to be rebuilt or replaced.		  
 

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COMMUNICATION  
  KEY TO CAR REPAIR IS COMMUNICATION
Good communication between the customer and repair shop can make all the difference in getting the problem fixed to your satisfaction.

Describe whether it happens when the car is warm or cold, at highway speeds or in the city, stopping or accelerating.

Turn off your stereo once in a while and listen to the sound of your car when it's healthy so your better able to notice when it needs help.

As frustrating as it is to deal with unexpected car problems, don't make it tougher by expecting your repair shop to know what's wrong.

KNOW YOUR CAR
Get to know your car too. Read the owner's manual so you know what to expect.

In addition, if you are enthusiastic, sign up for a night school course at the high school, or look for a car care clinic at some of your local repair facilities. What you learn could save you quite a few dollars down the road. 		 
 

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