May 16, 2012

Cooling System Service At Lee’s Summit Total Auto

Filed under: Cooling System — leessu465 @ 7:46 pm

Cooling System Service At Lee's Summit Total Auto

Your pickup cooling system’s job is to keep your engine cool. Coolant (also called antifreeze) mixed with water flows through your engine and absorbs heat. The mixture then flows out to the radiator where it’s cooled by air flowing over the radiator. From there the cooled mix circulates back through the pickup engine to absorb more heat.

Coolant, or antifreeze, is specially formulated to keep your engine safe in a wide range of environmental and operating temperatures in Lees Summit.

Without coolant, the pickup’s metal engine parts would expand so much that the engine would seize up and stop running.  Expensive parts could be broken or warp so badly they would have to be replaced at Lee’s Summit Total Auto in Lees Summit. It could even be so bad that the whole engine is ruined and has to be replaced.

Also, if it’s freezing outside in Lees Summit, the water in your engine could freeze while your vehicle is sitting out in the MO cold. This is why you check coolant levels frequently and have your cooling system inspected for leaks. Also your manufacturer has a maintenance requirement for draining and replacing your coolant. These recommendations can vary widely, so check your Lees Summit owner’s manual or ask your service advisor at Lee’s Summit Total Auto in Lees Summit.

The reason you need to change the coolant is that it has additives in it to protect the cooling system. As you can imagine, with all the heat, the cooling system’s a pretty harsh environment. The additives keep the fluid from becoming corrosive and damaging the radiator and other Lees Summit cooling system components. Over time, the additives are depleted and the coolant just has to be replaced. A simple pH test can measure the coolant’s acidity.

You may have noticed that there are different colors of antifreeze at Lee’s Summit Total Auto: it is very important that you use the correct type.  The different coolant types are different colors so you don’t mix them up.  Manufacturers use different materials to make the cooling system, and they require different types of antifreeze to protect them.

So check with your courteous Lee’s Summit Total Auto service advisor or owner’s manual for the right kind because using the wrong coolant can void the warranty for your pickup cooling system.

Ask us about cabin air filter, cooling system service and transfer case service.

Give us a call

Lee’s Summit Total Auto
816.525.0414
512 Southwest 3rd Street
Lees Summit, MO 64063

At Lee’s Summit Total Auto in Lees Summit MO (64063) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 816.525.0414. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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May 10, 2012

Deciphering The Menu Board At Greenwood Service Centers : Part 2

Filed under: Diagnostics — leessu465 @ 5:46 pm

Deciphering The Menu Board At Greenwood Service Centers : Part 2

Greenwood auto service centers have a menu board that lists the services they provide. Some Greenwood auto owners may not be familiar with all of the items on the board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto fuel system cleaning: Over time, the pickup fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas, by the way.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto headlamp replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. It’s usually good to change them every year or so.

Inspections: Greenwood drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re leaving Greenwood and going on a trip or just want to make sure their pickup’s ready for summer or winter. Maybe they just bought a used car in Greenwood and want to give it the once over. An inspection may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto oil change – there are several options: Some Greenwood centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. In my way of thinking, the full service option is best because it makes sure you have adequate fluids in your pickup and may uncover an emerging problem. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto PCV valve service: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. Just needs to be changed now and then.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto power steering service: Often overlooked. The Greenwood auto technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the system running well for a long time.

Serpentine belt: That’s the belt that powers the pickup’s engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt before it breaks, because that’ll shut you down.

Shocks and struts: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components in your pickup. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Greenwood people don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Greenwood transmission service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Tire rotation and wheel balancing: The pickup tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear for Greenwood car owners.

At Lee’s Summit Total Auto in Lees Summit MO (64063) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 816.525.0414. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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May 2, 2012

Air Conditioning Maintenance At Lee’s Summit Total Auto In Lees Summit

Filed under: Air Conditioning — leessu465 @ 9:23 pm

Air Conditioning Maintenance At Lee's Summit Total Auto In Lees Summit

Most Lees Summit area car owners don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. Maintaining your pickup air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job. Small leaks in the air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can’t cool the air as well.

Along with the refrigerant, a special oil circulates in the system. The oil lubricates air conditioning components, and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil means that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and we all know that air conditioning repairs can be costly in Blue Springs.

Air conditioning service at Lee’s Summit Total Auto in Lees Summit starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks. The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it’s inspected for cracks or wear.

The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper operation by your Lee’s Summit Total Auto service advisor. Then comes the leak test. If a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it’s repaired and the pickup system is retested. Your Lee’s Summit Total Auto technician will also perform a temperature drop test.

If needed, the old refrigerant is evacuated and the system is recharged with clean, fresh refrigerant. A final test insures that the air conditioner is working, and you’re on your way.

How often this should be done at Lee’s Summit Total Auto varies from vehicle to vehicle. Your pickup owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s recommendation and, of course, your courteous Lee’s Summit Total Auto service advisor can tell you. It’s typically every two years.

Give us a call

Lee’s Summit Total Auto
512 Southwest 3rd Street
Lees Summit, MO 64063

At Lee’s Summit Total Auto in Lees Summit MO (64063) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 816.525.0414. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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April 26, 2012

Deciphering The Menu Board At Lee’s Summit Total Auto: F to W

Filed under: Making Your Vehicle Last — leessu465 @ 6:08 pm

Deciphering The Menu Board At Lee's Summit Total Auto F to W

You may not be familiar with all of the items on Lee’s Summit Total Auto’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your Lee’s Summit Total Auto Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Fuel System Cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning at Lee’s Summit Total Auto gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas as you drive around Lees Summit and on Blue Springs freeways, by the way.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Headlamp Replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to like new-condition. As your courteous Lee’s Summit Total Auto advisor for information.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Inspections: Lees Summit drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Lees Summit. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection at Lee’s Summit Total Auto may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Oil Change Service – there are several options: Some Lees Summit auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto PCV Valve Service: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. Just needs to be changed now and then.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Power Steering Service: Often overlooked. Your Lee’s Summit Total Auto technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the system running well for a long time.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Serpentine Belt Replacement: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt at Lee’s Summit Total Auto before it breaks or wears down too much, because that’ll lead to other problems.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Shocks and Struts Replacement: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Lees Summit motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Transmission Service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Lee’s Summit Total Auto Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Lees Summit.

Give us a call

Lee’s Summit Total Auto
816.525.0414
512 Southwest 3rd Street
Lees Summit, MO 64063

At Lee’s Summit Total Auto in Lees Summit MO (64063) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 816.525.0414. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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April 18, 2012

Viva la Differential At Lee’s Summit Total Auto

Filed under: Differential Service — leessu465 @ 8:15 pm

Viva la Differential At Lee

With front-wheel drive being so common in Lees Summit these days, the differential is just taken care of during a transmission service, so most Lees Summit folks don’t even have to think about it. And most rear-wheel drive pickup differentials don’t need to be serviced for many miles, so it’s understandable that it’s not something on the top of mind. So it’s not uncommon for MO people to not know they have a differential let alone know that it needs service.

To better understand what a differential does, think about a high school track. There are lanes marked off on the track. For the longer distance races, the starting lines are staggered. The starting lines for the outside lanes are ahead of the starting lines for the inside lanes. That’s to compensate for the longer length of the outside lanes. Staggering the starting lines means that each runner has the same distance to run.

The differential compensates for the difference in speeds on drive wheels between the inside wheel and the outside wheel in a turn, because they have to travel together through slightly different distances.

Many pickup differentials do a lot of work and require very heavy duty parts. And those parts need protection. The differential fluid lubricates the gears in the differential and keeps them cool. The fluid eventually gets dirty and worn down. Some kinds of differentials require special additives that break down over time. So manufacturers and Lee’s Summit Total Auto technicians recommend intervals for replacing your differential fluid.

Your Lee’s Summit Total Auto service technician will drain the used fluid and check it out for metal bits, which could be a sign of excessive wear on the gears. He’ll then replace the fluid and install the additives if necessary.

Lees Summit four wheel drive pickups need special attention to their differentials because they have a differential on both the front and rear axles that work at different times and sometimes under heavy loads – so they may need to be serviced at Lee’s Summit Total Auto at different intervals.

Your Lees Summit service advisor can look up the manufacturer’s recommended service interval or you can check your pickup owner’s manual.

Give us a call

Lee’s Summit Total Auto
816.525.0414
512 Southwest 3rd Street
Lees Summit, MO 64063

At Lee’s Summit Total Auto in Lees Summit MO (64063) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 816.525.0414. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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