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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The crankcase is the bottom area of the engine that holds the oil. When the pickup engine’s running, fuel is burned to generate power. Most of the exhaust from combustion goes out through the exhaust system. But some exhaust blows by the pistons and goes into the lower engine, or crankcase.

These hot gases are about seventy percent unburned fuel. This can dilute and contaminate the oil, leading to damaging engine oil sludge. It can also cause engine corrosion in your pickup. At high speeds, the pressure can build up to the point that gaskets and seals start to leak.

Grandview car owners need to know that over time, the vented gases will gum up the PCV valve and it won’t work well. That can lead to all of the problems I’ve already described, oil leaks, excessive oil consumption and wasted gas.

Fortunately, it’s very easy to test the PCV valve and quick and inexpensive to replace it at Lee’s Summit Total Auto. Even so, it’s often overlooked because many Grandview drivers don’t know about it.

Check your pickup owner’s manual or ask your Lee’s Summit Total Auto advisor. If this is the first time you’ve heard of a PCV valve, you might be in line for a PCV valve replacement.

Please ask us about your PCV valve. For the price of a couple of burger combo meals, you can avoid some very expensive deep engine repairs.

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.

Let’s focus on stopping in wet Lees Summit conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can’t move the water, the tire will actually ride on top of a thin film of water.

That’s called hydroplaning. At Lee’s Summit Total Auto we want our customers to know that if it’s really bad, you can actually spin out of control. At best, you won’t stop as fast.

So how does a tire move water? It has channels for water to flow through. Look at a tire and you’ll see channels: channels that run around the tire and channels that flow across the tire. They’re designed to direct water away from the tire so it can contact the road better.

And the deeper the channel, the more water it can move. A brand new tire has very deep channels and can easily move a lot of water. As the tire wears down, the channels become shallower and can move less water. When it wears down enough, it can seriously affect your ability to stop on wet Lees Summit roads.

So that’s why it’s so important for Lees Summit drivers to replace the tires on their pickups when they get worn. Consumer Reports and other advocate groups call for a standard of 3/32 of an inch and they have the studies to prove it.

By comparison, you’ve probably seen the wear indicator that’s molded into tires. When tires are worn 3/32 of an inch, the tread wear bar is visible. So the recommended standard has twice the tread depth as a completely worn out tire.

And that little bit of additional tread makes a big difference. Stopping distances are cut dramatically on wet roads. A safe stop from MO freeway speeds with 4/32 of an inch of tread would result in a crash with worn out tires.

There’s an easy way to tell when a tire’s worn to 4/32 of an inch. Just insert a quarter into the tread. Put it in upside down. If the tread doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to replace your tires. With a Canadian quarter, the tread should cover the numbers in the year stamp.

You’ve probably heard of this technique using a penny and Abe Lincoln’s head. That measure gives you 2/32 of an inch – half the suggested amount.

Of course, tires are a big ticket item for Lees Summit car owners. Most of us want to get as many miles out of them as we can. But there’s a real safety trade-off. It’s your choice.

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.

Now when you hear “severe service”, you may think it doesn’t apply to you because you don’t feel your driving conditions are severe or extreme – it’s just normal everyday driving around Blue Springs. At Lee’s Summit Total Auto, we discuss the conditions that manufacturers classify as severe so that you can make the judgment on your own driving.

• Most trips are less than four miles
• Most trips are less than ten miles and outside temperatures are below freezing in Blue Springs
• You drive in very hot MO weather
• Driving at low speed most of the time (under 55 mph)
• Stop and go driving
• Operating your vehicle in dusty, polluted or muddy conditions
• You tow a trailer, regularly carry heavy loads or carry a car-top carrier on your pickup

Most Blue Springs drivers operate under severe driving conditions at least some of the time. How do you know which schedule to follow for your pickup?

Carefully think about your driving conditions and decide if you should do your preventive maintenance closer to the severe service recommendation or the regular recommendation. Of course, your Lee’s Summit Total Auto advisor can help you with your decision.

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.

In addition to just wearing out, Lee’s Summit Total Auto customers need to know that suspension components can be damaged in an accident or by a hard impact – like a pothole, hitting a curb or a rock in the road.

Because the life span of shocks can vary so widely, your pickup manufacturer and Lee’s Summit Total Auto recommend periodic inspections. During an inspection, your Independence service technician will check for worn, broken or missing parts.

Signs that shocks or struts are wearing out: The tires may have a cupped wear pattern. This is from the shocks bouncing unevenly as you drive around Independence. You may notice a floaty or drifting sensation when cornering. If the front of your pickup dives excessively when stopping, or rocks back and forth after you stopped, your shocks may be worn out. And if they are leaking fluid, it’s definitely time to replace them.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, come into Lee’s Summit Total Auto for a suspension inspection. Same if you’ve been in an accident that involved one of your wheels. Worn or broken shocks can cause premature wear or failure on other pickup suspension parts such as ball joints and other steering components as well. If your suspension actually fails, it could lead to a serious accident, so let us take care of your suspension components at Lee’s Summit Total Auto.

When you replace your shocks, it’s usually a good idea to replace all four at the same time. That’ll give you more even handling. Talk with your service advisor at Lee’s Summit Total Auto because you don’t want a big difference between the performance of your shocks from wheel to wheel, and replacing all may be the safest bet.

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.

First, the serpentine belt drives your air conditioning system. Next, the belt powers the alternator.

The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. In some pickups, power steering may have an electric drive and power brakes can be vacuum driven.

And, on many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump (on some cars, the water pump is powered by the timing belt).

Your Lee’s Summit Total Auto service technician can perform a visual inspection of the belt to see if it has any cracks that signal the belt could fail soon and will measure the amount of belt material to make sure there is enough.

Lees Summit drivers should be aware that there’s a special, spring loaded pulley attached to the engine called the tensioner pulley and sometimes an extra pulley call the idler pulley. Their job is to make sure there’s a constant tension on the serpentine belt so that it doesn’t slip. The spring can become worn and no longer provide the necessary pressure to keep the belt tight. That’s why it’s often recommended that the tensioner, and the idler pulley if so equipped, be replaced at the same time as the serpentine belt.

All in all, the serpentine belt’s an important part for the function of your pickup. And it’s not that expensive to replace at Lee’s Summit Total Auto – so it’s good to do so before it fails.

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.