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Mechanic's Garage

Tech Tools

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Today’s vehicles are comprised of complex, high-performance parts and complex computer systems. These systems monitor your vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems in “real-time” to tell you how your car is performing.

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At Frank’s Automotive, we use the latest tech tools to read and diagnose your vehicle’s ailment. Once diagnosed, our expert mechanics will repair the problem with the highest, quality parts to keep your vehicle running at optimum performance.

Brakes

Your braking system is made up of two things...
1. The actual brakes pads and shoes, which "grab" the rotating wheels to slow down and stop the rotation.
2. Your hydraulic system, which interprets pressing the brake pedal into an action that grabs your four wheels and amplifies it so that the small pressure           from your foot can effectively stop a car or truck.

*Some indicators that you may need a brake service...
Squeaking Brakes: This can sometimes be an indication that the stopping surface of your brake pads has "crystallized" and needs replacement.
Grinding Brakes:  Grinding noise is made by a piece of metal sticking through the stopping surface of your brake pad as it tries to grip the metal rotor.
Grabbing Brakes: A sensation of uneven stopping that is most likely due to rotors that need to be machined or resurfaced.
Soft Pedal: When stopped, your brake pedal slowly descends to the floor instead of staying firm.

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Tune-Up

Performing regular tune-ups on your vehicle will help keep your vehicle in good working condition and prolong the life of your vehicle. Your vehicle manufacturer recommends these services in your owner's manual.
 

We've listed a few examples below of various tune-up services:
Replacing the fuel filter, Changing spark plugs, Replacing your distributor cap and rotor, Adjusting valves, Adjusting ignition timing, Checking belts, Replacing the air filter, Checking the battery, etc.

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Scheduled Maintenance

The manufacturer of your car or truck provides guidelines and recommended maintenance schedules specific to your vehicle. Performing these services in accordance with the guidelines and set schedules is critical to keep your vehicle running trouble-free. Additionally, performing routine maintenance will serve to decrease the overall maintenance cost of your car in the long run.
Check your owner's manual for a recommended maintenance schedule. We will be glad to answer questions you might have and has technicians ready to perform your scheduled maintenance.

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Transmission

Manufacturers provide guidance on when you should replace your transmission fluid. Generally, automatic transmission fluid should be inspected every 3,000 miles.
By evaluating the fluid level, odor, and color, we can identify possible leaks or malfunctions with your transmission.
Weather significantly affects your transmission fluid, which is why it is important to replace the fluid according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Come see us if you need an inspection or replacement of your transmission fluid.

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Fuel Injection

Deposits accumulate on intake valves, injectors, ports, and combustion chambers. When this occurs, your vehicle's performance will be affected.
It is important to clean your fuel injection and induction system to achieve reduced emissions, restored horsepower, increased fuel economy, and smoother idles. Stop by our shop and let us clean your system using our top brand products.

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Clutches

Our technicians can inspect your clutch, clutch linkage, and clutch hydraulics and replace parts when needed.
A clutch controls slippage between the engine and transmission. The clutch allows the wheels to be disconnected from the engine so the driver can change gears and can stop the vehicle without killing the engine. When the clutch is not disengaging the transmission from the engine, it can often make a grinding noise. As the clutch plate wears on your vehicle, you may notice a change in your clutch pedal height and may need to apply more pressure to engage your transmission.

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Exhaust

We specialize in pipe bending and carry performance turbos in a variety of styles. SuperTurbos, Flowmaster, and IMCO turbos are all kept in stock. Our shop also has a large selection of chrome tips and extensions to top off your new dual job. If your car or truck just doesn't sound right, come see us and we will give you the sound and look you are looking for.
Your vehicle's exhaust system removes harmful, pollutant exhaust gases, reduces engine noises and enhances overall performance. We use the best exhaust parts we can buy. The mufflers and pipes are all aluminized. If your car won't pass inspection because of a bad converter, don't worry – we also replace catalytic converters. Our shops' mufflers come with a lifetime warranty and we stand behind all of our work.

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Batteries

Let our technicians take a look at your battery. When needed, we will recommend or supply a quality battery that fits your needs.
Your battery is the source of electric energy for your vehicle. It supplies the power to start your vehicle as well as run various electrical components of your car or truck such as lights, power windows, and locks. When your battery is not maintained properly, it can significantly reduce the life expectancy of your car. Weather can be tough on your battery, so you should have your battery checked periodically.

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Alignment

Misalignment of your vehicle’s front or rear wheels can cause rapid and uneven tread wear which is the primary reason for requiring tire replacement.
The benefits of a wheel alignment have major implications for the performance of your car. Alignment can improve driver safety, stop that feeling of pulling, increase fuel efficiency, and maximize the life of your tires – and that is just the beginning.

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Steering/Suspension

Your suspension system helps you stay in control when you're on the road. We can help ensure your safety by keeping your suspension system up to every twist and turn the road may bring.
Shocks and Struts Warning Signs: Fluid leaking out of the shock or strut body. Shock or strut bodies are dented or damaged. Mounts or bushings are broken or worn. Cupped, uneven tire wear. Vehicle sways or lean's on turns. Your vehicle "nose dives" when you apply the brakes. Excessive bouncing after hitting a road bump. Harsh, bumpy, or shaky ride. Steering is stiff or makes noise.

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Air Conditioning

Our professional technicians are certified to diagnose and repair many components in your air conditioning system including the A/C compressor, condenser, blower motor, relays, cooling fans, and more!

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Cooling System

The radiator is the core of your vehicle’s cooling system, responsible for reducing the heat generated from the coolant circulating through your vehicle’s cooling system. The radiator must be clean, leak-free, filled with coolant, and clear of blockages. Coolant that is not maintained becomes acidic over time and degrades the internals of your cooling system. This deterioration results in the structural break-down of hoses, gaskets, and belts.
Degraded coolant can lead to premature water pump failure brought on by deteriorated seals. This means the leaky gasket or hose that you fix today might be the weakest of many weak points in your cooling system. Fixing these one-off leaks could just be a short term solution for a much larger problem. The good news is these issues can be avoided by performing coolant flushes at the intervals recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

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Check Engine Light

The check engine light is on! What does it mean?
If your check engine light is illuminated, it's best to take it in for diagnostic testing.
Check engine lights may vary in appearance from vehicle to vehicle, but they all have the same basic meaning: There's a problem with the car's emissions system.
The on-board diagnostics system and engine control unit are in charge of monitoring a bunch of different parameters, and if they get a reading that's a little out of whack, up pops the check engine light.

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Computer Diagnostics

When working on cars and trucks of the modern era, computer testing and diagnostics are an integral aspect of mechanical work. From resetting electronic features, including automotive CPUs to repairing issues manually. Diagnostics are necessary to find the root causes of major and potential problems.

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