Deciphering the Menu Board
You may not be familiar with all of the items on your service center’s menu board, so here is a quick description of the typical services that you may see listed. Remember, the board is there for reference, speak to your NAPA AutoCare service advisor about any other services.
Fuel System Cleaning: Over time, gum and varnish build up on the fuel system. A fuel system cleaning gets rid of the gunk and cleans out the fuel injectors. Most importantly, it saves gas!
Headlamp Replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, you should replace both so you’re sure one isn’t brighter than the other. If your headlamp lenses are yellow or cloudy, have them professionally restored to make them look good as new!
Inspections: People get inspections for many reasons. They may be going on a trip, or they could just want to make sure that their car is ready for a change of season. Inspections are important because it can end up saving you a lot of time and money by diagnosing a problem before it gets worse.
Oil Change: There are several options here. Some centers offer just an oil change and new filer 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.
PCV valve: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation. This valve is the little part that releases pressure from the engine. From time to time gunk can get build up and lead to engine damage. This valve just needs to be changed every now and again.
Power Steering Service: This service is often overlooked. The technician will evacuate old fluid and clean the system. Then new fluid will be added to the power steering system. This will keep the system running well for a long time.
Serpentine Belt: The serpentine belt is the belt that powers the engine’s accessories such as the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You will want to replace this belt before it breaks down or wears too much, because that will lead to other, more expensive problems.
Shocks and Struts: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out very slowly, so it can be difficult to notice when it is time to change them. If they are worn or leaking, they need to be changed ASAP.
Transmission Service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. Think of it like an oil change for your transmission.
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. This creates a better ride and gives your tires a longer life.
Posted
October 9th, 2014