AUTONET TV BLOG

More Than Noise Control:

Your vehicle’s exhaust system does more than direct fumes out the back.  In addition to playing a critical role in safety, performance and fuel efficiency, it also is crucial in protecting our environment. Regular exhaust service makes sure your system continues operating as designed, preventing small issues from becoming dangerous or expensive problems.

We all know the exhaust system safely routes harmful gases away from the engine and passenger cabin. It helps to reduce toxic emissions and minimize engine noise. Modern systems include components such as the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, muffler and tailpipe. All of these work together to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Many factors can cause the exhaust system to fail, including rust, cracks or clogged components.  They will make your engine work harder, which can lead to reduced power and poorer fuel economy.

Safety is another reason to maintain your exhaust system. A leak can allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabin. Even brief exposure to this odorless and highly toxic gas can cause dizziness, headaches or impaired driving ability.  The longer you breathe it can be life‑threatening. This makes prompt inspection essential at the first sign of unusual noise, vibration or exhaust odor.

Regular exhaust service also protects the environment by ensuring your catalytic converter effectively reduces harmful pollutants. A well‑maintained system not only helps your vehicle meet emissions standards, it also can prevent costly repairs and keeps your engine performing at its best.

Bringing in your vehicle for routine exhaust service is a smart investment in your vehicle’s longevity, your safety and everyone’s cleaner air.

Arizona Auto and Radiator Repair
1255 E FRY BLVD
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
520-459-2216
www.azautorepair.net

Steer Clear of Trouble

When your vehicle’s power steering is in top shape, it’s effortless and precise, making direction changes easy; you’re hardly even aware of it.  But power steering can develop problems, and if you don’t pay attention to them, you may wind up needing expensive repairs.

Many systems use power steering fluid, which relies on the pressure of that fluid to help turn your vehicle.  If there’s a leak in your system, the fluid can leak out, and you can lose that power assist.  You’ll know something is wrong if you can feel the steering becoming more difficult, especially at low speeds.  You may hear a whining sound when you turn or notice spots of fluid under the vehicle,

Another component of power steering that can fail is the pump that pressurizes the fluid.  It can wear out, and you can lose your power assist.  Clues you have a bad power steering pump are a whining sound that increases when you turn your wheel and the feeling that the steering isn’t responding as quickly as it used to,

Many power steering systems are driven by a belt, and they can fail or get loose.  Symptoms include a squeal when you start your engine, power assist that comes and goes or cracks in the belt.

A gear that moves your wheels (called rack and pinion) can wear out or fail. Signs include fluid leaking, uneven or stiff steering, a clunking sound when you turn or lots of play in your steering.

Other power steering problems include air in your system or a faulty pressure valve.  

If you have electric power steering, it uses electricity instead of fluid.  Different things can fail, such as wiring or motor issues and a failing steering torque sensor.  Whether you have hydraulic or electric power steering, periodically bring your vehicle in so we can have a technician track down any issues and get your steering system pointed in the right direction.

Arizona Auto and Radiator Repair
1255 E FRY BLVD
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
520-459-2216
www.azautorepair.net

Keep Cool: Why Radiator Hoses Matter

If there’s one thing you want to make sure is going on under your vehicle’s hood, it’s that your engine doesn’t get too hot.  Heat is an engine’s worst enemy, and it can result in very expensive repairs, even leave you stranded in a tough spot.

One vital part of your vehicle is the radiator hose, which connects the engine to the radiator.  That’s where the heat goes to be carried away from your vehicle and is dispersed to the air outside.

A faulty radiator hose can lead to serious engine problems if it’s not handled quickly.  An aging, stressed radiator hose can develop cracks and leaks, leading to coolant leaking under your vehicle.  The rubber in the hose may weaken, swelling near the clamps that attach it to the radiator and may ultimately burst.  

You may smell coolant when a radiator hose is failing.  It has kind of a sweet odor, one that is a sign you shouldn’t ever ignore.  You may notice the temperature gauge on your dash is headed up past the middle zone, one possible sign of a radiator hose going bad.  And if you see steam coming out from under the hood, that’s a sign that some coolant may be leaking onto a hot surface.  

It is, of course, better to maintain your radiator hose’s health before any of these signs.  We recommend a technician regularly inspect hoses for wear, especially when you are planning a long drive.  It’s also important they check the areas next to clamps and bends.

Periodic replacement, say, every five years or so, is one way to reduce the chances of a radiator hose failure.  And it’s always a good idea to have the coolant in your vehicle regularly checked, as that may point to failures in the coolant system.  

Consider your radiator hose much more than just a rubber tube.  It’s one lifeline to a cool, healthy engine.  

Straight Steering Starts Here

Wheel alignment is one of those maintenance items you probably don’t notice until something doesn’t feel quite right. But alignment plays a major role in how safely and smoothly your vehicle handles. If your wheels aren’t all pointed in the right direction, everything from steering response to tire life is affected.

Your vehicle can get out of alignment for several reasons. Everyday driving alone can gradually shift alignment angles, especially on rough or uneven roads. You can knock your suspension out of whack instantly when you hit a pothole, curb or debris on the road. Worn suspension components—like ball joints, tie rods or control arm bushings—also can contribute to misalignment over time. For instance, if you have new tires installed or suspension parts replaced without a proper alignment, that can cause uneven handling and premature wear.

Alignment service is important for many reasons. First of all, it protects your tires. Misalignment causes uneven tread wear, which shortens tire life and reduces traction. That means you’ll get less grip during braking and cornering, especially in wet conditions. Proper alignment also improves fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance; it helps your vehicle move more smoothly down the road.

Safety is another major factor. A vehicle that pulls to one side, wanders or has an off‑center steering wheel is harder to control, especially at higher speeds. Alignment service restores stability and steering precision.  You’ll also find it improves overall driving confidence.

To give it to you straight, wheel alignment isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety, performance and protecting your investment. Make sure you bring your vehicle to us regularly to keep your vehicle driving straight, your tires lasting longer and your ride feeling its best.

Arizona Auto and Radiator Repair
1255 E FRY BLVD
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
520-459-2216
www.azautorepair.net

Smooth Moves

Stop for a moment and think of what’s holding that heavy engine that sits under your vehicle’s hood to your vehicle’s frame.  Your engine weighs hundreds of pounds, so it’s a big burden on those things that are holding it in place.  Same is true for what holds your vehicle’s transmission in place.

The parts responsible are called mounts: engine mounts for the engine, transmission mounts for the transmission.  They are either made of rubber or what’s called a hydraulic cushion, a mount filled with fluid instead of being made of rubber.

One thing to warn you mounts might be failing is you will feel shakes or vibrations, especially when stopped at a traffic light or when you’re idling.  Another symptom is thumping or clunking sounds.  You may notice the engine is rocking if you rev it in neutral, your gear changes feel jerkier than they used to or you hear more engine noise or vibration.  

If you notice any of these signs, you should have one of our technicians check it out fairly soon.  The reason?  If you wait too long to have a bad engine or transmission mount replaced, that delay can lead to premature wear on your axles or driveshafts, hoses and wires stretching or cracking and exhaust joints and flex pipes stressed to the point of failing.  

We’ll check your old mounts, remove the bad ones and install new ones.  The technician will make sure everything is aligned and check the engine for vibration before heading out on a final road test.  Once your new mounts are installed, you’ll notice the engine runs more smoothly, and your gear shifts feel as seamless as they should.

Arizona Auto and Radiator Repair
1255 E FRY BLVD
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
520-459-2216
www.azautorepair.net