Frequently asked questions.

Air Conditioning (AC) Repair Done Better

Your air conditioning is the only thing between you and the heat of summer.

We use Nitrogen for our compression testing.

• Compressed air contains moisture and other contaminants that may affect test accuracy and potentially damage AC system components. It may not be suitable for detecting smaller leaks or for more precise diagnostics.

How we do it better:

• Test full air conditioning system.
• We also use advanced in-house developed diagnosis techniques to identify the cause of leaks.
  • Quicker identification and correct diagnosis gets you back on the road sooner.
• If possible, we fix only what needs it. Saves you money.
  • If the clutch compressor is faulty, we will disassemble it and repair just the coil.
  • For corroded AC lines, we only replace the rusted sections without changing the entire line.

How your A/C works

Air conditioning is is already complicated without the right knowledge or tools. Ever wonder what all the parts are in your AC system, and how they work together?

• Compression of Refrigerant: Compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the system.
  • The compressor, driven by the car’s engine via a belt, compresses the refrigerant. This compression raises the refrigerant’s temperature and pressure.
• Heat Dissipation in Condenser: A radiator-like component where heat dissipation occurs.
  • The hot, high-pressure refrigerant then moves to the condenser, located at the front of the car near the radiator. Here, the refrigerant releases its heat to the outside air, cooling down but still remaining under high pressure.
• AC Refrigerant Cooling and Expansion: Regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator.
  • Next, the cooled, high-pressure liquid refrigerant moves to the expansion valve or orifice tube, where it undergoes a rapid expansion. This sudden expansion lowers its pressure and temperature.
• Heat Absorption in Evaporator: Absorbs heat from the cabin air.
  • The now cool, low-pressure refrigerant enters the evaporator inside the cabin. As cabin air is drawn over the evaporator coils, the refrigerant inside absorbs heat from the air, cooling it.
• Moisture Removal: A fluid (R-134a or R-1234yf) that carries heat in and out of the cabin.
  • As the refrigerant absorbs heat, moisture from the cabin air condenses on the cold evaporator coils and is drained outside the vehicle, reducing humidity inside the cabin.
• AC Refrigerant Returns to Compressor: Removes moisture from the refrigerant.
  • The refrigerant, now having absorbed heat and turned into a vapor, returns to the compressor to start the cycle again.
• Thermostat Control: Monitors temperature and pressure within the system to control its operation.
  • The system’s thermostat or pressure switch monitors the temperature and pressure of the air and refrigerant to control the operation of the compressor, ensuring the cabin remains at a comfortable temperature.
• Cabin Air Filtration: Filters the air that enters the cabin.
• Throughout this process, the cabin air filter ensures that the air being cooled is free from dust, pollen, and other contaminants.

No Heat in Car? Car Heating Repair

Car heating repair for a blocked heater core will help if you have no heat in car. We use a specialized pressurized cleaning system to perform a heater core flush. Performing this correctly will cost a fraction of the cost of replacement. Don’t be fooled by someone with a bottle of cleaning fluid ;-)

We perform regular maintenance (recommend every 160K/5 years)

• Drain complete cooling system
• Perform complete system flush (Rad/Engine/Heater)
• Refill and test full system (thermostat, heat, cooling)

No Heat in Car? Car Heating Repair with a Heater Core flush?

• Heater Core: A small radiator-like device in dashboard. Uses coolant to warm the air pushed into the cabin.
• Radiator: Lowers the temperature of coolant as it circulates.
• Thermostat: Regulates flow of Coolant.
• Water Pump: Circulates the coolant.
• Coolant Reservoir: Excess coolant is stored.
• Bleeder Valves: If present, used to remove air from the system.

Brake service is necessary for Electric Vehicles with regenerative braking because they have different needs than their gas powered siblings, ask us why. We just do a better job.

• Regenerative braking prolongs brake pad life
• Rotors are typically steel, and rust
• A Brake Service will be necessary

We know the needs, and understand the options. See us last.

Rough shift? Something worse? We understand the transmission, but we also understand how to repair the connected components. With decades of experience we will get you back on the road quick.

Regular maintenance will prolong its life and save on repairs. We save you money by repairing only what’s necessary where possible.

• Fluid and Filter: Perform regularly to avoid transmission failure.
• Torque Converter: Failure can include slipping, shuddering, or a complete loss of power transfer.
• Transmission Control Module (TCM): A faulty TCM can lead to incorrect shifting or failure to shift.
• Solenoids: Faulty solenoids can cause improper shifting patterns.
• Valve Body: Malfunctions can lead to incorrect or erratic shifting.
• Seals and Gaskets: Weart and tear may cause leaks and loss of hydraulic pressure.
• Shift Interlock Solenoid: malfunction would prevent locking into P, D, R.
• Throttle Cable or Linkage: Worn linkage (if present) will affect shifting.
• Transmission Cooler Lines: We always check these to prevent catastrophic failure.

Book a General Appointment. We’ll diagnose it. Need a loaner vehicle? Ask us.