Under the Hood – Auto Repair Terms

Air Conditioning
Our certified mechanics will ensure your air conditioning is in top shape – looking for loose belts and improper operation. We’ll check for leaks and recharge your air conditioning system as needed.

Alternators & Starters
Alternators and starters are critical to providing mechanical and electrical energy to your vehicle. Our expert technicians will check your alternator, starter, ignition and battery to ensure your vehicle’s performance and safety. It’s not always apparent when an alternator fails so have it checked regularly.

Belts & Hoses
The timing belt is made of rubber and allows the crankshaft to turn the camshaft. The camshaft opens and closes the valves in synchronicity with the movement of the pistons. Thus the name, “timing belt.” If your timing belt breaks, your engine will stop working and could cause major engine damage.

Serpentine belts (drive belts) provide power to the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, cooling fan and air injection pump. If it breaks, engine parts stop working and the engine could overheat and get damaged. We’ll check for wear, cracks, and stripping. Have the serpentine belt inspected at every oil change. Studies have shown serpentine belts fail most often between 36,000-50,000 miles.

Hoses provide a connection for coolant to flow between the engine and radiator as well as engine and heating block. Coolant hoses include the upper radiator hose, the lower radiator hose, heater hoses and in some cars the bypass hose. Have your hoses and clamps inspected twice a year.

Car Batteries
The battery in your vehicle should be checked at least every two years by a trained mechanic.

Complete Engine Repair & Tuning
At Superior, we use the latest diagnostic equipment to pinpoint issues with your vehicle. We’ll explain exactly what needs to be done and tell you how much it will cost. We inspect and repair:

• Air Conditioning Systems
• Alternators & Starters
• Batteries
• Filters
• Fuel Injectors
• Fuel Pumps
• Spark Plugs
• Tune Ups
• And More…

 Computerized Engine Diagnostics
With most cars controlled by computers, the best thing to do when your check engine light comes on is bring your vehicle in for an inspection. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, our trained experts can identify which part of the engine is malfunctioning. We’ll always review our findings with you and explain the suggested course of action.

Cooling System
The cooling system works to prevent your engine from getting very hot, overheating and possibly melting. It is critical to your vehicle’s performance. Antifreeze has anti-freeze, anti-boil and anti-corrosive properties but will eventually break down and need to be replaced, usually every two years or 24,000 miles.

Also, your engine can overheat rapidly if the cooling fan is malfunctioning. We’ll check to be sure the belts are not cracked or loose then repair or replace any damaged parts.

A pressure cap or radiator cap should be inspected at least once a year. It should never be taken off while the engine is hot as it could result in severe burns from spraying coolant. Also, the coolant reservoir should be checked during each oil change to be sure it is at a proper level.

The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant depending on the temperature and if not performing properly it can result in engine overheating or knocking, and compromised fuel economy.

Electrical System
Your vehicle’s electrical system has three significant components – the alternator, battery, and starter. The alternator recharges your vehicle’s battery and helps power other electrical loads of your car. Be sure to also have the alternator’s drive belt checked at every oil change. A loose belt can reduce output and run down your battery.

The battery supplies power to the starter and ignition system and can be considered the backbone of the electrical system. It’s a good idea to have it checked every time you change your oil. And, if your battery is more than three years old, it may need to be replaced.

The starter turns the engine when the ignition is turned on. Once a year, it should be tested to ensure it draws the right amount of current. And don’t forget your power steering, exterior lights, defroster, and wipers.

Under Car Care – Auto Repair Terms

ABS Brakes
Most cars manufactured since the mid-1990’s have ABS or anti-lock brakes which help you stop faster, prevent skidding, and save lives. Not only do we inspect, maintain, and replace brake shoes and pads, but we inspect the hydraulics as well, saving you time, money, and aggravation down the road. It is suggested this be done every 24,000 miles or 2 years.

Axle Repair
Your vehicle’s axle bears the weight of the entire vehicle and is an integral, complex part of the steering. The axle is connected to the C joint via the wheel and is covered by a CV joint boot for protection. To prevent serious damage to the CV joints, have the axle checked for damage, fluid leaks, and other signs of wear. Superior’s expert technicians will diagnose any issues and suggest the next steps for your vehicle.

Brake Maintenance & Repair
You may not even think about your vehicle’s brakes because you just expect them to work properly all the time. When you think about how often you use the brake, you realize how much wear and tear is put on them. To keep your brakes in peak condition, be sure to have your Superior technician check them regularly. Our team can service all aspects of the braking system including: drums, rotors, calipers, wheel bearings, master cylinders, anti-lock systems for all types of cars, vans, and trucks.

Catalytic Converters
Mandatory on all vehicles since 1975, catalytic converters help reduce pollution so it is critical to the environment that it works properly. It is located in your exhaust system processing harmful gases like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen. Typically if you have an issue the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon indicator will light up on your dashboard. At Superior, our technicians are certified experts and will inspect your exhaust system as well as check diagnostic codes to repair your vehicle right the first time.

CV Joints & Drive Shafts
CV joints are attached to each end of the drive shaft, connecting the axles to the wheels and transmission, handling the motions of the suspension system. Most CV joint issues start with the drive axle or CV joint boot. If the boot cracks or is broken, grease can leak out while dirt and moisture get into the system causing corrosion, dry out and ultimately failure. Have your Superior technician inspect the CV joint boot regularly – with each oil change – and avoid a costly repair. Back >

Drive Line
The drive line connects to your transmission and differential through universal joints, turning your axles which turn the wheels. It’s important to have the universal and CV joints inspected to ensure there are no cracks or leaks that can damage your vehicle. Shuddering upon acceleration, a clunk while shifting or roughness, clicking or squeaking at low speeds may indicate driveline issues. Regular inspections can pre-empt untimely breakdowns so be sure to ask your Superior technician to inspect the drive line.

Exhaust & Mufflers
Bad mufflers are noisy, embarrassing and pollute the environment. With quality parts and experienced technicians, Superior can repair or replace your exhaust system helping improve fuel economy, horsepower, and safety, not to mention a smooth quiet ride.

Four-wheel Drive Repair
Four-wheel drive, sometimes called 4×4, is important on and off-road, helping to keep your car under control in all weather conditions. All four wheels turn and are getting power from the engine simultaneously verses other vehicles where only front or rear wheels turn. Our expert technicians will inspect your car to ensure optimum performance and safety at all times.