Around Roswell

Oil Changes: As a rule of thumb, your oil should be changed every three months or 3,000 — 3,500 miles. The main reason for changing your oil is contamination. Every time you shut off your car, a small amount of fuel is delivered to the cylinder that does not get burned off. This gasoline seeps past the rings and into the crankcase oil, which will burn off if the car runs for ten minutes or longer. However, if you frequently take short trips, the oil never gets hot enough to burn off the gasoline and becomes diluted, compromising its ability to protect your engine. You can check for this condition by smelling the oil on your dipstick. It should not smell of gasoline nor smell burned. If either situation exists, you should change your oil. Additionally, oil can be contaminated with partially burnt carbon compounds or ash. If the oil is not regularly changed, the build up will clog oil passageways and eventually block the oil pickup tube in the engine. You can check for this type of contamination by inspecting the engine side of your oil filler cap. The cap should have a dark, brassy yellow color with no clumps of black deposits.

Tune Ups: Many people refer to a "service" as a "tune up." The term usually means an ENGINE service, which formerly included services such as replacing spark plugs, plug wires, and air filters while adjusting valves and checking fuel mixture. However, computer control systems in modern engines have eliminated things such as adjusting fuel mixture and ignition timing. Engines must still be serviced, though. All cars require periodic engine services. Although the newer engines do not have many of the service parts and adjustments of the older ones, they still require more than just new plugs and an air filter. The newer engines require newer diagnostic tools to ensure that all the computer systems and their various sensors are functioning properly.

Transmission Flushes: A transmission flush is recommended every 30,000 miles on cars using organic based fluids and every 60,000 miles on cars using synthetic fluids. Synthetic fluids are more sophisticated and longer lasting than organic fluids, but are also more expensive. However, the extra mileage received from the synthetic fluids offsets the cost. Don’t forget, fluids should never be mixed! The wrong fluid can ruin transmissions in a very short time, usually less than 1,000 miles. For transmission problems, a power flush generally fixes the problem in a majority of cases without a new or rebuilt transmission. It’s worth a try before spending thousands of dollars.

Timing Belts: Timing belts are found on most cars as they synchronize the crankshaft and the camshaft(s). On some cars, the engine will stop running when a timing belt breaks. Once the belt is replaced, the vehicle is ready to go again. On newer models, however, it is a much different story! These newer models have "interference" engines: if the pistons and valves are out of sync with each other, the two will hit one another and cause extensive engine damage. Repairs for this type of damages can cost more than $3,000! The interval for timing belt replacement varies for different engines and year models. If you don’t know how frequently your timing belt should be replaced, check the owners manual or give Professional Automotive Repair a call to find out.

In addition to traditional automotive repair, Clarke also offers community automotive courses including a Boy Scout merit badge for auto repair, as well as an auto basics class for women and new drivers. Professional Automotive Repair invites you to visit any of their three locations. The Alpharetta — Roswell location is conveniently located at 421 South Main Street in Alpharetta. The Marietta - East Cobb store is at 1770 Lower Roswell Road and the Midtown Atlanta store is at 2185 Monroe Drive. For more information, please contact Professional Automotive Repair at (770) 442-9451 (Alpharetta), (770) 509-7900 (Marietta), (404) 875-3900 (Midtown) or online at www.AtlProRepair.com.