AUTOWERKS continued AUTOWERKS con't. next column AUTOWERKS con't. next column AUTOWERKS continued AutoWerks Talks Climate Control Services If the breeze from those open windows just isn’t cutting it or if you can see your own breath inside your car in the winter, you may have problems with your climate control system. AutoWerks specializes in the service and repair of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, VW, Volvo, Mini, Lexus, Porsche and other fine imported vehicles. The technicians at AutoWerks have the necessary qualifications to service and repair any aspect of your car’s climate control system. Our work is guaranteed. Why maintaining your climate control system is very important: Heating and A/C systems may break eventually with usage, hose pipes may clog and drip if not serviced, causing reduced efficiency in heating and cooling capabilities. Regular maintenance will keep your climate control system operating at peak performance and minimize breakdowns. Indications your climate control system may be having issues: •If your air conditioning blows only slightly cooler air compared to the exterior air •Air that blows in smells damp, musty or like mildew/mold • Your cabin does not warm up in cold weather, or is just a little warmer than outside •The defroster takes longer than typical to operate, or does not operate • Your heater or A/C only functions when driving, not when idling, or quits cooling/heating when the car is stationary • Low airflow even at the highest fan setting A comprehensive evaluation of the climate control system includes: • Exercising the internal and blower controls •Checking radiator coolant operating temperature, hoses, pressure radiator cap and thermostat •Measuring the coolant’s strength (lowest temperature that it protects to) and the amount of corrosion protection remaining in the coolant • Inspecting the drive belts • Inspecting system for leaks and other damage • Pressure testing the cooling system • Verifying the A/C pressure meets specifications • Measuring the interior vent air temperatures Repair and maintenance services include: Coolant System A car’s climate control system contains a coolant which transfers excess heat from one part of the engine and loses it through the radiator fins and into the car’s heating system in winter. With time, the coolant becomes corrosive causing irrevocable internal damage to the engine. A coolant service is basic maintenance for your car’s cooling system. Without this service your car’s radiator and heater core can become clogged as the coolant deteriorates and erodes aluminum parts. NOTE! • Never use distilled water in your car’s cooling system except in an emergency. • The best coolant includes rubber preservatives that protect your car’s hoses and the water pump seal. Belts A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, connects your car’s engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later your vehicle’s fan belts will dry out and crack. Replace them when they begin to show these signs of fatigue to avoid having a belt break and leave you stranded by the side of the road. You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones, but you should have the work done by professionals who will thoroughly inspect your car’s belts, replace all worn belts and adjust the installed belts. Hoses Hoses transfer coolant throughout the engine’s cooling and heating systems. Sooner or later, your vehicle’s hoses will dry out and crack. You will want to have these hoses replaced by professionals using quality parts before one or more of the hoses suffers a serious rupture. Radiators Radiators and heater cores are heat exchangers for cooling your car’s engine. A radiator cools the engine by circulating the engine coolant through the engine block—it then loses the heat to the atmosphere through conduction to the airflow. A radiator has a set of tubes through which the engine coolant flows with fins surrounding these tubes. When the radiator fails, due to clogging of the tubes and/or trash in the fins, the excess heat produced by the engine could damage the engine. To prevent this from happening, have your radiator serviced regularly. Winterize Your Vehicle Winter weather can be harsh on your vehicle. Here are some of the things to check to help you drive with confidence when the temperature drops: Check the battery. • Check the tires. • Check the wiper blades. • Check fluids. • Check all lighting including turn signals. • Check the exhaust system for leaks. • Check the belts and hoses.• Check operation of the heating system. Contact AutoWerks, Your Convenient Import Experts, for all your service and repair needs. For more info, see our ad p. 9. �� No. 124 The Pinehurst Gazette, Inc. p.7
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