Auto Maintenance & Repair Services
Brake Service
Brake Inspection is required for yearly State Inspection, but you should have your brakes checked every time your mechanic pulls off your wheels. Simple maintenance can prevent more serious problems down the line:
- A clean set of brakes are less likely to squeak
- Cutting brake rotors can prevent warping and pulsating
- Checking your brake fluid will ensure you don’t have any leaks in the system
- Replacing your brake pads when needed can help prevent more expensive replacements
- Brake fluid flushes can prevent a more expensive caliper replacement.
Oil Change Services in West Chester, PA
Oil is what keeps your engine running. It reduces friction, lessens wear, lubricates metal parts, and cools engine parts. If you don’t get regular oil changes, carbon and varnish buildup would be toxic to the engine. You should follow your normal schedule and milage for your routine oil change but there are some indicators to look out for that might be telling you its time for an oil change. These indicators can be any of the following:
- An oil reminder on your dashboard: In newer vehicles, this light or message takes your actual driving conditions into account.
- Dark oil on your dipstick: Fresh engine oil is transparent and light brown or amber. Dirty and old oil appears dark brown or black — and too opaque to see through.
- Overheating: Poor lubrication also makes your engine work harder, which can generate excess heat.
- Grinding or tapping noises — these may be the dreaded “metal on metal” sounds, warning you that your oil level is too low to protect your engine
Factory Scheduled Maintenance
Keeping up with your factory scheduled maintenance is a very important, but often overlooked, part of auto repair. Tommy’s uses Mitchell Shop Manager software to automatically compare your car’s mileage to the recommended services on your make and model. When your manufacturer sends you mail to remind you about factory maintenance, remember that you can get the very same service, for a lot less than the dealer, from Tommy’s Automotive. Some of the services below will never get done on your vehicle without recommended factory scheduled maintenance.
- Differential Fluid change
- Spark Plugs
- Brake and Transmission Fluid Flushes
- Fuel Filter Replacement
- Belts and hose replacement
A/C Service & Repair
In warm weather, a car without working air conditioning just isn’t fun. However, the A/C system can be just as important in cold weather. If your air conditioner is blowing hot air or your defroster just isn’t defrosting, a low level of refrigerant might be the culprit. It could also cause you to waste gas when cooling the car.
There are three main components to your air conditioning system:
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Evaporator
Timing Belt Service & Replacement
Most cars need new timing belts by the time they reach 100,000 miles. In some Hondas, the deadline could be closer to 60,000. Neglecting the timing belt could result in major engine failure. Major signs of a worn timing belt aren’t visible, as the belt is housed in the engine. The following could be indicators that it’s time for a replacement:
- Squeaky or high-pitched sounds
- Difficulty starting up
- Smell of burning rubber
Replacing the timing belt according to the recommended maintenance schedule will help you avoid an expensive tow and repair when the belt finally snaps.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is an important part of routine car maintenance. When your vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned, you will travel straight and true. Maintaining proper wheel alignment offers a number of benefits, including the following:
- Reduces fuel usage and emissions
- Increases the life of your tires (saves you from buying new ones)
- Increases the safety of your vehicle
- Eliminates potential damage to vehicle’s suspension
Transmission Flushes
A transmission flush is a very important part of every vehicle’s maintenance schedule. If done properly, this maintenance could improve the lifespan and performance of your engine. However, a transmission flush should not be performed if you’re experiencing transmission issues such as strange noises or difficulty switching gears. In these cases, it might do more harm than good.
It’s recommended that you have your transmission flushed every 30,000 miles or two years. A flush, as opposed to a change, will remove all fluid from your transmission, including any sludge or grime that may cause issues, and replace it with clean oil.
Fuel Injection Services
From the very first time you start your car, carbon deposits and debris begin to form inside your fuel systems. To prevent this debris from building up, you’ll need to have your fuel system professionally cleaned at regular maintenance intervals. Fuel injection services include cleaning of the injectors, intake valves, and combustion chamber, as well as several procedures to inspect the performance of the fuel system. Some benefits to regular fuel injection services include:
- Improved MPG
- Smoother Idle
- Removal of Carbon Deposits
- Increased Safety and Dependability
- Reduced Air Pollution
Tire Balancing & Tire Rotation
If you are putting off rotating, balancing, or replacing your tires you could be costing yourself more money in the long run. Tires that are not maintained can lead to the following problems:
- An unbalanced or improperly balanced tire causes a vehicle to vibrate and may wear steering and suspension components prematurely.
- Not rotating your tires can cause them to wear unevenly and they will need to be replaced more often.
- Over pressurized tires can form bubbles and ruin the tire. This occurs frequently when tires are filled in the winter months and then not re-checked in the summer heat.
- Under pressurized tires will wear down more quickly, decrease fuel economy, and affect your car’s handling.
Fleet & Truck Service
Keeping your commercial trucks in top shape is key to maintaining your business. At Tommy’s Automotive, we understand that any time off the road is money out of your pocket. We offer prompt service for your fleet with quality work to ensure you won’t be back in the shop unexpectedly. The team at Tommy’s can offer the following as part of our fleet and truck service:
- Powerstroke Diesel Repair Specialists
- Wheel Alignment
- Factory Scheduled Maintenance
- Transmission Flushes
- Brakes Service
- Electrical Repair
- Engine Repair
Diesel Mechanics
Diesel engines are common in fleet vehicles, pickups, and even some family vehicles. Whether used for work or play, you need your diesel truck to ride safely and reliably. Because diesel vehicles are more complex than typical gas trucks, you need a mechanic with the specialized knowledge and skillset to hand your maintenance and repairs.
At Tommy’s Automotive, our diesel truck repair shop offers exactly that. Members of our team have earned the Powerstroke Diesel Repair Specialist certification from Ford. Our team is also ASE certified and we maintain the latest in diagnostic tools to keep your engine running at its best.
- FICM
- Transmission Flushes, Repair & Replacement
- Cooling Systems
- Turbo Repair & Replacement
- Rebuilding & Repairs
Engine Maintenance & Tune-Ups
It could be time for engine maintenance if you notice any of the following when driving or starting your vehicle:
- A noticeable loss in power
- A decrease in gas mileage
- The “Check Engine” or “Service Engine” light remains on after starting the car
- Your engine stalls when at a stop
- The engine makes a knocking when accelerating