SERVICE AND REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES OF VEHICLES

We all know how important it is to go to the doctors for a checkup to make sure everything is running smoothly. Well the same goes for our cars! When a car is designed, manufacturers set out a service schedule for the car, which they believe will keep it running reliably and safely. Cars will typically receive one of the following services. (These services vary in price depending on how much work is needed to be done on the car, and what service parts need to be replaced.)

Basic or Oil Service: Each type of service builds on the previous level, so a basic service will typically include an oil and oil filter change and a visual inspection, but there will usually be a top up of all the key fluids in the engine (washer fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze and steering fluid) and a check of up to 35 key components to ensure your car is in the best condition possible. We can also check your brakes and manufacturer guidelines and recommend any additional work your car may need.

Major Service: A Major Service should include all wear, service and maintenance your car needs and is the most expensive and comprehensive service available. There are a wide range of checks included in the manufacturers service, and will include a change of spark plugs, a change of all filters and some other service/wear items that are recommended by the manufacturer’s schedule. This does not include any additional repair or maintenance work.

Cam belt Service: Certain cars have a timing chain, while others have a timing (or cam-) belt. This needs to be replaced at certain intervals to manufacturers’ specifications, and includes changing of the water pump and pulleys.

Repairs: We do all mechanical repairs on any make of vehicle, including:

• Repairs to engines, gearboxes and differentials • Diagnostic services • Brake repairs • Clutch overhauls

• General repairs & maintenance • General auto-electrical work, including starters & alternators

ENGINE REBUILDS

At C.A.R.S. we can rebuild your engine completely, do performance enhancements as well as do cylinder head reconditioning.

The usual reasons for rebuilding an engine are loss of compression, excessive oil consumption, or excessive oil clearances. The symptoms of loss of compression are extended cranking (hard to start), lack of power, or a misfire (running rough). All of these symptoms can be caused by lack of compression, but they can also be caused by other things. This can be diagnosed by performing a compression or leak-down test.

Oil consumption is the loss of motor oil even though there are no significant external oil leaks. It can be caused by worn valve guides, dried valve guide seals, stuck oil control rings, or excessive cylinder to piston clearance. It also can be caused by a very inexpensive PCV valve.

The most common symptom of excessive oil clearances is an awful knock coming from the engine. Low oil pressure is also a symptom of excessive oil clearances but is less common (by the time the oil pressure goes low there’s usually an engine knock evident). Engine knock can be caused by worn rod bearings, main bearings, piston pins, pistons, and cam bearings. Sometimes some types of engine knock can be repaired with the engine in the car. The engine must be partially disassembled to know for sure.

If the engine overheated due to a partially clogged radiator and a new engine is installed without addressing this, the new engine will surely fail too. If your maintenance was spotty and you don’t change your habits, then the new engine will fail as well. There usually is a correctable reason for engine failure. Most of the engines we work on will last the life of the car without needing a rebuild – if you keep to your service schedule.

GEARBOX REPAIRS

If your gearbox is down, you need it up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible. Repairing an existing gearbox can be a quick and cost effective way of bringing your process availability back to 100%, compared with a replacement unit.

Please note that we currently do not repair

automatic/DSG gearboxes.

DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND REPORT

For the majority of cars that come in, our technicians will use a diagnostic tool to see if there are any recorded problems. They do this using specialized diagnostic software which accesses the car’s reporting and computer system where any problems are monitored and faults are logged.

Performing a diagnostic test can typically reveal a range of problems associated with the car’s transmission, exhaust system and various other components of the car, like ignition timing problems, issues with the vehicle engine, injector faults, firing of the ignition coils, engine RPM levels, air- and coolant temperature, crankshaft and camshaft position and throttle openings. Some vehicles have a number of units which control areas such as engine management, brakes, suspension and even the windscreen wipers.

Most, if not all modern cars, are fitted with computer processors, microchips and sensors which can be linked to a car diagnostic computer scanner at C.A.R.S. The problem diagnosis is therefore quicker and more accurate, and there can be cost savings as less time is required by our mechanics to identify a problem. Minor problems may be identified and fixed before they have a chance to escalate into big, expensive problems.

TURBO REPAIRS

C.A.R.S. has an exceptional turbo repairs department. Our expert is available to help at any time! When a turbo is reconditioned, we do the following:

Repairs include fitting of a new core, removing and cleaning intercooler boost pipes, and a service.

Some turbochargers have a highly complex design which makes it impossible to re-manufacture with any degree of reliability. Our turbo repairs and re-manufacturing is specifically for those turbochargers that are repairable.

You can however be confident that when we repair or supply a service exchange turbocharger you will enjoy a full service life due to the same quality, specifications and settings being the same as the original turbocharger.