Repair & Maintenance Services
Integrity Automotive Maintenance & Repair provides all aspects of repairing and maintaining your vehicles. The list below represents many of the most
common elements that, due to their everyday use, provide the most common need for repairs or maintenance. During the course of scheduled maintenance, we check each of these
elements to determine the possibility of potential problems that may occur in the near future. Keeping your autos on the road and running in top condition is always our focus.
To view the details on each service
separately simply click the 'view details' link next to each
title. When finished, you can click 'close' or select another
topic. You can also select 'Expand All' to have all the topics
visible for viewing.
Air Conditioning Have you recently checked your car's air conditioning system?
Have you recently checked your car's air conditioning system? This may not be as important during colder months... but come summer, your air-conditioning system will be desperately needed. Having a well maintained air-conditioning system is a must for proper ventilation and for your comfort inside your car.
When taking care of your car's air conditioning system, it is important to know its component parts. Among these are the condenser, compressors and drier/accumulator. All of these play an important role in the cooling of your car.
The process of cooling your car happens in a closed loop. It starts with the compressor. The compressor takes in low-pressure refrigerant gas, usually freon gas, from the air-conditioning system's inlet side, which is composed of a evaporator and accumulator or drier. The receiver drier takes all the water and other contaminants out of the air-conditioning system. In the compressor, gas is compressed and converted into a high pressure and high temperature gas. The hot refrigerant is then passed into the condenser, which is a major part of the air-conditioning system's low pressure side, where the refrigerant is again cooled and is passed back to the drier, forming a closed loop.
In order to keep your air-conditioning to be in tip-top shape, it is important to always to keep the system properly maintained. Always have your air-conditioning system inspected by your local AC specialist. If any part is damaged, it has to be immediately repaired.
Brakes If car parts are alive, the brake pads live the worst lives...
If car parts are alive, the brake pads live the worst lives. In fact, they are the most expendable car part there is. They
are always in constant pressure and are always in the heat of the action. They are the most frequently changed car part.
But the most important thing is, their passenger's lives are in their hands. Brake pads are designed to endure high friction.
They are made to make contact and consequently generate heat. They are the most hardy of the hardy. It is commonly thought
that brake pads directly make contact with the brake discs surface but in fact it touches another pad material on the sides of the brake disc.
The contact between two surfaces produces a semi-liquid friction boundary that results in actual braking.
Excessive braking and improper braking technique can easily wear out the pads and even the brake discs.
The brake pads' make can ensure its longevity but this also have trade-offs. The more hardy the brake pad, the
lesser its braking power and vice versa. In effect, it is better t invest in a well-rounded brake pad. When
looking for quality brake pads, it is better to choose a brake pad that can fully serve you needs. If you are are speed
freak, it is better to gear up your car with more brake pads for optimum performance and to ensure your safety. But if
you are just an average Joe kind of driver, it better to opt for the average but quality brakes to suit your need. When
choosing a brake pad, choose a hardy and trusted name. Because a brake pad's job is hard work.
Charging Systems The electrical system in your vehicle is tightly and precisely controlled..
The electrical system in your vehicle is tightly and precisely controlled by the computer control system. We have the equipment necessary and expertise to diagnose, service and repair these systems with precision and accuracy, saving you valuable time and money. It may be true that your alternator converts all the mechanical energy made by your engine into electricity to run all your vehicle's electrical devices, increasing its range can really cause a difference. By using an alternating current (in modern cars but older models use DC generators or a direct current), an alternator can charge your car's batteries. But at the same time, it also powers various electronic and electrical components of your car.
Alternators may be just some small electrical generator but it can really pack a punch for your car.
Your generic alternator is made up of four parts: the rotor, the stator, the diode packs and the voltage regulator. The rotor is a rotating magnet that rotates around the stator, which a core of iron wrapped in copper wires. These rotor-stator pair rotate within each other and create an alternating current which would be converted by the diode packs indirect current that can be used to charge the battery and power up other electrical components of the vehicle. The voltage regulator controls and maintains the amount of electricity that is made by the alternator.
Powering up a your car's alternator doesn't only mean to have it rebuilt. It has to be properly maintained and checked for defective parts.
Clutches Most motorists prefer manual transmission because it gives them more control..
Most motorists prefer manual transmission because it gives them more control over their car and allows them to save on gas. But then, a good clutch is needed to go with that. A clutch is a subcomponent of a car's manual transmission system that engages and disengages the engine to the gearbox and transfers torque to the vehicle's transmission in split-seconds.
A clutch kit comes with it a clutch disc or a clutch friction disc and clutch pressure plate, although some clutch kits have pilot bushings or pilot bearings. The pressure plate contains a clutch plate, springs, cover and release fingers. Of the two types of pressure plates, the diaphragm-type is used more often than the spring-type pressure plate.
The clutch disc, on the other hand, is a metal disc that directs the flow of power between the engine and the transmission along with the pressure plate and the flywheel. Most clutch kits have one or more friction discs. In cases where there is more than one, the discs are pressed tightly together against the flywheel by springs. Regular clutch discs are lined with asbestos, the same material that is used in brake shoes and pads to achieve friction. This special facing enhances the grip between the flywheel and the disc. Clutches used by trucks and racing cars, however, use ceramic for their clutch discs for increased friction.
Computer Controls Our technicians are trained on the latest computer controls and factory diagnostic equipment..
Our technicians are trained on the latest computer controls and factory diagnostic equipment to help ensure the greatest level of performance and reliability of your engine control system. Today’s vehicles have very complex computer control systems, and our technicians receive regular training to remain fully certified.
Cooling Systems How will the cooling system in your car work well if not for the water pump?
How will the cooling system in your car work well if not for the water pump? It is one of the vital components in removing heat from your engine and keep your engine temperature in a manageable level.
The water pump is a centrifugal pump driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. It circulates coolant form the radiator, through the engine, and back to the radiator. The water pump has a shaft with a pulley on one end and a pump rotor on the other end. When the pulley is spun by a belt, the rotor starts to circulate the coolant.
Car water pumps have an inlet near the center so the coolant returning from the radiator hits the pump vanes. The pump vanes fling the coolant to the outside of the water pump, where it enters the engine.
Auto water pumps have various designs for different purposes. Most include a rotating impeller, which transmits the coolant through the engine block. As for most rear-wheel drive cars, the fan is installed on the end of the water pump shaft. These car water pumps usually have a spring-loaded seal to prevent water leakage around the pump shaft. Some water pumps are fitted with pre-packed ball bearings sealed at each end so lubrication won't be necessary. It is a must to have a fully-functioning water pump to avoid overheating and engine wear and tear engine. The circulating capability of an auto water pump will certainly cool your engine down at a manageable temperature.
Electrical Electrical systems in today’s technologically advanced vehicles are very reliable..
Electrical systems in today’s technologically advanced vehicles are very reliable, although occasional and rare failures may occur. Our ASE certified technicians and latest diagnostic equipment will save you time and money through efficient and accurate diagnosis and repairs.
Emissions Today’s complex emission control systems require advanced training and diagnostic equipment
Today’s complex emission control systems require advanced training and diagnostic equipment for proper diagnosis and servicing. Our commitment to keeping up with technology advances ensures you the peace-of-mind that your vehicle will be diagnosed by a highly skilled and knowledgeable technician committed to saving you time and money.
Engine Repair Today’s engines are very technologically advanced, and with proper maintenance..
Today’s engines are very technologically advanced, and with proper maintenance will rarely experience failure. However, in the rare instance that troubles occur we employ technicians with an average of 24 years of experience to ensure the quality of your repairs. Our industry leading lifetime parts and labor warranty ensures your confidence in the repairs we perform.
Exhaust Systems Catalytic converters are more than just filters, they reduce the toxicity of emissions..
Catalytic converters are more than just filters, they reduce the toxicity of emissions from a vehicle's combustion engine. The first models of these catalytic converters came in 1975 on series-production automobiles in response to the tightening EPA regulations on automobile exhaust. These first used pellet-style catalysts. But now, catalytic converters are made with a honeycomb design that makes these more effective in changing gases to more environment-friendly gases.
Since its earliest conception, catalytic converters have done an important job of preventing noxious gases from continually polluting the air. But, catalytic converters don't last that long. Every moment you drive your car, the catalytic converter seeps all the gas that the engine produces. Imagine all the fumes that the it has to endure. These really need to be replaced if they're worn out. If you won't, your local police might get you. These need to be replaced to be able to pass your local emissions test.
Factory Maintenance Routine maintenance is required by all vehicle manufacturers to maintain new car warranties..
Routine maintenance is required by all vehicle manufacturers to maintain new car warranties. Contrary to common belief your vehicle does not need to return to the new car dealership and the required scheduled maintenance can be performed at any certified service center. We are fully certified and equipped to perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle, saving you time and money. It is a conflict of interest for a new car dealership to advise you of needed warranty repairs. We will perform a complimentary 50 point vehicle inspection every time we service your vehicle, and we will advise you of any warranty repairs that need to be performed so you can have them performed at no cost to you before your warranty expires.
Fuel Systems Fuel system components such as the fuel pump, fuel injectors, pressure regulator
Fuel system components such as the fuel pump, fuel injectors, pressure regulator and fuel module are all susceptible to damage or poor performance unless properly maintained. The best maintenance for your fuel supply system to maintain proper performance, emission controls and fuel economy is fuel fuel filter replacement every 18 months, servicing the fuel injectors every 50,000 miles, and using top tier fuel from brand name fuel suppliers.
Heating Systems The heating system is actually a part of the engine cooling system..
The heating system is actually a part of the engine cooling system, employing the use of hot engine coolant (anti-freeze) to provide heat to the interior of the vehicle. Today’s Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) systems use a large number of components to control temperatures to the interior of the vehicle in one, two, three or even four specific areas of the vehicle.
Ignition – Ignition timing in an internal combustion engine is the process of setting the time that a spark will occur in the combustion chamber (during the power stroke) relative to piston position and crankshaft angular velocity.
Setting the correct ignition timing is crucial in the performance of an engine. The ignition timing affects many variables including engine longevity, fuel economy, and engine power. Modern engines that are controlled by an engine control unit use a computer to control the timing throughout the engine's RPM range. Older engines that use mechanical spark distributors rely on inertia (by using rotating weights and springs) and manifold vacuum in order to set the ignition timing throughout the engine's RPM range. There are many factors that influence ignition timing. These include which type of ignition system is used, engine speed and load, which components are used in the ignition system, and the settings of the ignition system components. Usually, any major engine changes or upgrades will require a change to the ignition timing settings of the engine.
Oil Change The most regularly performed maintenance item on your vehicle..
The most regularly performed maintenance item on your vehicle should be performed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. We offer service-while-you-wait in our family friendly comfortable customer lounge with internet access, complimentary snacks, reading materials, and even a foot-massager for your comfort while you wait for our technicians to service your vehicle. Please call for an appointment.
Starting Systems The electric automobile self starter or best known as the starter..
The electric automobile self starter or best known as the starter is the device chiefly responsible for carrying out the processes involved in starting vehicles up.
The car starter works by harnessing the power of the automotive battery. Once the key is inserted into the ignition switch and then turned to the start position, a tiny amount of current flow through the neutral safety switch and into the starter relay or starter solenoid. The starter motor then cranks the engine to enable the piston to create a suction drawing in the fuel and air mixture into the cylinder. The engine will then start as the spark created by the ignition system will ignite this mixture.Turning on the ignition switch allows a small amount of power from the battery to flow to the solenoid above the starter. When the low-current power from the starting battery is applied to the solenoid, oftentimes with a key-operated switch, it releases a small pinion gear on the starter motor's shaft and meshes it with the ring gear on the flywheel of the engine.
The solenoid is also responsible for closing out high-current contacts for the starter motor and it then starts to run. Once the engine starts, a key-operated switch is activated and a spring in the solenoid assembly pulls the pinion gear away from the ring gear which then causes the starter motor to stop. Modern auto starter motors are equipped with a "bendix," a gear and integral freewheel, or overrunning clutch, thereby allowing the flywheel to automatically disengage the pinion gear from the flywheel when the engine starts.
Steering The steering rack is composed of a rack enclosed with a steering pinion..
The steering rack is composed of a rack enclosed with a steering pinion. It is connected to the steering wheel through the set of shafts and U-joints. As the steering wheel is turned, the pinion moves and pushes the steering rack either to the left or right. The ends of the steering rack are connected to the front wheels so the steering rack inputs and turns them to the left or the right as well.
A power steering rack utilizes an engine-driven pump to supply high-pressure hydraulic fluid to the steering rack when the wheel is turned. This enables an easier turning of the steering rack. This also means that there is a big amount of hoses, seals, and o-rings to contain the hydraulic fluid.
If the power steering rack wears out badly, it will start to leak. The absence of the hydraulic fluid will result to a hard, difficult steering. This is the right time to replace a new or re-conditioned replacement steering rack.
Suspension Shock absorbers or shocks were built to help absorb the up-and-down shock..
Shock absorbers or shocks were built to help absorb the up-and-down shock created by the springs whenever a vehicle hits a bump. Aside from absorbing the impact, they also keep the car or truck easily maneuverable even after a bumpy ride. The absence of shock absorbers would definitely result to a bouncing ride as energy is stored in the spring and then released to the vehicle, oftentimes exceeding the permitted range of suspension movement.
Most spring-based shock absorbers employ coil springs or leaf springs, though torsion bars can be used in torsional shocks as well. Springs alone are not shock absorbers as they only store and do not distribute or absorb energy. Modern vehicles typically use both springs or torsion bars along with hydraulic shock absorbers. With this setup, the shock absorber is reserved specifically for the hydraulic piston that takes in the vibration.
Tires We carry a full line of name brand tires for most cars, light trucks and SUV’s
We carry a full line of name brand tires for most cars, light trucks and SUV’s. If we don’t have the tires you require we are usually able to have them available for installation in less than 24 hours.
Transfer Case The transfer case is the power transfer unit found on most 4 wheel drive vehicles..
The transfer case is the power transfer unit found on most 4 wheel drive vehicles that distributes power to either 2 or all 4 wheels on demand from the vehicle operator.
Transmissions Your transmission is the most complex and tightly controlled system of your vehicle..
Your transmission is the most complex and tightly controlled system of your vehicle. Annual maintenance is critical to ensure proper operation and reliability, and we perform all necessary maintenance utilizing our factory authorized equipment. Our ASE certified technicians will maintain your new vehicle warranty or meet all maintenance requirements to ensure your peace of mind.
Wheel Alignment Our brand new, state-of-the-art wheel alignment equipment meets or exceeds..
Our brand new, state-of-the-art wheel alignment equipment meets or exceeds all new vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and ensures the longest tire life and fuel economy for your late model vehicle.
Your suspension and steering system consists of many parts that allow for a
smooth ride and control of the vehicle under normal driving conditions and hard
braking.
Over time your suspension components are subject to moving and shifting
which, in turn, results in the mis-alignment of the wheels and tires. Unless
periodic adjustment (wheel alignment) is performed the vehicle may become more
difficult to handle in harsh or panic situations and excessive tire wear will
result. Be sure to have your wheel alignment inspected and adjusted annually to
ensure safety and reduced tire wear.
|