May 16, 2012

Cooling System Service At Monroe Turnpike Service Center

Filed under: Cooling System — monroeturn294 @ 8:28 pm

Cooling System Service At Monroe Turnpike Service Center

Your minivan cooling system’s job is to keep your engine cool. Coolant (also called antifreeze) mixed with water flows through your engine and absorbs heat. The mixture then flows out to the radiator where it’s cooled by air flowing over the radiator. From there the cooled mix circulates back through the minivan engine to absorb more heat.

Coolant, or antifreeze, is specially formulated to keep your engine safe in a wide range of environmental and operating temperatures in Monroe.

Without coolant, the minivan’s metal engine parts would expand so much that the engine would seize up and stop running.  Expensive parts could be broken or warp so badly they would have to be replaced at Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe. It could even be so bad that the whole engine is ruined and has to be replaced.

Also, if it’s freezing outside in Monroe, the water in your engine could freeze while your vehicle is sitting out in the CT cold. This is why you check coolant levels frequently and have your cooling system inspected for leaks. Also your manufacturer has a maintenance requirement for draining and replacing your coolant. These recommendations can vary widely, so check your Monroe owner’s manual or ask your service advisor at Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe.

The reason you need to change the coolant is that it has additives in it to protect the cooling system. As you can imagine, with all the heat, the cooling system’s a pretty harsh environment. The additives keep the fluid from becoming corrosive and damaging the radiator and other Monroe cooling system components. Over time, the additives are depleted and the coolant just has to be replaced. A simple pH test can measure the coolant’s acidity.

You may have noticed that there are different colors of antifreeze at Monroe Turnpike Service Center: it is very important that you use the correct type.  The different coolant types are different colors so you don’t mix them up.  Manufacturers use different materials to make the cooling system, and they require different types of antifreeze to protect them.

So check with your caring Monroe Turnpike Service Center service advisor or owner’s manual for the right kind because using the wrong coolant can void the warranty for your minivan cooling system.

Ask us about differential service, cooling system service and power brake service.

Give us a call

Monroe Turnpike Service Center
203.261.6782
396 Monroe Turnpike
Monroe, CT 06468

At Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe CT (06468) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 203.261.6782. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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May 10, 2012

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? Monroe Turnpike Service Center Has Answers

Filed under: Check Engine Light — monroeturn294 @ 4:42 pm

Why Is My Check Engine Light On Monroe Turnpike Service Center Has Answers

The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some Monroe drivers and is totally ignored by just as many. Just what it means is a mystery to most of us in CT.

First, if your minivan check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe damage to the catalytic converter or other components. Get that taken care of right away. If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn’t drive at Monroe highway speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. Take it easy all the way to Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe.

If the light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with your Monroe service advisor to get it checked out.

Some more information from Monroe Turnpike Service Center on how the Check Engine Light works may be informative. Most of your minivan engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer. The computer is able to adjust many engine parameters for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive in Monroe.

In order to make these adjustments, the minivan computer relies on a network of sensors to provide data. The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor. When a sensor reading is out of range the computer runs some tests and may turn on the Check Engine Light.

The minivan computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings. If it can do so, it’ll then turn off the Check Engine Light.

If the problem can’t be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your minivan looked at at Monroe Turnpike Service Center. Your caring service technician will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer. The trouble code will give your Monroe Turnpike Service Center technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem.

At Monroe Turnpike Service Center, we also offer brake service and cooling system service.

Give us a call

Monroe Turnpike Service Center
203.261.6782
396 Monroe Turnpike
Monroe, CT 06468

At Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe CT (06468) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 203.261.6782. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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May 2, 2012

Battery Replacement In Monroe

Filed under: Battery — monroeturn294 @ 4:53 pm

Battery Replacement In Monroe

Car batteries wear out just like any other battery and need to be replaced. There are a couple of things Monroe minivan owners should know when looking for a new car battery: one is cold cranking amps and the other is reserve capacity.

Let’s start with cold cranking amps. This can be thought of as the power output used to start a cold minivan engine. The number of cold cranking amps you need depends on your vehicle and where you live around Monroe, specifically how cold it is where you live. The two factors are that the colder an engine is, the more power it takes to turn the minivan engine over to get it started. It has all that cold, sluggish oil to contend with. The other factor is that the chemical reaction in the battery that creates electrical energy is less efficient in the cold.

So the colder it gets in Monroe, more power is needed, but the available power drops.

If you live where it’s cold, you need a battery with more cold cranking amps than you do where it’s moderate or hot. You should always get at least as many cold cranking amps as the manufacturer recommends, but may want to upgrade at Monroe Turnpike Service Center if you live where it gets real cold.

An important note: Batteries may also list the Cranking Amps – CA – number. It is the Cold Cranking Amps – or CCA – that is the important number here. CCA is the number to use in your comparisons.

Now with all this talk of cold temperatures in Monroe, it’s important to note that heat is the real enemy of long battery life. In other words, the damage that’s done over the hot summer months in Monroe shows up with the increased demands on the minivan battery when the weather turns cold.

Now on to reserve capacity: It’s a measurement of the number of minutes of reserve power the battery has at a given load. The number is more important these days because of parasitic drain. Parasitic drain is the battery energy that’s used when the key is off. So the power drawn by the minivan security system, the remote start system, even the power the minivan computers require to maintain their memory.

Reserves are also needed when you make very short trips around Monroe. You’re not driving long enough for the battery to recover the energy it used to start the minivan engine.

So go with the minimum recommended by your manufacturer and upgrade if you need more. Talk with your caring Monroe Turnpike Service Center service advisor about options. If you need more from your battery, a larger capacity battery may be called for.

Batteries are a big ticket item for most Monroe motorists, so the warranty gives peace of mind. Be sure to ask about the car battery warranty at Monroe Turnpike Service Center so you know what you’re getting. At Monroe Turnpike Service Center, we have been providing quality auto service in Monroe for 30 years.

Give us a call

Monroe Turnpike Service Center
396 Monroe Turnpike
Monroe, CT 06468

At Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe CT (06468) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 203.261.6782. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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April 24, 2012

Air Conditioning Maintenance At Monroe Turnpike Service Center In Monroe

Filed under: Air Conditioning — monroeturn294 @ 7:27 pm

Air Conditioning Maintenance At Monroe Turnpike Service Center In Monroe

Most Monroe area car owners don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. Maintaining your minivan air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job. Small leaks in the air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can’t cool the air as well.

Along with the refrigerant, a special oil circulates in the system. The oil lubricates air conditioning components, and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil means that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and we all know that air conditioning repairs can be costly in Ansonia.

Air conditioning service at Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks. The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it’s inspected for cracks or wear.

The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper operation by your Monroe Turnpike Service Center service advisor. Then comes the leak test. If a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it’s repaired and the minivan system is retested. Your Monroe Turnpike Service Center technician will also perform a temperature drop test.

If needed, the old refrigerant is evacuated and the system is recharged with clean, fresh refrigerant. A final test insures that the air conditioner is working, and you’re on your way.

How often this should be done at Monroe Turnpike Service Center varies from vehicle to vehicle. Your minivan owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s recommendation and, of course, your caring Monroe Turnpike Service Center service advisor can tell you. It’s typically every two years.

Give us a call

Monroe Turnpike Service Center
396 Monroe Turnpike
Monroe, CT 06468

At Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe CT (06468) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 203.261.6782. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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April 19, 2012

Deciphering The Menu Board At Monroe Turnpike Service Center: F to W

Filed under: Making Your Vehicle Last — monroeturn294 @ 5:18 pm

Deciphering The Menu Board At Monroe Turnpike Service Center F to W

You may not be familiar with all of the items on Monroe Turnpike Service Center’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your Monroe Turnpike Service Center Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Fuel System Cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning at Monroe Turnpike Service Center gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas as you drive around Monroe and on Ansonia freeways, by the way.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Headlamp Replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to like new-condition. As your caring Monroe Turnpike Service Center advisor for information.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Inspections: Monroe drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Monroe. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection at Monroe Turnpike Service Center may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Oil Change Service – there are several options: Some Monroe auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center PCV Valve Service: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. Just needs to be changed now and then.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Power Steering Service: Often overlooked. Your Monroe Turnpike Service Center technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the system running well for a long time.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Serpentine Belt Replacement: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt at Monroe Turnpike Service Center before it breaks or wears down too much, because that’ll lead to other problems.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Shocks and Struts Replacement: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Monroe motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Transmission Service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

Monroe Turnpike Service Center Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Monroe.

Give us a call

Monroe Turnpike Service Center
203.261.6782
396 Monroe Turnpike
Monroe, CT 06468

At Monroe Turnpike Service Center in Monroe CT (06468) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 203.261.6782. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

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