What’s A Diagnostic? Why Should I Have To Pay For It?

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis Service Advisor for Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

A Diagnostic is vital in finding out what is going on with your Vehicle. It is the what, how, and why. Without a thorough Diagnostic there is no way to determine the extent of a repair.

Your vehicle’s systems have a multitude of components. An example would be “My A/C isn’t working. How much will it cost to fix it?” Without running dye through the system and pressure testing, determining leaks would be impossible. Checking to make sure that your Compressor and Condenser are operating is essential.

Technicians must spend the time so that your car’s needs are addressed. Liken it to going to the doctor because you have a cough. Your physician runs tests to determine if you have an infection or allergies. It’s only then do they treat you.

The time it takes to run these tests vary from issue to issue. This is why checking your Charging System is less expensive than checking your Cooling System.

From your physician to your Auto Technician, Diagnostics are vital. And there are always associated costs. In the end, they save you time and money. Instead of throwing money at maybe, you find the cause… you can get the cure.

How Do I Know If My Starter Is Going Bad

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 2961

How do I know if my Starter Motor is going bad?

The Starter Motor is an important part of your electrical system. When you turn your Ignition Key over to start the engine, the electrical system goes into action. The Ignition Switch sends a signal to the On- Board Computer to, “start the engine”. The computer then sends the signal to the relay panel that delivers voltage to the starter motor. When voltage arrives at the Starter Motor, it cranks over the engine. It does this by pushing forward on the Bendix Gear to mate with the Engine Flywheel. Now the Starter can crank over the engine.

How do I know if my Starter is going bad Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

But how do you know if your starter is going bad? Usually, 1 of 3 things will occur when your Starter is malfunctioning. First is that you will hear a onetime click when cranking and nothing else. Every time you try to start the engine, it will only click. Second is that the Starter will drag when cranking. This will sound like the engine is struggling to crank over. The Starter Motor is working but it is so weak that it doesn’t have the power to crank over the engine enough to start up. The third is that when you turn the key over to crank the engine, nothing happens at all.

Engine Starter Motor Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Diagnosing a faulty Starter Motor can be tricky. It requires testing equipment and scanning tools that interface with the computer and the Electronics. I would recommend taking your automobile to a qualified Auto Repair Shop. A skilled Mechanic will be able to test the electronics and provide the proper Diagnosis. There are allot of things that can cause an engine not to crank over. The Starter Motor is one of many.

Starter Motor Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Tis The Season To Check Your A/C And Cooling System

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair in Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor at Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

Air Condition Service Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Tis the Season to Check Your A/C and Cooling System. Don’t wait until the dog days of summer catch you sweating!

Most people don’t think about Heat and A/C until they don’t have it. Early spring is the time to check and service your A/C and Cooling Systems. An ounce of prevention prevents problems later.

Checking your A/C System and keeping up on its maintenance keeps the components in good working order. Regular system service helps to prevent costly system replacement. It also will keep you cool on those 100-degree days. Most Auto Repair Shops in Greenville have “packages” for A/C system checks and maintenance. Call your trusted center and make an appointment, the earlier the better.

Why is my anti freeze low Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Your Cooling System is also keeping you and your car cool during the summer months. When your car itself isn’t cooling properly, your A/C can’t cool you properly. The heat generated by your engine needs somewhere to go so it doesn’t get too hot. Most goes through your exhaust. The rest is transferred into the coolant inside your cooling system. This coolant is transferred much like refrigerant moves to create cool air when the A/C is on. That is the symbiotic relationship of your HVAC.

So be cool to your car and schedule an appointment.

Tis The Season Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

WHAT’S THAT NOISE?

DON’T BE LIKE FRED…KEEP UP ON YOUR BRAKE HEALTH.

Cobb Tire And Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor at Cobb Tire and Auto Repair

Disc Brake Repair Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

BRAKES LET YOU KNOW WHEN THEY NEED CHANGING.

If you can hear your brakes, you have waited too long. When your vehicle’s brakes are making noise, you have gotten to or past your wear sensors. This means, you may be metal to metal, gouging your rotors. You are definitely overheating your brakes. This causes brake fluid to overheat. Overheated brake fluid becomes corrosive and damages brake lines, brake cylinders, and other costly components. Your brakes are one of the most important systems in your car. Keeping up on brake system maintenance is literally a life saver.

Brake Hose Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

WHY DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY ROTORS? DO I REALLY NEED A BRAKE FLUID EXCHANGE?

I love a deal, who doesn’t? I shop for bargains a lot, but one of the things I spend my money on is my car. More importantly, the things on my car that keep me and others safe on the road. When I was a younger woman, brake rotors were made differently than they are today. Rotors were twice the thickness they are now. Why? Due to emissions standards and road wear, there was a need to shave weight off of vehicles. Rotors are now half of the depth they were. Every time you replace your pads, replace your rotors. Heating up of the metal causes warping. Warping causes wobble and irregular wear on brake pads. You will end up replacing brakes more often and your drive performance will take a hit. As I explained in the previous paragraph, brake fluid becomes corrosive. When brake fluid gets hot time after time it starts to degrade brake components. Change your fluid when you change your brakes. We live in a fast-paced world, don’t forget to STOP and smell the roses!

What Is A Brake Master Cylinder And How Do I Know If It’s Bad.

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

The Brake Master Cylinder is an important component of a vehicle’s Braking System. It Generates the fluid pressure and sends it to the Disc Calipers and the Drum Wheel Cylinders. This is where the braking occurs.

What is a Brake Master Cylinder Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Brake Fluid Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

So how do I know if my Brake Master Cylinder is faulty. There are two things to look for. First, the Master Cylinder will leak externally at the unit. Open the hood and find the Brake Master Cylinder. It is the component that you fill with brake fluid. It will have a black plastic screw on or snap on cap. Inspect the Master Cylinder for signs of wetness or fluid dripping off it. If the Brake Master Cylinder is leaking, it needs to be replaced. The second thing to look for would be the foot brake pedal fading to the floor when you step on it to stop your car. When you stop, the brake pedal should always feel firm and strong when holding it down. If you feel the pedal slowly fade down towards the floor, it could be problematic. If you feel like you must hit the pedal again to regain firmness, the Brake Master Cylinder might be faulty.

Brake Master Cylinder Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Master Cylinder Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

With most Auto Repair problems, a skilled Repair Shop should perform the Brake Diagnoses. They will recommend the proper fix. Checking the Master Cylinder should be done when the Mechanic is performing the Digital Vehicle Inspection

What Is An ABS Light And What Does It Mean

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor for Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

WHAT IS AN ABS LIGHT? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system. This system is used on planes, cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking. Maintaining tractive contact with the road surface. That allows the driver to maintain more control over the vehicle.

Here are some of the most common reasons why the ABS light comes on in a car:

ABS Brake Module Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

What is an ABS Brake Module Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

· Faulty ABS sensor: The ABS sensor is a device that measures the speed of the wheel. If the sensor malfunctions, it can send the wrong signal to the ABS control unit. This can cause the ABS light to come on.

· Low brake fluid: The brake fluid reservoir is under the hood. If the brake fluid level is low, it can cause the ABS light to come on.

Broken ABS wheel speed sensor: The ABS wheel speed sensor is a device that measures the speed of the wheel. If the sensor breaks, it can send the wrong signal to the ABS control unit. This can cause the ABS light to come on.

· ABS control unit malfunction: The ABS control unit is a computer that controls the ABS system. If the control unit malfunctions, it can cause the ABS light to come on.

· Clogged ABS lines: The ABS lines are the hoses that carry brake fluid to the ABS wheel speed sensors. If the ABS lines are clogged, it can cause the ABS light to come on.

If your ABS light comes on, quickly take your car to your trusted auto repair center. The technician will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

What Makes One Tire Better Than The Other?

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor for Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

Tires, They Aren’t Just Black and Round…

There are many factors that make a quality tire, including:

  • Tread: The tread is the part of the tire that meets the road. It is made of rubber and is designed to provide traction and grip. A good quality tire will have a tread that is deep and evenly worn.
  • Sidewall: The sidewall of the tire is the part that supports the weight of the vehicle. It is made of rubber and is designed to be strong and durable. A good quality tire will have a sidewall that is thick and well-reinforced.
  • Inner liner: The inner liner of the tire is the part that protects the tire from the elements. It is made of rubber and is designed to be water-resistant and airtight. A good quality tire will have an inner liner that is thick and well-sealed.
  • Casing: The casing of the tire is the main structure of the tire. It is made of rubber and is designed to be strong and durable. A good quality tire will have a casing that is thick and well-reinforced.
  • Rubber compound: The rubber compound is the material that the tire is made from. It is made of natural or synthetic rubber and is designed to provide traction, grip, and durability. A good quality tire will have a rubber compound that is durable and weather resistant.
  • Tire pressure: The tire pressure is the amount of air that is inside the tire. It is important to keep the tire pressure correct, as this will affect the performance of the tire. A good quality tire will have a tire pressure that is easy to maintain.
  • Wheel alignment: The wheel alignment is the angle of the wheels in relation to the car. It is important to keep the wheel alignment correct, as this will affect the performance of the tire. A good quality tire will be easy to align.
  • Tire rotation: The tire rotation is the process of moving the tires around on the car. This helps to ensure that the tires wear evenly. A good quality tire will be easy to rotate.

These are just some of the factors that make a quality tire. When choosing a tire, it is important to consider all of these factors.  Have a trusted repair center help choose a tire that is right for your needs.

Michelin Tires Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Yokohama Tires Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Why Does My Truck Shake

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

There are several reasons for this to be happening. We have allot of clients come into our Auto Repair Shop with this kind of problem. The first step is to get some answers from our customer.

Tire balance greenville sc Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Is the vibration happening at higher speeds when cruising along?

· Is the vibration happening more at lower speeds or when taking off from a red light?

· Does the vibration occur when hitting the brakes and slowing down?

· Does the vibration occur after hitting a bump?

· Is the vibration felt when driving slow in a parking lot?

Once we have the answers, the next step is passing the information onto the Mechanic. Now for the most important step of all. The Mechanic will test drive the truck. He needs to experience the exact vibration. This is when the Mechanic verifies the shake. Next, the Truck comes into the Repair Shop for a full inspection. A full Digital Vehicle Inspection is performed and any problems are noted by the Mechanic.

Having dealt with a large volume of vibration problems, this is what we usually find.

  • Vibration happening at high speeds: This is usually a Tire issue or a Tire Balance issue. Sometimes a low quality after market wheel can cause this.
  • Vibration at lower speeds or when taking off from a red light: This is most often from the Drivetrain. Look for worn CV Axles, Differential problems, or Drive Shaft issues.
  • Vibration when hitting brakes or slowing down: This is most often due to a Brake issue.
  • Vibration after hitting a bump: This is often due to a worn out front end or faulty front suspension component
  • Vibration felt when driving slow in a parking lot: This is usually from a faulty tire. We would be looking for a Tire Separation or a defective Tire Belt.

Why Rotate My Tires Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Rotating Your Tires Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Vibrations can be both difficult and time consuming to pin down. You will need the help of an Auto Repair Shop and the shop’s Mechanic for this. The Mechanic plays the key role in finding and fixing the vibration from your Truck.

How Does The A/C System In Your Car Work

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

The theory behind Air Conditioning is not as complex as you may think. For the driver compartment to be cooled, the Evaporator Core needs to be freezing cold. Freon is what makes the Evaporator cold. Air conditioning works because the hot air is removed and replaced with cold air.

AC Recharge Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

The a/c system has a constant circulating order to it. Freon is pushed out by the a/c compressor. Before it returns to the compressor, it will have changed states 4 times. There are 5 major components to the a/c system that causes Freon to change its state.

1) is the Compressor. The job of the Compressor is to force the hot Freon gas out. 2) is the Condenser. Hot gas coming from the compressor travels to the Condenser. Here condensation occurs and the Freon changes from a hot gas to a hot liquid. 3) is the receiver dryer. Freon runs through the dryer which takes out any moisture. Moisture with Freon creates acid corrosion. 4) is the Expansion Valve. This is when the hot Freon liquid turns to an ice-cold liquid. 5) is the Evaporator Core. Now the ice-cold liquid fills the Evaporator Core making it cold.

When you turn on your a/c, the blower motor forces air through the ice-cold Evaporator Core giving you cold air at the vents. If at any time, any of these 5 components fail, you will feel warm air at your vents.

AC Service Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Air Conditioning Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

In our Auto Repair Shop, the most common reason for a faulty a/c system is a low Freon Charge. Over time hoses or components can leak Freon.

Why Are Auto Repair Technicians So Important

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis Service Advisor for Cobb Tire and Auto Repair

The Challenge of Hiring Auto Technicians

As the automobile industry expands, the demand for auto technicians and mechanics has grown rapidly. However, finding skilled and dedicated workers for this industry continues to be a challenge. Hiring auto technicians/ mechanics requires a unique set of skills and knowledge to fit the job, and finding the right fit for the job can be time-consuming and costly. In this blog, I will discuss the challenges that business owners face when hiring auto technicians and mechanics.

Increasing Demand and Shortage of Trained Mechanics

The demand for trained mechanics/ auto technicians has increased over the years due to the increasing number of automobiles on the road. However, there is a shortage of skilled workers, and fewer students are graduating from automotive training schools. This can lead to a shortage of employees in the industry. The lack of trained staff can lower the quality of services rendered by auto shops, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and loss of business. As a business, we can try to overcome this challenge by recruiting skilled workers from technical schools or by providing on-the-job training.

Finding and Retaining Qualified Workers

Finding qualified workers is not an easy task and retaining them can be even more challenging. Good auto technicians/ mechanics are always in demand, and if you hire a skilled technician, you will want to keep them on staff. However, due to the nature of the job and the fact that it is labor-intensive, it can be difficult to retain employees. To retain employees, a comfortable and safe work environment, attractive benefits, and creating opportunities for growth and development within the company will definitely stand out.

Increased Competition for Skilled Workers

As the demand for skilled auto technicians increases, so does the competition for these workers. Your competition for hiring skilled mechanics includes not only other auto shops but also dealerships and franchised repair centers. You may need to up your game by offering higher pay rates, better benefits, and more opportunities for advancement than competitors.

Eli the Technician Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Engine Repair Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Keeping Up with the Latest Technological Advancements

The automobile industry is constantly evolving, and it is essential for auto shops to keep up with the latest technological advancements. This means that as an employer, the need to invest in training and equipment for your employees is imperative. Keeping up with the latest technological advancements will help keep your staff knowledgeable and competitive in the market.

Alignment Service Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Emphasizing the Importance of Customer Service

Auto technicians and mechanics often work behind the scenes, but they play a vital role in the customer service process. As a business owner, it is important to emphasize the importance of customer service and communication with your employees. Your employees will interface with customers regularly and should be respectful, courteous, and have good communication skills. Hiring auto technicians and mechanics is a challenge, but not impossible. Success in hiring skilled workers depends on attracting qualified individuals who are willing to learn and grow with the company. Providing a safe and comfortable work environment, offering attractive benefits, and creating opportunities for growth and development are key to retaining good employees. Investing in training and equipment and emphasizing the importance of customer service and

Mechanic Service Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615