OUR SERVICES

Transmission Service

Transmission Service
It’s hard to get very far down the road when your transmission is in... View Detail

Power Steering

Power Steering
Within the last two decades, power steering has become an integral part of vehicles.... View Detail

Fuel System

Fuel System
Newer cars have increasingly complex fuel systems. The main concern with a more complex... View Detail

Exhaust System

Exhaust System
The exhaust system in a car is one of the least attractive parts, but... View Detail

Engine Services

Engine Services
Your car’s engine is the miracle part that makes the whole thing work. Without... View Detail

Electrical System

Electrical System
Have a dead battery? Misfiring starter or alternator? For all of your auto electrical... View Detail

Differential Services

Differential Services
When a car makes a left turn, the interior-facing wheels (on the left side)... View Detail

Drivetrain & Suspension

Drivetrain & Suspension
Drivertrain Poor axles can even cause your vehicle to malfunction, and when it does,... View Detail

Cooling System

Cooling System
The cooling system consists of a cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, radiator, heater core,... View Detail

Computer Diagnostic

Computer Diagnostic
NorthSide Garage is your source for all computerized diagnostic services. We have an outstanding... View Detail

Full Brake Services

Full Brake Services
If you’re like most drivers, you rely on your brakes to keep you safe... View Detail

AC and Heating System

AC and Heating System
Uncomfortable temperatures can seem all that much worse when you’re behind the wheel, but... View Detail

Airbag System Services

Airbag System Services
Air bags save thousands of lives every year in automobile and truck crashes. The... View Detail

Full Auto Body Repair

Full Auto Body Repair
Maybe your car has had a monstrous blow to the body. Don’t worry, all... View Detail

BRAND PARTNER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

You may see your gas mileage decrease. Your vehicle may start running rough. If your check engine light comes on that could also be an indicator that your vehicle needs a tune up. The owner’s manual that came with your vehicle may suggest a tune up at a certain mileage.

 

Prior to winter weather setting in, you should:

Check your antifreeze level and condition. Rust colored antifreeze means you may need to flush and refill the cooling system.

Check the level of you motor oil. If its been 3 months to 3000 miles since you last oil change, it should be replaced.

Check you battery. Batteries that are weak can fail on cold morning and your car won’t start.

Change your wiper blades to winter wiper-blades. These prevent ice build-up that can obstruct your view during operation in snow and ice conditions.

Check the condition of your tires. Tires that have warn tread can mean hydroplaning on road water and can lead to accidents.

Check your A/C operation. Your air condition will function in the defrost mode and is used to help defrost or remove moister from the windshields, fogged up windows can be hazardous during driving.

Perform a brake inspection. A well operating brake system help stop your car, especially during wet or snowy and icy conditions.

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Preventative Maintenance is regular maintenance of your vehicle that helps keep your automobile running efficiently and eliminating potential problems that may leave you stranded. Manufacturers know that a properly maintained car will be more dependable, safer, last longer, and increase your satisfaction with their product.

Preventative maintenance includes:

Servicing Windshield Wipers
Tune-up or servicing/replacing spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor.
Replacing air filters
Engine oil change
Differential(s) gear oil change
Trans-axle oil change
Routine hose inspection
Battery service
Exterior drive belt replacement
Servicing/replacing transmission oil and filter
Timing belt replacement
Brake fluid flush
Power steering flush
Antifreeze replacement/flush
Rotate tires
Inspect exhaust system for leaks
Inspect brake linings brake rotor hydraulic lines calipers and wheel cylinders
Replace cabin air filter
Used car safety inspection

 

 

Brakes can squeak for a variety of reasons, but continuous squeals and grinding sounds may mean it’s time for new brake pads and shoes. Work brakes can mean longer stopping distances and difficulty stopping in emergency situations. Rotors and drums that are too thin may even become over-stressed and break. Remember, if you notice any of these symptoms it’s a good idea to get your brakes checked.

A brake job includes replacement of worn parts in order to restore the vehicle’s braking performance to new condition.

Brake components that should be replaced will obviously depend upon the age, mileage and wear. During a brake job, all components should be checked and the replacement requirements will change form vehicle to vehicle. A brake inspection should include inspection of the brake lining, rotors and drums, calipers and wheel cylinders, brake hardware, hoses, lines, and master cylinder. Any hoses that are found to be age cracked, chaffed, swollen, or leaking must be replaced. Replacement hoses should have the same type of end fittings (double-flared or ISO) as the original. Steel lines that are leaking, kinked, badly corroded, or damaged must also be replaced. For steel brake lines, use only approved steel tubing with double-flared or ISO flare ends’ leaking caliper or wheel cylinder needs to be rebuilt or replaced. The same applies to a caliper that is frozen (look for uneven pad wear), damaged, or badly corroded.  A leak at the master cylinder or a brake pedal that gradually sinks to the floor tells you that the master cylinder needs replacing. The rotors and drums need to be inspected for wear, heat cracks, warpage, or other damage. Unless they are in perfect condition, they should always be resurfaced before new linings are installed. If worn too thin, they should be replaced. Rust, heat, and age have a detrimental effect on many hardware components. It’s a good idea to replace some of these parts when the brakes are relined. On disc brakes, new mounting pins and bushings are recommended for floating-style calipers. High temperature synthetic or silicone brake grease (never ordinary chassis grease) should be used to lubricate caliper pins and caliper contact points. On drum brakes: shoe retaining clips and return springs should be replaced. Self-adjusters should be replaced if they are corroded or frozen. Use brake grease to lubricate self-adjusters and raised points on brake backing plates where shoes make contact. Wheel bearings should be part of a complete brake job on most rear-wheel drive vehicles and some front-wheel drive cars. Unless bearings are sealed, they need to be cleaned, inspected, repacked with wheel bearing grease (new grease seals are a must), and properly adjusted. As a rule, tapered roller bearings are not preloaded. Finger tight is usually recommended. Ball wheel bearings usually require pre-loading. Lastly, old brake fluid should always be replaced with fresh fluid as it can be contamination with water which can corrode brake lines and decrease braking capacity.

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