AUTONET TV

Professional Fuel System Cleaning

Getting adequate fuel to your engine is very important for performance, fuel economy and safety. In order to accomplish this, your fuel system needs to be clean.

Today's production cars have fuel injectors, rather than a carburetor. The injectors need to be cleaned from time to time in order to deliver the fuel with the correct pressure, spray pattern and volume.

Winnetka drivers can buy fuel system cleaners that you pour into your gas tank to help maintain an already clean fuel system; however, they can't do a major cleaning. For that, you need to see A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis in Winnetka. We have the tools and chemicals to do the job right. Our friendly and knowledgeable team at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis can remove particles, gum and varnish from your fuel system and get those injectors running cleanly and efficiently.

You'll find A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis at 19735 Sherman Way Suite 2 in Winnetka, CA 91306. Or just give us a call at (818) 438-9608 to schedule an appointment.

You'll enjoy more power, better fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions. The cleaners also help prevent rust and corrosion in your fuel system and lubricate engine parts.

And, as with all maintenance, it can help prevent repairs that can happen because you didn't take preventative steps. Our advisors at A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis can tell you when your car is scheduled for a fuel system cleaning.

A Smart Inspection, Peace of Mind Before You Buy

With the price of new vehicles these days, you might be thinking about saving some money by buying a used one.  But when you go to look at a vehicle, how in the world do you know what you’re getting into?  

A look around the outside and a short test drive likely doesn’t give you the confidence that what looks like a great buy won’t turn into an expensive mistake. That’s where having a professional technician inspect that vehicle can give you some welcome peace of mind.

The technician will look for things that most of us won’t see, such as leaking oil and other fluids, electrical problems and brake wear. Many issues can’t be seen unless the vehicle is put on a hoist and inspected from all angles, like damage from an accident.   They’ll take the vehicle for a test drive as well, looking at powertrain performance, how the suspension behaves and listening for unusual noises. 

The relatively small cost of an inspection can turn up problems that could cost hundreds of dollars to fix later.  It also gives you negotiating options, asking that the seller take care of the issues at their cost before you buy.  Depending on the extent of the problems, you can offer to buy the vehicle at a reduced price or, if the issues are serious, you might decide not to buy it at all.   

If you are concerned about how safe the previously owned vehicle you’re considering is, the inspector will make sure the brakes, steering and structural components are up to specifications.  They’ll also use a device that checks there aren’t any computer warnings that the previous owner may have just had cleared.  

Getting a professional inspection of a used vehicle you’re thinking about buying can reveal problems and determine how reliable your “new to you” vehicle is likely to be. That’s what you call a smart move.

A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis
19735 Sherman Way Suite 2
Winnetka, CA 91306
(818) 438-9608
www.agautodiagnosis.com

Losing Your Spark (Spark Plug Replacement)

When's the last time you thought about spark plugs? You probably don't remember.  That's because spark plugs usually last a long time and don't need much attention.  But they don't last forever, and when they start going bad, they'll send you a few clues.

• Vehicle is hard to start. 
• Fuel economy is going down
• Acceleration isn't what it used to be
• Engine runs roughly
• Check Engine light is on

There are many things that can cause those symptoms, so it's wise to head on over to your vehicle repair facility to have them look over your vehicle.  But the problem could be your spark plugs. They do wear out, not producing a strong enough spark to ignite your fuel the way they're designed to.  A closely related problem is failing spark plug wires, and a technician will test for both possibilities… and more. 

Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends changing wires and/or plugs at certain intervals.  Spark plugs are made out of different materials and some last far longer than others.  Ask your service advisor to let you know when yours should be changed.  Badly misfiring plugs can cause expensive damage to a vehicle's catalytic converter, so it's best to take care of them before that happens.  Replacing your spark plugs and/or wires is money well spent to have your vehicle running smoothly, dependably and efficiently.  

A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis
19735 Sherman Way Suite 2
Winnetka, CA 91306
(818) 438-9608
www.agautodiagnosis.com

No Shake, Just Smooth

When your vehicle’s wheels are out of balance, they’ll likely give you some clues.  Your steering wheel might shake, the floor or seat vibrates and you might find your vehicle pulling to one side.  Other signs? Your tires might wear unevenly and may make odd noises. Plus, fuel economy might not be what it used to be.

It's important to keep your wheels balanced to keep your ride smooth and prevent wear on other parts of your vehicle.  Unbalanced, vibrating wheels can cause several parts of your suspension to wear prematurely, such as your ball joints, tie rods, struts, shocks and wheel bearings, all potentially expensive repairs.  

Balanced wheels give you a safer vehicle to drive since they improve stability and make your steering respond better.  They also will help you save fuel.

If you notice signs your wheels might need balancing, bring your vehicle in so a technician can check them.  They’ll check each wheel on a computerized balancing machine which can simulate driving at high speed.  The machine helps locate spots where weights can be placed to even out the balance.

When your wheels are properly balanced, you’ll find the ride will be smoother without all that vibration.  Your tires will wear much more evenly and you’ll notice a nice improvement riding in the cabin.

Keeping your wheels balanced should be part of your regular vehicle maintenance.  Consider having them balanced every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km).  Always have wheels balanced when you get new tires.  Also, have wheels checked after you hit a pothole or curb hard or if you notice the tread on your tires wearing unevenly.  

A.G. Automotive & Diagnosis
19735 Sherman Way Suite 2
Winnetka, CA 91306
(818) 438-9608
www.agautodiagnosis.com