Car Tune Up: How Much Will It Cost?

Is it possible for your auto mechanic to give you an estimate for the cost of a car tune up? It can be a difficult job as there are many factors to consider when estimating the cost. If you are comparing quotes for a tune up from several different auto shops, make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

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Make sure you know the answers to these three questions:

#1 – What does the shop include in their "tune up package?"

The quote from an auto shop that includes the price of a fuel filter, spark plugs, air filter, PCV filter, and distributor ignition rotor, plus all applicable labor charges will be considerably higher than another shop that may only replace spark plugs as their "tune up" service.

#2 – Is labor included in the quote?

Or, does the quote only include parts and supplies? A local independent shop could be using a different guide to estimate labor and parts than the guide used by a dealer for a brand-name part. These guides could also classify a car tune up differently, as well as recommend different replacement schedules for specific parts.

#3 – Is a tune up really necessary at this time?

Make certain that your vehicle actually needs a tune up. A poorly running car does not necessarily mean a tune up will fix the problems. New cars are complex, full of computers and sensors that can cause it to act strangely. Before doling out the money for what could be an unnecessary tune up, ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test to determine a potential problem before handing over the money for what could be an unnecessary tune up.

Is it time for a tune up service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Wentland Diesel Service by calling 541-938-3875 or go on-line at http://www.wentlanddiesel.com/ for more information. Our auto shop provides car and truck repair, including diesel fuel injection services, to the vehicle owners in  Milton-Freewater, OR, Walla Walla, WA, Pendleton, OR and surrounding areas.

Diesel Repair: DPF (aka Diesel Particulate Filter) Part II

We are continuing with the theme of diesel particulate filters. In Part I we discussed the purpose of DPF and how it must meet the industry standard emissions regulations. More diesel service centers are finding that drivers are in need of diesel repair for problems created by a disengaged DPF.

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To help diesel vehicle owners understand the importance of the DPF, here is a brief explanation as to how the DPF works to control exhaust emissions.

Active vs. Passive -- Manufacturers use one of these two approaches to regenerate DPFs.

Passive Regeneration: Passively regenerating DPF systems are commonly found in the retrofit marketplace for construction equipment. In these applications, the vehicle's duty cycles and temperature profiles can be observed prior to filter installation. Passive systems rely on precious metal-coated substrates to heat the normal exhaust flow to temperatures that trigger regeneration. Although more sensitive to duty cycle and temperature, once installed, these DPF systems are considered to be more user friendly, as they do not require fuel additives, have no moving components, and only need to be serviced for annual cleaning.

Active Regeneration: Light diesel trucks have very different duty cycles. Active regeneration is employed when the exhaust temperatures are too irregular for a passive system to regenerate consistently. Active regeneration is accomplished by changing parameters in the engine to increase the exhaust temperatures in the DPF. This requires precise knowledge of engine parameters and access to the engine control unit. Because of this, the engine management approach is performed by the OEMs that have direct access and control over their engine design. Among the active strategies used are: late or post-injection of fuel into the combustion chamber, changes to the turbo boost, changes to the EGR valve, intake air throttling, and retarding the injection timing. All these methods can raise the exhaust temperature, but they also have negative impacts on the vehicle's fuel economy, power, and engine wear.

Filter Regeneration vs. Cleaning: Every DPF has what's called a wall-flow filter positioned in the exhaust system. As the exhaust gases pass through this filter, emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons are trapped in the filter and reduced by more than 90%. This trapped diesel particulate matter settles inside the filter walls until temperatures reach levels that allow for combustion. The process of combusting these trapped particulates without an intolerable buildup of engine backpressure is called filter regeneration. The process of cleaning the DPF involves taking the filter out of the exhaust system and putting it in a special cleaning chamber.

For more questions about the purpose of the DPF, and for any problems it may cause, be sure to ask your diesel repair specialist.

In need of diesel repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Wentland Diesel Service by calling 541-938-3875 or go on-line at http://www.wentlanddiesel.com/ for more information. Our auto shop provides car and truck repair, including diesel service, to the vehicle owners in   Milton-Freewater, OR, Walla Walla, WA, Pendleton, OR and surrounding areas.

Engine Repair: DPF (aka Diesel Particulate Filter) Part I: A Ticking Time Bomb!

Many vehicle owners don't give much thought about engine repair until they start to notice problems in their vehicle's performance on the road. These problems include the issue of emissions control. No one has ever said, "I wish this air was a little less clean." But some diesel vehicle owners are known to remove or tamper with their diesel vehicle's exhaust particulate filters. Because of this, vehicle emissions regulations have become stricter as time goes by. That means all newer diesels (2007 and newer) sold for on-highway use are required to have functioning emissions equipment. However, auto shops are reporting that they are seeing more and more owners of diesel vehicles coming in for engine repair because they have either removed, or tampered with the exhaust particulate filter.

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History Is Repeating Itself

In the 1960s, automotive emissions were nearly unregulated. In order to reduce air pollution, America decided to mandate vehicle tailpipe standards that were radically cleaner than before. The new laws didn't specifically require manufacturers to add catalytic converters and air injection systems—but that's the technology automakers chose to meet the new standards. Back then, vehicle enthusiasts felt wronged by the new hardware that showed up under their cars. They complained about reduced fuel economy, overheating, too much complexity, and poor vehicle performance. The catalytic converters, EGR components, and air pumps made working under the hood much more difficult—so hard-core enthusiasts ended up removing them.

But then what happened? Those same diesel vehicle owners were scheduling an engine repair or a more major engine rebuild, including the diesel particulate filter (DPF), to take care of engine performance problems. A wise vehicle owner will find out what the DPF does, and what it costs to replace before tampering with it.

What is the role of the DPF?

All engines emit pollutants (i.e., chemicals and compounds created by our vehicles that end up in our air that shouldn't otherwise be there) into the air we breathe. To reduce the amount of these pollutants, newer diesel engines have been fitted with a filter in the exhaust pipe to capture soot particles. This matrix of materials (a composite of cordierite, silicon carbide, or metal fibers), called a diesel particulate filter (DPF), traps the particulates (soot) flowing out the exhaust pipe. DPFs capture soot until they fill up and create too much backpressure. At that point, DPFs can regenerate (clean) themselves in one of two ways: active or passive.

Watch for Part II coming soon in which we will describe Active and Passive Regeneration in more detail.

Is your diesel particulate filter leading you to a premature engine repair or major engine rebuild? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Wentland Diesel Service, a full-service auto repair shop, by calling 541-938-3875 or go on-line at http://www.wentlanddiesel.com/ for more information. Our auto repair shop provides diesel fuel injection service, as well as automobile and truck repair, to the vehicle owners in  Milton-Freewater, OR, Walla Walla, WA, Pendleton, OR and surrounding areas.

Need Brake Repair? Please Stop!

As most vehicle owners know, fully functioning brakes are vital to safety when driving. Your vehicle's brakes work hundreds of times a day without any thought from you. Eventually, they will wear out, but they do so slowly, meaning you may not notice any problems until something happens (i.e., you're involved in a fender-bender or collision). Hopefully, you know your vehicle well enough that you can tell if something isn't quite right before that happens.

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Will a simple brake repair, such as turning the rotors, take care of the problem, or is a full brake replacement necessary? Neglecting regular service can lead to increased brake repair costs, or worse, no brakes at all. Fortunately, paying attention to a few warning signs can keep you stopping when and where you want to, and not in the back of the car that's in front of you.

What are the signs indicating that your brakes are wearing out?

    * the brake dashboard light glows amber, indicating problems with the anti-lock brake system (ABS)
    * the brake dashboard light is red, indicating a system imbalance
    * the brake pedal is spongy or slow to respond
    * you hear grinding or constant squealing during braking
    * The steering wheel wiggles in your hands when you come to a stop.
    * It takes a longer time and distance to stop than it used to

If you're jerking or grinding to a halt rather than gliding to a smooth stop, you will probably be spending your hard-earned money on possible towing and brake repair bills. How do you keep your vehicle stopping smoothly and safely where you want it to?

    * Keep up with regular brake service
    * Pay attention to the signs of failing brakes

Looking for quality brake repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Wentland Diesel Service by calling 541-938-3875 or go on-line at http://www.wentlanddiesel.com/ for more information about brakes. Our auto shop provides car and truck repair, including diesel service, to the vehicle owners in Milton-Freewater, OR, Walla Walla, WA, Pendleton, OR and surrounding areas.

Car Battery Replacement: Need a Charge?

Most drivers know that a car battery is vital to the proper performance of their vehicle. Even though it seems fairly basic and simple, it is helpful to know how a car battery works. Even with good maintenance, your vehicle may require a car battery replacement before you expect it too. Be prepared--learn how to keep your car battery charged through the cold winter months ahead.

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Remember these tips for the best cold-weather performance of your car battery and avoid an inconvenient and premature car battery replacement:

    * Make sure your vehicle has a battery with the right Group Size and sufficient cranking power, and of a good quality.

    * Because some corrosion can't be seen, have your car battery checked by a professional. They should also inspect the battery cables, posts, and fasteners to ensure the cables are in good shape and secured firmly to the battery.

    * Change the oil in your vehicle about every 3,000 miles (or as recommended in your owner's manual).

    * Have your car battery tested at every oil change

    * Prepare your vehicle for winter by having preventative maintenance inspections and repairing any problems without delay, including a car battery replacement.

    * Every six months, have your vehicle's starting and charging systems inspected.

    * Keep your car batter in good condition with a charger to maintain charge levels.

A car battery must be in good condition internally in order for it to function correctly. It works together with the connections that feed the current to the vehicle's electrical components. If you have determined that the alternator is still working properly, chances are a car battery replacement is needed, especially if the electrical system isn't working properly or inoperable altogether.

Heading for a potential car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Wentland Diesel Service by calling 541-938-3875 or go on-line at http://www.wentlanddiesel.com/ for more information. Our auto shop provides car and truck repair, including diesel service, to the vehicle owners in Milton-Freewater, OR, Walla Walla, WA, Pendleton, OR and surrounding areas.

Auto Repair Shop Offers Biodiesel Basics 101!

There are many contradictory opinions about the use of biodiesel fuel. Diesel engine specialists agree that biodiesel is a renewable and alternative source of fuel that is easy to produce and less expensive to use than traditional diesel fuel. If you have questions about using biodiesel fuel, be sure to ask the auto repair professionals at your auto repair shop for advice. But also be sure to do some research of your own.

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Biodiesel Basics 101:

While the performance of biodiesel is still under study, it is safe to say that good-quality biodiesel fuel generally performs well in engines. Here a few points offer by an auto repair shop to keep in mind when talking to your auto repair experts about biodiesel:

    * Engine Wear: Short-term engine wear is less than that of petroleum diesel. It is expected that engines will experience less wear in the long run as well after further long-range research.

    * Engine Exhaust Emissions: Biodiesel results in much less air pollution due to its higher oxygen content and lack of both "aromatic compounds" and sulfur. The one exception is nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which tend to be slightly higher. This problem can be minimized with proper tuning of the engine.

    * Cold Weather Performance: Performs in cold weather similar to petroleum diesel. The use of flow-improving additives and "winter blends" of biodiesel and kerosene has proved effective at extending the range of operating temperatures. Pure biodiesel tends to operate well at temperatures down to about 5°C. Winter blends have proved effective at temperatures as low as -20°C and below.

    * Engine Power: Power and torque tend to be 3-5 percent lower, due to the fact that biodiesel fuel has less energy per unit volume than traditional diesel fuel.

    * Fuel Efficiency: Tends to be slightly lower due to the lower energy content of the fuel. Typically, the drop-off is the in the same range as the reduction in peak engine power (3-5%).

    * Deposits and Clogging: Generally traceable to biodiesel that is either of low quality or has become oxidized. If using a high-quality biodiesel, deposits should not be a problem.

Note to Remember: It is important not to confuse the performance of high-quality biodiesel with the performance of low-quality biodiesel. Proper fuel quality and care are vital for all engine fuels, not just biodiesel!

Ask our diesel engine experts for answers to your questions about biodiesel. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Wentland Diesel Service, a full-service auto repair shop, by calling 541-938-3875 or go on-line at http://www.wentlanddiesel.com/ for more information. Our auto repair shop provides diesel fuel injection service, as well as automobile and truck repair, to the vehicle owners in Milton-Freewater, OR, Walla Walla, WA, Pendleton, OR and surrounding areas.

Your Vehicle Reach The Boiling Point? It May Need Radiator Service!

If you haven't already done so, now is the time of year to take care of a radiator service to make sure the systems of your vehicle are in good working order before the cold temperatures of winter arrive. Don't let your vehicle reach the boiling point before taking care of a needed radiator repair.

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To help prevent an overheating engine, here are two things to check out:

    * What is the coolant/antifreeze ratio? Remove the radiator cap (after the engine has cooled down), and look inside the radiator. Can you see the fluid? If you see any obvious loss of fluid on the ground or in the engine compartment, there could be a leak. If you have to add more than a pint, don't delay in scheduling a radiator service to have the cooling system pressure tested.

    * Under what condition does the overheating occur? If you have already determined that the level of fluid is correct and that there is no leak, note the times "when" the overheating actually occurs. This will help the mechanic pinpoint the possible cause of overheating.

      At Idle: Are the fans working properly? Most cars have a motor fan which is responsible for engine cooling, especially at stops and low speeds. If your car has an air conditioner condenser fan, the air conditioning compressor will require the cooling fan to operate at idle or low speeds as long as the compressor is on.

     At driving speed: Is there enough hot anti-freeze circulating? Airflow and coolant circulation are crucial at 55 MPH. The water pump should be circulating a large amount of hot antifreeze throughout the cooling system. If overheating is occurring while driving at normal speeds, check for a restriction in the system like a kinked radiator hose, or a stuck thermostat.

Airflow in the radiator is crucial as it is the primary heat exchange for the engine. If airflow is restricted, your car will overheat. To prevent a major radiator repair, or more extensive damage to your vehicle, head for your local auto shop as soon as possible for a radiator service.

Need quality radiator repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Wentland Diesel Service by calling 541-938-3875 or go on-line at http://www.wentlanddiesel.com/ for more information. Our auto shop provides radiator service for all makes of models of cars and truck, including diesel service, to the vehicle owners in  Milton-Freewater, OR, Walla Walla, WA, Pendleton, OR and surrounding areas.