Ridgecrest Auto Repair

What’s Maintenance

Maintenance will help increases the reliability of your vehicle by preventing unexpected failures. By sticking to your own customized maintenance schedule, you can avoid these costly repairs and reduce the over all cost of your car.

• Oil Change
  Your vehicles engine oil should be changed every three thousand miles, or every three months, whichever occurs first. At every other oil change, you should rotate your tires. We perform a FREE 30 point inspection during every oil change and vehicle service. The 30 point inspection will provide you with information regarding maintenance needs on the major systems of your car (cooling system, power steering system, battery, engine oil, brake fluid system and brake pads/rotors, etc.) so you can make informed decisions about your vehicle.
• Brake Repairs
  Your vehicles brakes should be inspected during every oil change. As the brake pads wear down, from normal braking, they will need to be replaced and the rotors will need to be machined to a fine surface. Occasionally, brakes need repairs before normal wear intervals. By paying close attention to how your brakes feel, and sound you can catch a premature failure before it becomes a problem.
• Transmission Service
  Your transmission fluid should be flushed at least every 30k miles to remove harmful varnish and sludge from the transmission’s valve body, torque converter and fluid lines. Replacing transmission fluid regularly will extend the life of the transmission.
• A/C Service
  Your air conditioning system uses a gas, known as freon, to reduce the air temperature in your car. This system should be checked for leaks, and thoroughly inspected at least once a year.
• Radiator Service
  Your radiator is part of the cooling system that regulates the engine operating temperature. It should be visually inspected for leaks, corrosion and external damage during every oil change.
• Vehicle Inspection
  Before you go on a long road trip you should have your car inspected to help keep you safe and on the road. Before buying a car, its a good idea to have it inspected as well. We can take care of your car, so your car can take care of you.

My Car Services

Vehicles need to be serviced when they reach certain mileage. We offer all services for your vehicle when they reach these milestones. Click the links below to find out what services need to be performed at what mileage.

• Fuel Induction Service
  (Recommended every 15,000 miles)
  Clean carbon build up from fuel injectors, intake manifold, ports, intake valves and combustion chamber and replace fuel filter. This will restore power and performance while helping reduce harmful exhaust emissions and increase fuel mileage.
• Battery Service
  (Recommended every 16,000 miles)
  Clean corrosion deposits from battery terminals and cable ends. Install corrosion reduction kit.
• Engine Cooling System Service
  (Recommended every 24,000 miles)
  Flush cooling system: radiator, engine block, heater core etc. Replace thermostat and refill with proper coolant mixture. Pressure test system for leaks and inspect radiator cap.
• Power Steering Fluid Service
  (Recommended every 24,000 miles)
  Flush cooling system: radiator, engine block, heater core etc. Replace thermostat and refill with proper coolant mixture. Pressure test system for leaks and inspect radiator cap.
• Brake System Service
  (Recommended every 30,000 miles)
  Hydraulically flush old, oxidized and contaminated brake fluid, removing moisture, condensation, and air from the brake system. Replace with de-moisturized, high-temperature hydraulic brake fluid designed to prevent expensive mechanical failure.
• Drive Train Service
  (Recommended every 30,000 miles)
  Remove old, worn-out fluid, sludge and refill with new, high-quality fluids.
  • Manual Transmission
  • Transfer Case
  • Front Differential
  • Rear Differential
• Transmission & Fluid Service
  (Recommended every 30,000 miles)
  Remove harmful varnish and sludge from the transmission’s valve body, torque converter and fluid lines. Remove all old, broken-down and burnt fluid. Replace transmission filter and install new fluid Replacing transmission fluid regularly will help extend the life of the transmission.

Towing Service

24 Hour Towing & Roadside Assistance What you've Come to Expect from Paul & Sons...

Springs & Suspension

Shocks – How long do they last?

Shocks typically should be replaced every 40k to 50k miles. It is not uncommon for shocks to fail before they reach 50k miles. They are a very important piece in the steering and suspension systems; without proper shock performance, tires will wear quickly and vehicle handling will be drastically reduced.

Springs Vs Shocks – whats the deal?

When a vehicle hits a bump or an irregularity on the road surface, the job of the springs in the suspension system is to lessen the impact of a bump to the body/frame and passengers.The springs also bring the tires back in quick contact with the road surface after being bounced up in the air by a bump. The job of the shock absorbers is to dampen the springs — to help still them after they have done their job going over a bump.

Safety First- Keep control

The Car Care Council points out that on a rough, winding road the driver of a car with worn shocks is in danger of losing control. Weak shocks permit excessive rebound of the wheels, allowing them to become airborne. During this brief period that the tires are in the air, they lose contact with the road surface — and steering and braking control can be lost. If shocks and struts were like tires or windshield wipers, you would immediately know when they’d gone bad. But they’re not.

What is the Difference Between Maintenance and Repair

Regular Maintenance – Reduce Costly Repairs

Maintenance is preventive in nature. The idea behind changing operating fluids such as engine oil, coolant, gearbox oil, differential oil and brake fluid, for example is to prevent the need for premature repairs. Replacement of consumable parts such as brake pads, brake rotors, wiper blades, filters, bulbs etc also comes under the head of maintenance.Repair work is completely different. A repair is necessitated by a parts failure of some kind. If you keep up on your regular interval maintenance you will reduce the expense on repairs.

General Maintenance – Oil Change

Interval Maintenance – Shocks, Struts, Spring, Suspension

Repairs – Water Pump Replacement

Brakes

Brake Pads – Stopping Power

Brake pads should be inspected during every oil change. When they reach a minimum thickness, they should be replaced. Always use quality pads when its time to get your brakes done.

Brake Rotors – Take The Heat

Brake rotors are the surface that the brake pads press against to stop your vehicle. They get very hot during braking periods. They should be inspected for proper surfacing and heat damage during oil changes.

Brake Calipers – Hold It Together

Brake calipers hold the brake pads in position so when the brakes are applied, the brake pads contact the brake rotor properly, and bring your vehicle to a stop. Brake calipers are inspected during brake inspections. Call today to schedule, or schedule here on our site.