Alternator Service/Repair

 

Many people don't understand all of the components that it takes to keep their car in working order. While they might understand that a transmission and engine are critical to keeping their vehicle on the road, they often overlooking the importance of the alternator.

 

Unfortunately, if your alternator isn't working properly, the engine won't have ample power to keep it on the road. Faulty alternators can end up causing your vehicle to stall out and leave you stuck waiting on a tow truck to arrive.

 

While an alternator can last for years, they still need to be inspected regularly to prevent leaving you stuck with no way to get where you need to go. Thanks to the team of specialists at Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage and auto repair, you can make sure your alternator is in top working order at all times. All it takes is a simple routine inspection to make sure everything is working the way it should on your vehicle. 

 

You shouldn't have to worry about having your alternator go out on you, especially when you have a trained team of specialists working on your vehicle for you. The team will run a series of diagnostic tests on your vehicles using the top of the line equipment in the shop. This will help determine whether your vehicle is getting ample power or not. In the event your alternator is the problem, we can get it replaced or rebuilt for you to make sure that you are safe out on the road at all times.

 

If you are in need of alternator repair near you, you can trust in the crew at Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage and auto repair to step in and get it taken care of for you. With over 30 years of experience and a team of specialists ready to work on your vehicle, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

 

WHAT DOES AN ALTERNATOR DO?

 

The alternator on your car keeps the battery charged. When the alternator begins to malfunction, it can prevent your vehicle’s battery from recharging properly.

 

 

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF A BAD ALTERNATOR INCLUDE:
 

• Battery or alternator symbol is on

• Voltage gauge on the dash reads low

• No power, but clicking noise occurs when the key is turned in the ignition

 

A bad alternator cannot replenish the power needed by the battery, but it will drain it. So it is important to check the overall condition of your vehicle after replacement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STARTER REPLACEMENTS

 

 

The starter in your vehicle is what enables the engine to start up and turn over. It is all too easy to confuse signs of a weak starter with that of a dead battery or alternator. Your car needs a fully charged battery in order for the starter to engage properly

 

 

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF A BAD STARTER INCLUDE:

 

• Headlights, taillights, and lights on the dash come on, but the car does not start

• Engine makes a grinding noise when turning over

• Hear a single clicking sound when turning on your car, but the engine does not start

 

You may be able to get your vehicle running after retrying for several minutes. However, you should have your starter replaced as soon as possible to prevent additional and often unnecessary repairs.

 

 

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR

 

Don’t let a bad alternator, battery, or starter keep you from enjoying your ride. Bring your vehicle to Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage and auto repair so our certified technicians can get it back in excellent shape for the road.

 

TIMING

 

 

BELT AND HOSE REPLACEMENTS

 

 

At Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage, our business is keeping your car running safely. Our ASE Certified technicians ensure that maintenance and repairs are performed correctly so that your automobile is in perfect working condition. While belts and hoses may not be perceived by some as the major components of your car, your engine may have difficulty functioning if something is wrong with them. That’s why it’s crucial to listen for unusual sounds, perform visual checks, and have your belts and hoses routinely inspected because they don’t often provide direct signs if replacement is necessary.

 

The belts and hoses on your car are susceptible to heat exposure, vibration, and contamination, making them wear out faster than most other components in your car. That’s why regular inspection and maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Routine inspections and maintenance can help improve fuel efficiency, achieve peak performance, and even help prevent costly repairs down the road. Because most belts and hoses fail on the inside, it’s difficult to determine the exact condition by outward appearances.

 

At Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage and auto repair, we want to be your source of information for all of your car maintenance and repair needs. We can help ensure that your car’s belts and hoses are in perfect working condition so your car operates properly and reliably, particularly during the hot summer months. Please come by and see us or give us a call today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

 

 

BELT & HOSE SERVICES INCLUDE:

 

 

• Install new clamps when replacing hoses

• Replace V-belts every 40,000 to 50,000 miles or three to four years

• Inspect belts and hoses at each oil change for softening or hardening

• Visually inspect for blistering, leaking, visible cracks, or any other damage on hose exteriors

• Protecting your car’s reliability and preventing more expensive repairs down the line is easy with proper maintenance of your vehicle’s belts and hoses. The cost of replacing belts and hoses is minimal in the overall care of your car.

 

 

 

BELT AND HOSE REPLACEMENT SIGNS:

 

 

• 5 years or 60,000 miles since last replacement

• Air conditioning failure

• Complete loss of power due to alternator discharging

• Coolant or other fluid leaks

• Illuminated dashboard lights

• Steam rising from the engine

• Grinding or screeching noises when the engine starts

 

 

 

 

TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT

 

 

When it comes to your engine, timing is everything. Responsible for synchronizing the crankshaft to the camshafts, the timing belt is essential for keeping your engine running smoothly and efficiently. It ensures that all the necessary valves open and shut on cue with the pistons. Take a moment to learn a little more about how your timing belt works, as well as some of the signs that you may be due for a new one.

 

 

 

WHAT DOES A TIMING BELT DO?

 

 

Timing belts are located internally in your engine and these rubber belts sit right behind the drive belt and ensure the crankshaft and camshaft are in sync. In doing so, they ensure the engine valves are operating correctly and at the right time. If the timing belt isn't properly functioning, it will end up causing a number of issues for your ride and in some cases if they fail can cause a lot of damage to your engine.

 

Made of cogged rubber, your timing belt is threaded through pulleys that align the camshafts to the crankshaft. Since the camshafts rotate at half the speed of the crankshaft, the belt synchronizes their positions, ensuring your engine valves open and close at the proper times. Additionally, the timing belt controls other engine components and accessories, including the:

 

• Water pump

• Balance shaft

• Intermediate shaft

• Injection and oil pump

 

 

In order to function correctly, the timing belt must be properly tensioned. Loose belts are often the cause of many engine and timing issues. Therefore, it’s important to know when you need timing belt replacement or adjustment.

 

 

Typically, the lifespan of your timing belt is between 60,000 to 105,000 miles depending on the vehicle. However, we recommend that you have your timing belt regularly inspected for any imperfections during routine maintenance checks. Our ASE Certified technicians know the signs of a failing timing belt and can replace it before breaks.

 

 

Contact our team today!  We provide routine inspection and maintenance to ensure your belt is in good condition, and offer timing belt replacement should you need it. Whenever you have questions or concerns about your car, we have the expertise to provide lasting solutions. Whether you need a timing belt replacement or a total transmission overhaul, we can get the job done.  If you are looking for the best place to have a timing belt replacement near you, then Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage is that place.  We will make sure your vehicle is properly taken care of to keep it on the road longer.  Schedule an appointment with us today, or give us a call. 

 

 

 

SYMPTOMS OF A TIMING BELT THAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT:

 

 

• Cracks or cuts in the rubber

• Oil on the belt

• Excessive wear

• Inadequate tension

 

 

Though signs that your timing belt is worn may not always be obvious, they are nevertheless important to address. Let us take a look, and we’ll give you our expert, professional opinion.

 

 

Some of the things that you need to remember when it comes to your timing belt are:

 

• As you replace your timing belt, you might want to consider replacing things like the water pump, tensioner and pulleys.

• If the pulleys and tensioner end up failing after you already replaced the timing belt, you could end up dealing with a damaged valve or piston problems that will cost you far more in repairs than what you realize. You will have to invest a lot to get the engine back to its normal state. That's why it is so important to have everything taken care of at the same time to prevent dealing with the unwanted stress later on down the line.

• Water pumps should only be replaced at the same time if the timing belt is driving the pump and make it work. This occurs in roughly 60 percent of all vehicles on the road today.

 

If you notice any weird squealing coming from the timing belt, you need to look into having it replaced. The team at Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage can help you get the repairs you need at a price that is going to work for you. With more than 100 years of combined experience, you aren't dealing with just anyone. Don't ignore the problem. It will only end up causing the belt to break and you to be stuck on the side of the road waiting on a tow truck to arrive.