Quality surveys report fewer problems with new Dekalb cars than ever before. So does that mean that modern vehicles have become maintenance free?

Back when cars spent more time in Dekalb repair shops, IL drivers were more mindful of routine service. Now, it’s much easier to put it off.

Take Dekalb tune-ups for example. In the days of mechanical ignition systems, an engine needed to be tuned-up every couple of years. If your engine was out of tune, you knew it. It ran poorly and got bad fuel economy driving on IL streets and highways. Now, the ignition system is electronic and controlled by the engine management computer. Spark plugs rarely get fouled and will last for as much as a hundred thousand miles. So pickup tune-ups used to force you in for service and while you were there you just took care of whatever else was on the list.

So what’s the benefit to keeping up with factory scheduled maintenance at MOTOR WORKS? Well, your pickup will perform better and return better fuel economy. Those benefits pay for the service as you go along. The big plus is that major repairs – and the associated breakdowns – are prevented. And these aren’t just repairs that are a long ways off. Modern engines are far more sophisticated and have many parts that are in critical need of proper lubrication. Missing just one oil change at MOTOR WORKS can allow oil sludge to start forming. Sludge clogs small engine passages, robbing pickup parts of the lubrication they need. An expensive failure could easily occur within two or three years.

Taking care of the little things at MOTOR WORKS prevents big problems with your pickup later. No Dekalb motorist wants to be stranded by a breakdown. Your pickup still needs to be taken care of – it’s just that some of those points of care have changed with automotive advancements. The need for proper maintenance at MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb did not go away.

Give us a call

MOTOR WORKS
815.756.2882
316 East Taylor St
Dekalb, IL 60115

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Most Dekalb drivers know that braking means slowing or stopping a vehicle. The mechanical aspects of the brakes themselves are just one issue. There’s also the power brake system and brake fluid. And then there are the tires, which are critical to the effectiveness of the brakes.

Let’s step back. A car or truck rolls brand new off the showroom floor at a local Dekalb dealer. It has brand new brakes with brand new brake pads. The brake lines and the power assist are filled with fresh fluid and are completely clean inside. And the pickup tires are brand new, with full tread. Naturally, braking power is at its peak performance.
 
Now, as your drive from Dekalb to Clare and back, the miles start to add up. Most Dekalb car owners tend to focus on the brake pads. In the Dekalb automotive service community, the pads, and shoes on drum brakes, are called the friction material. That’s because they provide the friction used to stop the pickup. The pads are designed to be effective throughout their useful life – it’s not until they are worn so thin as to be out of spec that they lose stopping effectiveness.

The mechanical parts of the brakes have pistons and springs that get quite a workout while stopping the pickup. Over many miles, these wear and get gummed up. They start to lose effectiveness gradually and could even fail. That’s why a regular brake inspection is important. At MOTOR WORKS, we can test the operation of the brakes and see if any parts need cleaning or replacing.

That leads us to brake fluid service at MOTOR WORKS. Some of the critical additives in the fluid that lubricate and clean the pickup fluid system are depleted over time. That and moisture building up in the system deteriorate the performance of the brake fluid. Brake fluid replacement at MOTOR WORKS includes flushing the brake system to clean out deposits, water and dirt. Then the system is filled up with fresh fluid.

The tires are what connect the pickup to the road. The stopping force is ultimately dependent on the traction provided by the tires. The better they grip the road, the quicker you’ll stop as you drive around Dekalb.

For questions about brakes, brake pads, cabin air filter, tune up, or tires, talk to MOTOR WORKS  manager Motor Works Fay.

Give us a call

MOTOR WORKS
815.756.2882
316 East Taylor St
Dekalb, IL 60115

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

You may not be familiar with all of the items on MOTOR WORKS’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your MOTOR WORKS Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

MOTOR WORKS Fuel System Cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning at MOTOR WORKS gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas as you drive around Dekalb and on Clare freeways, by the way.

MOTOR WORKS Headlamp Replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to like new-condition. As your knowledgeable MOTOR WORKS advisor for information.

MOTOR WORKS Inspections: Dekalb drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Dekalb. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection at MOTOR WORKS may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

MOTOR WORKS Oil Change Service – there are several options: Some Dekalb auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

MOTOR WORKS PCV Valve Service: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. Just needs to be changed now and then.

MOTOR WORKS Power Steering Service: Often overlooked. Your MOTOR WORKS technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the system running well for a long time.

MOTOR WORKS Serpentine Belt Replacement: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt at MOTOR WORKS before it breaks or wears down too much, because that’ll lead to other problems.

MOTOR WORKS Shocks and Struts Replacement: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Dekalb motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

MOTOR WORKS Transmission Service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

MOTOR WORKS Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Dekalb.

Give us a call

MOTOR WORKS
815.756.2882
316 East Taylor St
Dekalb, IL 60115

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Most Dekalb area car owners don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. Maintaining your pickup air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job. Small leaks in the air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can’t cool the air as well.

Along with the refrigerant, a special oil circulates in the system. The oil lubricates air conditioning components, and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil means that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and we all know that air conditioning repairs can be costly in Clare.

Air conditioning service at MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks. The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it’s inspected for cracks or wear.

The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper operation by your MOTOR WORKS service advisor. Then comes the leak test. If a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it’s repaired and the pickup system is retested. Your MOTOR WORKS technician will also perform a temperature drop test.

If needed, the old refrigerant is evacuated and the system is recharged with clean, fresh refrigerant. A final test insures that the air conditioner is working, and you’re on your way.

How often this should be done at MOTOR WORKS varies from vehicle to vehicle. Your pickup owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s recommendation and, of course, your knowledgeable MOTOR WORKS service advisor can tell you. It’s typically every two years.

Give us a call

MOTOR WORKS
316 East Taylor St
Dekalb, IL 60115

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

When all of a vehicle’s wheels are lined up exactly with each other, your wheels are in alignment. Hitting a road hazard in Dekalb or even just the normal bumps and bounces of everyday IL driving can cause your pickup wheels to be out of alignment. This can lead to expensive premature tire and suspension wear.

Here are some alignment basics from MOTOR WORKS:
The first angle is called toe: do the wheels point in towards each other or away from each other at the front of the tire.
The next angle is called camber: do the wheels tip in or out at the top.
And finally, there is castor. Castor measures the angle where the front axles attach to the vehicle.

The ideal alignment for your pickup was designed by its engineers. MOTOR WORKS alignment service starts with an inspection of the steering and suspension – so see if anything’s bent, broken or worn out. Then the MOTOR WORKS technician will look at tire condition. From there, the pickup is put on an alignment rack and an initial alignment reading is taken. The wheels are then aligned to manufacturer’s specifications.

Your owner’s manual probably has a recommendation for how often your pickup alignment should be checked – usually every couple of years. If you suspect an alignment problem with your pickup, get it checked at MOTOR WORKS before you suffer expensive tire or suspension damage.

Give us a call

MOTOR WORKS
815.756.2882
316 East Taylor St
Dekalb, IL 60115

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Now when you hear “severe service”, you may think it doesn’t apply to you because you don’t feel your driving conditions are severe or extreme – it’s just normal everyday driving around Clare. At MOTOR WORKS, we discuss the conditions that manufacturers classify as severe so that you can make the judgment on your own driving.

• Most trips are less than four miles
• Most trips are less than ten miles and outside temperatures are below freezing in Clare
• You drive in very hot IL weather
• Driving at low speed most of the time (under 55 mph)
• Stop and go driving
• Operating your vehicle in dusty, polluted or muddy conditions
• You tow a trailer, regularly carry heavy loads or carry a car-top carrier on your pickup

Most Clare drivers operate under severe driving conditions at least some of the time. How do you know which schedule to follow for your pickup?

Carefully think about your driving conditions and decide if you should do your preventive maintenance closer to the severe service recommendation or the regular recommendation. Of course, your MOTOR WORKS advisor can help you with your decision.

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

In addition to just wearing out, MOTOR WORKS customers need to know that suspension components can be damaged in an accident or by a hard impact – like a pothole, hitting a curb or a rock in the road.

Because the life span of shocks can vary so widely, your pickup manufacturer and MOTOR WORKS recommend periodic inspections. During an inspection, your Malta service technician will check for worn, broken or missing parts.

Signs that shocks or struts are wearing out: The tires may have a cupped wear pattern. This is from the shocks bouncing unevenly as you drive around Malta. You may notice a floaty or drifting sensation when cornering. If the front of your pickup dives excessively when stopping, or rocks back and forth after you stopped, your shocks may be worn out. And if they are leaking fluid, it’s definitely time to replace them.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, come into MOTOR WORKS for a suspension inspection. Same if you’ve been in an accident that involved one of your wheels. Worn or broken shocks can cause premature wear or failure on other pickup suspension parts such as ball joints and other steering components as well. If your suspension actually fails, it could lead to a serious accident, so let us take care of your suspension components at MOTOR WORKS.

When you replace your shocks, it’s usually a good idea to replace all four at the same time. That’ll give you more even handling. Talk with your service advisor at MOTOR WORKS because you don’t want a big difference between the performance of your shocks from wheel to wheel, and replacing all may be the safest bet.

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

The crankcase is the bottom area of the engine that holds the oil. When the pickup engine’s running, fuel is burned to generate power. Most of the exhaust from combustion goes out through the exhaust system. But some exhaust blows by the pistons and goes into the lower engine, or crankcase.

These hot gases are about seventy percent unburned fuel. This can dilute and contaminate the oil, leading to damaging engine oil sludge. It can also cause engine corrosion in your pickup. At high speeds, the pressure can build up to the point that gaskets and seals start to leak.

Cortland car owners need to know that over time, the vented gases will gum up the PCV valve and it won’t work well. That can lead to all of the problems I’ve already described, oil leaks, excessive oil consumption and wasted gas.

Fortunately, it’s very easy to test the PCV valve and quick and inexpensive to replace it at MOTOR WORKS. Even so, it’s often overlooked because many Cortland drivers don’t know about it.

Check your pickup owner’s manual or ask your MOTOR WORKS advisor. If this is the first time you’ve heard of a PCV valve, you might be in line for a PCV valve replacement.

Please ask us about your PCV valve. For the price of a couple of burger combo meals, you can avoid some very expensive deep engine repairs.

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

First, the serpentine belt drives your air conditioning system. Next, the belt powers the alternator.

The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. In some pickups, power steering may have an electric drive and power brakes can be vacuum driven.

And, on many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump (on some cars, the water pump is powered by the timing belt).

Your MOTOR WORKS service technician can perform a visual inspection of the belt to see if it has any cracks that signal the belt could fail soon and will measure the amount of belt material to make sure there is enough.

Dekalb drivers should be aware that there’s a special, spring loaded pulley attached to the engine called the tensioner pulley and sometimes an extra pulley call the idler pulley. Their job is to make sure there’s a constant tension on the serpentine belt so that it doesn’t slip. The spring can become worn and no longer provide the necessary pressure to keep the belt tight. That’s why it’s often recommended that the tensioner, and the idler pulley if so equipped, be replaced at the same time as the serpentine belt.

All in all, the serpentine belt’s an important part for the function of your pickup. And it’s not that expensive to replace at MOTOR WORKS – so it’s good to do so before it fails.

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Let’s focus on stopping in wet Dekalb conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can’t move the water, the tire will actually ride on top of a thin film of water.

That’s called hydroplaning. At MOTOR WORKS we want our customers to know that if it’s really bad, you can actually spin out of control. At best, you won’t stop as fast.

So how does a tire move water? It has channels for water to flow through. Look at a tire and you’ll see channels: channels that run around the tire and channels that flow across the tire. They’re designed to direct water away from the tire so it can contact the road better.

And the deeper the channel, the more water it can move. A brand new tire has very deep channels and can easily move a lot of water. As the tire wears down, the channels become shallower and can move less water. When it wears down enough, it can seriously affect your ability to stop on wet Dekalb roads.

So that’s why it’s so important for Dekalb drivers to replace the tires on their pickups when they get worn. Consumer Reports and other advocate groups call for a standard of 3/32 of an inch and they have the studies to prove it.

By comparison, you’ve probably seen the wear indicator that’s molded into tires. When tires are worn 3/32 of an inch, the tread wear bar is visible. So the recommended standard has twice the tread depth as a completely worn out tire.

And that little bit of additional tread makes a big difference. Stopping distances are cut dramatically on wet roads. A safe stop from IL freeway speeds with 4/32 of an inch of tread would result in a crash with worn out tires.

There’s an easy way to tell when a tire’s worn to 4/32 of an inch. Just insert a quarter into the tread. Put it in upside down. If the tread doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to replace your tires. With a Canadian quarter, the tread should cover the numbers in the year stamp.

You’ve probably heard of this technique using a penny and Abe Lincoln’s head. That measure gives you 2/32 of an inch – half the suggested amount.

Of course, tires are a big ticket item for Dekalb car owners. Most of us want to get as many miles out of them as we can. But there’s a real safety trade-off. It’s your choice.

At MOTOR WORKS in Dekalb IL (60115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 815.756.2882. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.