It’s the working fluid for the cooling system, which controls the operational condition of the engine. Because the engine is a controlled explosion, it needs to be kept between a specific temperature range for optimal performance. Whether it’s cold or hot outside, the cooling fluid allows the cooling system (including the radiator) to keep the engine and radiator at just the right temperature. Think of this way: coolant fluid is a warm blanket in the winter and a misting fan in the summer.

A car’s coolant system operates on a loop, pumping a mix of water and antifreeze to your radiator to regulate engine temperature. Because coolant absorbs the heat generated by the engine and transports it to the radiator to cool down, it stands to reason that low or weak coolant levels mean its job performance is compromised and your car can overheat.

Coolant breaks down like any other engine fluid. Just as motor oil has vital engine performance additives, your coolant has additives that prevent boiling, freezing and corrosion. When these additives are depleted, contaminants and debris can begin to build up on your radiator, affecting its performance. It’s essential to have your coolant fluid exchanged every so often. And by the way, coolant spelled backward is tnalooc – a word that makes absolutely no sense.

Surprise, surprise: vehicles don’t need new coolant over the same time periods. Some vehicles have long-life fluids pre-installed on the assembly line and don’t require servicing as often. So, go ahead and jump up and down if you’re one of the lucky ones with longer life fluids. You win.

For all the non-long-life fluid vehicle owners out there, you may require a coolant exchange as frequently as every 15,000 miles. You can find coolant information – and learn when it needs to be replaced – in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Pun intended: it all boils down to your vehicle operating at an ideal temperature. Old coolant can cause overheating. No coolant or low coolant levels can lead to ugly things, such as blown gaskets, warped cylinder heads and damage to your water pump and radiator. If the temperature gauge creeps upward, don’t ignore the warnings – have your coolant checked out before your system reaches its boiling point.

For coolant exchange or replacement, schedule an appointment today.

Time and miles – it’s a simple equation. When they’re at the top of their game, the additives in coolant/antifreeze provide protection, inhibiting corrosion (rust) and scale formation in your car’s radiator and engine. Over time, these additives get depleted, and the solution becomes less alkaline, leaving your car vulnerable to costly repairs and even engine failure.

Conventional coolant/antifreeze has the shortest life, but it’s important to remember not all vehicles are compatible with “long life” or “extended life” antifreezes. All coolants, through normal operation, eventually become dirtied and contaminated with debris from your engine’s cooling system. When this happens, the coolant fails to reduce higher temps during hot weather and increase temps during freezing weather. It can also lead to a rust-clogged radiator and heater. What’s more: the inability to regulate temperature in your engine badly affects other car parts, such as head gaskets, cylinder blocks and o-rings.

Quick Fact: Both the American Automobile Association and U.S. Department of Transportation note the majority of roadside breakdowns can be attributed to cooling system failures.

Schedule a coolant exchange. Right now.

If your engine overheats due to inefficient coolant, dangerous conditions can ensue. Your engine can seize up, crack and stop while your car is in motion. The same holds true during colder weather, when your engine is subject to freeze damage. Scary stuff. This is not an area you want to neglect.

Significant coolant problem indicators:

• Low coolant levels: If your coolant is low, you could have a leak in your cooling system. You may be able to see the leak under your vehicle, and you may be able to smell it as well. If you notice this, get your coolant inspected at the soonest opportunity. Other potential leak culprits include a bad radiator cap, blocked radiator or damaged sensor.
• Discolored coolant: Coolant color should never change, but it can when coolant gets contaminated with debris or it’s been in your car so long that the additives in it deplete. When coolant color changes or gets cloudy, bring it to us to see if it needs to be changed.
• Engine overheats: Worst-case scenario: your engine can overheat, seize-up and crack, causing your car to stop completely. If this has happened, it’s probably too late for a fluid exchange - you may need a whole engine exchange.

It’s a cool time for a coolant exchange. Schedule an appointment.

There are currently three popular coolant types. But most every coolant on the market today contains the same main active cooling ingredient: ethylene glycol. Water and dye are other common ingredients that are consistent among coolant types. The main differences are in the specially formulated additives.

• Conventional green coolant/antifreeze. The most basic coolant also has the shortest life span. These conventional formulas typically have anti-corrosion additives that provide extra corrosion protection. However, these additives deplete over time, requiring coolant to be replaced about every two years, 24,000 miles or as recommended by your manufacturer. Read your owner’s manual since some manufacturers even set 15,000-mile intervals.
• Dexcool™ coolants provide extended coolant life. There are a variety of Dexcool™ formulas, but they all contain long life organic acid technology (OAT) additives that protect your system from corrosion longer. Dexcool™ will also be able to remain in your system over a longer period of time, sometimes for as far as 150,000 miles. See your owner’s manual for more information regarding the coolant type in your vehicle.
• Hybrid OAT antifreezes and coolants. We’re talking about the newer hybrid coolants not hybrid cars. These hybrid coolants go in regular cars and can give your ride a fast-acting formula that may last for an epoch (up to 150,000 miles). If your vehicle manufacturer specifies that your vehicle is not OAT compatible, a hybrid OAT may be the solution to this problem. Hybrid OAT coolants and antifreezes were designed to solve this coolant compatibility issue. Before using this coolant type, read the label to verify it meets your manufacturer’s standard.

Our coolant fluid exchange service provides everything your engine needs to stay cool. With this service we will:

• Inspect the system and perform a pressure test to detect any leaks
• Add flush chemicals to the radiator
• Power flush the coolant system with our flush machine
• Refill the system with the proper amount and type of recycled antifreeze designed for your vehicle
• Add sealant/lubricant to the coolant system to preserve the system seals for extra protection from leaks
• Provide a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty*

*See your auto advisor for complete terms and conditions of written, limited warranties.

Also included: While we’re going to town on a coolant fluid exchange, our expert technicians will perform a thorough under-hood inspection to make sure all parts are in shape, including the radiator, radiator cap, radiator hoses, radiator fan/fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, fan belts, serpentine belt, cooling sensor, heater core, heater hoses and temperature sensor.

We’ll let you know if we see any key parts that need to be repaired or replaced and offer up a solution.

Give your coolant system the ultimate clean. Schedule a coolant fluid exchange.

We offer a “drain and fill” solution if that is the service you ask for. While drain and fills can work well, they can also leave a considerable amount of old, dirty fluid in the system. This can rob your coolant system of the vital cleaning that’s necessary for optimal performance. A more comprehensive coolant system cleaning is the old-to-new coolant fluid exchange, where we flush out the old coolant with our flush machine and then put new coolant in.

So, you want to know the industry’s best kept secret, eh? Well, from our experience, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the best days to stop into Firestone Complete Auto Care. Now that we’ve said that, we can’t guarantee those will not become the most popular days as a result. But you asked. And now the cat is out of the bag. See you Tuesday or Wednesday.

We even have extended evening hours and most stores are open Sundays. Schedule an oil change for any day of the week.

It’s your transmission’s lifeline, enabling your vehicle to seamlessly shift gears without tearing them to shreds. Transmission fluid is a unique, hydraulic-powered liquid that’s designed to cool and lubricate your transmission’s internal parts so each gear shift feels silky smooth. This fluid ultimately helps preserve the life of the transmission system. Yeah, it’s that crucial.

We perform fluid exchanges for both types of transmissions.

The main thing you need to know: automatic transmissions usually require more frequent fluid exchanges because their systems generate more friction than manual transmissions. Manual transmissions can go a while longer before a fluid exchange because they have fewer moving parts and aren’t designed as intricately as automatics. Automatics feature a more complex design.

Of course, it’s always wise to check your owner’s manual for interval information. Or check your make and model interval here, on our scheduled maintenance page.

Quick Tip: Many manual transmissions use the same fluid as automatics, while other use gear oil. See us or refer to your owner’s manual to learn about which fluid is right for your ride.

Each transmission is built differently and requires different maintenance intervals, generally speaking.

Automatic and manual transmissions differ in terms of how they transfer power from the engine: manual transmissions use a clutch, while automatic transmissions employ a torque converter, a device that uses oil flow to transfer power. Manual transmissions involve the meshing and un-meshing of gears with each manual gear shift, while automatic transmissions are a controlled changing of gears that happens automatically without a human operator.

Generally speaking, automatic transmission fluid needs to be replaced more frequently than manual transmission fluid. This is because the system is more intricate and depends more on fluid to help change gears automatically.

Your system requires a transmission fluid exchange to avoid the damaging effects old fluid can have on your transmission.

Transmission fluid contains important additives, and those additives wear out over time. The additives provide the transmission and its gears with proper lubrication, keeping harmful debris out, while ensuring the system stays cool. Once the additives deplete, debris is free to float around and wreak havoc. Debris, compromises lubrication and cooling, and that has the potential to destroy your transmission.

Don’t delay a transmission fluid exchange – especially if you don’t remember the last time you had one.

Protect your gears. Schedule a transmission fluid exchange today.

The good news is you don’t have to change transmission fluid as often as motor oil. Change intervals vary by make and model and whether you have automatic or manual transmission. It’s generally recommended you get your transmission fluid exchanged every 24,000 to 36,000 miles or every two-to-three years – whichever comes first. It’s important to note, though, that some new car manufacturers recommend exchanging transmission fluid every 15,000 or even 100,000 miles. Some systems even feature sealed systems, which require no transmission exchange at all.

At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we follow your vehicle manufacturers’ recommended service intervals when performing a transmission fluid exchange service. You can find the recommended maintenance intervals for fluid replacement in your owner’s manual or right here on our website.

Discover your vehicle’s recommended maintenance intervals.

An exchange prevents your transmission from slipping due to wear and tear – and it helps prevent your vehicle from not moving at all.

By having your old transmission fluid exchanged with new fluid, you’ll be back to driving with a clean, smooth-shifting and replenished transmission system. You may experience what feels like a night-and-day change, since replenishing your system with friction-modifying additives means gears shift more smoothly.

Discover the power a transmission fluid exchange can have on your driving experience. Schedule an appointment today.

There are two schools of thought regarding a transmission fluid exchange on a high-mileage vehicle. Some experts believe that it is not a good idea to exchange transmission fluid when a vehicle’s transmission is operating properly on a car with high miles. This thinking stems from the idea that the fresh additive package in new fluid removes varnish and deposits that “hold things together.” Other experts feel new fluid with fresh additives may be all the transmission needs to return to a properly operational state when the transmission in a high-mileage vehicle is not shifting or operating correctly.

Given a transmission fluid exchange costs far less than it does to replace or rebuild a car’s transmission, we believe servicing your transmission at the intervals specified in your owner’s manual is a prudent investment, one that can prevent significant, costly damage down the line. Exchanging transmission fluid does not cause problems that don’t already exist.

Just like motor oil, transmission fluid experiences breakdown from normal wear and tear.

When a car’s transmission shifts gears, it causes friction. This, in turn, generates heat, and that heat must be carried away by the fluid. The heftier the load on the transmission, the more heat it generates and the hotter the fluid becomes. The hotter the fluid runs, the more quickly it experiences breakdown and the shorter its lifespan. When this happens, the fluid’s ability to lubricate vital parts is diminished.

Adding insult to injury, heat generated from the transmission’s mechanics causes debris from the gears, bearings and friction plates inside the transmission to compromise the quality of the fluid.

Transmission fluid contains additives to produce oxidation stability, reduce foaming and inhibit corrosion; these, too, can take a turn for the worse over time.

Changing the fluid at regular intervals is the only way to remove the impurities, boost the benefits of additives and keep your car running smoothly. Properly maintained transmission fluid cools and lubricates the moving parts, enabling hydraulics and gears to transfer power from your engine to your wheels. Now, that’s an important job.

Never wait for symptoms of transmission fluid breakdown to progress.

Protect your gears. Schedule a transmission fluid exchange today.

Few signs indicate there’s a problem with your transmission fluid – until it’s too late.

Automatic transmission: A normally smooth ride may feel sluggish when shifting gears or the time it takes to shift gears may be prolonged. This is usually a sign that your transmission fluid is no longer coating your transmission parts.

Manual transmission: “Clunking,” “clashing” or waiting for your transmission to “catch” are red flags. Unfortunately, by then, damage has likely occurred.

If any of these symptoms crop up, do not ignore them. Have us inspect your ride as soon as possible in order to minimize damage to your vehicle.

Quick tip: Please check your owner’s manual for recommended transmission fluid inspections and for the location of the transmission dipstick. If your transmission has a sealed system, there won’t be a dipstick – or a way, for that matter, to inspect fluid on your own. Either way, we can check your transmission fluid levels.

Need your transmission fluid inspected or exchanged? Schedule an appointment today.

Your transmission dipstick can also tell the story about your transmission fluid condition.

• The color: Automatic transmission fluid should be translucent and/or red in color. Meanwhile, healthy manual transmission fluid may appear red, dark green, blackened or even translucent. If your transmission fluid looks cloudy, or has a dark or brownish tinge, it might be time for a fluid exchange.
• Burning odor: If your transmission fluid has a burned smell, it’s time for new transmission fluid.
• Low fluid levels: Though it may help to do a transmission fluid exchange if your transmission fluid dips below a safe level, it’s really time for a transmission inspection since you shouldn’t be losing fluid.

There are many types of transmission fluid, and they’re designed for specific transmissions and vehicle types. Inconvenient as it may be, there isn’t a one-kind-fits-all transmission fluid for vehicles. Because using the wrong fluid can have damaging effects, take your car to us when you’re unsure. We stock most major brands of kinds of transmission fluid; if we don’t have your brand, we’ll get the fluid your car requires.

Need new transmission fluid or a transmission fluid exchange? Schedule an appointment.

A transmission fluid exchange is a three-step process that cleans and revitalizes your transmission. Protect your transmission by having your transmission fluid replaced as recommended in your owner’s manual.

Included with this service:

• Fluid service kit, a cleaner that removes debris and contaminants from your transmission system
• Removal of old transmission fluid
• Replacement of old fluid with new, high-quality transmission fluid
• Installation of a new filter*

*Available with a transmission fluid exchange, plus filter service

Discover your vehicle’s recommended maintenance intervals.

Schedule a transmission fluid exchange today.

Of course you want your transmission to shift better and last longer, but that can’t happen with dirty, deteriorating transmission fluid. Transmission fluid lubricates, cools and cleans a transmission’s internal components and helps maintain the system’s hydraulic pressure. We will work with you to provide the right service for your vehicle – and your budget.

Our most basic service, an automatic transmission drain and fill removes the drain plug or pan and disposes of any automatic transmission fluid in your car’s transmission pan. We then add new transmission fluid until it reaches the appropriate level. Want to step it up a notch? We can perform a drain and fill and replace or clean your old transmission filter.

For more comprehensive service, we recommend enlisting an automatic transmission fluid exchange. This service removes virtually all old fluid and replaces it with new fluid and anti-friction additives for a more complete service.

An automatic transmission fluid exchange with filter – the grand daddy of them all – replaces or cleans old transmission fluid, replaces the filter and adds a pan gasket. This results in optimal cleanliness and protection from premature wear.

We also offer manual transmission service. We perform a drain and fill using the manufacturer’s type and specified fluid.

Schedule a transmission fluid exchange today.

Talk about important. A fuel injector is crucial to making your engine and car GO. It takes fuel from the fuel pump and breaks it into incredibly small droplets that easily mix with air to allow a more complete internal combustion in the engine. Designed and calibrated for the vehicle it handles, a fuel injector makes sure the fuel can be burned more easily and completely.

Fuel injectors can experience reduced flow from accumulated varnish and fuel deposits that form after you turn your car off. Technicians call this “heat soak.” What is “heat soak,” you ask? Well, when you shut off your ride, some fuel remains by the fuel injector. The heat that’s still present can burn off the remaining fuel, leaving behind a coat of varnish and fuel deposits. Drive with a compromised fuel injector and you may notice the possible effects before long: sluggish engine performance, an improper air-fuel mix and a marked difference in rough idle and MPGs.

Separate of that, a car’s fuel system can also be impacted by gas quality. Because gas tanks are located underground at gas stations, their contents tend to pick up contaminants. These small amounts of debris add up over time, dirtying your fuel system.

Quick fact: Keeping your fuel injector clean can maximize the performance of your car and lead to improved acceleration and a reduction in harmful emissions. It also may save you some money at the pump.

Not sure if your fuel system needs a cleaning? We’d be happy to take a look.

Here are a couple potential reasons you might want to get your fuel system cleaned: optimal performance and increased MPGs.

A fuel system cleaning may be crucial to remove varnish and deposit build-up in your fuel injector. These build-ups may reduce the proper flow of fuel to your engine, potentially robbing you of MPGs and driving performance. However, it’s important to note that while some vehicles benefit greatly from this service, others are not as sensitive to the problem. It depends largely on your vehicle’s system design.

Ease some pain at the pump. Get a fuel system cleaning.

Congratulations. By clicking on this question, you are on the road to better fuel economy and optimal engine performance. In order to detect a dirty fuel system, it’s important to notice the clear signs that your fuel injector needs a professional, performance-enhancing, cleanse.

Have your fuel system cleaned if you notice these symptoms:

A sputtering, sluggish engine. When you’re driving along, and you start to accelerate from one gear to the next, you may feel your car accelerating in an atypical or sporadic fashion. This could mean your fuel injector flow is reduced. It also may mean you’re burning more gas and paying more at the pump.

More frequent trips to the gas station. Just because you’ve had your car for a while doesn’t mean you should be filling up more often. A vehicle’s age may lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency and can be attributed to a dirty fuel system. If the fuel injector gets dirty, it can’t break the fuel down into the incredibly small droplets that allow complete combustion. This can make your engine burn more fuel and less power than it should.

Worst case scenario, dirt can prevent the injector from closing when it needs to, causing fuel leakage and drop in fuel economy and power.

Get your ride performing like new again with a fuel system cleaning. Schedule an appointment.

We suggest cleaning your car’s fuel system annually to prevent performance-robbing symptoms. Or, if your vehicle manufacturer recommends a specific cleaning interval in your owner’s manual, use that as the benchmark.

Clean your fuel system and get more miles from your tank of gas. Schedule an appointment.

We utilize a three-step procedure designed to maintain the entire fuel intake system and maximize your vehicle’s economy and operating performance.

During our fuel system cleaning service, we:

1. Add a premium, high tech formula fuel system cleaner to the fuel tank, designed to clean the fuel system from the gas tank to the exhaust. This concentrated formula is used to dissolve gum, varnish and carbon deposits. Highly effective detergents and additives clean the fuel injectors or carburetor, intake valves and combustion chambers, while removing water from the fuel system. We also lubricate injectors, valves, upper cylinders and rings.
2. Manually clean the throttle body and throttle plate using a specially formulated, triple-action cleaner for effective removal of varnish, carbon, dirt and other contaminants. This lubricates the throttle plate and all moving parts and provides double protection with a corrosion inhibitor and lubricity agent. This works in conjunction with lubricating oil to prevent scoring and deposit build.
3. Feed in a two-stage intake deposit cleaner through the engine. This dissolves gum and varnish deposits from the intake manifold and runners, valves and combustion chambers. Residual cleaner continues to soften hard carbon deposits for more thorough, long lasting cleaning and lubrication. Also helps reduce build-up in the catalytic converter and reduce exhaust emissions.
4. Provide a 12 month/12,000 mile limited warranty.*

* See an auto advisor for complete terms and conditions of written, limited warranties.

Need a fuel system cleaning? Make an appointment today.

All auto filters are designed to prevent harmful debris from entering any parts where air and fluid flows, including your engine, radiator, fuel lines and more. Once a filter is no longer performing its intended function, decreased performance – even engine damage – can result.

You’ve been reaping the benefits of filters your entire life. If you’ve ever used a furnace or air conditioning system at home, you’ve had to replace a filter from time to time. If you haven’t, well, you might want to go and check those out too. You can send us a thank you letter later – if you want.

In the meantime, here’s what each automotive filter does:

Air filter: Prevents harmful debris, dirt and contaminants from entering your engine.

Cabin filter: An implementation that began appearing in vehicles in 2002, it prevents dust, pollen, dirt and other pollutants from entering your car through your A/C and heat vents.

Fuel Filter: Keeps dirt, debris and contaminants from clogging your fuel lines and causing erratic, unstable fuel performance and reduced fuel economy.

Generally, it’s recommended that you get your filters replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual for specifics about your vehicle’s filter replacement schedules.

Time for a filter replacement? Schedule an appointment.

Any filter – home, auto or otherwise – will eventually age and become contaminated with pollutants and debris. When that happens, the filter loses its effectiveness and hinders the performance of the parts it is supposed to protect.

When your air filter is dirty, your engine is forced to work harder, resulting in poor fuel economy, higher emissions and, possibly, a loss of engine power. In turn, as a worst-case scenario, a clogged cabin air filter can lead to under-performance of the A/C system, causing weak air flow from the cabin vents. It can also lead to unwanted, unfiltered air in the cabin. As for a mucked-up fuel filter, that’ll land you with a weakened fuel supply to injectors, a reduction in engine power, poor acceleration and lousy fuel economy – not to mention a potential breakdown.

Replace old filters to avoid placing stress on other vital car parts.

Find your new filter at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Schedule an appointment.

The benefits are car-saving and performance-enhancing. They protect vital car parts by keeping harmful debris at bay so your car runs right. Filters also ensure your car runs more efficiently. The cleaner your filter, the more it allows for the maximum flow of air or fluid through the system. Like a clogged drain, a dirty filter starves the system of the vital air or fluid and makes each system it protects work harder to do its job. Once filters are dirtied, they should be replaced.

The purpose of each filter is clear: to trap and protect.

Air filter: Engine protection is the name of the game. So is engine performance. Acceleration can improve up to 11% after an old, dirty air filter is replaced. Our Purolator Classic air filters are engineered to trap 96.5% of harmful contaminants that can damage your engine.*

*Based on ISO 5011 on A13192

Cabin air filter: Made to prevent outside allergens and dust from entering your ride’s air vents. The benefit: it keeps the air that you breathe inside the cabin clean. They’re engineered to trap a whole bunch of things, including pollen, dust, mold spores, smoke, soot and smog – none of which belong in your nose.

Fuel filter: The cleaner the fuel system, the more efficiently your vehicle will operate. Even a slight reduction in fuel flow can affect your vehicle’s overall performance and fuel economy. With a new fuel filter, you typically notice a boost in fuel efficiency and overall performance. And with the cost of gas these days, that savings can be significant.

Time for new filters? Schedule an appointment.

Once a filter is old and full of crud, you’ll notice a decline in your vehicle’s operation. Filters are all about ensuring clean and pure performance. If you see a drop in fuel economy, a decrease in power and performance or notice the A/C and heating system just doesn’t appear to be working as well, it may be time to replace one or more filters.

Spot the symptom. Replace the filter. Air filter: Old and dirty air filters lead to reduced engine power, decreased throttle response, weaker acceleration and increased engine wear. Sounds ugly. Well, it is, and you should have it replaced when it gets bad.

Cabin air filter: As time passes, you may notice air flowing through your vents is weaker. This happens when the filter is REALLY mucked-up - in the worst case. You may also notice that there is a difference in air quality in the cabin when you’re on the road. This may be the result of unwanted, unfiltered air entering the cabin because the filter is dirty. Hah-choo!

Fuel filter: Replace your fuel filter if you start noticing reduced MPGs or sluggish engine performance (sputtering horsepower, dragging). Avoid these situations by replacing your fuel filter, regularly. If you delay a fuel filter replacement, you could clog a fuel injector completely with dirt or debris, cutting off fuel from the engine and making it stop. Now, that’s bad news.

Check your owner’s manual or check your scheduled maintenance interval here.

New filters to get your ride flowing right. Schedule an appointment.

We’re a proud supplier of the latest and most effective Purolator filters by Bosch. We also carry Champ air and fuel filters. Both Bosch and Champ have been at the forefront of filter technology.

Learn more about Bosch and Champ filters

Schedule a filter installation today.

Maintenance for most filter replacements is pretty simple. Put your right hand up. Bam! We just shared a virtual high five. Most air filters that need replacing only require us to remove and install the new filter. Some filters can be harder to reach, though, depending on your car’s make and model. Either way, we’ll let you know how long it’ll take to replace, and we’ll have you back on the road in no time.

Get your new filter fast. Schedule an appointment.

Times vary, but most filters can be replaced quickly, provided they’re in an easy-to-reach place. However, more and more of today’s vehicle manufacturers are placing filters in trickier locations, largely for design and space efficiency purposes. Hard to reach filters ultimately require extra service time when they need replacement. If this is the case, we’ll keep you informed on how long it will take.

Hard or easy to access, we’ll replace your filter and have you on your way as soon as possible.

Keep out the bad stuff. Schedule an appointment.

Well, it won’t keep your pants up, but does transport power to your vital automotive components. The serpentine belt is one long, snaking, winding belt that keeps your alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning and - in some cases - your water pump running smoothly and effectively.

Back in the day, cars had individual belts for many components. Though each belt could be replaced individually, these cars experienced inconsistent or compromised performance as individual belts began to wear down. Now that vehicles employ a single belt – the serpentine belt – that’s no longer an issue. That said, it’s critical that regular inspections are done to make sure the belt is in good shape.

Serpentine belts are built to last – much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Pretty impressive. However, some belts are manually tensioned and may need to be adjusted. Others have a self-tensioning mechanism that can experience wear over time and may need to be serviced. One thing to remember: in most cases, if the belt breaks, the vehicle will stop running.

Need your engine belt inspected or replaced? Schedule an appointment.

Today, there’s one belt to run them all - well, for the majority of vehicles. It’s called the serpentine belt. Some rides may have an additional belt to run select accessories, but the serpentine does the bulk of the work. Before this all-in-one serpentine solution, cars were equipped with many different belts to power individual parts and components.

Get your engine belt inspected or replaced. Schedule an appointment.

They can wear, fray, crack or become shiny or “glazed,” and rubber parts can peel off the belt. An aging belt can also begin slipping or squealing, become contaminated with fluid or become misaligned, in which case it will need to be replaced. An old belt can even snap, leaving you up the creek; without one, drive torque to all of the engine’s accessories is lost.

Schedule an engine belt inspection at your local Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Driving on an old belt is a disaster waiting to happen because it powers most all of an engine’s accessories. That means when your belt breaks, slips and, ultimately, wears out, everything – from the power steering pump to the alternator and air conditioner – stops working. What’s more, the parts it controls can become severely damaged. Broken hoses and belts are bad; a damaged engine is even worse. By replacing your belt periodically, you can minimize the risk of breakdown.

Make time to have your belt inspected.

An annual car inspection or a visual inspection during an oil change is good way to determine your belt’s current condition, while giving you an idea of when it needs replacement.

Drive with peace of mind. Have your belt inspected. Schedule an appointment.

Many of today’s vehicles are equipped with a self-tensioning device called an automatic belt tensioner. These tensioners are designed to hold a predetermined amount of tension on the serpentine belt so it functions properly and keeps your car cruising.

Your serpentine belt is like one giant, fast-spinning rubber band. And, like a rubber band, it must maintain a balance of flexibility and tension. Most tensioners feature an internal spring and pulley, which applies needed force against the serpentine belt to keep it tight. If there is not enough tension, a belt can slip, squeal or run hot. Worst-case scenario: a loose belt may come off of its pulleys. When this happens, all the accessories powered by the engine go kaput and the vehicle will stop running.

Quick fact: If your serpentine belt is loose, you may have other mechanical problems like under-performing water pump, which can cause the engine to overheat. Avoid performance loss. Bring your ride in as soon as possible. We’ll take care of you.

Need your serpentine belt checked out? Schedule an appointment today.

A serpentine belt is the most common belt in today’s cars – it controls the functionality of most every system for your car. Alternately, your ride may feature a series of V-belts (also known as a fan belts), which perform the same all-purpose functions as a serpentine belt. Some vehicle’s may also have a “toothed” timing belt in the engine that is key to your overall engine performance. This belt may drive the water, oil pumps and other key parts.

• Chirp or squeal: When a belt begins slipping, a squealing sound may occur. This is the result of the belt and pulley not working correctly, low belt tension or belt stretch and/or wear. Oil and antifreeze leaks can also contribute to belt slippage. If you hear these sounds, you need to have your ride inspected as soon as possible before further malfunctions occur. And with this sound, they eventually will.
• System performance loss: Maybe your power steering has failed, your battery suddenly drains or your engine just stops. All these things are controlled by a properly functioning serpentine or V-belt. Once your belt is compromised, it can produce further damage to the vital systems – such as the alternator, water pump, power steering and air conditioning – that depend on it. Unfortunately, the resulting damage can require extensive repair, with very little warning leading up to the event.
• Check engine light illumination: This may be an indication something is wrong with the belt.

Funny noises may be related to problems with other parts. Never ignore a noise. Where there’s a noise, there’s a potential problem. Have your ride inspected and keep your four-wheel investment protected.

Don’t ignore the warnings of belt failure. Schedule an appointment for an inspection.

Yes, we do. We install Dayco belts – recognized by automotive professionals and original equipment manufacturers as the leader in automotive parts innovation and technology for more than 100 years. Each Dayco Dynaflex belt we install is designed with advanced rubber compounds for enhanced durability and superior wear protection.

In the event your car requires another brand of belt, we can also install other brands as required by the car’s manufacturer.

Need your engine belt inspected or replaced? Schedule an appointment.

Think of spark plugs as the tiniest bolt of lighting. Small but mighty, the spark of electricity that the plug emits across a small gap creates the ignition for the combustion needed to start your car. By putting the engine’s pistons in motion, your car can power up, stay powered up and produce a smooth burn of the compressed air-fuel mixture. Mind you, spark plugs like it hot: they withstand extreme heat and pressure within your cylinders and are built to burn off deposits from fuel additives or other contaminants.

What does it mean for you?

Well, without a spark, your car won’t start – or go anywhere. And because spark plug health is directly linked to engine performance, it stands to reason weak or bad spark plugs lead to problems, be it issues with cold-starting or misfires during acceleration. Besides – without healthy ones – your ride can’t sustain maximum power, and your vehicle can see a drop in fuel economy. Now, nobody wants that.

We install a range of high-quality, quick-starting Bosch spark plugs, so you can get where you need to go – without delay.

Bosch Platinum Plus spark plugs: Made with durable, efficient platinum, these plugs maximize MPGs. Adding appeal, they can perform 25% longer than previous Bosch Platinum spark plug.

Bosch Iridium spark plugs: The next generation high-performing plugs, these up the ante on durability, ignite faster and last up to four times longer than their distant copper cousins. Better, more reliable power and acceleration as well as enhanced throttle response are things you can take to the bank.

It’s no wonder that professional motor sports, like the Indy 500™*, have come to rely on the superior quality and sophisticated manufacturing of Bosch spark plugs, too. In fact, the last 17 Indy 500 winners all crossed the finish line with Bosch spark plugs intact. Now that’s quite the track record.

*Indy 500 is a registered trademark of Brickyard Trademarks, Inc. Used with Permission.

Learn more about the Bosch spark plugs we carry for your ride.

Luckily, spark plugs don’t require replacement very often and can go years and many miles before replacement is a must.

Most auto manufacturers suggest having new spark plugs installed about every 30,000 miles; however, spark plug longevity depends on the condition and type of spark plug. Copper plugs, for example, have the shortest life, while plugs made of more advanced and durable materials can provide up to four times the life of a copper spark plug.

Learn more about the Bosch spark plugs we carry for your ride.

By the time spark plugs reach old age, they’ve spent thousands of miles enduring abuse and withstanding the most extreme temperatures and conditions to stay intact. That’s where the importance of spark plug material comes into play. The stronger the material, the more durable and long-lasting the spark plug. Naturally, though, every spark plug undergoes wear and tear, materials aside.

Spark plugs can’t last forever, and here’s why:

Spark plug deposit buildup: When deposits form on spark plugs from interaction with the air-fuel mixture, it can lead to pre-ignition of the fuel. That means a jerky and unreliable supply of energy for your car.

Expanding, harder-to-jump gap: When a spark plug ignites, it has to travel across a gap of space in order provide the right level of combustion at the right moment. As spark plugs age, this gap widens as a result of extreme temperatures, debris and normal wear and tear. If the gap is too far apart, combustion will be erratic or ineffective.

We have the right Bosch spark plug to provide just the right spark. Schedule an appointment.

The primary benefit is knowing your car will start without a hitch. Needless to say, that’s not all that matters. New spark plugs provide a lot of other performance benefits as well.

New Bosch spark plugs will lead to:

• Consistent production of optimal combustion. Fully functioning spark plugs equate a fully functioning combustion system. Get this operating successfully, and a lot of performance issues you’re experiencing could be a distant memory.
• Better fuel economy. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence says misfiring spark plugs can reduce fuel efficiency by 30%. New plugs, when replaced at specified intervals, maximize fuel economy and save some dough.
• Smooth and energetic starts. The first time you turn the ignition with a new spark plug can be a eye-opening experience. That old spark plug may have been the reason your car was experiencing those jerky starts.
• Less harmful emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency states that regular engine tune-ups – especially in regard to spark plugs – not only save gas but also reduce air pollution. That’s a win-win.

Bosch spark plugs are engineered to last.

Schedule a spark plug replacement, inspection or tune-up today.

The complexity of a spark plug exchange varies from straightforward to very involved. Your vehicle must be worked on when the parts are cold, and the amount of time it takes to complete the service varies by make and model. In some cases, it may be necessary to disassemble vehicle parts in order to reach your spark plugs. Plan ahead, because a vehicle drop-off is usually required.

The signs of worn spark plugs. Hear it. Feel it. Sense it.

• Rattling, pinging or “knock”-like noises. When spark plugs begin to misfire, you may notice unusual noises from the force of the pistons and combustion not working properly. Pistons travel at high velocities. If the spark plug fires at the wrong time, this could lead to constant rattling, pinging or knocking sounds.
• Hard vehicle start. If your car is having trouble starting or just feels disjointed and jerky, your spark plugs may not be working right, and this can lead to misfires and erratic performance.
• Reduced performance. When you’re out cruising, your spark plugs fire when you accelerate and change gears. If the spark that this little plug generates isn’t functioning at 100 percent, your vehicle performance will be poor, and you’ll experience a sluggish and fuel-wasting drive.
• Poor fuel economy. Lots of things can lead to poor fuel economy, though when it comes to old spark plugs, you’ll find fuel is wasted since your vehicle fails to receive the proper, heat-generating spark at the right time.

If you’ve spotted any of these symptoms, we suggest having your vehicle inspected in order to prevent further problems. Healthy spark plugs are vital to your car’s ability to start up and remain powered.

Get your car back to peak performance with Bosch spark plugs. Schedule an appointment today.

Meets or exceeds, my friend. Meets or exceeds. That’s the mantra around here. That’s why we only install Bosch brand spark plugs. For over 100 years, Bosch has been a leader and innovator in spark plug technology. Consider this: Bosch was making car parts before Henry Ford ever unveiled the first Model T. They’ve also been the spark plug found in the last 17 Indy 500 winners*.

*Indy 500 is a registered trademark of Brickyard Trademarks, Inc. Used with Permission.

Make an appointment to get your spark plugs checked out at your Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Back in the day, a tune-up meant replacing spark plugs, spark plug wires, the distributor, distributor cap, rotor and points and condenser in addition to setting the timer and adjusting the carburetor. Nowadays, though, your car’s computer does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you to worry most about the spark plugs and fuel injector, sensors and switches.

It’s important to note the modern “standard” tuneup, today, means changing your spark plugs.

Our standard tune-up includes:

• Visual inspection of your engine components
• Installation of Bosch spark plugs
• Timing and idle set (if necessary, though most of today’s vehicles have computer systems adjust these automatically)
• Supply 12 month/12,000 mile limited warranty*

* See an auto advisor for complete terms and conditions of written, limited warranties.

Schedule a spark plug replacement or a standard tune-up service today.

Good to know: Bosch spark plug technology is made to meet or exceed original manufacturer specs with powerful sparking technology and a longer lifespan than its copper-core competitors. If your vehicle needs new spark plugs, we have the Bosch plug designed for your ride.

Get the best spark. Every time. Have Bosch spark plugs installed today.