Simple Answers about your Water Pump

Image of a water pump  - Auto Repair Service in Bedford PAWater Pump Question:

I was driving on the freeway in PA when my vehicle engine started to get hot. I turned off my air conditioner and was able to drive the short distance to my meeting. After my meeting I drove my car the short distance to Townhill Auto Repair in Bedford PA. My technician informed me that that my water pump was leaking. It cost me many hundreds of dollars to get it fixed. What could I have done to avoid this?

Town Hill Auto Sales and Service in Bedford’s Answer:

This guy’s story really did have a happy ending. When you continue driving on an overheating engine you risk a catastrophic engine failure. It really is a good idea to pull over and let your vehicle engine cool down before driving again. If you add water or coolant, be sure your engine is cool or you risk serious burns.

Now there’s no way for Bedford PA drivers to predict when their water pump will fail – they just wear out. This fellow’s water pump replacement was more expensive because his water pump is driven by his timing belt. That requires a lot of hours to get to the water pump and then put everything back on the engine.

So what can I do?

A money saving tip from Town Hill Auto Sales and Service in Bedford PA: if your water pump is driven by your timing belt – replace the pump when you have your scheduled timing belt replacement. This may seem to be an unnecessary added cost; however, by doing it this way a technician already has most of the work done and you don’t have to pay for it twice, because the other part fails soon after the first one is replaced.

Did you know that all of the service professionals at Townhill Auto service in Bedford PA are ASE Master certified mechanics? These dealer trained technicians really know their cars. Certified in all makes and models these professionals can easily diagnose and repair anything; from the smallest leak to a major repair. Back that with being a Napa Certified Service Center you can have peace in mind that every repair uses the highest quality parts with industry-leading warranties. Check with your friendly and knowledgeable professionals at Town Hill Auto Sales and Service about when your timing belt and water pump should be replaced.

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Why does the location of the water pump affect the repair cost?

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My water pump went out and it cost me a lot more to replace it than ones I’ve had replaced on other cars. Max, my technician at Townhill Auto Service in Bedford PA said it’s because of where it’s located. Why does that make such a significant difference in the cost?

Town Hill Auto Sales and Service in Bedford’s Answer:

Some water pumps are driven by the serpentine belt and are bolted on out in the open with the alternator and air compressor. Replacing this type of pump is as simple as removing a couple of bolts and bolting a new pump in. Other water pumps are driven by the timing belt. These water pumps take a lot of labor to access and replace. I suspect your current vehicle has a water pump that is driven by the timing belt.
 
Water pumps are devices that circulate engine coolant/antifreeze around the engine and out to the radiator. Like any mechanical device, they eventually wear out. Although having a cooling system service done on schedule at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA will extend the life of your water pump and its seals and gaskets – it will eventually fail and need to be replaced.

The water pumps that are driven by the timing belt (the belt that controls when your engine intake and exhaust valves open) are attached directly to the engine block. The timing belt system has protective cover. The serpentine belt and all the accessories are located over the timing belt cover. So getting to the water pump requires your technician to remove a lot of parts – which then need to be replaced.

Is there a way I can prevent problems to help save money in the future?

When the water pump must be replaced, it is a good idea for to go ahead and also replace the timing belt, timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys. There are a couple of reasons for this:
  • The timing belt may have been contaminated by leaking coolant;
  • There is a schedule for replacing your timing belt and you might as well make the modest additional added expenditure while everything is taken apart to avoid the same labor cost down the road.
By the way, the reverse is true as well: When you are replacing your timing belt on schedule go ahead and replace the water pump at the same time. It would be a shame to make the investment on one of these replacements only to have to do it all over again in a few months because the other part needs replacement. Do them at the same time and start the clock over for both.
 
Did you know that all of the service professionals at Townhill Auto service in Bedford PA are ASE Master certified mechanics? These dealer trained technicians really know their cars. Certified in all makes and models these professionals can easily diagnose and repair anything; from the smallest leak to a major repair. Back that with being a Napa Certified Service Center you can have peace in mind that every repair uses the highest quality parts with industry-leading warranties.
 
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Simple Answers about a Check Engine Light

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Check engine light question:

 My check engine light is on. My boyfriend believes that if he can read the code he will know exactly what part he needs to replace in order to fix my vehicle. I say it’s not that simple. Who’s right?

Town Hill Auto Sales and Service’s Answer:

Good news – you are! Just look at it logically: there are hundreds of things that can go wrong with your vehicle. Some are simple and some are quite complicated.

Let’s take a step back. Over 80% of engine functions are computer controlled. The computer receives information from dozens of sensors. When a sensor reading is out of range, a trouble code is entered in the computer and the Check Engine Light is illuminated.

Diagnosing a check engine light

It’s a common misconception of drivers that the trouble code will tell you exactly what is wrong. For any given trouble code, there are any number of faults that would trigger the code. For example, a code indicating a misfire on cylinder three could be caused by a bad spark plug, a failed coil, ignition problems, compression issues, etc. Each of those possibilities requires additional diagnosis to confirm or rule out a cause.
A complicated diagnosis may take some time. The temptation is often to bypass a diagnosis charge by taking a trouble code reading with an inexpensive scan tool and start replacing parts. You might get lucky, but chances are you’ll end up spending more time and than if you went to a professional with the right equipment.
Did you know that all of the service professionals at Townhill Auto service in Bedford PA are ASE Master certified mechanics? These dealer trained technicians really know their cars. Certified in all makes and models these professionals can easily diagnose and repair anything; from the smallest leak to a major repair. Back that with being a Napa Certified Service Center you can have peace in mind that every repair uses the highest quality parts with industry-leading warranties.
 
A final word – a flashing Check Engine Light indicates that a condition exists that could lead to serious, damage, if this is your case you should get to Town Hill Auto Sales and Service in Bedford PA right away. A steadily illuminated Check Engine Light is less urgent so you can get it checked at your convenience. But keep in mind that a minor issue can become more serious if left unresolved.

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Hey! We Test Batteries

 
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Why does my battery wear out so fast?

Modern vehicles have more electrical components and gizmo’s than ever before. This puts a lot of strain on your electrical system, making it hard for the battery to keep up. Think about it: electric seats, seat heaters, power locks, windows and sun roofs; add to that all the power outlets for our cell phones, computers, DVD players, navigation systems and powerful stereos… whew. Plus there are all the vehicle engine and transmission computers, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, sensors (getting the picture?). Even the security system is running off the battery while the car is turned off. After all that, summer heat and winter’s chill can take a real toll on battery life. Be sure to check with your auto repair professional at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA  for more info about your battery.

Napa Replacement Battery

Fortunately, battery technology has produced resilient batteries that are able to meet these strenuous requirements; but the fact is, vehicle batteries will wear out over time. Eventually, every battery gets to the point where it cannot hold enough of a charge to start your car. Sometimes batteries need to be replaced because they have developed a leak and sometimes it is simply a result of age.

Napa replacement batteries come in all shapes and sizes. Some cars have limited space that requires a specially shaped battery to fit. Larger vehicle engines require more powerful batteries to get them started. If you live in a cold climate you will need a more powerful battery because engines are harder to start when it is cold. Batteries come in “good”, “better”, and “best” grades. More expensive batteries may have a longer warranty and are guaranteed to last longer. As with most things auto owners need to purchase to keep their cars in good condition, paying a little more up front saves money in the long run.

How can I know if my battery is still good?

Did you know that all of the service professionals at Town Hill Auto service in Bedford PA are ASE Master certified mechanics? These dealer trained technicians really know their cars. Certified in all makes and models these professionals can easily diagnose and repair anything; from the smallest leak to a major repair. Back that with being a Napa Certified Service Center you can have peace in mind that every repair uses the highest quality parts with industry-leading warranties. If you are having problems starting your car or simply want to have peace of mind that your battery is not going to leave you stranded, Town Hill Auto Service Center in Bedford PA would love to run a simple test on your battery that can quickly determine how much life is left in your battery. If your battery is low, one of our friendly, professional service advisors would be glad to discuss with you the different types of batteries and work with you to discover which one would best meet your budget and needs. 
  

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Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

Image of a check engine light - Auto Repair Service in Bedford PAThe Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some and is totally ignored by just as many. What it means is a mystery to most drivers. In this article we will be discussing what the check engine light means and how it works, if you would like more information about your check engine light be sure to check with your auto repair professional at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA.

Check engine light degrees

If your vehicle’s check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe damage to your engine. Naturally, If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn’t drive at highway speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. You should get it checked out as soon as possible by a reputable service department.

If the light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with the staff at Town Hill Auto Sales and Service to get it checked out.

 

How does it work?

Most of your vehicle’s engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer. The computer is able to adjust the engine parameters to compensate for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive.

In order to make these adjustments, the computer relies on a network of sensors to provide the necessary data. The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor. When a sensor reading is out of range the computer runs some tests and may activate the Check Engine Light if it gets a negative or unclear reading.

A simple example is a loose or missing gas cap. This may cause one of the sensors to read out of range. The vehicle’s computer doesn’t know if it’s a serious condition that caused the reading or just a loose gas cap, so it stores a trouble code and turns on the Check Engine Light.

Now when you tighten up the gas cap the sensor readings will be in the correct range. The computer will keep checking on the report for a day or two. Since the bad reading didn’t come up again, it turns off the Check Engine Light. The computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings. If it can do so, it’ll then turn off the Check Engine Light. If the problem can’t be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your vehicle looked at by the pros at Town Hill Auto Sales and Service in Bedford PA.

What should i do if my light remains on?

Did you know that all of the service professionals at Townhill Auto service in Bedford PA are ASE Master certified mechanics? These dealer trained technicians really know their cars. Certified in all makes and models these professionals can easily diagnose and repair anything; from the smallest leak to a major repair. Back that with being a Napa Certified Service Center you can have peace in mind that every repair uses the highest quality parts with industry-leading warranties. If your check engine light is on your Town Hill Auto Sales and Service technician will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer. The trouble code will give the Town Hill Auto Sales and Service technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem. He will then be able to repair the problem and get you on the road again. 
 

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Is my cooling system really that important?

Are you aware of just how important your cooling system is? Coolant/antifreeze circulates around the engine, absorbs heat, and then dissipates that heat into the radiator. Cooling system failure can cause extensive engine damage. This article will deal with a couple of ways a well maintained cooling system can help prolong the life of your vehicle, and be sure to check with your auto repair professional at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA for more info about your cooling system.

Minor coolant leaks

It’s very tempting to put off repairing small cooling system leaks. Topping off the coolant isn’t that big of a deal right? However, there are several problems with doing this.

  • Coolant is messy, It doesn’t just evaporate away. The resulting puddle is harmful to the environment and toxic to pets.

  • You need to keep the proper balance of coolant/antifreeze and distilled water to maintain optimal boil and freeze properties, be sure to check with your auto repair professional at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford for more info about your cooling system.

  • The cooling system needs to maintain a certain pressure to do its job, and a leak compromises the pressure.

  • Small leaks can unexpectedly become big leaks that leave you stranded.

Corrosion protection.

Antifreeze/coolant contains a package of anti-corrosion additives. These additives coat internal surfaces throughout the entire cooling system. They protect against oxidation, which can lead to leaks, as well as scale that clogs cooling system components. The protective coating is constantly reacting to chemical compounds created by the extreme heating and cooling cycle the coolant goes through. Over time, the coating is depleted and there is nothing left to protect the exposed metal in the engine and in the other system parts.

This is why your vehicle manufacturer recommends your coolant/antifreeze be changed periodically. Even though your old coolant may seem to be doing a good job of cooling your engine, it leaves the engine exposed to corrosive elements that will damage the system. A good practice is to have a coolant exchange performed whenever you replace a cooling system component. For example, when you put in a new water pump it is not protected with anti-corrosion additives. If your anti-corrosion package is already depleted, the new water pump will immediately be exposed to corrosive elements that will significantly reduce its life cycle. If you change the coolant when the new water pump is installed, it will be protected the first time you start the engine.

Coolant Service

Did you know that all of the service professionals at Townhill Auto Service in Bedford PA are ASE Master certified mechanics? These dealer trained technicians really know their cars. Certified in all makes and models these professionals can easily diagnose and repair anything; from the smallest leak to a major repair. Back that with being a Napa Certified Service Center you can have peace in mind that every repair uses the highest quality parts with industry-leading warranties. When you choose TownHill Auto Service Center in Bedford PA to perform your coolant service, our highly trained staff will remove the old coolant and accumulated sediment from the system and replace it with a new, high quality Napa coolant designed to exceed the manufacture specifications of the vehicle. We will then give your cooling system a thorough inspection. If you are in need of a cooling system service or suspect you may have a leak then contact us to schedule an appointment today.

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Cooling System Service

My experience at Town Hill Auto Service Center

Last week while I was out running errands in Bedford PA my temperature warning light came on, I was in total panic mode! I pulled over and my car was overheating.

I called Town Hill Auto Service Center in Bedford PA  and spoke to Jill Young, the service advisor there, and she was able to work my car in. It didn’t take long for the service team to determine my water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. Not really knowing a lot about what a water pump was… Jill took the time to show me how it works and where it was… they even had a big screen in the office to show me everything. Awesome!

Full Service mindset

As part of the repair they checked out my radiator hoses, serpentine belt and tensioner and they they looked good, apart from age. It appeared that the water pump went bad because I was overdue for changing my coolant, embarrassingly overdue. I didn’t realize there was a schedule in my vehicle owner’s manual for when to change my coolant. Apparently it had started to congeal and cause premature aging to the bearing in the water pump. She was very polite and courteous in showing me the maintenance intervals for many of the fluid services for my car. I was so impressed I even had them change the oil and do a tire alignment while I was there!

Peace of mind

With my car fixed I was on my way with some peace of mind knowing that all of the service repairs at Town Hill Auto Service Center include a warranty. It feels good knowing my vehicle cooling system is healthy and I don’t need to worry about it.

If you are having a problem with your car, or are simply looking for a friendly, professional place to help you keep your car running great I would highly recommend contacting the people at Town Hill Auto Service Center.

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Why do car batteries fail in cold weather?

At one time or another, we’ve all been there; in fact if you’re reading this article you probably ARE there! You go out to your car on a cold Bedford PA. morning, turn the key… nothing, then you start thinking; “didn’t I replace the battery during winter a few years ago?”

Which naturally leads to the question: Why do car batteries fail in cold weather?

Extreme Temperatures in Bedford PA.

Trust me when we say that Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. has seen its share of cold weather battery replacements, but if we sit down and look at repair tickets and compare it with national averages, we will find that cold weather battery replacements are just as frequent as hot weather battery replacements. Extreme temperatures are the leading cause for battery failure, both hot and cold; but that’s not the only reason.

The internal components that make up a lead acid battery, commonly used in most passenger vehicles, is a marvel of technology; but 19th century technology. While battery manufacturers have produced ways to better insulate batteries and create a better designed structure; batteries are still susceptible to the degradation of natural materials that makes up your average battery. Extreme temperatures cause the additional expansion and contraction of the lead-based materials and slow the chemical reactions needed for a battery to work properly.

To understand this better let’s get a brief understanding of:

What makes a battery work?

A battery is a series of lead plates placed in a solution of acid that creates a chemical reaction transferring electrodes during a charging and discharging process. The energy discharge capacity and ability to store energy over an extended period of time (reserve) is determined by the space and density of the plates. Simply adding acid to this layered plate structure will create a chemical process that will produce levels of chemical energy that can be translated through positive and negative connection points and measured; however when an electric current is added this process also allows for the storage of electric energy that can be discharged very quickly (such as starting a car).

What makes a battery in Bedford PA. fail?

As previously discussed, extreme temperatures in Bedford PA. will cause the expansion/ contraction of the soft metal plates, as well as, the deterioration of the barriers between each of the “cells” them making them less effective for the rapid discharge of chemical to electric energy. At Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA.  we also see age and use of a battery will also add to the battery’s speed of decay. When a battery is rapidly discharged without being recharged it creates a buildup on the plates that significantly slows the chemical process making it less effective for the rapid release of electric energy.

When a vehicle’s charging system is not properly restoring a battery’s electrical capacity it can cause this build-up to be very rapid; this is also why battery manufacturers recommend to never run a battery all the way down, because it can effectively build-up enough contaminants to keep the battery from allowing the chemical process to take place.


Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221


You get what you pay for in Bedford PA.

The different prices for different batteries and their level of quality (silver, gold, platinum) are standard identifiers of what’s inside each battery. The more lead, the stronger the battery and the greater its capacity to release the chemically stored energy into electric energy. Smaller, cheaper batteries will typically go “full old-school”, using battery technology that hasn’t changed much in 20 years.

Some manufacturers such as: Napa’s legend series batteries, institute an internal structure that promotes a stable chemical process but also allows for a larger deposit area for sedimentary contaminants and stronger barriers between the cells. Higher quality batteries also allow for better “breathing” of the battery through tiny holes around the posts. Lesser quality batteries do not allow for proper ventilation when a battery gets hot causing excessive acid to form on the battery posts.

When Experience Matters

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your local expert for everything dealing with your automotive electrical needs. Whether it’s routine replacement such as batteries, tires and oil changes or more in depth services such as electrical system diagnosis and repair, head gasket replacement, water pump replacement and transmission repair; we handle it all! The ASE, dealer trained, master technicians at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. can help keep your vehicle running its best, saving money along the way. As a Napa certified repair facility we also backup all of our workmanship with high quality Napa parts and a nationwide warranty.

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When should I change my oil?

This seemingly simple question has become a very complicated, contentious topic as there are so many different opinions as to when you should you get an oil change in your car. Yet is also perhaps the most important topic because lack of maintenance is the leading cause for the need of auto repair service due to mechanical failure in Bedford PA. For years the automotive service community has agreed that changing your oil every three months or 3,000 miles was common practice however auto manufacturers and oil producers have insisted that the interval for changing your oil is much greater.

In order to properly answer this question we need to look at some of the reasons why these service intervals have been established and the advantages for each.

A new way of thinking

In 2003 auto manufacturers began to release documentation showing that their vehicles could extend the oil change  service interval beyond 3,000 miles between oil changes. They attributed this increase to better engineering and use of newer materials that decreased friction within their engines. While this sounded good on paper, very few actual tests performed by independent agencies could actually duplicate their claims. While it is true that modern engines use lighter weight materials and employee high-end lubricants such as synthetics; many independent studies still found that the engine operating temperature as well as friction ratios still remain constant in spite of their claims of improvement.

A perspective reason

Auto manufacturers constantly compete with one another in a variety of areas from performance, comfort, styling, features and cost of ownership. Cost of ownership has become a hot button topic for many auto manufacturers as they attempt to show consumers that their vehicle is cheaper to maintain than their competitors. For example: a BMW’s cost of ownership would be higher than a Toyota, at a dealership level, because the parts and labor traditionally are higher for high-end vehicles. However, the purchase price of a Lexus and BMW are very similar, so in order to attract customers to purchase their vehicle Lexus, for example, would show the cost of ownership over a five-year period of time as being less expensive than owning a BMW. By increasing the oil change intervals from 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles that allows Lexus to show the cost of ownership to be less, at least on paper. BMW quickly followed suit by raising their intervals to 7,500 miles between oil changes. Manufacturers today commonly set their oil change intervals at 15,000 miles; yet cannot show any dramatic engineering changes in the oil delivery system or reduction of friction to compensate for the additional mileage.

How long do you expect to keep your car?

One area that contributes to maintenance costs is lease vs. ownership. If you’re leasing a car and the manufacturer says the change the oil every 15,000 miles; who cares right? You’re going to turn the car in at 25,000 miles anyway so it doesn’t matter to you whether the engine is damaged because of lack of lubrication. Ownership however means that you will more than likely keep that car, in some cases, until the wheels fall off. In that case the wise choice would be to maintain the vehicle in such a way that would extend the life of the engine and lubricated components reducing the auto repairs in Bedford PA needed from engine wear and fatigue. It is for this reason that Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA recommends to maintain a 3,000 to 5,000 mile oil change interval depending on the filter and oil used.

Valvoline Oil and Napa Filters – The perfect match

Friction and heat are the leading causes of engine wear and break down for cars causing premature auto repair needs; regardless of the engine, year or model. One area where the aftermarket industry has excelled is the creation of synthetic lubricants that significantly reduce friction within the motor. Valvoline is leading the industry with lubricants designed to work with traditional, conventional and modern engines to not only reduce wear but increase the useful life of an engine. Napa’s oil filters utilizing premium filter components significantly remove more contaminants from the engine than traditional oil filters and in many cases original manufacture oil filters. This combination of better oil and better filters can certainly help protect your engine and increase the time needed between oil changes; However; despite the advantages of synthetic fluid and premium oil filters; a conventional engine still produces, by design, operating temperatures that continue to contribute to wear and metallic component break down. This must be considered especially on older, higher mileage engines.

At the end of the day

At the end of the day Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA recommends maintaining your car in a way that will extend the life of your engine and driveline components for many years to come. By using quality Valvoline oil and Premium Napa oil filters we can help increase the oil change interval. However; we do not endorse the mindset of 15,000 miles between oil changes. Much of our recommendations also stem from the vehicle themselves and the reputation of engineering that a particular engine or engine design has. Click here to learn more about Town Hill Auto Sales and Service in Bedford PA.

Examples would be:

  • Japanese vehicles such as Honda, Toyota and Lexus produced after 2008 can easily go 5,000 miles between oil changes using quality Valvoline oil and Premium Napa filters. Prior to 2008 though we would recommend remaining at a 3,000 mile oil change interval.
  • American produced vehicles such as Ford and Chevy we recommend oil change intervals of 3,000 miles for vehicles produced through 2012; even with quality Valvoline oil and Premium Napa filters. This is because of how the engine is designed in the oil delivery system. American vehicles produced after 2012 generally can handle up to 5,000 miles for oil change intervals using quality Valvoline oil and Premium Napa filters.
  • European-style vehicles, such as BMW, Mercedes and Volvo, Town Hill Auto Service recommends a 3,000 mile oil change interval regardless of year. This is because European vehicle’s cylinder head design, in most cases, does not allow for oil to flow as freely as it does on other style engines. For this reason our Town Hill Auto sales experts also recommend synthetic oil be used on all European vehicles produced after 2003.

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Article written by Rick Brewer – Inventive Support Services

Why is it more complicated to work on modern cars that it was before?

At Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. one of the most often asked questions that we get is “Why is it more complicated to work on modern cars that it was before?”

While the simple answer is that technology has made improvements in all areas of the vehicle systems and components, that answer is not necessarily the best one.

Our 2 cents on the matter

To be honest we don’t believe that all improvements that have been made by the auto industry over the years are necessary or beneficial. Many of the areas of the vehicle’s system, on cars driven in Bedford PA., were not changed for the reason of better technology but rather the increase in governmental regulations. These particular changes were instituted in 1996 and steadily increased over the years with major jumps in 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2012. These changes were mandatory by the federal government to auto manufacturers placing emission monitoring equipment and exhaust recirculation components that were advertised as a way to make a vehicle easier on the environment; but in reality, they have decreased fuel efficiency on many vehicles along the way.

Now there’s no reason to “cry over spilt milk,” these emission system components are mandatory and because of the computer systems that are on modern vehicles your car simply will not run correctly without these emission systems functioning properly. You can also rest assured that if your vehicle is experiencing any problems with these emissions systems that your trusted ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. has been thoroughly trained on all aspects of emissions technology and can quickly diagnose and repair problems if they should arise.

Why does my car have a computer?

An automobile computer is probably one of the biggest reasons why a vehicle is more difficult to work on today than it was before. The PCM, or powertrain control module otherwise known as an ECU or electronic control unit, has steadily grown in its ability to monitor and regulate everything from engine timing and emissions to the temperature of your seat heater. These Computers have also been tuned with the engines on cars produced after 2007 so much that they can increase horsepower and increase fuel economy. In some cases you can even control from the dash the driving conditions, a common feature of modern muscle cars.

These computers, however, have a catch 22 for auto repair service technicians in Bedford PA.. While these computers can make the repairs, at times, more difficult they can also assist greatly in the diagnosis of a vehicle repair. Vehicles manufactured after 2012 can monitor dozens of sensors that, with the proper diagnostic equipment, can quickly narrow down a problem.

The ASE Master certified, dealer trained technicians employed by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. are expertly trained in diagnosing these modern vehicle systems. Relying on years of experience combined with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment we can quickly narrow down the problem and present options and solutions for the vehicle repair.

Are there any vehicle improvements in technology that are beneficial?

That’s actually a great question. There is no doubt that safety improvements over the years, whether federally mandated or not, has greatly improved the safety of most modern cars. Compare just the last 10 years in front end collision technology. With the use of the crumple zones and energy absorbing materials used in the construction of bumpers and the firewall; the likelihood of surviving a crash has been greatly increased. With the advances in anti-brake locking systems (ABS), stability control and computer-assisted steering there is no question that these improvements, while at times difficult to diagnose and repair, are well worth it.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why modern vehicles in Bedford, PA. are more difficult to work on today versus before. The few things that we’ve looked at in this article just scratch the surface of the complexity of many modern systems. One thing you can be sure of is that Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is up for the challenge. Whether you’ve got a ‘69 Mustang or ‘12 Honda Civic our ASE Master certified, dealer trained master technicians are ready and able to keep your car running in top condition.

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