Service Descriptions

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Air Conditioning Services

It's the first hot day of the summer. Uncomfortably shifting in your seat, you turn on that long-neglected AC knob, only to discover an unwelcome blast of warm air streaming out from the vents. A bad situation made worse: that's when you turn to us—your air conditioning service and repair headquarters. Did you know that without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency per year? This means that without proper maintenance, your air conditioning unit may be performing as poorly as other models that are years older! But there is good news: you can still recover most of that lost efficiency. Schedule an appointment with one of our factory-trained professionals—we understand all aspects of AC repair, from modern computerized components to environmental disposal concerns. Today's AC systems are fairly complex, and new improvements are always being initiated. That's why you need to turn to us, the qualified source for everything related to your air conditioning system. The following is a brief schematic of some of the basic components that comprise this system:

• Compressor:
  The compressor is a belt-driven device that derives its name from compressing refrigerant gas and transferring it into the condenser. While basically acting as a simple pump, the compressor is the core of your vehicle's air conditioning system.

• Condenser:
  The condenser's primary function is to cool the refrigerant. It is a heat dissipating apparatus that radiates heat released by compressed gases and condenses them into high pressure liquids. The location of your condenser depends on how new your car is, but typically it's found at the front of the vehicle, directly in front of the engine cooling radiator.

• Receiver (drier):
  The receiver is a metal container that serves as a storage receptacle for the refrigerant. It's also referred to as a drier because it absorbs moisture from the refrigerant and filters out particles of debris and harmful acids that would otherwise harm your AC system. Commonly located on the liquid line of the AC system, you should change your drier every 3-4 years to insure quality filtration and prevent any damage caused by these detrimental chemicals.

• Orifice tube/expansion valve:
  The orifice tube (also known as the expansion valve) is a controlling mechanism that regulates the flow of refrigerant throughout the system. In addition to this, it also converts high pressure liquid refrigerant (from the condenser) into a low pressure liquid, so that it can enter the evaporator. Generally located at the evaporator inlet, the orifice tube could also be found between the condenser and the evaporator, or in the outlet of the condenser.

• Evaporator:
  The evaporator is designed to remove heat from the inside of your vehicle; therefore it's a heat exchanger that's vital to your vehicle's AC system (not to mention your comfort). The evaporator allows the refrigerant to absorb heat, causing it to boil and change into a vapor. When this occurs, the vapor is removed from the evaporator by the compressor, cooling your car and reducing humidity. Because the evaporator houses the most refrigerant in this heat transfer process, it is the most susceptible to corrosion by harmful acids. Usually this damages the evaporator beyond repair, which is why it's imperative you see us to prevent this from happening.

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Alignment

Wheel Alignment is often confused with Wheel Balancing. The two really have nothing to do with each other except for the fact that they affect ride and handling. If a wheel is out of balance, it will cause a vibration at highway speeds that can be felt in the steering wheel and/or the seat. If the alignment is out, it can cause excessive tire wear and steering or tracking problems.

Proper adjustment affects safety, handling and economy. An important part of vehicle safety is directional control. Does the vehicle travel straight down a highway? Does it steer easily? Are the tires subject to excessive premature wear? Does the steering wheel return to the straight ahead position after turning a corner? For the answer to be YES to all these questions, the vehicle must be properly aligned.

Wheel alignment is the adjustment of caster, camber and toe in angles. The alignment of one of these angles affects the other two angles. On strut systems, there may or may not be provisions for the caster and camber adjustments. However, toe angles are adjustable on most systems. Toe settings are the most critical tire wearing angles. The purpose of toe is to ensure parallel rolling of the front and rear wheels, but if either wheel has too much toe-in or toeout, the tires will sideslip. This results in a featheredged scuff across the face of the tire which causes premature tire wear.

• Depending upon your vehicle type, we can perform thrust angle or four wheel alignments
• Adjust alignment angles to vehicle manufacturer's specifications
• Inspect steering components for wear or fatigue, cracks or possible bent conditions
• Check tire pressure, current tread wear patterns and overall condition
• Center your steering wheel to vehicle

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Batteries

Let's face it: you can have the most meticulously maintained vehicle on the road, but it won't start without the right battery, properly installed and appropriately fitted for your driving needs. From ignition to door locks, your car battery is the catalyzing force that allows you to get from point A to point B. The following is a brief overview of the electrical system that makes transportation possible:

• Battery:
  Composed of a series of lead plates submerged in a 35% sulfuric acid/65% water solution, your 12-volt battery houses a chemical reaction that releases electrons through conductors, producing electricity which is then channeled into your vehicle's electrical system. When your car's engine is off, the battery supplies electricity to all of the electrical system components, including the essential power required to start your vehicle. In periods of high demand, the battery also supplements power from the charging system.

• Charging System:
  The charging system is life force of your vehicle's electrical system, consisting of three main mechanisms: the alternator, various circuits, and the voltage regulator. The alternator has two roles. It: a) provides power to the electrical system, and b) recharges the battery after the car has started. The various circuits act as conduits for electrical power, and the voltage regulator controls the voltage passed through these circuits. Remember, all of these components require consistent attention and maintenance. It's not just your battery that needs to be replaced every so often; if one of these components should fail, that pulsating power source is now reduced to a lifeless, twenty pound paper weight.

• Starting System:
  It may seem obvious that the starting system turns your vehicle's engine on, but did you know that this process consumes much more electrical power than anything else your car does? That's because the starting system consists of three components working one after another. Here's how it works: there's the ignition switch, the starter relay (or solenoid), and the starter motor. Turning the key causes a small amount of current to pass through the starter relay, allowing a stronger current to flow through the battery cables and into the starter motor. The starter motor cranks the engine, forcing the piston to create enough suction that draws a fuel and air mixture into the cylinder. The ignition system creates a spark that ignites the mixture, and combustion is born.

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Belts & Hoses

Among all the equipment in your vehicle, belts and hoses have the shortest lifespan. Due to constant exposure to heat, vibration, and harmful chemicals, these components invariably crack, leak, fray, and peel. If not promptly replaced and maintained, this could spell disaster for the performance of your vehicle. And evaluating the condition of your belts and hoses only on their appearance is not enough! Diligent inspection is required, and we are here to do it. Here is a sample of how we ensure belt and hose quality:

Visual Inspection of Belts

• Search for clear indications of damage (cracking, glazing, softening, or peeling)
• Test for correct tension
• Test for correct alignment
• Record belt condition for future reference
• Visual Inspection of Hoses
• Search for clear indications of damage (leaks, cracks, hardening, or softening)
• Test cooling system for leaks using state-of-the-art pressure technology
• Record hose condition for future reference

It is vital to inspect your vehicle's belts and hoses on a regular basis because often times a damaged piece has serious effects on the condition of your vehicle. Research shows that while most people are attentive when it comes to regular oil changes, they hardly devote any concern at all to the condition of their belts and hoses. A leaking hose or a cracked belt will cause you more trouble than an overdue oil change ever will! The following is a brief description of some of the different belts and hoses we inspect:

Drive Belts:
The engine itself is used as a power source to drive some of your vehicle's accessories. Instead of being supplied by electric power, these accessories rely on a series of pulleys and belts to operate. Some of these accessories include:

• Power steering pump
• Alternator
• Air conditioning compressor
• Radiator cooling fan
• Water pump

Most older vehicles require a single serpentine belt to power these accessories (as opposed to several individual belts).

Hoses:

If you think of hoses as your vehicle's circulatory system, then you'll have an appropriate representation of how important they are. Channeling car fluids to their correct destination, hoses are composed of two rubber layers with fabric in between. Types of hoses vary on make and model, but typically they include:

• Fuel hose (sends gasoline from the gas tank to the engine)
• Radiator hose (delivers coolant to engine)
• Power steering hose (connects power steering pump to steering equipment)
• Heater hose (provides coolant to heater core)

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Brake Repair Services

Our ASE-certified technicians take professionalism to the next level by offering courteous and knowledgeable service to all of our customers. Continually striving to master every aspect of automotive care, ASE technicians follow Motorist Assurance Program Uniform Inspection Guidelines for your vehicle's braking system to assure safe, smooth driving.

When your mechanic is wearing the ASE patch, don't expect to get to know him…you won't be back in a long time! That's because our ASE technicians do the job right the first time. They inspect the following braking components:

• Disc Brakes
• Disc brake rotors and pads
• Calipers and hardware
• Drum Brakes
• Brake drums and shoes
• Wheel cylinders
• Return springs
• Parking Brake
• Cables
• Hydraulic System
• Master cylinder
• Brake fluid and hoses
• Power booster

The brake system equipped in your vehicle is a culmination of over 100 years of technological innovation, transforming crude stopping mechanisms into dependable and efficient pieces of speed variation equipment. While brake systems vary by make and model, the basic system consists of disc brakes in front, and either disk or drum brakes in the rear. Connected by a series of tubes and hoses, your brakes are linked to each wheel and the master cylinder by said network, which supply them with vital brake fluid (hydraulic fluid).

We'll take a closer look on how this works, but first we'll provide a brief overview of the critical components that make braking possible. We can summarize all of your braking equipment into two categories:

Hydraulics

• Master Cylinder:When it comes to your vehicle, think of the master cylinder as a pressure converter. When you press down on the brake pedal (physical pressure) the master cylinder converts this to hydraulic pressure. This pressure is used to propel brake fluid to the wheel brakes.
• Brake Lines and Hoses: Steel braided brake lines and high pressure, shock, and road resistant brake hoses are the channels which deliver pressurized brake fluid to the braking unit(s) at each wheel.
• Wheel Cylinders and Calipers: Wheel cylinders consist of cylinders surrounded by two rubber-sealed pistons that connect the piston with the brake shoe. When brake pressure is applied, pistons are forced out, pushing the shoes into the drum. Calipers squeeze brake pads onto the rotor to stop your car. Both components apply pressure to friction materials.

Friction Materials

• Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes: A disc brake uses fluid (released by the master cylinder) to force pressure into a caliper, where it presses against a piston. The piston then squeezes two brake pads against the rotor, forcing it to stop. Brake shoes consist of a steel shoe with a steel shoe with friction material bonded to it.
• How it comes together: When you first step on the brake pedal, you are triggering the release of brake fluid into the system of tubes and hoses, which travel to the braking unit at each wheel. This is because you actually push against a plunger in the master cylinder, causing the fluid to be released. Now because brake fluid can't be compressed, it journeys through the network of tubes and hoses in the exact same motion and pressure it initially began with. And when it comes to stopping a 2,000 pound steel assembly at high speed, this consistency is a good thing. But the performance of your brakes can be affected when air is introduced into the fluid; since air can compress, it creates sponginess in the pedal, which disrupts this consistency, and results in bad braking efficiency. The good news is that "bleeder screws" (located at each wheel cylinder) can be removed so that the brake system is "bled" to remove any unwanted air found in your system.

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Computer Engine Analysis

Your modern vehicle's engine is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. The days of your father's gas-guzzler are long gone—instead, Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations demand that today's vehicles be equipped with electronic engine control systems, to curb carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. With technically-advanced control systems taking the place of simple engine components, common maintenance services such as tune-ups are also a thing of the past. Regular services (such as spark plug and filter replacements) are still required, as well as a computerized analysis of your vehicle's control computer. Our factory-trained technicians are here to provide these basic services.

Here's how your modern vehicle's control computer operates:
A network of sensors and switches convert and monitor engine operating conditions into electrical signals. The computer receives this information, and, based on information and instructions coded within this savvy computer program, commands are sent to three different systems: ignition, fuel, and emission control. Whenever a problem arises (as seen by that nagging "check engine" light), our service pros check whatever command is prompted, in addition to the status of your engine control computer and sensors. That way you'll know if your vehicle's performance is caused by a real problem, or just a sensor/computer issue.

Here's a brief overview of your vehicle's sensory components:

• Mass airflow sensor
• Throttle position sensor
• Manifold absolute pressure sensor
• Coolant temperature sensor
• Exhaust oxygen sensor
• Crankshaft position sensor
• Camshaft position sensor

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CV Joint Repair

Constant-velocity joints (aka homokinetic or CV joints) allow a drive shaft to transmit power through a variable angle, at constant rotational speed, without an appreciable increase in friction or play. They are mainly used in front wheel drive and all wheel drive cars. Rear wheel drive cars with independent rear suspension typically use CV joints at the ends of the rear axle halfshafts, and increasingly use them on the propshafts. Audi Quattros use them for all four half-axles and on the front-to-rear driveshaft (propeller shaft) as well, for a total of ten CV joints.

Constant -velocity joints are protected by a rubber boot, a CV gaiter. Cracks and splits in the boot will allow the joint to corrode and a new joint would need to be fitted if the joint is not removed early enough, cleaned, greased, and a new boot fitted.

Listen for noise or complaints that might indicate a CV joint problem. These include:

• Popping or clicking noises when turning. This almost always indicates a worn or damaged outer CV joint. To verify this condition, place the vehicle in reverse, crank the steering wheel to one side and drive the vehicle backwards in a circle (check the rearview mirror first!). If the noise gets louder, it confirms the diagnosis and the need for a new CV joint or replacement shaft assembly.
• A "clunk" when accelerating, decelerating or when putting the transaxle into drive. The noise comes from excessive play in the inner joint on FWD applications, either inner or outer joints in a RWD independent suspension, or from the driveshaft CV joints or U-joint in a RWD or AWD powertrain. The same kind of noise can also be produced by excessive backlash in differential gears. To verify the condition, back the vehicle up, alternately accelerating and decelerating while in reverse. If the clunk or shudder is more pronounced, it confirms a bad inner joint.
• A humming or growling noise. Sometimes due to inadequate lubrication in either the inner or outer CV joint, this symptom is more often due to worn or damaged wheel bearings, a bad intermediate shaft bearing on equal length halfshaft transaxles, or due to worn shaft bearings within the transaxle.
• A shudder or vibration when accelerating. May be caused by play in the inboard or outboard joints, but the most likely cause is a worn inboard plunge joint. Similar vibrations can also be caused by a bad intermediate shaft bearing on transaxles with equal length halfshafts, or by bad motor mounts on FWD vehicles with transverse-mounted engines.
• A vibration that increases with speed. This symptom is rarely caused by a failing CV joint. An out-of-balance tire or wheel, an out-of-round tire or wheel, or a bent rim are the more likely causes.

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Fuel Pump Repair

A fuel pump in a car or truck is an essential component in the fuel system. The fuel pump forces fuel out of the fuel tank into the fuel lines & then into the fuel injectors.

Your vehicle's fuel system's repair and service needs are determined by several factors that contribute to its wear and tear. Some of these include the quality of fuel used in your automobile, the age of your car or truck, mileage, Colorado Springs driving conditions, and maintenance history. Symptons that you may be experiencing problems with your fuel system will include poor fuel economy, the vehicle not starting, or the "check engine" light appearing on the dashboard.

Generally we replace fuel pumps, however, if the fuel pump is in good condition, we can repair certain parts of the fuel pump.

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Fuel System Cleaning

Modern engines are designed to deliver more power and performance while producing lower exhaust emissions. Many of these systems operate under stringent conditions with microscopic tolerances. When clean, these engines run great - quick acceleration, good fuel economy and strong overall performance.

Within a few thousand miles, not very noticeably at first, engine performance starts to suffer. As deposits build up on engine and intake surfaces, the air and fuel delivery gets restricted.

This reduces power and performance and increases exhaust emissions. Short trip driving, stop-and-go, high temperatures and idling, all provide the hot, dirty environment that builds these harmful deposits.

Proper fuel system cleaning targets each specific area of the engine where deposits can form. A fuel system cleaning service cleans the air intake, fuel delivery / injectors, intake manifold, valves, piston ringland and combustion chambers.

Periodic cleaning of your fuel system, every 15,000 miles (23,000 km) or annually, will help in the following areas:

• Improve fuel economy
• Reduce emissions
• Restore power & performance
• Improve driveability
• Smooth engine idling

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Scheduled Maintenance

The key to protecting your investment and maximizing engine performance and fuel efficiency is to follow routine Preventative Maintenance schedule. Try this Scheduled Maintenance Generator from Firestone to view your vehicle's manufacturer's maintenance schedule. To schedule maintenance with Hunt's Tire & Car Care please contact us.

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Shocks & Strut Repair

Quality shocks and struts ensure safe, comfortable driving by helping tires keep their grip. Most people believe that shocks and struts are only necessary for improving a vehicle's riding comfort. In fact, they do much more than that; their job is to help keep your tires firmly on the road.

Friction is your friend.
It's important to understand that a vehicle's ability to steer, brake and accelerate depends first and foremost on the adhesion, or friction, between the tires and the road. This adhesion is also referred to as the road holding capability of the vehicle, which is directly influenced by shock absorber or strut performance.

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State Inspection

The Motor Vehicle Inspection Law states that every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer registered in this state shall bear a valid safety inspection certificate issued in the state of Louisiana, except as otherwise provided by R.S. 32:1305(G).

Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer registered in this state shall bear a valid safety inspection certificate issued in the state of Louisiana, except as otherwise provided by R.S. 32:1305 (G).

The following vehicles are exempt from obtaining a motor vehicle inspection:

• Farm tractors, self propelled farm equipment, rubber-tired farm wagons and carts, drawn rubber-tired farm equipment, and implements of husbandry designed primarily for field use
• Motor vehicles which are forty years old or older that are used primarily for exhibition in shows, parades and tours and not for general transportation
• Vehicles which are designed to transport more than 15 passengers: such vehicles require a commercial MVI sticker.
• Vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more which are used in the transportation of hazardous materials or vehicles with a GVWR of 20,000 pounds or more: such vehicles require a commercial MVI Sticker.

The Motor Vehicle Inspection fee is $10.00 (no tax charged) all over the state
EXCEPT the Baton Rouge 5-parish area where it is $18.00 (no tax charged).

The vehicle driver must provide a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration and valid insurance when the vehicle is taken for testing

The Louisiana State Police website gives more information on Motor Vehicle Inspections for passenger vehicles. Vehicles require inspections for many original registrations, as well as for annual registration renewals.

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Tire Repair Services

Hunt’s Tire & Car Care is here to help you with all your tire repair needs. You know that the need for tire repair can happen at the worst of times so you need a company that can handle your tire problems quickly. Hunt’s Tire & Car Care is that company.

We offer you a full range of tire repair services to get you back on the road. With flat tire repair, and a full selection of tires, we have everything you need when you start having tire trouble. Still, we know that tire repair is about more than just tires.

At Hunt’s Tire & Car Care we provide all around excellent service. Of course, we provide the best tires and skilled tire repair services. When you want tire repair done right there is no question that Hunt’s Tire & Car Care is the place to go.

We treat you like the valuable customer that you are. Prompt response to your tire problems is essential. We know you just want to get your tire problems fixed so you can get on with your life. This is why we dedicate ourselves to completing fast, precision tire repair work. We want you to always be happy with our work so that you can stop thinking about your tires and go back to living your life.

Need tires? Find yours Click here

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Tire Rotation & Balancing

Tire Rotation Recommended Service Interval: Every 6 months / 7,500 Miles

This refers to the regular practice of switching the position of each tire on the car.

• Rotating tires can be beneficial for a number of reasons. It can:
• Preserve balanced handling & traction of the tires
• Even out tire wear
• Ensure you get the maximum value for your tire investment

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Many cars today are equipped with TPMS. If you've seen this indicator on your dashboard, it means your tire pressure may be off. Pep Boys can check it, fix any problems and even reset your system.

Wheel Balancing
Balancing provides a smoother ride by minimizing tire bounce. This helps improve traction, steering control and extends the life of the tires. An out-of-balance tire and wheel will typically create a vibration or shake that become progressively worse as the vehicle's speed increases. The speed at which the vibration first becomes apparent will vary depending on the size and weight of the tires and wheels, the size and weight of the vehicle, the sensitivity of the steering and suspension, and the amount of imbalance. The vibration or shake usually starts in at 40 to 50 mph and increases in intensity as the speed increases.

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Tune-Up

The nature of an engine "tune-up" has changed considerably over the years, but the basics of how a gasoline engine works has not. Clean gas and air needs to be driven to the vehicle's cylinders where combustion initiated by a spark plug creates the power necessary to move a heavy vehicle. Clogged fuel injectors, dirty air and fuel filters, and corroded spark plugs can all decrease engine performance and contribute to decreased gas mileage and performance. That's why we examine your vehicle's air filter when you stop in, and why we recommend that you follow manufacturers' recommendations for replacing such key components as fuel filters, PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valves, and spark plugs when they are no longer working at maximum efficiency.

A standard tune-up, or spark plug replacement, done at the suggested maintenance interval will make an engine easier to start, improve fuel economy, lower emissions and restore lost power.

TIME FOR A TUNE-UP? It may be time for a "tune-up" if you notice one or more of the conditions below when starting or driving your vehicle:

• a decrease in gas mileage
• a noticeable loss in power
• your engine running "rough" or stalling when at a stop
• engine "knocking" when accelerating or running-on after the ignition is turned off
• your "Check Engine" or "Service Engine" light remaining on after initial start

From fixing a fuel system problem when it occurs to helping you prevent one from happening in the future, Hunt's Tire & Car Care is there to keep your engine "tuned-up" and ready to go.

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Universal Joint Repair

U-joints are often used where a flexible, rotating means of transmitting power is needed.

They are inexpensive and durable as long as a few guidelines are followed.

• Virtually all U-joint failure is the result of three primary causes
• Lack of lubrication
• Operating beyond the maximum design angle
• Contamination of the bearings

Ironically, lack of lubrication is more likely in a U-joint with a grease fitting. Sealed joints are adequately packed with grease and sealed. This makes them preferable in most situations.

When a U-joint fails, it may show any of several symptoms
Driveshafts often operate at three to four times the speed of the vehicle. For this reason they are very precisely balanced. Improperly installing a U-joint can drastically effect this balance. Aftermarket U-joints that do not fit properly can also severely effect balance.

• A clunk, when shifting into reverse or drive is one such symptom. Breakdown of lubrication results in wear to the rollers and the U-joint cross. This wear produces slack in the joint and a clunk when the driveshaft changes direction.

• When a driveshaft is out of balance it will cause vibration: This vibration can damage the rear differential pinion bearings and the transmission. Driveshafts can sometimes be re-balanced by a driveline specialty shop. Other times they must be replaced, at considerable expense.

At this stage the U-joint must be replaced promptly. Failure to replace the U-joint can cause damage to the driveshaft, transmission, differential and transfer case, if present. A broken U-joint will also disable the vehicle and almost always ruins the driveshaft. With careful handling and prompt replacement of worn U-joints the driveshaft will normally last the life of the vehicle.

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Oil Change

Why changing your oil is so important:
Changing your oil according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation is perhaps the single most important maintenance that you can perform to keep your vehicle running. As the parts in your engine work together, they create tremendous heat through friction. Without oil, the heat would actually melt these parts together. By having oil in your vehicle, it keeps the moving parts of your engine lubricated and reduces the heat. Motor oil also contains special additives to help the engine work more efficiently.

Through normal driving, the constant heat in the engine begins to break down the oil. Over time, small bits of debris and dirt can get into the oil making it less slippery so that it doesn't protect the engine as well.

To make sure your engine is protected at all times, your vehicle manufacturer recommends changing the oil and oil filter regularly. This will keep your engine working its best and may avoid costly repairs down the road.

At Hunt's Tire & Car Care, we have several oil change services to protect your engine:

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Head & Tail Light Repair and Bulb Replacement