Engine Repair in Plainview, NY

Engine

Engine Repair

Plainview Auto Care is proud to provide the highest quality engine service and repair. The engine serves as a vehicle’s power source by converting energy into mechanical motion. All the other components within a car only distribute that energy. Thus, without its engine, a vehicle would be nothing more than a series of unanimated gears and joints encased in metal. An internal combustion engine generates energy through the combustion of a fuel, usually a fossil fuel. This process occurs with an oxidizer (usually air) within a combustion chamber. The result is that expanding gases push a piston downward and this movement is converted into a rotary motion by the crankshaft. Other components of the vehicle then direct this energy to the wheels. The entire process is synchronized by a timing belt and a timing chain, with an accessory drive belt assembly providing energy for systems like HVAC and steering. Many things can go wrong during the course of this process that can greatly affect the drivability and safety of your vehicle. If you’re experiencing any issues with your engine bring it in as soon as possible. Plainview Auto Care has expert technicians and a service and repair center outfitted with state-of-the-art tools.

Motor Mounts

A vehicle’s engine will naturally vibrate when running. Consequently, if the engine were bolted directly to the body of the car, it would make the entire vehicle shake and rattle. To fix this, rubber mounts that are filled with hydraulic fluid are installed between the vehicle frame and the engine to serve as a buffer. Because these mounts absorb most of the vibration, they become worn over time and will eventually need to be replaced. Motor mount wear is very gradual, so gradual that most drivers won’t notice that it’s happened. Some symptoms to watch out for include excessive engine movement when changing gears and vehicle vibration when the engine is idling. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, bring your car to Plainview Auto Care. Our service and repair center is fully equipped with the best tools and technicians to fix all your engine troubles. Plainview Auto Care is proud to provide Plainview with the highest quality service at the best possible price!

Timing Belt

A vehicle’s engine valves must release air and fuel into the combustion chamber at the right moment and remain closed while fuel is being compressed and the piston is being pushed downward. Lastly, an exhaust valve must open to allow the unwanted exhaust gases out. The opening and closing of the valves at specific times is done using a rubber timing belt. Unlike other accessory belts on the engine, the timing belt is usually impossible to see and evaluate without removing many components.  We recommend that you replace your vehicle’s timing belt every 60,000 to 105,000 miles or according to manufacturer recommended intervals. A broken timing belt will not only make your vehicle inoperable, but it can cause serious damage to other components in the engine, in some cases rendering the engine unrepairable.  Your timing belt will make an average of 30 million revolutions each year—make sure it makes another 30 million next year by changing it as recommended.  If you aren’t sure if it’s time to change your timing belt, call or come in to Plainview Auto and we can advise you!

Belts

In addition to an engine’s timing belt, it has an accessory belt assembly that is responsible for providing power to systems like power steering, the A/C compressor, the alternator, water pump, and radiator fan. Some vehicles come equipped with only one belt while others use several to drive different accessory components. These belts operate in a high heat and pressure environment and will become worn overtime. Older belts will crack as they wear while newer designs will develop wider grooves on their surface. If a belt brakes, the vehicle will most likely be inoperable—without an alternator running the battery will drain rapidly, steering will become difficult without the steering pump, and the vehicle will overheat quickly without the water pump turning. Another common problem in accessory belt systems is a defective tensioner. A belt tensioner is a device that applies tension to the belts to hold them in place on their pulleys. If weak or misaligned, the tensioner will not apply enough pressure on the belts, causing them to break or to exert insufficient amounts of power to run components like the alternator or water pump. At Plainview Auto Care, we recommend that tensioners and belts be checked regularly and replaced at the first sign of wear. We will check these belts for you during any of our routine oil change services. But if you want us to check them now, please call or stop in and our technicians will check them and advise you of their condition.

Oil Leaks

Motor oil is a crucial component of the engine—it lubricates all moving parts, inhibits corrosion, cleans, and even helps keep the engine cooler by minimizing friction. Without oil, all of the moving surfaces within the engine would come in contact with each other, generating friction. This friction wastes power by converting otherwise useful energy into heat and causes premature wear on internal engine components. Both the friction and the prematurely worn parts cause an increase in fuel consumption and a decrease in power output. Motor oil solves both of these problems by creating a separating film between contiguous moving parts within the engine. It also provides them with a protective layer against rust and corrosion. Over time, however, the gaskets and seals that contain the oil can begin to leak— these leaks can be slow, but they can also cause serious damage to your vehicle’s engine. If you are noticing spots on the ground under where you park your car, bring it in as soon as possible, so we can check if your engine is leaking oil. At Plainview Auto Care, we guarantee fast and honest answers to all of your concerns. You can rest assured that you will get the best service in the Plainview area when you come to Plainview Auto Care!

Oil Change

Motor oil is the life-blood of your engine—it lubricates all moving parts, inhibits corrosion, cleans, and even cools the engine by minimizing friction. Without it engine components would grind together causing premature wear and eventual engine failure. Overtime, the oil will become contaminated by dirt, metallic shavings, moisture, and even anti-freeze. When this happens, sludge forms that restricts the flow of oil to the engine’s parts. In order to prevent sludge and moisture build-up, oil changes should be performed regularly. At Plainview Auto Care, we recommend regular oil be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles, or synthetic oil be changed every 5 months or 5,000 miles, unless otherwise specified in the owner’s manual. Make sure to use the oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer in order to ensure maximum engine protection. Don’t know what oil your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends? No problem! Plainview Auto Care has expert technicians ready to advise you. Come by our service and repair center today for your oil change!