Hometown Auto Repair ~ Finksburg, Maryland 21048 ~ (410) 833-9897

When you maintain your vehicle regularly, the vehicle will be more dependable, safer, last longer, and maintain its value. Preventive maintenance will save you money on expensive component replacement such as engines and transmissions in the future. It will also provide better fuel economy and help the environment by reducing emissions.

The vehicle’s starting and charging systems ensure dependability. If one of these systems is malfunctioning, you may experience trouble starting your vehicle. The alternator is driven by a belt. When the belt is running the alternator it is using kinetic energy (spinning) to create a charge. This charge is sent to the battery. Your battery stores the electrical charge created by the alternator which is what starts your vehicle.

The emissions system in your vehicle are a vital part in keeping your engine running efficiently, and cleanly. If you keep your emissions system maintained, you will maintain good fuel economy and lower pollutants from your vehicle. The emissions system controls the emissions, exhaust, and pollutants using an array of sensors, computers, and exhaust components. The emissions system reduces harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx). It also prevents fuel vapors from escaping the fuel tank.

Lights and wipers are a big part of the safety features of your vehicle. Lighting not only helps you see, but it helps other motorists see you. Wipers clear excess water, dirt, and snow from inhibiting your vision while driving. The lights provide signals and alerts for other drivers, light for viewing your instrument panel at night, and nighttime visibility. Lights and wipers require maintenance as they are a normal wear item.

Your vehicle’s fuel system works directly with the engine control system to produce the lowest emissions, and the best performance. The fuel travels from the fuel tank, through a filter, and up to the injectors in the engine. Fuel pressure is regulated by a pressure switch which helps the engine perform the best. Fuel injectors spray a fine pulse of mist into the cylinders which the spark plugs ignite. Some systems use a return line to send unused fuel back to the tank.

The filters in your vehicle are important for the operation and comfort of the vehicle. The cabin filter traps contaminants from entering the passenger compartment of a vehicle. It removes dust, pollen, pollutants, bacteria, and many other outside elements that may find their way into the vehicle. The oil filter filters the oil removing any contaminants in the oil so that it can lubricate key engine parts without restriction. The air filter keeps the same contaminants as the cabin filter from entering the engine cylinders, which without would contaminate the oil as well. The fuel filter removes contaminates from the fuel that is put into the engine.

Electrical

Fuel System

Lighting and Wipers

Emission System

Fluids and Filters