Automotive Tips from TJ's Auto Center Inc.: Serpentine Belt Overview
Posted October 1, 2015 12:00 PMThe technicians at TJ's Auto Center Inc. know your serpentine belt drives important engine accessories like your alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering. In some cars it may also power the power brakes or water pump. The serpentine belt is powered by the engine and winds around pulleys and the accessories. Some cars in Rockford have two serpentine belts.
The serpentine belt, the belt tensioner (which maintains the appropriate tension on the belt) and the idler pulleys are together known as the accessory drive system.
Now your serpentine belt and the belt tensioner will just wear out over time – that’s why your vehicle manufacturer has a scheduled belt replacement interval. The team at TJ's Auto Center Inc. in Rockford can inspect your serpentine belt for wear and get it replaced if it’s time.
Give us a call.
TJ's Auto Center Inc.
3427 E. State St.
Rockford, Illinois 61108
815-399-2886
Automotive Tips from TJ's Auto Center Inc.: Battery Testing
Posted September 25, 2015 12:00 PMThe simple fact is that 70% of car batteries fail within 4 years. They just need to be replaced at TJ's Auto Center Inc. when they are no longer able to hold a full charge.
Batteries are a big ticket item for most Rockford drivers and it’s tempting to put off buying a new one as long as possible. But a battery that cannot hold a full charge requires the alternator to work extra hard, causing it to wear out prematurely.
Your TJ's Auto Center Inc. service advisor can test your battery to see if it should be replaced. Testing is a good idea for Illinois drivers because a battery might still be good, but become dead because of a bad alternator or even a worn serpentine belt and tensioner.
TJ's Auto Center Inc.
3427 E. State St.
Rockford, Illinois 61108
815-399-2886
Automotive Tips from TJ's Auto Center Inc.: Tire Replacement Overview
Posted September 23, 2015 12:00 PMTires are an expensive purchase, so knowing when tires should be replaced is important for Rockford drivers. Tires will just wear out with normal use. The depth of the tread on your tire determines how well it will stop, start and steer – especially in wet conditions. 4/32th of an inch (3.2 mm) of tire tread is considered a safe amount of tread.
Uneven tread wear can be a symptom of other problems, and simply replacing your tires will not prevent the same uneven wear from happening to the new tires. At TJ's Auto Center Inc. in Rockford, we can inspect your tires for excessive or uneven wear. Unusual wear may lead to further inspection of steering, suspension or alignment problems. We can help with necessary repairs and with getting you the right tires for your needs.
Give us a call.
TJ's Auto Center Inc.
3427 E. State St.
Rockford, Illinois 61108
815-399-2886