Auto Repair Tempe

Since spring is upon us, you might take a moment to consider, is your vehicle ready for the new season change? Every vehicle is unique with its own specific needs and maintenance, but most vehicles will require routine maintenance in order to ensure proper function for years to come. To prepare your vehicle for spring follow this guide to ensure your vehicle looks good, and functions as it should. Wash Your Car and Detail It Road grime can be damaging to your vehicle’s paint and parts, which may reduce the resale value. The extreme temperatures and the constant grime make it impractical to continuously wash our cars during the winter, so spring is an ideal time to give your car a much needed ‘spa-treatment’, if you will. So how do you go about cleaning your car? Visit a car wash in your local area and consider purchasing the largest package you can afford. To get the most out of this ‘cleanse’, be sure to purchase a package that will include cleaning of the undercarriage ... read more

No matter how well you take care of your car, everyone is going to have to take their vehicle to the mechanic at some point. There are probably a few different mechanics in your area. Which one do you take your car to? (We certainly appreciate it when you choose Elite Auto Repair!) There are a few things you need to find out about a mechanic before entrusting him with your vehicle. Remember, your car is the most likely the second-most expensive thing you own--the only thing most people have that cost more is their home. Don't let a second-rate mechanic work on your vehicle. Otherwise, you may discover he has created more problems than he solved. Read Reviews The first place to start your search for a mechanic is to read some reviews online. You'll be able to find a number of different customer reviews online, although remember that some of them could have been written by either the business itself or one of its competitors. However, most reviews ar ... read more

Time to put the "Super" in Super Duty! When really big jobs need to be accomplished, Ford offers its biggest machines, the F-650 and F-750 Super Duty trucks. Classified as medium duty trucks they're back for 2016. 2016 Super Specs: Gas Engine: V10 320Hp 460 1b-ft Diesel Engine: 6.7 Power Stroke options 270Hp/675 lb-ft 300Hp/700 lb-ft 330Hp/725 lb-ft Cabs: Regular/SuperCab/CrewCab Wheelbase from 158inch to 281inches Get full specifications from Ford by clicking here Let's see what's new in the following video

In a feature column in the Wall Street Journal racing pioneer Denise McCluggage relates, "Of all the automobiles I've owned over my lifetime, I never imagined that for 20 years I would live with a car like the Suzuki Sidekick, or that I would love it so much." Throughout the years McCluggage has owned an Alfa Romeo, a Porsche, a Jaguar, an MG, and a Ferrari. Oh yes, and a Suzuki Sidekick. She bought the Sidekick in 1993 because she likes four-wheel drive and it's mountainous and snowy where she resides in new Mexico. McCluggage concludes, "I like small cars that make my garage look big. There was never any reason to buy another car. It was one of the best of its kind, and it still is. The license plate reads "PODNAH," like "partner". It's become my Sidekick - in more ways than one." Are you currently driving your favorite vehicle? What's your story of why

Most modern vehicles use some form of fuel injection, as opposed to earlier cars that employed a carburetor to mix gasoline and air on it's way into the engine. Normally most car owners never see more than the exterior of the fuel injectors under the hood. Here's your chance to catch a glimpse of what's going on inside each of those fuel injectors that sit atop the engine. About This Video The above video the operation of the automotive fuel injector. It goes into how to test the fuel injector, theory of operation and other aspects of reading the injector waveform on the automotive scope. Finally, coverage is also given as to the specific current flow characteristics for automotive fuel injectors. Schools may use this automotive technology video as an in-class companion

The automotive news has been packed with interesting stories lately. It's interesting how a class of vehicle that started out as something utilitarian has morphed into a new genre of its own and is even considered to have real style! First up today, it seems the trend in automotive is to make everything as automatic as possible, even cars that can drive themselves. Check out this story of a Mazda SUV, a CX-5, was in the process of testing automated braking when things didn't do exactly as planned... Next up is a very popular brand of upper end SUVs, Infiniti. The model QX56 has become the QX-80. It's not just a new name. The QX80 is a recommended buy of Consumer Reports, where reliability is listed as above average. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $62,345 for a base, 2014 QX80 with rear-wheel drive and automatic transmission. Starting retail price, including destination charge, for a base, 2014 QX80 with all-wheel drive is ... read more

We are giving away a 1997 Chevy Lumina to a person in need. You can nominate yourself or someone you know by going to AutoRepairArizona.com. Contest closes 11/11/2011 Take this last chance opportunity to win, or nominate someone else in need, to win a great vehicle. It's our way to give a little something back. Sincerely, Elite Auto Repair Tempe, AZ

Did you know that the typical V6 ignition system generates one hundred and fifty sparks per second at three thousand RPM? And that each spark event is precisely timed to within milliseconds? Your vehicles' ignition system operates using sophisticated computer controls. Sensors provide the engine management computer with crankshaft speed and position. The computer uses this information to accurately trigger the ignition coils. The Ignition coils generate a high voltage electrical pulse to form the ignition spark. The spark jumps the gap at the spark plugs, igniting the air/fuel mixture within the engine cylinders. Key components of the ignition system include: Crankshaft and Camshaft position sensors, Engine Control Module, Ignition Coils, Knock Sensors and Spark Plugs. Malfunctions can cause drivability concerns including an illuminated or flashing check engine light or even a no start condition. The ignition system contains high voltage electrical e ... read more

You hear a lot about protecting your car's exterior--its paint job, its tires, and its chrome finish. But what about protecting the interior of your car? There are several different things you can do to protect your car and its interior from sunlight, heat, and other issues. The last thing you want is your car's interior being damaged and decreasing the entire value of your vehicle. Protecting Your Dashboard The bright sunlight that streams in through your windshield can damage the material of your dashboard. It can cause it to fade and, if the dashboard is under hot sunlight for too long, it can actually start to crack or warp. To protect your dashboard, there are a few things you can do. You can put up a sunlight blocking cardboard insert each time you park in the sun. These sun blockers will not only keep the sun off your dashboard but they will also keep your car from heating up. Another option is to buy a dashboard cover made from cloth. It atta ... read more

Choosing the best, whether synthetic or conventional, engine oil is highly controversial and debated. Motor oil is surrounded with myths and questions. Today we'll look at the answers to these common motor oil questions: What does 5W-30 mean? Why should I change my oil? What is the typical composition of motor oil? Are aftermarket oil additives needed? What does synthetic oil mean? Can you mix synthetic with conventional oil? Can synthetic be used to break in an engine? What causes sludge? Why should I use the viscosity grade that the manufacturer recommends? Check out the video below for the answers to these frequently asked questions. And remember, if you're ever unsure about a topic like this as it applies to your cars, we're only a phone call away