Wednesday, December 4, 2013

What is going on with my car's Air/Con? Why is my A/C not as cold?


Do you notice that your car's air conditioning system is not what it once was? It’s pretty noticeable when you live in South Florida! It’s pretty common and not just in warm weather conditions. We want to let you know how and why this happens. Some of it is preventable or maybe even an easy fix and something we can get quickly resolved for you.

 

1.       Leaks: This is the number one problem. We even have special on the diagnostic package for leaks!  If you have never taken your car for a coolant flush or had it refilled and it's been 30,000 miles plus – you need a flush! And bad! Ask our store managers about our ½ lb. of UV Dye and Refrigerant.

2.       Makes noise it didn’t before:  It becomes noticeably noisier than it was when your AC is turned on. To you it may just sound like noise you have gotten used to but for us it sounds like problems with the compressor. If you hear it, be sure to bring it in to our Royal Palm Beach or Wellington location for a quick and easy inspection.

3.       Temperature changes:  It starts out really cold and then just cool or maybe it never gets that cold. There could be a bad thermostat or a constraint somewhere in the structure.  Easily diagnosed by our latest technologies.

4.       Bad battery:  Did you know a bad battery can cause your auto air conditioner work out of sorts or not even at all? It might have enough juice to drive the rest of the car, but not enough for less important things like the A/C

5.       Dirty Evaporators: Musky or mildews’ smells happen when bacteria buildup in the evaporator. Our ASE-trained mechanics have the appropriate tools to sanitize yours the same day and get you back on the road smelling fresh.

 

We are always here for you at Bill Tyson’s Auto Repair. We know that car trouble can be a drag and that you need your car to get home, to work or school. It’s an important part of your day. We are happy to help. Come see us, we are happy to help.

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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Mechanics Show You How To Buy A Used Car

 

The mechanics in Royal Palm Beach and Wellington shops inspect used cars for our customers. Private sellers are not bound to the same strict oversight as dealerships, so you must have a scrupulous mindset when inspecting a used car. Maybe you can't bring it to us or your local mechanic. That's okay we can still help you. Just bring the following items with you for inspecting:
  • A notebook and pen for taking notes and recording the vehicle identification number, mileage and asking price
  • Paper towels for checking the engine oil
  • A small flashlight for looking under the car for leaks and corrosion
  • A small magnet for detecting concealed body work
  • A CD for testing the car stereo
  • Inspection checklist
  • If possible, an auto history report
You don't want this car
 
Run down the following checklist. To make sure you hit everything, print this page and take it with you when conducting your inspection.

Exterior

 
Windshield free of cracks
Body panel colors match
Magnet adheres to all steel body panels
Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust)
Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned
Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned
Free of body scratches
Free of body dents
Windshields wipers and blades fully functional
Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional

Tires

Tires are in decent condition
Tires are all of the same make
Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks
Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems)
Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional
Spare tire inflated

Engine

Free of fluid or oil leaks
Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits
Battery terminals free of corrosion
Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil
Free of odors while engine is running
Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black (indicate excessive oil consumption)

Suspension

Vehicle rests levelly
When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made
All corners respond the same when bouncing

Interior

Seats unworn and free of cracks
All doors open and close freely
Trunk opens and closes freely
Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed)
All gauges work
No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated
Stereo works
Heater works
Air conditioner works
Windshield wipers work
Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly
All seats equipped with functional seat belts
All seats adjust properly
Power windows operate properly
Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable)
Car alarm works (if applicable)
Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key
Hazard lights function properly
Headlights, including brights, work properly

Frame

Chassis is neither bent nor cracked
No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk
Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches

Automatic Transmission

Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal transmission problem)
Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving

Manual or Standard Transmission

Each gear shifts smoothly
No grinding noises when in reverse

Brakes

Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes
Parking brake engages and disengages freely
No grinding noises when applying brakes
Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)

Steering

Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding
Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating
No resistance in the steering wheel when turning
No clicking or clunking when turning

Miscellaneous

Car manual located in the glove compartment
Instructions included for any accessories
Service and repair records available
Owner has title

Other Insights

  • Walk away if the seller objects to your inspection
  • Don't feel rushed while inspecting
  • Have a mechanic to assess checklist results
  • Use major flaws against the asking price
We want to help you to make the right decision for your safety and spending your hard earned money. Buying a car isn't easy and its a big decision. Always feel free to take your time and talk to your local mechanics about the pros and cons you feel may or may not occur. They may even be able to suggest a better car to suit your needs.

If you are near either location you can always come in to Bill Tyson's Auto Repair, we are happy to help!

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Thursday, September 12, 2013

Trucks, Trailers, Horses and Automobiles, your Mechanics in 33414 33411



With more than two decades of serving the western/equestrian communities, folks have come to count on us for quality and personalized service with the best warranties. Our own in house training program along with the latest diagnostic and repair technologies makes us the right choice for you. We believe in quality work and exceptional customer service, we will even offer you a ride home or back to the stables.


Horse Trailer Repair at Bill Tyson's Auto Repair
 
 
Count on Bill Tyson's Auto Repair for all your truck, trailers and car maintenance, inspections or repairs. Yes, even the trailers. We check the lights and wiring, hitch fittings, check for stress cracks, pack wheel bearings, electric control, tires, inspect for dry rot and all brakes. No job is too big or small, we just want you to be safe and know you are in good hands. Safety is important even if you aren't traveling far. We are excited for the Winter Festival and all the equestrian events but want to make sure everything is taken care of for you. If you can't stay and wait, we understand you are busy and will drop you back off wherever you need to be. Once we know what needs to be done we can let you know immediately. Our dedication for you is because we genuinely care.



We can service domestic, European, Diesel, hybrid and foreign. Whether you are only hear for a few months or are here year round we are the place for you, your vehicles and your family. We believe in preventative maintenance and will do a 21 point inspection for every job so that you are always informed about the health of your car, truck or trailer.

We are here for you at Bill Tyson's Auto Repair.
 
Wellington 561-753-6101
Royal Palm Beach 561-753-6122



 

5 Most Common Car Issues, your free sound advice from the Mechanics

 
 
 Do you get nervous when the CHECK ENGINE light comes on?  We understand.

Did you know the average car driving around daily is around 8 years old? Maintenance is the key to keeping it running healthy and from running into bigger problems.

Think of the light as a way to problems and extend the life of a car. Often, it's warning about problems that can be avoided by keeping up with regular maintenance before it turns into something big and expensive. Don't panic, we have the 5 most common problems and about what it can run you. Free, quality advice.

Faulty oxygen sensor

The sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and tells the car's computer how much fuel is in the tank. The car's gas mileage will go down and send incorrect information to the computer. It can be $200+/- to repair.

Loose or missing gas cap

This happens a lot! I know it sounds obvious but believe it or not we have this happen often. We tighten the gas cap for free, or replace it for a few dollars. If it's not replaced, gas will evaporate from the car and decrease its gas mileage. That means more frequent refills at the pump and who wants that?!

Broken catalytic converter

Prevention can stop you from paying in the neighborhood of $2,000. The catalytic converter uses a catalyst — a metal like platinum — to convert harmful gases left over from combustion to less harmful emissions. A catalytic converters generally won't fail unless a related part, like a spark plug goes bad. Keep up with scheduled maintenance and you can dodge the bullet.

Malfunctioning mass air flow sensor

This sensor measures the amount of air supplied to the engine, which determines how much fuel should be delivered. When it goes south, the car will move forcefully and spill in fuel  so you get a decrease in fuel economy. This goes from $450+/- to have it repaired.

Misfiring spark plugs

Spark plugs are small but essential, since they make the car go by igniting the compressed fuel in an internal combustion engine. Misfiring spark plugs can affect engine power and fuel economy and can also cost you a big ticket item, the catalytic converter.

The most expensive cars to repair? Hybrids. They remain rare enough that their parts are pricier and fewer technicians are trained to fix them. We are trained for this at Bill Tyson's and will always work to get you a fair price with the best warranties.


Just remember, don't panic. It can be a simple fix. We are happy to do it no matter what the fix is. Our mechanics in Royal Palm and Wellington are ready to give you an oil change, find out about your check engine light and even check out your car with a 21 point inspection. Its better to know how your brakes are doing before they go out! We are here to help.

Bill Tyson's Auto Repair, the name you know is the name you trust.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

When to get new wiper blades?




Wiper blades are one of the most ignored parts on cars today. Many blades are worn out or just in general bad shape.  They might look okay but they do a bad job of wiping the rain off.
   
Did you know that more than 50% of our quick thinking and maneuvering driving actions are based on timing and a clear view? If the wipers are skipping, streaking or failing to wipe cleanly, you need new blades -- NOW!
    We at Bill Tyson's Auto Repair think wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance. That's because wiper blades don't last forever it doesn't matter what type of rubber it is made from. Natural rubber deteriorates over time. Halogen-hardened rubber and synthetic rubber provides longer life but get warped and need to be replaced. 

How does this happen?  Wipers may develop a permanent formation or like a curve, that stops full contact with the windshield. This tends to be more of a problem on vehicles that are parked outside in the hot sun all day like in Florida. The sun bakes and hardens the rubber, so it shrinks up and becomes deformed over time. Then when the wipers are needed, they streak and skip because they've become a different shape and now can't curvature of the windshield. It can be very annoying and dangerous in extreme rain like we get during the summer.

 Heavy use can be hard on wiper blades, too, because dust, abrasives, road grime and even bug juice wear away the edge that the blades need to wipe cleanly. When the blade loses its edge, water gets under the blade and remains on the glass. The result is a smeared wiping. 

 

Check it out...

A simple check is to try your windshield washers. This is the opportunity to check your windshield washer system. Do both squirters work? If not, a nozzle may be plugged with dirt or a hose may be kinked or loose. Does the spray hit the windshield where it is supposed to? If not, the nozzles need adjusting. Does the washer pump deliver an adequate stream of solvent? If not, the vehicle may have a weak washer pump, or a clogged, or loose hose. Most washer pumps have a screen to filter out dirt. If this screen itself is clogged up, it can choke off the flow of solvent to the washers.
 After you've checked the windshield wipers, check the rear wiper.  It's just as important to see what's behind you when backing up in the rain as it is to see what's ahead. Feel like you're unsure if its doing well or not? Bring it in to our Royal Palm Beach or Wellington location. Its free for us to look at it. We just want to make sure you are safe out there.

 

Wiper Arms, Not Blades!

 How well the wiper blades perform also depends on the condition of the wiper arms and holders. A blade's wiping ability is affected by the amount of spring tension on the wiper arm, the number of pressure points or claws that hold the blade, and the design of the blade itself. If the springs in the arms are weak (older vehicles), the wipers may not be pressed against the glass firmly enough to wipe cleanly. Replacing the blades won't make any difference because the problem is weak arms not bad blades. 
If the blades can be pulled away from the glass with little resistance, it's time for new arms.  
Check the tension on the rear wiper arm, too, because rear wiper arms are often damaged by drive-through car washers.
  Another factor to keep in mind is the design of the blade holder. A blade holder needs to distribute the tension of the wiper arm evenly over the blade while also allowing the blade to flex as it follows the changing curvature of the glass. The better quality replacement blade holders typically have six to eight claws to spread the pressure of the wiper arm over the blade. More claws also increases flexibility so the blades don't lose contact at the sides of the glass. 

Replacements

You can come on in to Bill Tyson's Auto Repair locations to have the blades checked. It's better to be safe than sorry. We are already in hurricane season and the wet weather. Please make sure you and your family are ready in these bad driving conditions. We have all been through it where the rain is coming down like sheets. It is actually a very inexpensive fix.
Right now we even have a deal going on for Anco wiper blades which fits most cars and can be done for under $20.
Come on over to Bill Tyson's, we are happy to help you with quality service at an honest value.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

What Does It Mean If My Car Is Vibrating?



If you own a car long enough then there's a good chance you'll develop car problems to some extent. One of the most common issues is shaking. It happens slowly but surely and then one day you find yourself wondering how you drive like this! Is this safe? What does it mean if my car is vibrating? There is no substitute for our ASE certified mechanics. However, you can develop a good feel yourself for car problems that are relatively common, like the shaking.

 Here is some good and sound advice from us at Bill Tyson's as to why your car may be doing this, what it can mean and why you should bring it in.

The fix could be something relatively cheap and simple, like a tire rotation or balance. It could signal more serious car trouble - something not as simple, like steering or suspension problems. Coming in to our Wellington or Royal Palm Beach location to just have the car looked at may seem like a hassle at first. We understand and will try to get you in and out the door as soon as possible because we understand you have a busy schedule. We are here to save you from bigger car trouble down the road.

Sometimes a shake or shudder will come from the engine compartment, because the engine isn't getting enough air, fuel or spark that it needs to run in top condition.

Symptoms like:
  • Shudder or jerking when speeding up
  • Sharp, disconnected shaking like driving over cobblestones within a specific speed range
  • Car starts and drives fine and later begins to vibrate
These symptoms could be signaling that it's time for a new set of spark plugs. If the plugs are fine, it could be that the spark plug wires need to be checked (connected in the right order) or replacing them.
A dirty air filter or clogged fuel filter can starve the engine of the oxygen or fuel it needs. Easily prevented by replacing them at the manufacturer's recommended time frame.

Is the shaking coming from the steering wheel? On most modern cars, wheel bearings are meant to last the life of the car/or truck. But as you may already know, if you drive worse-than-typical wear-and-tear (off-roading, hard driving, high mileage), it's going to wear out.
Another thing to look for is how much a wheel deviates from a perfectly circular rotation when it is turning.
Other sources of wobbly wheels include the tie-rod ends or ball joints. If they're worn out, they'll allow too much play in the wheel.

Tires can contribute to the shakes:
  • Car vibrates at certain speeds= tire balance
  • Tires have separated tread or roll unevenly = needs replacements
  • Uneven tire wear = tire rotation
Please feel free to call seven days a week. We can narrow it down even more. Make an appointment or just bring it in and tell us what is going on. Our mechanics are seasoned and will find what is wrong in a hurry. We will always tell you what you need and won't try to sell you something you don't. Honest work at a great price so you can get back on the road safely.

Monday, July 8, 2013

When is it time to get new brakes? How do I know when to get new brakes? We have the 411 for you



Brakes giving you a fit? Does your car seem like its not slowing down on time? That won't end well for the squirrels!


Brake for squirrels



Bill Tyson's Auto Repair Brake Jobs Saving Squirrels
 
 
It usually happens slowly, over a period of time. At first, you start to feel your brake pedal just doesn’t seem its old self. Then you hear a little noise when you come to a stop. That’s when you know its time for a brake job. It happens to all vehicles sooner or later no matter what. The average, depending on how you drive, is about 35,000 miles on front brake pads and about 55,000 miles on rear brake shoes. This article is a little information so that you have an idea of what you need to know to get your vehicles brakes back to original working order. After all, braking is the most important thing that your vehicle can do.

You should have your brakes inspected, often, by an ASE certified and trained professional mechanic like us at Bill Tyson's Auto Repair every time you have your tires rotated. We recommend that you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles. That way you can avoid the costly mistake of wearing your pads or shoes past the wear indicators and damaging the rotors or drums. Inspections should include checking the brake lines, wheel cylinders, and master cylinder for leaks, checking the brake pads and shoes for wear, and checking the brake fluid level. We have two locations for you to have us check it out. We can check your brakes in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach.

TIP: never add brake fluid to your master cylinder. If its low, there is a reason, and the system should be looked at by a technician.

 If your vehicle needs a brake service be sure that the proper pads or shoes are installed, and that they are a quality product. When it comes to brake pads or shoes, you get what you pay for. There a lot of different compositions to brake pads, (organic, semi-metallic, and metallic) Make sure that you get what your vehicle manufacturer recommends no matter where you decide to have the brakes done.

Come in to our Bill Tyson's Auto Repair in Royal Palm Beach seven days a week. Or if it's more convenient for you come to our Wellington store Monday through Saturday. We will even give you a ride home or to your local destination while your brakes are being replaced.

Call today to make an appointment.


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Why do I have to change my oil?

 


Oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine. It keeps them cool by lowering friction and carrying the heat away. It also keeps any grit or tiny particles from scratching tightly-fitted parts.

Heat breaks down oil and in this Florida weather it can happen faster than you are thinking. It can make the oil gummy or watery or possibly even both, so that it doesn't lubricate properly. The longer it's in the engine, the dirtier it gets. This could lead to bigger problems down the line causing the engine to overheat or fail.

Replacing old oil with new fixes all these problems and is even a preventative measure to stop other problems from happening. Think of it like taking a daily vitamin. You aren't sick now, but you are insuring the possibility of being sick at all.

The fresh oil lubricates and cools. Once we flush the old oil out, we will also flush away any grit or dirt that has been collecting in it.



Getting your oil changed regularly is probably the single best thing you can do for your engine. To reduce the cost of major repairs and improve overall performance, follow your manufacturer's oil change recommendations listed in the owner's manual of your car. If you aren't sure you can always call us and we will be happy to give you helpful information. Either our Royal Palm Beach, Florida store 561-753-6122 or our Wellington, Florida store 561-753-6101.

Choose the oil change that's right for you or we can help you to get to know more about your car's makeup and what it needs to stay happy and healthy. Come and see the oil change cost for your car or truck at either of our stores. We currently have a $59.99 oil change package, which works for most vehicles, that includes a year's worth of oil changes for the price of two standard oil changes. While you're here, we'll give you our complimentary inspection, which includes checking belts, hoses, fluids and more.

We want to keep you safe out there!

The Royal Palm Beach location is open seven days a week for your convenience and is located at 1213 State Road 7 Ste 7 Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411 just on the southwest corner of Okeechobee and State Road 7. Our Wellington location is located at 3031 Fortune Way A-7 Wellington, Florida 33414 and is open 6 days a week for your convenience.

Come on in, we are happy to help and answer any questions you might have about our fantastic discounts.



Summer Tips - What Makes a Car Overheat & Avoiding Overheating

 
   

 
Happy summer! Vacation, the beach, no school and barbeques are all things to look forward to, but there are also parts of our lives the summer effects that we don't think about. The summer sun and extreme weather can mess with your car, but in places like South Florida it can really effect your car's mechanisms and even the mileage it gets. The sizzling temperatures and high humidity are not only dangerous for people and animals but also to the cars we rely on to get us to and from home each day. Did you know that there are operating systems in your car, just like a computer, that cannot function to their ability if it becomes overheated? We have suggestions for you on how to cool down when the heat is on.


Get A Tune-Up

If you have not yet scheduled your car for a summer tune-up, call us to make an appointment today. Extreme heat can weaken belts, hoses and other parts needed for your car to function without pushing it to an unsafe limit. Before the blistering days keep rolling in, have an ASE certified technician inspect for any damage that may indicate a break down in the future. You should ask for an inspection of your cooling system to prevent hot weather problems from occurring.


Giving The Engine A Break

As the temperature outside rises, the temperature on the road surfaces soar. Air conditioning will keep the inside of the car cold, however the strain on your engine could prove to be too much. If your car is showing signs of overheating, turn off the AC, wind down the windows and give your engine a break.


Avoid Hot Situations

We know changing the weather is not an option. What you can control to an extent is where and when you are driving. Driving during the hottest point of the day will be harder on your vehicle more than the early morning or late evening. If it is possible avoid routes with construction or stop and go traffic. These changes might be enough to ward off an overheated engine that can lead to bigger issues and expenses.
Our full service maintenance and repair services include everything from "while you wait" services such as oil changes or a wheel alignment. We also will give complementary rides to you when there is a major service needed like a transmission flush, brake repair and new tires or full service repairs but you need to go somewhere else or maybe just need a ride home.


Where We Come In

Bill Tyson's Auto Repair takes great pride in our beautiful shops, our friendly and experienced ASE certified mechanics, and a very welcoming environment. We service foreign, domestic, hybrid, and classic vehicles. We have the best warranties in the business and are competitively priced. Bill Tyson's Auto repair wants to take care of your car, your family and their safety.
While your car is in the care of our experienced mechanics, be secure in knowing you are having exceptional auto repair service. Our store managers will be honest and open about prices, wait times, and the services your car needs now, may need in the near future, or those that can be put off for awhile without affecting anything negatively. We want to be the best auto repair shop for you with the best value in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida.
We know from our own experiences that chain shops, dealerships, quick lube and fly by night tire stores can sometimes be a hassle to deal with. Sometimes is can involve the long waiting times, being strong-armed by the dealership, the overly expensive repairs, the upselling from the counter person who works on commission, and even being without a car for the rest of the day. We understand your frustrations and that you have a busy schedule. Bill Tyson's Auto Repair want to offer you a different kind of automotive experience that won't stress you out. We want you and your family to count on us for comfort, honesty, quality, affordability, and the inviting atmosphere of our living room style shops.
 
 
 
Call us today at 561-753-6101 in Wellington, Florida 33414 or 561-753-6122 in Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411. We have 10%off, 15%off and 30%off offers with fantastic package deals.