Services

Brake Repair

Brake Fluid Flushes

Brake fluid will absorb water from the air over time, causing the brake system to become less effective and the fluid to become corrosive, possibly damaging the system. It is important to perform a brake fluid flush regularly to ensure that your vehicle is using fresh fluid. Talk to our technicians at Sunset Automotive about when it’s time for a brake fluid flush.

Brake Hoses

A brake hose is a tube carrying pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A crushed hose can cause a lagged or slow brake, and a leak in the hose can cause the brake, or the entire brake system, to fail. These don’t need to be replaced often, but should be replaced at the first sign of cracking or wear.

Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement

Brake pad problems can usually be identified by squealing brakes. If your brake pads deteriorate completely, you’ll hear a grinding metal-on-metal sound when braking, meaning that it’s too late and you’re ruining your rotors or drums! Those with knowledge of auto repair may be able to fix this at home, but you should always see an auto repair professional immediately if you have brake problems.

Caliper Replacement

The brake caliper houses your brake pads and fits around the rotor like a clamp, pressing the pads against the rotor when you brake. A brake caliper problem could cause uneven braking, making your car slide forward when you brake. Uneven braking can also cause your vehicle to slide out of control in bad weather conditions, so contact Sunset Automotive as soon as possible.

Resurface Rotors

In a disc brake system, rotors are attached to your vehicle’s wheels. When the brake pads grip the rotor, they bring both the rotor and wheels to a stop. However, the friction causes grooves and cracks to appear over time. Resurfacing brings the rotor back to a “like-new” condition, reducing squealing and wobbling.

Wheel Alignment

Correctly aligned tires will reduce tire wear, and ensure that your vehicle travels straight and true without “pulling” to one side. Your tires should be checked during routine maintenance, but if you notice uneven tire wear or your car is pulling to one side, you should have a qualified automotive technician examine your car.

Our alignment services include:

Alignment

Wheel alignment (or simply alignment) is standard car maintenance that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer’s specifications. The main purpose is to let the suspension and the steering systems operate at their desired angles – this reduces tire wear.

Electrical Repair

Have a dead battery? Misfiring starter or alternator? We service your vehicle with care, providing a high level of workmanship you can trust.

Our auto electrical repair and maintenance services include:

Alternators

An alternator is an automotive device that converts mechanical energy to electric energy (ac). Alternators are important parts of your car’s engine and their failure would translate to your car’s failure. When your car’s alternator develops problems, seek expert help.

Batteries

The battery supplies electric energy which powers the ignition system, the starter motor, and the lights of an automotive. If you need to jump-start your vehicle in the morning, your battery could be failing. When a battery starts deteriorating, it can either be replaced or repaired – this will depend on the severity of the damage.

Starters

A starter is a motor (electric, hydraulic or pneumatic) that rotates the internal combustion engine to initiate the engine’s operation. Starters are important parts of your car’s engine and their failure would translate to your car’s failure. When your car’s starter develops problems, seek expert help, we have experts who can handle all your starter needs to get you back on the road.

Engine Maintenance

Engine maintenance is vital to keep your car or truck operating at peak performance. It also impacts the longevity of your vehicle’s engine. Trust the experts at Sunset Automotive to help you protect your investment. Call usor visit our shop in Naples, FL.

These are some of the engine maintenance services we offer.

Check Engine Light

No one likes to see their car’s “Check Engine” light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At Sunset Automotive, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.

Diesel

Although diesel engines don’t require tune-ups and tend to last longer than gasoline engines, they do require regular maintenance. Typical maintenance tasks include:

• Changing the oil & filter
• Changing the air filter
• Changing the fuel filter
• Bleeding the fuel system
• Draining the water separators
• Refilling the urea injection system

You can count on our experts to help your diesel engine last a long time.

Fuel Injection

Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an engine. Since 1990, fuel injectors have completely replaced carburetors as the primary means of getting gasoline into the engine. A fuel injector atomizes the fuel by forcibly pumping it through a small nozzle (under high pressure). Failure of the fuel injection system means poor performance and ultimately destroys the engine. Make sure your vehicle’s fuel injection system is maintained properly. For all your fuel injection maintenance and replacement needs, call or visit Sunset Automotive today.

Ignition

An ignition system is a system for igniting (using an electric spark) a mixture of fuel and air in a gasoline engine. A properly working ignition system means a properly starting engine and high performance from your car. For all your ignition system maintenance and replacement needs, call or visit Sunset Automotive today.

Ignition Wires & Cables

Ignition cables also known as spark plug wires are an important part of your car’s ignition system. They transfer the spark from the ignition coil to spark plugs that ignite the mixture of fuel and air. The mixture starts the engine. Over time, ignition wires and cables get weak and break down. This makes it impossible for the spark to reach the engine cylinders. This results in the engine misfiring. The car will eventually fail to start. If it does start, it will run poorly. Common symptoms of faulty ignition cables and wires are: poor gas mileage, engine misfires, engine light is on, and engine may vibrate. If your car needs new ignition cables and wires, call or visit Sunset Automotive in Naples, FL.

Oil, Lube, and Filter

To keep running smoothly, your car highly relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil helps in lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the internal engine components. With time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your car needs an oil, lube, and filter change every three months (or 3,000 miles). When it is time for a lube, oil, or filter change, take your vehicle to Sunset Automotive in Naples, FL.

Spark Plugs

A spark plug delivers electric current to the combustion chamber from the ignition system. Spark plugs that haven’t been changed for a long time can cause ignition problems. We have automotive experts who will check and replace your spark plugs.

A/C Repair

If the breeze from those open windows just isn’t cutting it, come by our shop in Naples, FL to get an expert opinion on what we can do to fix your auto A/C or heating problems. We offer affordable prices and guaranteed workmanship, contact us so we can help you drive in comfort.

Why maintaining your AC System is very important:

Heating and A/C systems may break eventually with usage, hose pipes may clog and drip if not serviced, causing reduced efficiency heating and cooling capabilities. Regular maintenance will keep your AC system operating at peak performance.

Indications your A/C system may be having issues:

• If your air conditioning blows only slightly cooler air compared to the exterior air
• Air that blows in smells damp, musty, or like mildew and mold
• Your cabin does not warm up in cold weather, or is just a little warmer than outside
• The defroster takes longer than typical to operate, or does not operate
• Your heater or A/C only functions when driving, not when idling, or quits blowing when the car is stationary
• Your heating system blows cold air, or the air conditioning blows warm air
• Low airflow even at the highest fan setting.

A comprehensive evaluation of heating and A/C system includes:

• Examining the internal controls and blower
• Checking radiator coolant operating temperature, hoses, pressure radiator cap and thermostat
• Inspecting the compressor belt
• Inspecting system and seals for leaks or various other damages.
• A cooling system pressure test
• Verifying the A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications
• Measuring the interior vent air temperature

Our repair and maintenance services include:

Air Conditioning

Have you been sweltering in your vehicle lately? Perhaps your car’s air conditioner isn’t functioning properly. At Sunset Automotive we have qualified service professionals who can fix your air conditioner. To have an air conditioning system serviced, repaired, or replaced by experts consider visiting Sunset Automotive. You can also call us with any questions relating to your vehicle’s air conditioner.

Belts

A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car’s engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle’s fan belts will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Sunset Automotive for all your vehicle’s repair needs.

You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the belts replaced by auto cooling and heating experts – and get your car driving right – visit Sunset Automotive today. Our mechanics will thoroughly inspect your car’s belts; replace all worn belts; and adjust the installed belts.

Coolant System Flush

A car’s air conditioning system contains a coolant which transfers excess heat from one part of the engine and finally loses it through the radiator fins. With time, the a/c coolant becomes old and dirty. The old coolant will negatively impact the system’s performance. To make sure the system is working effectively, consider having a regular coolant system flush. A coolant flush is basic maintenance for your car’s cooling system. Visit Sunset Automotive in Naples, FL for all your coolant system flush and fill needs. Ensure maximum performance from your vehicle’s heating and cooling systems today.

Hoses

Hoses transfer coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine’s cooling system (including the radiator). Sooner or later, your vehicle’s hoses will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Sunset Automotive for all your vehicle’s repair needs.

You not only have to get the hoses replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the hoses replaced by auto cooling and heating experts visit Sunset Automotive today. Our mechanics will thoroughly inspect your car’s hoses; replace all worn hoses; and adjust the installed hoses.

Radiator Flush

A radiator is the part of your vehicle that keeps the engine cool and protects it from excessive heating. To be cool, the radiator needs to remain clean – always. With time, sludge, rust and other solid deposits build up inside your car’s radiator. These make the cooling system become clogged and less effective. This in effect hurts your vehicle’s performance. A regular radiator flush is enough to keep the system in shape. For this reason, make radiator flushing a part of your routine car maintenance schedule. For all your radiator flush needs, call or visit Sunset Automotive today.

Radiators

Radiators are heat exchangers for cooling your car’s internal combustion engine. A radiator cools the engine by circulating an engine coolant through the engine block – it then loses the heat to the atmosphere through radiation. A radiator has a set of tubes through which the engine coolant flows. Fins surround these tubes. When the radiator fails, the excess heat produced by the engine could damage the engine components. To prevent this from happening, have your radiator serviced regularly. To have your radiator needs handled by experts, visit Sunset Automotive today.

Transmission Repair

From manual to automatic transmission repair, Sunset Automotive in Naples, Florida knows how to fix the problem. Our knowledgeable auto experts will diagnose the situation and help you make a decision. Leave the dirty work to us!

Our competitively priced transmission services include:

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmissions shift between gears automatically to optimize driving, and changes gears based on the driver’s throttle pedal, vehicle speed, engine speed, and vehicle load. Typical automatic transmissions have 4-5 forward gear ratios, a Reverse, Park, and Neutral gear. Shifting gears occur automatically once the car is in Drive and there is no need for a clutch pedal or gear shift like there is in a Manual Transmission. Automatic transmission repair is complicated based on all the components that make it up, and you need to have any automatic transmission issues properly assessed by auto mechanics. Call to talk to the mechanics of Sunset Automotive about your transmission problems.

Clutches

There are clutches in both automatic and manual transmission cars, and different types of clutches. When shifting gears, the clutch engages and disengages from the flywheel and transfers the torque through the transmission. Clutches should help your vehicle start and shift gears smoothly. The clutch in your car receives a lot of wear and can eventually wear out. If your clutch begins slipping irregularly or is making noises that are raising suspicion, contact Sunset Automotive to see if clutch replacement is necessary.

Four-Wheel Drive Transmission

A four-wheel (4×4) drive vehicle has differential gears, both front and rear axles, and a transfer case attached to the transmission. Four-wheel drive vehicles demand maintenance on the transfer case, front differentials, rear differentials, and transmission fluids.

Front-Wheel Drive Transmission

If your vehicle has Front-wheel drive, the engine drives the front wheels only. The power is routed through the transmission to the final drive where it is split and sent to the two front wheels through the drive axles. The engine, transmission, and additional hardware is all located in the front of the car. If you are in need, Sunset Automotive of Naples, FL will gladly repair front-wheel drive transmission vehicles.

Manual Transmission

Driving a vehicle with a Manual Transmission requires using the clutch pedal and gear shift to manually shift gears based on the speed of the vehicle. Manual transmissions have been built with anywhere from two to eight gears. Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are the two main configurations for manual transmissions. Typically, manual transmissions require less maintenance then automatic transmissions. At Sunset Automotive, our auto mechanics can diagnose your vehicle and then recommend the transmission repair or transmission service you need to ensure safety and improve the lifetime of your vehicle.

Replacement

In motor vehicles, the transmission usually refers to the gear box, which uses gears and gear trains to transmit speed and tourque from a rotating power source to another device. You can have your car’s transmission replaced with a new, rebuilt, remanufactured, repaired or used transmission. For more information contact Sunset Automotive in Naples, FL. Our experienced service technicians can help you make the best decision for your vehicle and your wallet.

Service, Diagnose and Repair

Transmission repair is not something to take lightly. The transmission is connected to key parts of your vehicle and needs to be working properly for your safety. Transmission services include replacing filters and draining fluids to prevent transmission damage. Typical transmission issues that may lead to repair may include shifting issues, slipping, stalling, fluid leaking, and the service light turning on. If you are concerned that you may need transmission repair, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at Sunset Automotive today.

Transfer Cases

A transfer case is a part of a four wheel drive system found in four wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles. The transfer case receives power from the transmission and sends it to both the front and rear axles. This can be done with a set of gears, but the majority of transfer cases manufactured today are chain driven. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and also to the front and rear axles by means of drive shafts. Trust the automotive experts at Sunset Automotive for all your transmission repairs.

Tires

Tires are the single most important safety feature on your car. They are the only thing that connects the car to the road, and life-saving technologies like anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control cannot do their job if the tires don’t have a good grip on the pavement.

As the adage goes, nothing lasts forever. Car owners still need to replace their tires a few times or more throughout the life of a typical vehicle. Despite advances in longer-lasting tires, actual tread life will vary by car type, tire type (such as all season or high performance), driving aggressiveness, and even road and weather conditions. Proper maintenance and responsible driving can maximize the mileage in a set of tires.

We offer these services to help you prolong the life of your tires.

Alignments

Wheel alignment (or simply alignment) is standard car maintenance that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer’s specifications. The main purpose is to let the suspension and the steering systems operate at their desired angles – this reduces tire wear. Alignment is a complicated process and not all mechanics get it right. To have experts handle your car’s alignment, visit Sunset Automotive.

Balancing

If you feel excessive vibration in the car, or wobbling of the steering wheel, your tires may be unbalanced. Sunset Automotive has the professional equipment and technicians to measure the balance of your vehicle’s tires and make necessary corrections. Call us if you have questions, or visit our shop so we can evaluate your tires.

Tire Inspection

It is recommended that tires, including the spare, be periodically inspected by a tire service professional during routine maintenance intervals such as oil changes and tire rotations. We will inspect the tire tread and sidewalls for irregular tread wear, cracking, scrapes, bulges, cuts, snags, foreign objects or other damage resulting from use. We will remove any stones, glass, foreign objects, etc. embedded in the tread to prevent further damage. Even minor damage can lead to further injury and eventual tire failure. Tires with excessive cracking on the tread or sidewall(s) should be removed from service. This is typically caused by under inflation, over loading, improper storage, and/or improper long-term parking.

Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is the practice of moving the wheels and tires of an automobile from one position to another, to ensure even tire wear, which extends the useful life of a set of tires. Rotation is important because each tire on a car carries a different amount of weight, making them wear at different rates. By rotating them, you basically even out those differences. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often to rotate your tires, but as a rule of thumb, it should be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

We Offer Most Major Brands of Tires

At Sunset Automotive, we understand that tires are an important part of your car. The quality of tires and material used on them highly affects the vehicle’s performance. Their main purpose is to protect the wheel’s rims and improve vehicle performance. For this reason, we only deal with brand name tires. Also, we offer fleet tire management services to ensure you are getting the best value, fuel economy, and life from your tires.

Once a need for new tires is determined, it is necessary to identify the best tires for your vehicle and driving demands. Look for tires that do well in tests for braking, handling, and resistance to hydroplaning. Winter traction should also be considered, if applicable. Let tread wear, ride comfort, noise, and rolling resistance be tiebreakers. Trust the tire experts at Sunset Automotive to help you choose the right tires for your vehicle.

We offer most major brands of tires.

Oil Change & Miscellaneous Services

Sunset Automotive is dedicated to providing customers with quality services. From the moment you enter our service center, we strive to deliver exceptional auto maintenance services. Our goal is to make sure our customers are completely satisfied with their experience.

Here is a brief list of services Sunset Automotive can provide:

Belts

A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car’s engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle’s fan belts will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Sunset Automotive for all your vehicle’s repair needs.

You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. The mechanics at Sunset Automotive will thoroughly inspect your car’s belts; replace all worn belts; and adjust the installed belts.

Brake System Flush

Brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture). The absorbed moisture lowers the fluid’s boiling point. It also corrodes the lines and cylinders. With the lowered boiling point, the brake fluid could boil during braking which makes you lose braking ability. Although this is an extreme scenario, it does happen in heavy braking. To reduce the effects of the absorbed moisture, auto manufacturers recommend that you have a brake flush done periodically. A brake system flush involves the replacement of used and contaminated fluid with fresh fluid. With Sunset Automotive’s services, you will have a brake system flush performed by brake experts. Call or visit Sunset Automotive today.

Coolant System Flush

A car’s air conditioning system contains a coolant which transfers excess heat from one part of the engine and finally loses it through the radiator fins. With time, the a/c coolant becomes old and dirty. The old coolant will negatively impact the system’s performance. To make sure the system is working effectively, consider having a regular coolant system flush. A coolant flush is basic maintenance for your car’s cooling system. Ensure maximum performance from your vehicle’s heating and cooling systems today.

Differential Flush

The differential is a car part that compensates for the difference in travel distance between the inner wheels and outer wheels when the vehicle is turning. Due to the differential’s position in most non-four-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles (located at the rear and under the car), it does not get any of the star treatment the engine gets. The one thing that every car owner needs to know is that failure of the differential will mean failure of the car. To save the differential from failure, you need to have differential fluid changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Changing the oil on the differential is as important as changing the car’s engine oil. Although checking and changing differential oil is pretty easy, you need to visit an auto shop to get a comprehensive differential flush.

Fuel Injection Cleaning

A fuel injector is an electronically controlled valve that supplies the engine with pressurized fuel. When driving, the oxygen sensors tell the engine if it is getting too much air, which signals the fuel injectors to give the engine spurts of pressurized fuel. Since fuel injectors are small pieces of equipment (and the part that squirts the fuel is even smaller), any little piece of dirt can clog it. A clogged fuel injector will hurt your vehicle’s performance. To avoid misfires, poor emission rating, poor performance, and rough idle have the car’s fuel injectors cleaned regularly.

Headlight and Bulb Replacement

To maintain maximum visibility (and keep you safe), you should always make sure that your vehicle’s headlight bulbs are in good working condition. Although replacing faulty headlight bulbs is a simple and quick process (takes very little time), you need to rely on an experienced auto mechanic to handle your headlight and bulb replacement. This way, you will have quality bulbs installed by experts. Remember, it is a critical part of your car’s maintenance and your safety.

Hoses

Hoses transfer coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine’s cooling system (including the radiator). Sooner or later, your vehicle’s hoses will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Sunset Automotive for all your vehicle’s repair needs.

You not only have to get the hoses replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the hoses replaced by auto cooling and heating experts – and get your car driving right – visit Sunset Automotive today. The mechanics at Sunset Automotive will thoroughly inspect your car’s hoses; replace all worn hoses; and adjust the installed hoses.

Motor Oil Basics

Do you know the oil basics? Did you know that even some auto mechanics do not know the oil basics? In order for your car’s engine to do its job properly, it is vital to have clean, fresh oil. The oil used in your car has two primary ingredients: base oil and additives. The base oil allows the motor oil to perform its vital function – lubricating the engine’s moving parts to protect them against wear and tear caused by friction. The additives provide additional engine protection by helping to prevent the oil from deteriorating under the engine’s extreme temperature conditions. At Sunset Automotive, we are motor oil experts – we will help you with motor oil basics.

Oil Changes

Did you know that regularly changing the oil in your vehicle is one of the simplest, most effective and inexpensive ways to help protect its engine life? Oil lessens wear, reduces friction, and forms a seal between the pistons, rings, and cylinder walls. The oil also helps cool engine parts and even dampens the shock and noise of moving parts. For all your oil change needs, call or visit Sunset Automotive today. We have years of experience helping drivers with oil changes and other auto maintenance needs.

PCV Valve Change

The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve is a very important part of some cars’ emissions control systems. This valve, which is usually plugged into a rubber grommet in the valve cover, is a one-way passage for gases to escape from the engine’s crankcase. With time, the PCV valve becomes clogged with sludge from the contaminants in the exhaust gases. If your car has a PCV valve, make sure it is regularly cleaned and (if necessary) replaced. To have your car’s PCV valve changed by experts, call or visit Sunset Automotive in Naples, FL today.

Power Steering Flush

Power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits the power in a steering wheel. Servicing the power steering involves flushing out the old power steering fluid and adding fresh fluid. A power steering flush will definitely help prolong the life of the power steering components. Failure to have periodic power steering flushes results in important parts like the power steering pump, the seals, power steering rack, and the O-rings wearing out. To have a comprehensive power steering flush, call or visit Sunset Automotive today.

Radiator Flush

A radiator is the part of your vehicle that keeps the engine cool and protects it from excessive heating. To be cool, the radiator needs to remain clean – always. With time, sludge, rust and other solid deposits build up inside your car’s radiator. These make the cooling system become clogged and less effective. This in effect hurts your vehicle’s performance. A regular radiator flush is enough to keep the system in shape. For this reason, make radiator flushing a part of your routine car maintenance schedule.

Transmission Flush

Although most manufacturers recommend a transmission flush every 30,000 miles or every two years, some symptoms may indicate that you need a transmission flush sooner. Some of the symptoms that indicate that your car needs a transmission flush sooner are: transmission grinding or strange noises, problems shifting gears, slipping gears, surging of the car, and delay in vehicle movement. Flushing the used fluid from the transmission washes away tiny particles of dirt, clutch material, and metal shavings.

Transmission Flush & Filter

Transmission flush and filter change is a comprehensive transmission maintenance service that involves the replacement of old, degraded transmission fluid and filter with new. The service is meant to prolong the life of your transmission. At Sunset Automotive, we offer the most comprehensive transmission flush and filter service. We will exchange your old transmission oil, remove dirt, replace the filter, clean the screen, and replace used pans. Give us a call or visit our shop in Naples, FL.

Wiper Blade Replacement

Visibility is very important to safe driving. Having properly functioning wipers can help keep you safer on the road. If your car’s wipers are not wiping well or are leaving lines, have them replaced immediately. To have wiper blades fitted on your vehicle, visit Sunset Automotive today. We will fit your car with high quality and effective wiper blades.

Exhaust Repair

Properly working exhaust systems are good for you and the environment. Sunset Automotive in Naples, Florida offers a full range of exhaust service options, from high performance mufflers and exhaust systems to as well as value-oriented replacement mufflers and systems.

Signs your exhaust needs repair

The cost to repair the exhaust systems or its components can vary widely by vehicle type, make and model, as well as which component needs repair and the extent of the damage. Replacing a catalytic converter, for example, can be significantly expensive, while re-hanging a loose exhaust pipe can be relatively inexpensive.

Whatever the repair, continuing to drive a car with a damaged exhaust will almost always cost more in the end than repairing the problem at the first sign of trouble. And it’s important to remember that the muffler and exhaust system do more than just quiet the car, they also prevent carbon monoxide fumes from building up in the cabin, reduce polluting emissions and ensure the vehicle runs at peak efficiency.

Here are some indicators that your car may need muffler repairs or exhaust system maintenance:

Increased volume when the engine is running

When your car’s exhaust note suddenly sounds more like a lawn mower or motorcycle, it’s a good sign that your car needs muffler repairs. For other drivers, the sound of needed exhaust system repairs may sound like buzzing, a low rumbling or a slightly louder exhaust note.

Don’t just turn up the radio to drown out the noise – get the car to a muffler repair shop. Delaying needed repairs can eventually cost more in the form of more extensive damage, such as having to replace an otherwise usable component such as exhaust pipe, catalytic converter or muffler because it fell from your car.

Rattling at stop lights or stop signs

You might notice you get drowsy when driving, you might see a dashboard warning light, or you might notice your car occasionally hesitates or chugs when you try to start it. If you notice any of these issues, or if your car rattles when not moving, schedule an appointment for the muffler shop right away.

The catalytic converter is one of the highest priced exhaust system parts. As far as safety goes, it’s one of the most important parts to keep up. If a catalytic converter has a tiny hole, you might not notice it right away. The signs start out small.

Because catalytic converters contain precious metals, they have become a popular target of scrap metal thieves.

Engine vibrations

If you notice a new vibration or loss of power when operating your car, have the exhaust system checked at a muffler repair shop. You might notice the new vibration when you touch the steering wheel, foot pedals or car seat.

You might or might not hear a rumbling sound, depending on the size of the damaged area. An exhaust leak makes your car’s engine work harder, and that extra effort sometimes causes vibrations so intense that the driver feels them before hearing the leak.

Decreased fuel efficiency

If you notice you have to fill up your gas tank more often than normal, have your exhaust system checked out by a muffler repair shop. Similar to the vibrations, increased fuel use is a sign something is wrong with your car. When the exhaust leaks, your engine works harder. When your engine works harder, it requires more fuel.

Shocks, Struts & Suspension Repair

Wondering whether or not your car or truck needs new shocks & struts? Stop the guessing and visit Sunset Automotive in Naples, Florida! An experienced ASE Certified technician will check your vehicle and if needed, replace your shocks and struts, an important part of the suspension of your vehicle.

Your vehicle’s suspension system is what provides you with a comfortable ride and helps keep the wheels in contact with the road. If your ride’s not so comfortable anymore, it’s time to have your suspension system checked out!

What Shocks & Struts Do

Automotive shock absorbers and struts do more than just provide a comfortable ride. Their most important function is to influence the control and handling characteristics of your vehicle. Without them, a vehicle would continually bounce and bound down the road, making driving extremely difficult. Shocks and struts are designed to help keep your tires on the road. They control the action of the spring to resist bottoming out like when you hit a pothole and keep the movement of the springs under control when they rebound.

How Shocks & Struts Work

Shocks provide resistance by forcing hydraulic fluid (oil) through valves in the piston as it moves up and down. Because the oil cannot be compressed, only a certain amount of fluid can be forced through these valves, which creates resistance to the vehicle movement. Premium shocks and struts are superior to regular hydraulic shocks because air in the shock is replaced by pressurized nitrogen gas. This advancement in technology prevents bubbles from forming in the hydraulic fluid. These bubbles, called foaming, reduces the ability of shocks to provide resistance and prevent bounce. Gas shocks also quicken the response of a shock’s movement thereby increasing comfort and control under all conditions.

How to Tell if Shocks & Struts Need Replacement

Under normal conditions, shocks & struts wear out gradually. However, many factors can affect how much wear is actually occurring and at what rate it is occurring. For example, 2 people buy the same vehicle new off the dealer lot one lives in the city close to the office, and drives mostly on straight roads. The other lives in the country, 45 miles from the office and must travel 10 of those miles on a winding, often muddy gravel road. Because shocks operate in extremely hostile under – vehicle environment, where anything from gravel to ice, and snow to grit can affect the life of the product, it is a good bet that driver #2 will need to replace his shocks long before driver #1. The piston rod can easily be nicked or damaged by flying gravel allowing grit and dirt to damage the piston seal. When this occurs, fluid begins to leak from the piston seal and eventually the shock will lose its ability to function properly.

Worn shocks and struts not only affect the ride comfort and control of your vehicle, but can affect its braking effectiveness, too. Here is a good self test to check for signs of worn shocks or struts:

• Do you experience excessive bounce (3 or more bounces) when crossing an intersection or dip?
• When stopping quickly, does your vehicle rock back and forth several times?
• While applying your brakes firmly at higher speeds, does your vehicle have a tendency to drift left or right?
• When changing lanes quickly does your vehicle rock or sway from side to side?
• On a tight curve like a freeway ramp, does your vehicle lean and sway giving it an uneasy and disconnected feeling?

Many components contribute to the handling characteristics of your vehicle. Having your vehicle inspected if you experience any of the above signs is good preventive maintenance and can help parts wear less and last longer. When inspecting shocks and struts, your service technician will look for:

• A badly leaking shock or strut. The unit is losing fluid and can’t provide the resistance it was originally designed.
• Shiny spots at the contact point of the safety bumper, and marks between the coils of the spring called “coil clash”. They are the result of topping and bottoming caused by excessive suspension travel.
• Tire cupping around the circumference of the tire can be caused by worn or ineffective shocks & struts.
• Broken or loose shock or strut mount. The product is not solidly connected at both ends and cannot function properly.
• Broken or damaged piston rod. The product cannot function properly and should be replaced.

So, now that you’ve got the facts, wouldn’t you agree that shocks and struts provide more than just a comfortable ride?