Engine Services and Car Diagnostic Tests

Grease Monkey® offers many automobile repair, maintenance, and diagnostic services. Our experienced technicians are always ready to help when your check engine light turns on, whether you need an oil change, a replacement serpentine belt, or an AC recharge. Here’s a list of some of the  engine services we offer.

Engine Diagnostics and Check Engine Light Services 

What We Do 

An illuminated check engine light can mean many things, from a minor repair to a serious engine problem. A Grease Monkey car diagnostic test quickly and accurately assesses your vehicle’s health so you can address the issue and return your car to normal operating condition. 

When Should You Check Your Engine Diagnostics? 

Your owner’s manual recommends how often you need routine diagnostic services. You should arrange a car diagnostic test outside of this schedule if your check engine light is on. The Check Engine light may blink or remain constantly illuminated depending on the vehicle’s make. Flashing or red engine lights indicate serious problems in need of immediate attention, but you should also have your car checked if the Check Engine light is yellow or orange. 

How Engine Diagnostic Services Works 

Today’s automobiles include on-board computers that track and record engine problems. Grease Monkey technicians scan your onboard computer, document any diagnostic trouble codes, and check for service notifications issued by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You’ll receive a full report on our technician’s findings, recommendations for repairs or parts replacements, and an estimate of costs. 

Things to Consider About Engine Diagnostic Services

Car diagnostic services provide an accurate view of your vehicle’s working condition, making it easy to arrange additional servicing to resolve engine issues. Despite its name, the check engine light can indicate issues with other vehicle components, which a car diagnostic will reveal. 

Engine Tune-Up Services 

What We Do 

Routine engine tune-up services help detect and resolve minor issues before they become more significant problems requiring costly repairs. Think of an engine tune-up as your vehicle’s wellness check—a broad check-up to see how well everything functions.

How Often Should Your Engine Be Tuned Up? 

How often you need engine tune-up services depends on your manufacturer’s recommendations. Remember, these recommendations are for routine maintenance. You may also want to schedule an engine tune-up if your vehicle underperforms or seems “off.” Warning signs you need an engine checkup include:

• Car pulls to the side as you drive.
• Frequent stalling.
• Grinding breaks.
• Illuminated dashboard warning lights.
• Misfires.
• Overheating engine.
• Reduced fuel mileage.
• Slower than normal acceleration.
• Unusual noises.
• Unusual vibrations or shaking.

How Engine Diagnostic Services Works 

During an engine tune-up, the tasks Grease Monkey technicians perform depend on the vehicle and its manufacturer’s recommendations. Examples of tune-up tasks include the following:

• Air filter replacement.
• Battery inspection.
• Car ignition inspection.
• Exhaust system inspection.
• Fluid checks and top-offs.
• Fuel filter replacement.
• Idle speed adjustment.
• PCV valve replacement.
• Spark plug replacement.
• Throttle body cleaning.
• Timing belt or chain inspection.

Differential Services 

What We Do

The differential is the gearbox which distributes power from your vehicle’s engine to the wheels. Differentials require proper lubrication and have many moving parts susceptible to wear and tear. Grease Monkey technicians inspect your differential and replace old, dirty fluid with new fluid during differential services.

When Does Your Engine Need Differential Services? 

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing the differential fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual to determine when to schedule a differential service.

How Differential Services Works 

During differential services, Grease Monkey technicians perform the following tasks:

• Drain old differential fluid and replace it with new, clean fluid based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Inspect the differential housing, gears, and other components for signs of damage, leaks, and other issues.
• Replace any damaged or worn seals.
• Inspect the differential gears and bearings for wear, pitting, or other damage.

Things to Consider About Differential Services

If you experience reduced handling while cornering, you may need differential services. Other warning signs include difficulty steering, damage to tire sidewalls and outer edges, vibrations while accelerating, and unusual noises. Differential issues can also result in excessive oil consumption.

Transfer Case Services 

What We Do 

A four-wheel drive vehicle has a transfer case—a gearbox that splits the power between the front and rear axles. Like a differential, the transfer case contains gears and other moving parts that must be lubricated. Grease Monkey transfer case services help keep your transfer case in proper working order. 

How Engine Transfer Case Services Works 

Grease Monkey technicians check fluid levels during transfer case servicing. The fluid may only need a top-up if it is in good condition. We drain and refill dirty or contaminated fluid and check transfer case parts for damage. We report back to you on the condition of your transfer case and provide cost estimates should any parts need replacing. 

Things to Consider About Engine Transfer Case Services 

Your Grease Monkey technician will check your owner’s manual and inform you of your vehicle’s proper gearbox service interval. Remember you may need more frequent transfer case services if your vehicle regularly goes off-road or is used for towing. 

Serpentine Belt Replacement Services 

What We Do 

The serpentine drive belt is a continuous loop belt that winds through and around your engine compartment to drive power to major engine parts like the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor. Grease Monkey technicians will inspect your serpentine belt for wear, cracks, and damage and inform you if a replacement belt is necessary.

How a Serpentine Belt Replacement Works

Serpentine belt replacement is a simple process for an experienced Grease Monkey technician and typically takes less than an hour. Technicians often replace serpentine belts during routine maintenance if the belt is coming to the end of its service life, as an old belt with no visible signs of damage can fail suddenly while driving.

Things to Consider About Serpentine Belt Replacement Services 

Serpentine belts are made to last for tens of thousands of miles. Your owner’s manual will include manufacturer recommendations on how often to change the belt. If your serpentine belt is failing, it can cause the following:

• Squeaking and or squealing noises.
• The Check Engine or Battery light turns on.
• Air conditioning stops working.
• Power steering stops working.
• Abnormally high engine temperature.
• Burned rubber smells.

Fuel System Cleaning Services 

What We Do

A vehicle’s fuel system powers the engine. After about 4,000 to 5,000 miles, dirt, varnish, and carbon deposits form in the fuel system, intake valves, and combustion chamber. Grease Monkey technicians remove these deposits to restore proper functioning and improve fuel economy.

How Engine Fuel System Cleaning Works 

Grease Monkey technicians run a cleaning agent through your fuel system to flush out debris and contaminants. Technicians also replace fuel filters and worn parts as needed.

Things to Consider About Fuel System Cleaning Services 

You may need a fuel cleaning if you experience the following while driving:

• Reduced fuel mileage.
• Decreased power when towing.
• Decreased power when going up slopes.
• Difficulty starting your vehicle.
• Shaking or shuddering while idling.
• Slower than normal acceleration.

How Often Should Your Car Fuel System Be Cleaned? 

Manufacturers do not include fuel system cleanings in their maintenance schedules. However, a vehicle can lose up to 15% of its original efficiency after only 30,000 miles due to carbon buildup. Our Grease Monkey technicians will recommend a routine fuel system cleaning schedule.

Fuel Filter Replacement Services 

What We Do

Clean fuel is essential for efficient engine performance and proper car ignition. Your fuel filter removes dirt, rust, and other contaminants from fuel and helps prevent wear and tear on engine components. Regularly replacing your fuel filter keeps your vehicle’s fuel injectors cleaner and improves gas mileage. 

How Often Should Your Car Fuel Filter Be Replaced? 

Usually, Grease Monkey technicians consult a vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for scheduled fuel filter replacements, but not all manufacturers have a recommended interval for changing the fuel filter. In such cases, your Grease Monkey technician will let you know the proper maintenance interval for your vehicle.

How Fuel Filter Replacement Services Work

A fuel replacement service typically takes less than twenty minutes. Our technicians replace the old filter with a new one and run your engine for a few minutes to check for signs of fuel leakage. 

Things to Consider About Fuel Filter Replacement Services  

A dirty fuel filter can result in low fuel mileage and rough idling, which may cause your Check Engine light to come on. The vehicle will usually continue to run, but the engine may stall or splutter. Without regular fuel filter replacement services, fuel contaminants eventually cause serious damage to car ignition systems and other engine components. 

Car Starting and Charging Services

What We Do 

A dead car battery can ruin your day. Grease Monkey technicians will determine if the cause lies with your battery or alternator. We charge and replace batteries, inspect alternators, and check car ignition starters for signs of corrosion, loose components, and wear and tear.

How Often Does Your Car Ignition Starter Need to Be Inspected?

Many manufacturers suggest an inspection of your car ignition starter every 30,000 miles, although this number often varies depending on manufacturer recommendations.

How Car Starting and Charging Services Work 

Grease Monkey technicians diagnose battery, alternator, and car ignition problems, repairing or replacing parts as needed.

Emissions Diagnostics and Repair Services 

What We Do 

Burning gasoline or diesel results in byproducts, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene, hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde. These byproducts are harmful to health and the environment. State laws set legal limits on vehicle pollutants. Grease Monkey offers emission diagnostics to determine if your vehicle’s emissions fall within these limits. 

How Often Do Your Car Emissions Diagnostics Need to Be Tested?

Your state sets how often your car needs an emissions test. Depending on your location, you may need an emissions diagnostic every year, every two years, or not at all. Your vehicle manual may recommend how often you need an emissions test.

How Emission Diagnostic Services Works 

During an emissions diagnostic, Grease Monkey technicians connect your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port to a testing system that interprets emission readings. If you own an older vehicle without an onboard diagnostics port, we run the car with a sensor attached to the tailpipe. If emissions exceed legal limits, we identify the cause of the problem and recommend the best way to resolve the issue.

Things to Consider About Emission Diagnostic Services 

You may need an emission diagnostic if you notice a drop in fuel economy or a loss of engine performance. Your car’s exhaust may produce unpleasant smells but remember that many of the byproducts of combustion engines are odorless. Often, the only sign of a problem with your emissions system is an illuminated Check Engine Light.

Engine Repair and Replacement Services 

What We Do 

Whether you know what needs fixing in advance or we discover a problem during routine maintenance, you can count on Grease Monkey for efficient and affordable engine repairs and replacement services. Our skilled technicians have the skills, tools, and parts needed to get your engine purring again, whether you need replacement brake pads, a new battery, or an overhaul of your emissions system. 

Our accurate diagnostic services quickly identify potential problems. We explain the problem to you and provide a precise estimate of the cost of repairs or replacement services. Once you give us the go-ahead, we resolve the issue in a timely manner so that you can get your vehicle back on the road. 

Whether you’re dealing with a dead car battery, wondering why your check engine light is on, or need to schedule a routine oil change, Grease Monkey is here for all your automotive needs. Find a Grease Monkey Near You today!

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