Differential Service in Raleigh North Carolina – What You Need To Know
Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what a differential is – you will in a moment. That fact is that if you drive a car anywhere in Raleigh North Carolina, you have a differential. Whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, you have a differential. You might even have two or three.
As you might guess from the name, a differential’s job is to compensate for differences. Specifically the differences in wheel speed when turning. For instance, imagine taking a corner near your Raleigh North Carolina home. Your inside wheel has a shorter distance to travel than the outside wheel as you go around the corner. That means that your outside wheel has to turn faster to keep pace with the inside wheel.
The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while still providing power. Without a differential, our tires would scrub and hop along the pavement during turns.
You’ve probably noticed the big bugle in the middle of the rear axle when you’re behind a truck. That’s the differential. Rear-wheel drive vehicles have a differential in back. Most four-wheel drive trucks and SUVs will also have a similar differential on the front axle. Front-wheel drive vehicles’ differential is called a transaxle because it combines the differential and transmission in one unit. An all-wheel drive vehicle will have a differential or transfer case that adjusts for speed differences between the front and rear drive wheels.
It can seem a little complicated. But you can see that all of the engine’s power is routed through your differentials. They’re strong enough to handle the work, but they need to be properly lubricated in order to stay strong. So from time to time, you need to have your differential serviced. The used fluid is drained and replaced with clean fluid. Some differentials also require special additives to be installed.
Get your differential serviced at our Raleigh North Carolina service center:
A&J Automotive Repair
5001 Departure Drive
Raleigh, North Carolina 27616
(919) 431-9595
The rule of thumb for the time and mileage interval for servicing your differential, can vary greatly by vehicle. A front-wheel drive vehicle’s transaxle will need servicing more frequently than the rear differential on a pick-up truck, so check with your Raleigh North Carolina service advisor or your owner’s manual for recommendations.
How and where you drive will have an impact as well. If you drive on dirt roads or through streams around Raleigh North Carolina, you’ll need to service the differential much sooner than if you always stay on the pavement.
Lighten Up Your Key Chain
The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.
Code of Ethics
As a member of the TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE program we agree to:
- Recommend corrective and maintenance services and explain to the customer which of these is required now to correct existing problems and which are for preventive maintenance.
- Offer customers a price estimate for work to be performed.
- Obtain prior authorization for all work done, in writing or by other means satisfactory to the customer.
- Make every effort to keep the customer informed about appointments and completion deadlines.
- Furnish an itemized invoice for parts and services, priced fairly, which clearly identifies any used or remanufactured parts. Replaced parts may be inspected upon request.
- Furnish or post copies of any warranties covering parts or service. Use quality CARQUEST Auto Parts, guaranteed coast to coast.
- Provide and honor CARQUEST manufacturer warranties.
- Exercise reasonable care for the customer’s property while it is being serviced.
- Make every effort to fix the customer’s vehicle right the “first time”.
- Maintain a system for fair settlement of customer’s complaints.
- Cooperate with established consumer complaint mediation activities.
- Uphold the high standards of the profession and seek to correct any or all abuses within the automotive industry.
MISSION STATEMENT
TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE is committed to serving you, our customer, with professional automotive service and maintenance at a reasonable cost with qualified technicians. We use quality CARQUEST products, backed by a Nationwide Worry-Free Driving warranty. We stand on sound business principles and uphold high ethical standards. Our goal is to make your automotive experience friendly and successful.
Service You Can Trust
When choosing where to have your vehicle serviced, you have many choices. When you consider the quality of workmanship being performed on your vehicle you’ll find TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE® centers protect your new car warranty and are committed to providing a successful and pleasant automotive service experience.
TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE® centers are your local independently owned alternative when service and repairs are needed on your vehicles and are well known as a full service provider. You will experience well qualified service technicians who are ASE Certified to perform the work needed on your vehicle. TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE® centers stand on sound business principles and uphold the highest ethical standards providing Service You Can Trust for all your vehicle repair needs.
Worry-Free Driving
When choosing where to have your vehicle serviced, you must consider the quality of workmanship being performed. TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE centers protect your new car warranty and are committed to providing a successful and pleasant automotive service experience. TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE centers have the equipment and technology to diagnose and repair your import, domestic or hybrid vehicles. A qualified ASE Certified technician will diagnose and service your vehicle backed by a worry-free nationwide warranty. It is every member’s goal to provide a positive experience so that you will come back when you need service.
When you have service and repairs performed at a TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE center, you’re covered by a worry-free driving nationwide warranty.
Our Warranty program covers most parts and labor for 12 months or 12,000 miles / 20,000 kilometers, whichever comes first when traveling more than 25 miles / 40 kilometers from the original TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE repair facility.
In the event you need assistance on a warranty related repair when traveling beyond 25 miles / 40 kilometers from the original service facility, simply call our toll-free number (866) 588-0728.
The warranty program administrator will direct you to the nearest in-network service facility to handle the warranty related repair. Ask for complete warranty coverage information and details on your next service visit.
The TECH-NET PROFESSIONAL AUTO SERVICE nationwide warranty reaches across North America providing vehicle protection on qualifying service and repairs.
Protecting Your sedan From Theft In Raleigh North Carolina
Every car in Raleigh North Carolina is at risk for theft. So it’s up to us to make our cars a less appealing target and more of a challenge – hopefully sending potential thieves to look elsewhere.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends a layered approach to protecting vehicles:
- Common sense
- Visible and audible devices
- Immobilizing devices
- Tracking devices
Let’s review each of these. First, common sense: you would be surprised how many vehicles are stolen from Raleigh North Carolina where the keys were left in the ignition with the doors unlocked. Always take your keys, and lock the doors. In fact, in some places it’s against the law to leave a vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition.
And don’t leave spare keys in the car or hide them outside – because a thief will find them. Try to park in well-lit areas that have a lot of foot traffic. If possible, park near the end of a row and near a light. Back your car into a parking space or your driveway to make your car more visible to passersby and harder for a thief to work under the hood without being seen.
Remember to roll up your windows completely and avoid leaving your car in public lots for a long time. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, only give them the ignition key.
Keep valuables out of sight: purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes and even change are attractive “smash-and-grab” targets. And pay to have your Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, etched into your windows – it makes your car less attractive to a thief who wants to send your car to a chop shop.
There are lots of visible and audible devices available. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves. Loud alarms can alert you and others that your vehicle is being tampered with. But if your alarm does go off, be careful. Observe what’s going on; get descriptions of suspicious people and vehicles, including license plate numbers.
Now, if you catch a thief in the act, call 911 but don’t approach the person. Your safety is more important than the car.
And here’s a great one – immobilizing devices. They actually shut off your car’s electrical or fuel supply. So without a key, or knowing where the hidden switch is located, a thief can’t drive your car away.
Finally, you can also get a tracking device that allows police to track your car down and recover it quickly.
Remember, where you live, work and drive around Raleigh North Carolina has a great impact on your decisions. If you’re in an area with high theft rates, you may want to spend more money on security systems. And check with your Raleigh North Carolina auto insurance company to see if they offer discounts for adding any of these items.
Of course, the common sense suggestions from A&J Automotive Repair don’t cost anything and go a long way toward keeping your car safe from thieves. Take a look at the attached video auto tip from AutoNetTV.
Come see us for practical advice on keeping your sedan safe.
A&J Automotive Repair
5001 Departure Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27616
Call us at (919) 431-9595
Go easy when you’re stuck
When stuck in mud or snow, don’t make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine. But if it looks as though you’re really stuck, don’t keep at it. Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road.
Toyota Maintenance Schedule
Toyota Models
- Yaris
- Corolla
- Matrix
- Camry
- Avalon
- Sienna
- Tacoma
- Tundra
- RAV4
- Venza
- Highlander
- FJ Cruiser
- 4Runner
- Sequoia
- Land Cruiser
- Prius
5,000 miles or 6 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
- brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
10,000 miles or 12 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
15,000 miles or 18 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect the following:
- Ball joints and dust covers
- Brake lines and hoses
- Drive shaft boots
- Engine coolant
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Radiator and condenser
- Steering gear box
- Steering linkage and boots
Note: Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may
shorten the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice reduced
air flow from the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily when you use
the Fresh mode. Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect engine air filter
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
20,000 miles or 24 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
25,000 miles or 30 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
30,000 miles or 36 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Inspect the following:
- Ball joints and dust covers
- Brake lines and hoses
- Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Drive shaft boots
- Engine coolant
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Front differential oil
- Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
- Fuel tank cap gasket
- Radiator and condenser
- Steering gear box
- Steering linkage and boots
- Transmission fluid or oil
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Replace front differential oil (manual transmission only)
- Replace manual transmission oil
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
35,000 miles or 42 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
40,000 miles or 48 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
45,000 miles or 54 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect the following:
- Ball joints and dust covers
- Brake lines and hoses
- Drive shaft boots
- Engine coolant
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Radiator and condenser
- Steering gear box
- Steering linkage and boots
Note: Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may
shorten the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice reduced
air flow from the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily when you use
the Fresh mode. Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect engine air filter
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
50,000 miles or 60 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
55,000 miles or 66 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
60,000 miles or 72 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Inspect the following:
- Ball joints and dust covers
- Brake lines and hoses
- Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Drive belts
- Drive shaft boots
- Engine coolant
- Engine valve clearance
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Front differential oil
- Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
- Fuel tank cap gasket
- Radiator and condenser
- Steering gear box
- Steering linkage and boots
- Transmission fluid or oil
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Replace front differential oil
- Replace transmission fluid or oil
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
65,000 miles or 78 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
70,000 miles or 84 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
75,000 miles or 90 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect the following:
- Ball joints and dust covers
- Brake lines and hoses
- Drive belts
- Drive shaft boots
- Engine coolant
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Radiator and condenser
- Steering gear box
- Steering linkage and boots
Note: Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may
shorten the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice reduced
air flow from the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily when you use
the Fresh mode. Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect engine air filter
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
80,000 miles or 96 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
85,000 miles or 102 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
90,000 miles or 108 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Inspect the following:
- Ball joints and dust covers
- Brake lines and hoses
- Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Drive belts
- Drive shaft boots
- Engine coolant
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Front differential oil
- Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
- Fuel tank cap gasket
- Radiator and condenser
- Steering gear box
- Steering linkage and boots
- Transmission fluid or oil
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Replace front differential oil (manual transmission only)
- Replace manual transmission oil
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
95,000 miles or 114 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
100,000 miles or 120 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
105,000 miles or 126 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Inspect the following:
- Ball joints and dust covers
- Brake lines and hoses
- Drive belts
- Drive shaft boots
- Engine coolant
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Radiator and condenser
- Steering gear box
- Steering linkage and boots
Note: Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may
shorten the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice reduced
air flow from the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily when you use
the Fresh mode. Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect engine air filter
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
110,000 miles or 132 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
115,000 miles or 138 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
120,000 miles or 144 months
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Replace spark plugs
- Rotate tires
- Inspect the following:
- Ball joints and dust covers
- Brake lines and hoses
- Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
- Drive belts
- Drive shaft boots
- Engine coolant
- Engine valve clearance
- Exhaust pipes and mountings
- Front differential oil
- Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
- Fuel tank cap gasket
- Radiator and condenser
- Steering gear box
- Steering linkage and boots
- Transmission fluid or oil
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing:
- Replace front differential oil
- Replace transmission fluid or oil
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Ready to schedule your service?
Contact either our Departure Drive or Wilders Grove location to schedule your appointment today!
Keep Your Cool In Raleigh: Air Conditioning Service
Most Raleigh drivers wait for their air conditioning to fail before they service it at A&J Automotive Repair. That’s because many Raleigh and Youngsville motorists don’t really understand that automotive air conditioners need periodic service. Let me share some of the reasons why they fail.
First, like every machine, the sedan air conditioner parts need lubrication. The lubricant is actually mixed in with the refrigerant (that’s the stuff that makes the air cool). So sometimes, even though the air conditioner is still making cool air, the oil that lubricates the parts has just been used up: and unlubricated parts can fail in all North Carolina cars.
Now here’s a tip for Raleigh drivers: You should run your air conditioner every so often during North Carolina winters. This circulates the lubricant to help keep the seals from drying out.
The air conditioner actually removes some of the moisture in the air. So if you have trouble with fogging on your windshield during North Carolina winters or during a rain storm, running the A/C on the defrost setting should help. Now on some Raleigh cars you can’t run the A/C at the same time as the defroster. Don’t ask me why, but I suspect lawyers were involved.
Also, air and water can get into the A/C system. That can reduce the efficiency of the system and also lead to corrosion that causes damage. Raleigh drivers should periodically purge the system and replace the refrigerant to clear out the air and water.
Raleigh drivers should be aware of early warning signs of trouble: One might be that the air’s not as cold as it used to be. You may hear an unusual noise when the A/C cycles on. Those are signs to get your vehicle into A&J Automotive Repair in Raleigh before the damage gets worse.
So following the recommended service intervals in your sedan owner’s manual can help prevent mechanical failure of your air conditioning system. You’re A/C system contains some expensive components like the compressor, condenser, dryer, etc. Anything Wake Forest and Youngsville car owners can do to lengthen the life of their A/C is well worth it.
Manufacturer Service Schedules
Lost your owner’s manual? Wondering exactly when you should have a tune-up? Wonder no more! A&J Automotive is proud to provide you with the service schedules for every domestic car manufacturer. To begin simply click on your car’s brand below.


