AUTONET TV

Power Steering Pump Replacement

When you’re driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs.  The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesn’t respond to your hands like it used to.  

Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it comes to safe driving, so this is something you should have one of our technicians look at sooner rather than later.  

There are different types of power steering pumps, and they all perform a similar function.  They make it easier for you to turn the steering wheel with little effort as the power steering system multiplies that force so you can precisely aim a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds.  

The type of power steering pump your vehicle has depends on the power steering system it uses.  One works by hydraulics, taking energy provided by belts driven by the engine which pressurizes power steering fluid to the wheels.  There are a lot of components in these systems, and they can wear out more quickly than some other systems.

Another power steering system works on electricity, which is more fuel efficient and produces fewer emissions.  It works on electrical power created by the vehicle’s electrical system and doesn’t put as much of a load on the engine.  With electric power steering systems, your vehicle can change how the steering feels or responds in different driving conditions.

When your power steering system isn’t working correctly, a technician will determine where the problems are.  Not only could it be the power steering pump, but there are several other parts that may be contributing to your steering issues.  That may include leaks in hoses and seals, faulty belts and corrosion in electrical components and connections. 

When you feel the steering in your vehicle doesn’t have the solid, smooth silent response it used to have, bring it in so a technician can diagnose the problems and steer you back in the right direction.

Acheson Auto Works
8000 UNIVERSITY BLVD
CLIVE, IA 50325
515-223-4300

CLIVE Drivers Severe Service Maintenance Schedules

Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among CLIVE drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should CLIVE drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Are most of your trips less than four miles/six kilometers around CLIVE?
Are most of your trips less than 10 miles/16 kilometers in below-zero IA temps?
Are most of your trips off-highway in IA?
Do you drive often in dusty CLIVE areas?
Do you regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads around CLIVE?
Do you drive in very hot or very cold IA weather?

Think about your typical week. Do you live by your nearest CLIVE on-ramp and enjoy a non-stop commute? Or, do you drive the neighborhood car pool in stop-and-go traffic on CLIVE surface streets?

Let's suppose your owner's manual says the severe service oil change recommendation is 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometers and the standard recommendation is 5,000 miles/8,000 kilometers. You know that you need to change the oil somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles/5,000 and 8,000 kilometers. Analyze your driving patterns and CLIVE weather and road conditions to determine which end of the spectrum you're closer to.

Why should CLIVE residents care about this? Normal condensation causes moisture accumulation in the engine oil. Short trips around CLIVE or winter driving means that the engine doesn't heat up enough for the moisture to evaporate. The water in the oil turns to oil sludge that clogs up your engine and doesn't let the oil protect it adequately. That's why IA residents need to change their oil more often – to clean the sludge out before it causes problems.

Carrying heavy loads (with or without a trailer) in IA summer weather causes your engine and transmission to run at higher temperatures and with more stress. The fluids will break down more quickly. Additives that clean and prevent corrosion will be depleted sooner. Air pollution and dust cause fluids to get dirty faster. Ditto for filters. All of these things can lead to premature wear and eventual repairs. If you want some expert advice, talk with your friendly and knowledgeable Acheson Auto Works service advisor. We can help you restore your vehicle to good working order and help you know the best schedule to follow.

Acheson Auto Works
515-223-4300
8000 UNIVERSITY BLVD
CLIVE, IA 50325

Don’t Be Hosed (Radiator Hose Replacement)

If you are like most drivers, you don’t worry too much about what shape your radiator hoses are in.  But they are a vital part of your coolant system, helping carry engine coolant from the hot engine to where it is cooled off in the radiator.  

When the cooling system has a problem, you will likely see your vehicle’s temperature gauge showing you it’s running at a higher temperature than it usually does. Or maybe the low coolant light has come on.  If either of these happens, it’s important that you not drive too long since a hot, running vehicle can suffer expensive damage quickly.

Radiator hoses can be damaged by being subjected to temperature extremes, both hot and cold. In addition to the temperature gauge climbing or low coolant light illuminating, there are other clues that may tell you your vehicle is leaking fluid.  You may notice a green, yellow, brown or purple fluid pooled on the ground around your vehicle.  

At any of these signs, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for service soon.  A technician can inspect hoses for leaks, deformities and other problems, as well as looking for cracks and wear.  They’ll also check the condition of the water pump, since problems with it can be another reason coolant will leak out from under your vehicle.

It is better to periodically have your hoses checked rather than waiting until they fail.  How often you should have yours replaced depends a lot on what vehicle you own, and in what conditions it is driven. Rubber degrades not only by temperature but also by what materials it comes in contact with.  For example, oil leaking on a radiator hose can prematurely cause that hose to fail. Age is another factor.  

We recommend you have one of our technicians inspect your cooling system regularly so you don’t get “hosed” by a failure at an inconvenient time.

Acheson Auto Works
8000 UNIVERSITY BLVD
CLIVE, IA 50325
515-223-4300

A Cool and Smooth Transmission in CLIVE

When it comes to preventive maintenance on our vehicles, most of us CLIVE drivers remember to get our oil changed. But services that occur at longer intervals — like transmission service — sometimes get overlooked. Yet transmission service is part of car care. A poorly maintained transmission will fail and lead to repairs.

The transmission transfers power from the engine to the drive wheels. When it's clean and well-lubricated, it gives maximum fuel efficiency. But when it gets dirty or worn down, your transmission will suffer. Your transmission relies on transmission fluid to keep everything running well.

This is why the transmission fluid must be changed periodically. Your owner's manual will give you a recommended time schedule for this service. Or, you can ask your friendly and knowledgeable Acheson Auto Works service advisor. Generally, the interval is around 35,000 miles (55,000 km) or every two years. But the interval for your vehicle may be shorter or longer.

At Acheson Auto Works in CLIVE, transmission fluid can usually be changed while you wait and is simple and not particularly expensive. Compared to the cost of transmission repairs or a new transmission, it's downright cheap! So take some good auto advice from the team at Acheson Auto Works and take care of your transmission. It will pay you back in a longer, smoother ride.

Acheson Auto Works
8000 UNIVERSITY BLVD
CLIVE, IA 50325
515-223-4300

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

How many times have you heard, “You should replace your cabin air filter,” and decided, “I’ll do it later.” You might think twice when you consider a new filter can help maintain and improve the quality of the air you’re breathing inside your vehicle. 

What you also might not know is it a clean cabin air filter can affect how your heating and air conditioning systems perform. When the filter isn’t allowing the air to flow freely, it puts more stress on the blower mower and makes it work harder. You may find it takes your cabin longer to heat or cool than it used to.  

When you have your cabin air filter changed regularly, it directly affects the cabin’s air.  When a dirty cabin filter isn’t allowing air to flow as freely as it’s designed to, the air is more stagnant.  Dust, pollen, exhaust and mold can contaminate the cabin.  That can be miserable if you have allergies or a sensitivity to those airborne pollutants.  You also might notice that fresh smell it used to have is now gone, and your cabin might fog up easily and often.

Here’s another potential benefit of a new cabin air filter.  It may reduce how easily and often your windows fog up.  You need unrestricted, dry air to blow on the windshield in order to prevent fogging.  That can especially be a problem in humid or cold climates. 

It’s always a good idea to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for when to change the cabin air filter.  Often, it can be in the 12,000-15,000 mile/20,000-25,000 km range.  If you drive in lots of stop-and-go conditions, dry, dusty climates or use your heating and air conditioning more than usual, you may need to have the cabin air filter changed more frequently.

Acheson Auto Works
8000 UNIVERSITY BLVD
CLIVE, IA 50325
515-223-4300