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REPAIRS & SERVICES

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We perform all types of repairs at Wildcat Automotive.  From running a diagnostic check to see why your "Check Engine" light is on, to providing you with new tires, installing a new transmision, or just replacing your windshield wipers! We do pre-purchase inspections, service all vehicles; domestic, foreign, light trucks, and diesels. We have fleet customers, and welcome your company's vehicles! 
 
 
Mechanical problems tend to intimidate most people. Squealing brakes, trouble starting, or that noise that tells us there is something wrong but we put off bringing the car to the shop because we don't have the time or we're worried about the cost of the repair. If you keep driving with your brakes squealing, they will get louder and wear down even further! The repair bill will cost more if you let your rotors get damaged. Don't hesitate to bring your car in when you first become aware of a problem. We have reasonable labor rates, and we offer Easypay financing should you want to use it.
 
 
 

 

DRIVE TRAIN & SUSPENSION
 

 

Shocks and struts can wear out and affect handling. If you car bounces excessively over bumps and leans hard in corners, your shocks could be worn. Your owner's manual will give a mileage estimate for shock or strut life. As a general rule replacement is recommended somewhere in the 60,000 - 75,000 mile range depending on your driving style and road conditions.

 

Ball joints wear and can cause your car to wander while driving down the road. This is dangerous as they can separate and cause you to lose control.

 

Sway bar bushings can wear out over time and will allow the sway bar to clunk when turning corners or at low speeds. 

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

 

An electrical problem can be one of the most frustrating problems for a car owner.
 
The problem may be intermittent and can cause many inconveniences before you decide to take it to the shop for diagnosis. The good news here is sometimes  the problem is something simple and easy to fix inexpensively. There are, however,  
those problems that require more time to diagnose.  Better to bring the vehicle in when you realize there is a problem. Don't risk being stranded because of an
electrical system failure!
 
 
 
 
FUEL SYSTEM
 
 
The fuel system delivers the fuel your engine needs to run.
 

Your fuel system is comprised of  the fuel tank, the fuel pump, the fuel filter, and the fuel injectors. The fuel pump is inside the tank, it pumps fuel out to the engine. The fuel filter, when working properly, filters dirt from the fuel before it reaches the engine. The fuel intake system and fuel injectors deliver the fuel to engine. The engine burns the fuel, thus making your car run!

 

Use only good quality fuel to make your fuel system run as efficiently and economically as possible. Its better for your fuel pump and you'll notice better performance. Good gasoline contains more detergents, and doesn't have as many contaminants for the fuel filter to have to filter out. Better quality fuel will help prolong the life of your fuel pump. 

 

The fuel filter catches dirt and contaminants. When it's clogged, your engine may not be able to get enough fuel and could sputter. Many fuel filters have a bypass valve that allows unfiltered fuel past when the filter's clogged. This prevents your engine from dying while you're driving, but it can't protect your engine from dirty fuel. If you have concerns, we can check the condition of your fuel filter, and recommend when it should be changed.

 

Fuel injectors squirt fuel into the engine in precise amounts, at an exact time, under an exact amount of pressure, in a precise pattern. If you allow your fuel injectors to get fouled up, it will effect your car's performance, your engine will burn more gas, and the injectors will need to be replaced  sooner than if they'd been maintained and kept clean. 

 

All fuel will cause build up in the fuel intake system. A professional fuel system cleaning will remove the gunk to keep fuel flowing freely and help prevent contamination from reaching your fuel injectors and engine.

 

A professional fuel system cleaning will keep the fuel system clear and running efficiently, giving you optimum performance and mileage. We will  inform you of your vehicle's recommended intervals for fuel system cleaning, just ask! Let us know of any concerns you may have regarding your fuel system and we will gladly check it out.

 

 

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINES
 
Engines are classified by number of cylinders, the geometry of the block, and type of ignition system used. The two major engine types in use are spark ignition (gasoline engine) and compression ignition (diesel engine) which use different types of fuel.
 
If you ever need to replace your engine, discuss the options of buying a rebuilt engine over a new one.
 
BRAKE REPAIRS
 
An automotive braking system is a group of mechanical, electronic and hydraulically activated components which use friction/heat to stop a moving vehicle.
 
How the Braking System Works:
 
When you press your brake pedal,  pressure on the brake pedal moves a piston in the master cylinder, forcing the brake fluid to flow from the master cylinder through the brake lines and hoses to the calipers and wheel cylinders. The force you apply to the brake pedal produces a proportional force on each of the pistons.

The calipers and wheel cylinders contain pistons, which are connected to a disc brake pad or brake shoe. Each output piston pushes the attached friction material against the surface of the rotor or wall of the brake drum, thus slowing down the rotation of the wheel. 
 
When pressure on the pedal is released, the pads and shoes return to their released positions. This action forces the brake fluid back through the hose and tubing to the master cylinder.

 

Things to watch for:

 

  • Brake system Warning Lamp stays illuminated

  • Scraping or grinding noise coming from the brakes

  • Test of Brake fluid indicates a copper content of 200 ppm or greater indicating the need for a fluid replacement

  • Brake pedal feels soft or spongy when the brakes pedal is depressed

  • Vehicle pulls to one side when the brakes are applied

  • Brake fluid level in master cylinder 

 

 

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