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Before you pack the car with presents and hit the road this holiday season, there’s one gift you should give yourself: confidence that your brakes will help you stop when you need them to. Pre-holiday brake inspections aren’t just about avoiding breakdowns; they’re about protecting what matters most during Arizona’s peak travel months.

From understanding how desert conditions silently destroy brake components to recognizing the early warning signs your vehicle is sending, this guide covers everything Queen Creek drivers need to know. You’ll learn the real financial impact of waiting too long, what separates a basic check from a thorough inspection, and why local families trust APA Total Car Care to keep them safe on East Valley roads when it matters most.

Holiday Traffic Puts Extra Stress on Your Brake System

Think about how different holiday driving is from your typical routine. The weeks surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s create unique challenges that can push your brakes past their limits.

Stop-and-Go Conditions Generate Excessive Heat

Constant stopping and starting generate intense heat in your brake components. This accelerates wear on brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid. If your brake pads are already worn down to 30% or less, the added stress of holiday traffic can push them past their safe operating threshold.

Highway Speeds Demand Maximum Stopping Power

Holiday road trips often involve sustained highway driving followed by sudden stops. Your stopping distance depends on having adequate brake pad material and properly functioning calipers. Worn brake components dramatically increase your stopping distance, which becomes especially dangerous in emergency situations.

Ready to ensure your brakes are holiday-ready? Visit APA Total Car Care at 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, or call (480) 539-6872 to schedule your brake inspection today.

The Real Cost of Ignoring Brake Maintenance

• Worn Brake Pads: Catching wear early means a straightforward repair with minimal parts needed
• Damaged Rotors from Delayed Service: When pads wear too thin, rotors get damaged and need replacement too, multiplying your costs
• Failed Calipers from Extended Neglect: Postponing service can lead to complete brake system failure, requiring extensive repairs across multiple components

Beyond repair costs, emergency service during holidays often means premium pricing, limited parts availability, and being at the mercy of whatever shop can fit you in. Add rental car expenses and missed family gatherings, and prevention becomes the clear choice.

How Arizona's Desert Climate Affects Your Brakes

Queen Creek drivers face environmental factors that accelerate brake wear faster than in other parts of the country.

Heat-Related Issues:

• Brake Fluid Degradation: High temperatures cause brake fluid to absorb moisture faster, reducing effectiveness
• Thermal Stress: Extreme temperature swings can warp rotors
• Heat Fade: Reduced stopping power when you need it most

Environmental Wear Factors:

• Desert Dust: Infiltrates brake components, causing premature pad wear
• Debris: Sand and rocks get trapped between pads and rotors, creating scoring
• Winter Rain: Creates slippery conditions when oil residue mixes with water

Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

Your vehicle communicates brake problems through distinct signals. Recognizing these early gives you time to schedule service before the holiday rush.

Listen to Your Brakes:

• Squealing or Squeaking: Brake pads have worn down to their wear indicators
• Grinding Sounds: Metal contacting metal, causing expensive rotor damage
• Clicking or Rattling: Loose brake hardware or failing calipers

Feel the Difference:

• Soft or Spongy Pedal: Air in the brake lines or low brake fluid levels
• Pulsating or Vibrating: Warped rotors that need resurfacing or replacement
• Vehicle Pulls to One Side: Uneven brake wear or stuck calipers

These symptoms don’t improve on their own. They only worsen with continued driving and become more dangerous as holiday traffic increases.

What a Professional Brake Inspection Includes

A comprehensive brake inspection goes far beyond a quick visual check. Professional inspections identify problems before they become dangerous.

Complete Inspection Components:

1. Brake Pad Thickness Measurement: Precise measurements determine remaining pad life
2. Rotor Analysis: Checking for warping, scoring, and measuring thickness against specifications
3. Brake Fluid Testing: Analyzing condition and moisture content for optimal performance
4. Caliper Function Testing: Verifying calipers move freely and apply even pressure
5. Brake Line Inspection: Identifying corrosion, leaks, or damage

Advanced diagnostic equipment reveals problems invisible to the naked eye. Digital vehicle inspection systems document everything with photos and detailed measurements, so you understand exactly what your vehicle needs.

The Hidden Connection Between Brakes and Other Systems

Here’s something most drivers don’t realize: your brakes don’t work in isolation. Other vehicle systems directly impact brake performance.

• Alignment Affects Braking: Misaligned wheels cause uneven brake pad wear, creating pulling during stops. Hunter Hawkeye alignment systems ensure even brake contact and maximize pad life.
• Tire Balance Matters: Unbalanced wheels create vibration that damages rotors over time. Hunter RoadForce balancers detect issues that affect brake component longevity.
• Suspension Components: Worn shocks or struts affect weight transfer during braking. When suspension can’t control weight transfer properly, your brakes work harder and wear faster.

Why Queen Creek Families Choose APA Total Car Care

As a CarFax Top Shop for five consecutive years, we’ve earned our reputation through consistent quality and customer service. Our family-owned approach means treating every vehicle as if it were our own.

What Sets Us Apart:

• ASE Master Technicians: Nationally certified professionals with verified expertise
• Advanced Equipment: Hunter Hawkeye alignment system and Hunter Road Force balancer
• Comprehensive Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide coverage valid in the United States, Canada, or Mexico
• Flexible Financing: Options through EasyPay, SNAP Finance, Affirm, and Wisetack
• Convenient Service: Early bird drop-off, after-hours pickup, and text-to-pay options

Our Tekmetric digital vehicle inspection system captures detailed photos you can review from your phone. This transparency means you see exactly what we see.

Smart Timing for Your Brake Inspection

Don’t wait until you’re packing the car for a road trip to think about brake service.

1. Schedule Before the Holiday Rush: Get your brakes checked now to ensure availability and avoid the busiest time of year for auto shops.
2. Every 12,000 Miles: Arizona’s harsh conditions require more frequent inspections than manufacturers recommend.
3. Before Long Trips: Any journey over 200 miles deserves a pre-trip brake check.

Our spacious waiting area with WiFi, TV, coffee bar, and cold water makes your visit comfortable. Most brake inspections take less than an hour.

FAQs About Brake Inspection and Holiday Travel Safety

How often should I get my brakes checked in Arizona?

Arizona drivers should have their brakes inspected every 12,000 miles or at least once a year due to harsh desert conditions that accelerate brake wear. More frequent inspections may be necessary if you drive in mountainous areas or tow heavy loads.

What are the signs my brakes need service?

Common warning signs include squealing or grinding noises, a soft or spongy brake pedal, vibration when braking, the vehicle pulling to one side during stops, or the brake warning light illuminating. Any of these symptoms requires immediate professional inspection.

Why is a brake inspection important before holiday travel?

A pre-holiday brake inspection is crucial because increased traffic, longer trips, and heavier vehicle loads create more demanding conditions for your braking system. Identifying worn components before you travel prevents breakdowns and avoids costly emergency repairs when parts availability is limited.

Can I drive with worn brake pads?

Driving with worn brake pads is dangerous and damages other brake components. Once pads wear through to the metal backing plates, they score and warp your rotors. What starts as an inexpensive pad replacement becomes a much costlier repair.

What's the difference between brake pads and brake rotors?

Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the brake rotors to slow your vehicle, while rotors are the metal discs that your wheels are mounted to. Brake pads need regular replacement, typically every 30,000-70,000 miles. Rotors are typically replaced at the same time to ensure proper braking performance and safety.

Schedule Your Pre-Holiday Brake Inspection in Queen Creek, AZ

Don’t let brake problems ruin your holiday plans or put your family at risk during the busiest travel season. A proactive brake inspection gives you confidence that your vehicle can handle whatever the holidays bring.

At APA Total Car Care, our ASE Master Technicians explain your options clearly, helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s maintenance and safety. As the Best Family Owned Auto Repair in the East Valley, we’re committed to treating every customer with honesty, integrity, and transparency.

Schedule your comprehensive brake inspection today. Visit us at 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, or call 480-282-8300 to book your appointment. We proudly serve Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Mesa, and Chandler with the expert brake service your vehicle deserves.

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Fall car maintenance in Arizona focuses on repairing heat damage rather than winter preparation. Essential tasks include checking fluids degraded by extreme temperatures, testing batteries weakened by heat stress, inspecting tires for asphalt damage, and examining belts and hoses for cracking. At APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek, AZ, we specialize in seasonal inspections that address Arizona’s unique climate challenges, helping you avoid expensive repairs caused by summer’s invisible damage.

Arizona’s fall is about damage control. While your vehicle survived another brutal summer, months of 115-degree heat have taken their toll in ways that won’t reveal themselves until temperatures start fluctuating. This guide covers the critical systems most affected by extreme heat: fluids, batteries, tires, and rubber components. We’ll show you what to check, why it matters, and how proper autumn maintenance saves you from roadside emergencies.

Why Arizona's Summer Creates Unique Fall Maintenance Needs

Arizona’s brutal summer temperatures regularly exceed 115 degrees, creating conditions that accelerate vehicle wear in ways most drivers don’t realize. While northern states prepare for ice and snow, Arizona drivers face a different challenge: repairing the invisible damage caused by months of extreme heat exposure.

Heat affects your vehicle in several critical ways:

• Engine oil breaks down 40% faster in extreme temperatures
• Battery life decreases by up to 50% compared to moderate climates
• Rubber components (belts, hoses, seals) become brittle and crack
• Tire rubber degrades more rapidly from hot asphalt contact
• Transmission fluid loses its protective properties faster

The financial impact is clear: a $150 coolant system service in fall prevents a $2,500 engine repair caused by overheating. A $200 battery replacement avoids a towing bill and potential electrical system damage.

Essential Fluid Services for Fall Engine Oil and Filter

Your engine oil works overtime during Arizona summers, becoming contaminated with carbon deposits and moisture even before your mileage interval. Fresh oil provides better lubrication as temperatures fluctuate, helping prevent wear during cold starts and maintaining optimal performance.

Coolant System Health

Summer heat causes coolant to break down, losing its ability to prevent corrosion and regulate temperature effectively.

Critical coolant system checks include:

• Testing coolant pH levels and freeze point protection
• Inspecting the radiator for corrosion or damage
• Checking water pump for leaks or bearing noise
• Examining hoses for soft spots, bulges, or cracks
• Flushing and replacing degraded coolant

Transmission and Brake Fluids

Automatic transmissions generate tremendous heat, and Arizona’s temperatures push them to their limits. Dark brown fluid or a burnt smell indicates immediate attention is needed.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, and in Arizona’s climate, this accelerates rapidly. When the brake fluid’s boiling point decreases, you risk losing braking power when you need it most.

Tire Care Beyond the Basics

Your tires have spent months in contact with asphalt that reaches 160 degrees or higher. This extreme heat creates wear patterns and damage that become critical safety concerns as temperatures drop.

Comprehensive tire inspection points:

• Tread depth measurement: Look for 4/32″ minimum, though 6/32″ is safer
• Sidewall integrity: Check for heat-induced cracks, bulges, or blisters
• Uneven wear patterns: Indicate alignment, balance, or suspension issues
• Age verification: Tires older than six years need replacement
• Valve stem condition: Rubber stems become brittle and leak

For every 10-degree temperature drop, your tire pressure decreases by 1-2 PSI. As Arizona transitions from 110-degree days to 70-degree mornings, this results in significant underinflation that reduces fuel economy and compromises handling.

Battery and Electrical System Reality Check

Heat kills batteries faster than cold. The chemical reaction inside your battery accelerates in high temperatures, causing internal components to corrode and degrade at an alarming rate.

Battery failure warning signs:

• The engine cranks slowly, especially on the first start
• Clicking sound when turning the key
• Dimming headlights when idling
• Battery case appears swollen or bloated
• Corrosion around terminals

A professional battery test measures voltage, cold cranking amps, and the battery’s ability to hold a charge under load. Testing should also include alternator output and starter draw analysis to ensure your entire charging system functions properly.

Brake System Performance Assessment

Your brakes work harder in Arizona’s heat, with brake fluid reaching boiling temperatures during normal driving and pads wearing faster due to increased friction.

Complete brake inspection includes:

• Pad thickness measurement: Replace at 3mm or less
• Rotor condition: Look for scoring, hot spots, or warping
• Caliper slide pin lubrication
• Brake line inspection for corrosion or leaks
• Brake fluid quality testing

Suspension, Steering, and Rubber Components

Arizona’s rough roads and extreme heat create the perfect storm for component failure.

Critical components to inspect:

• Ball joints and tie rod ends for play or looseness
• Control arm bushings for cracking or deterioration
• Shock absorbers and struts for leaks or loss of damping
• Serpentine belt for glazing, cracking, or fraying
• Radiator and heater hoses for soft spots or bulges

A failed belt means immediate loss of power steering, alternator charging, water pump circulation, and A/C operation. A burst hose means engine overheating and potential severe damage.

Why Fall Is a Smart Time for A/C Service

In Arizona, cooler weather doesn’t always mean you’re done using your A/C. Even in the fall, a properly working air conditioning system is essential for comfort, especially during warmer afternoons or long drives.

If your A/C wasn’t keeping up this past summer with weak airflow, strange smells, or inconsistent cooling, now’s the time to get it checked out. Fall offers a natural window to catch up on needed maintenance.

Lighting and Visibility Essentials

Shorter fall days mean more driving in darkness. Check headlight brightness and lens clarity, ensure proper aim adjustment, and verify that all turn signals and brake lights function properly.

Arizona’s UV exposure destroys wiper rubber faster than anywhere else. Blades that streak, skip, or chatter need immediate replacement before monsoon season returns.

Need service for your fall car maintenance? Give us a call at 480-539-6872. Our shop is located at 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Why Choose APA Total Car Care for Your Fall Maintenance

At APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek, we’ve been helping Arizona drivers protect their vehicles since 2021. Our approach focuses on honest, transparent service that treats every vehicle as if it were our own.

What sets us apart:

• ASE Master Technicians with decades of combined experience
• Advanced diagnostic equipment, including Autel MaxiSys Ultra scanners
• Hunter Road Force balancer and Hawkeye alignment machine
• Digital vehicle inspections with photo documentation
• Nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty valid throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Five consecutive years as a CarFax Top Shop
• Flexible financing through Easy Pay, SNAP Finance, Affirm, and Wisetack

Our facility provides a comfortable experience with WiFi, coffee bar, cold water, early bird drop-off, and after-hours pickup options.

FAQs About Fall Car Maintenance in Arizona What maintenance should I do on my car in the fall?

Essential fall maintenance includes checking all fluids, inspecting tires, testing your battery, and examining belts and hoses for heat damage. These services address wear caused by summer heat and prepare your vehicle for temperature changes throughout fall and winter.

How do I prepare my vehicle for cooler Arizona weather?

Prepare by having your cooling system serviced, checking battery health, inspecting tire pressure, and ensuring all fluids are at proper levels. Temperature fluctuations between day and night can reveal issues that developed during summer’s consistent heat.

What fluids should be checked before winter?

Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid before winter. Summer heat causes fluid degradation that requires replacement, and fresh fluids ensure optimal protection during seasonal temperature variations.

How often should I rotate my tires in Arizona?

Tire rotation should typically occur every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, though Arizona’s hot roads may warrant more frequent rotation. Regular rotation ensures even wear, extends tire life, and maintains balanced handling for improved safety and performance.

Can extreme Arizona heat damage my car battery?

Yes, extreme heat accelerates the chemical reactions inside batteries, leading to internal component corrosion and accelerated deterioration. Arizona’s summer temperatures can reduce battery life by 50% compared to moderate climates, making fall testing essential for batteries over three years old.

Schedule Your Fall Car Maintenance in Queen Creek, AZ

Ready to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the months ahead? Schedule your autumn car service in Queen Creek with APA Total Car Care, the Best Family Owned Auto Repair in the East Valley. Our honest, transparent approach means you’ll receive only the services your vehicle truly needs.

Visit us at 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, or call 480-282-8300 to book your comprehensive seasonal vehicle inspection. Let our experienced team help you avoid expensive repairs through proper preventative maintenance.

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Most drivers know their timing belt or chain won’t last forever, but exactly when should you replace it?

For timing belts, the rule of thumb is every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Timing chains typically last longer, often 150,000 miles or more, but both can fail if neglected. Heat, driving habits, and your specific vehicle all play a role.

In this guide, the experts at APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek, AZ,  explain the key differences between belts and chains, the warning signs to watch for, how Arizona driving conditions affect their lifespan, and what happens if you wait too long.

By the end, you’ll know when to take action and how trusted local service can help you avoid costly engine damage.

What Exactly Does a Timing Belt or Timing Chain Do?

Your engine is a precise machine. Inside, pistons and valves move thousands of times per minute in carefully timed sequences. The timing belt or chain connects the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring everything operates in perfect sync to keep your engine running smoothly.

If that connection slips or breaks, the pistons and valves collide, which can:

• Bend or break valves
• Damage pistons beyond repair
• Cause catastrophic engine failure

So, even though it’s hidden away under covers, the timing system is one of the most essential parts of your vehicle.

Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain: Which Does My Car Have?

This is one of the most common questions drivers ask. While both serve the same purpose, they look, feel, and wear differently.

Feature	Timing Belt	Timing Chain
Material	Reinforced rubber with teeth	Metal links, similar to a bike chain
Average Lifespan	60,000–100,000 miles	150,000+ miles with proper oil care
Cost to Replace	Lower upfront	Higher upfront
Noise Level	Quieter	Louder, especially if worn
Common Issues	Cracks, fraying, broken teeth	Stretching, rattling, and oil-related wear
Failure Risk	Breaks suddenly, immediate damage	Gradual wear, but still a severe risk

If you’re not sure which your car has, don’t guess. Our team at APA Total Car Care can identify it during an inspection.

Signs Your Timing Belt Needs Replacement

Ignoring your timing belt can be one of the costliest mistakes a car owner makes. Here are the red flags to look for:

• Ticking or clicking noises from the engine
• Engine misfires or rough idling
• Difficulty starting your car
• Oil leaks near the front of the motor
• High mileage approaching manufacturer’s recommendation

Unlike other parts, timing belts rarely give you a long warning. If it snaps, the damage is immediate.

Signs Your Timing Chain Needs Service

While timing chains are designed to last longer, they aren’t maintenance-free. Common warning signs include:

• Metallic rattling or grinding sounds at startup
• Check engine light triggered by camshaft/crankshaft sensors
• Reduced power or poor acceleration
• Metal shavings discovered in your oil

Timing chain issues tend to creep up gradually, but if ignored, they can be just as damaging as a broken belt.

Arizona Driving Conditions and Their Impact on Your Engine Timing System

Drivers in Queen Creek and across Arizona face some unique challenges when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Our climate and road conditions can significantly shorten the lifespan of both timing belts and timing chains. When you add personal driving habits into the mix, it becomes even more important to stay proactive.

How Arizona Conditions Affect Timing Components

• High heat: Rubber timing belts dry out and crack faster in the Arizona sun. Even chains can suffer if heat causes oil breakdown.
• Stop-and-go traffic: Constant braking and acceleration create extra stress on the belt or chain, leading to premature wear.
• Dusty roads: Fine particles can make their way into the oil system, accelerating chain wear and affecting overall lubrication.

These environmental factors are why Arizona drivers can’t always rely on manufacturer mileage intervals alone. A car in Arizona may need timing service sooner than the same car in a cooler, less dusty environment.

How Driving Habits Influence Timing System Wear

Beyond climate, the way you drive also makes a difference:

• Frequent short trips: Cold starts strain the timing system since oil doesn’t have time to circulate fully.
• Aggressive driving: Hard acceleration and sudden stops place extra tension on belts and chains.
• Neglected oil changes: Dirty or low oil is a major cause of chain stretching and premature failure.
• Towing or hauling heavy loads: More engine strain means faster wear on timing components.

When you combine Arizona’s climate with less-than-ideal driving habits, the risk of timing system problems increases.

Timing Belt and Chain Lifespan: What Every Driver Should Know

Timing belts and chains have specific service intervals, and delaying them can lead to serious damage.

Recommended Replacement Intervals

• Timing Belt: Replace every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your vehicle and driving conditions.
• Timing Chain: Often lasts 150,000 miles or more, but should be inspected around 100,000 miles.

Arizona drivers may need service sooner due to extreme heat, dust, and traffic. Always check your owner’s manual and confirm with an ASE-certified technician.

The Risks of Delaying Replacement

If a belt or chain fails, damage is immediate and severe. Problems include:

• Bent valves
• Damaged pistons
• Broken camshaft
• Cylinder head failure
• Complete engine replacement

These repairs can cost thousands of dollars, often more than the car is worth. By comparison, timing belt replacement or chain service is a far smaller investment that protects your engine.

For peace of mind, schedule a timing system inspection at APA Total Car Care before minor wear turns into major damage.

The Real Cost of Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain Repairs

Some drivers put off service because of cost. But consider this:

• Timing belt replacement: Hundreds of dollars, depending on your car
• Timing chain replacement: More expensive, often over $1,000
• Engine replacement due to failure: Several thousand dollars

When you look at it this way, proactive service is always the smarter financial decision.

APA Total Car Care: Certified Timing Belt and Chain Specialists

When it comes to something as critical as your timing system, you want a shop you can trust. Here’s why APA Total Car Care stands out:

• Certified Experts: ASE Master Technicians with decades of experience.
• Nationwide Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, honored anywhere in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
• State-of-the-Art Tools: Hunter Roadforce, Mahle flush machines, Autel MaxiSys Ultra scanners.
• Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs): Transparent reports with photos and videos sent to your phone.
• Comfortable Amenities: Coffee bar, Wi-Fi, TV, and after-hours drop-off.
• Financing Options: Easy Pay, SNAP, Affirm, and Wisetack.

That commitment to honesty, integrity, and transparency is why we’ve been honored as a CarFax Top Shop five years running.

Frequently Asked Questions What’s the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain?

A timing belt is made of reinforced rubber and typically needs replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, while a timing chain is made of metal and often lasts 150,000 miles or more. Belts are quieter but wear faster, while chains are more durable but can stretch and cause engine noise over time.

How do you know if your timing belt or chain is going bad?

You know your timing belt or chain may be going bad if you hear ticking, rattling, or metallic noises, notice engine misfires, or struggle to start the car. Oil leaks near the timing cover or a check engine light may also signal an issue.

How often should you replace them based on make/model?

Timing belts usually need replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, while timing chains are inspected around 100,000 miles but can last much longer. Always check your owner’s manual for exact intervals, since manufacturer recommendations vary.

What are the signs of a failing timing belt or chain?

Common signs of a failing timing belt or chain include engine misfires, unusual noises like ticking or rattling, oil leaks, and reduced performance. If ignored, these warning signs often lead to sudden breakdowns and severe engine damage.

What happens if you ignore replacement?

If you ignore timing belt or chain replacement, your engine can suffer bent valves, damaged pistons, or even total failure. These repairs often cost thousands of dollars, making proactive service a far more affordable option to protect your vehicle.

Protect Your Vehicle with Timing Belt Replacement in Queen Creek, AZ

A timing belt or chain failure rarely gives you a second chance. Protect your engine and your wallet by choosing the shop that puts transparency and trust first. At APA Total Car Care, we are more than mechanics. We are a family-owned business committed to providing the East Valley with honest service, certified technicians, and repairs that last. Whether it is routine maintenance or complex engine work, we stand behind our service with a nationwide warranty.

Stay ahead of costly breakdowns by scheduling your timing belt replacement now. Call 480-282-8300, stop by 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, or request an appointment online. Let us keep your vehicle running strong for years to come.

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Queen Creek, AZ — APA Total Car Care is proud to announce a major milestone: five consecutive years of being named a Carfax Top Shop, a distinction that highlights the shop’s continued excellence in transparency, customer satisfaction, and high-quality auto repair. This recognition places APA among a select group of repair facilities nationwide that consistently deliver on their promises, and proves that outstanding service is more than a goal; it’s a standard.

The Carfax Top Shop Award is not easily earned. It’s based on verified customer feedback, repair consistency, and a shop’s ability to build trust through reliable documentation and communication. For five years running, drivers in Queen Creek and surrounding areas have made it clear: APA Total Car Care is their go-to destination for expert, honest auto repair.

Strengthening Trust with Certified Auto Repair Backing

In addition to this prestigious recognition, APA Total Car Care has taken another step forward in reinforcing customer confidence by becoming a Certified Auto Repair shop, a designation supported by O’Reilly Auto Parts. While the program operates independently of the O’Reilly brand in terms of customer-facing branding, it offers a key benefit: a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, which is honored at repair facilities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What does this mean for Queen Creek drivers? Whether you’re heading to Flagstaff, crossing into Canada, or exploring the coasts of Baja, the work done at APA Total Car Care travels with you. This extended protection transforms a local repair into a national promise, offering unmatched peace of mind for drivers who want confidence wherever the road leads.

The Certified Auto Repair warranty covers parts and labor for qualifying repairs, ensuring that customers don’t just leave with a fixed car; they leave with coverage, security, and a strong support network behind every service.

More Than a Shop, A Hub for Complete Car Care

APA Total Car Care is far more than a repair shop; it’s a full-service auto care facility dedicated to convenience, capability, and compassion. The shop’s core offerings include:

• Brake Repair & Diagnostics
• Air Conditioning & Heating Service
• Electrical & Engine Diagnostics
• Transmission Repair & Rebuilds
• Suspension & Steering, and Alignments 
• Tire Sales, Patching & Balancing
• Fleet Maintenance & Pre-Trip Inspections
• Diesel Services (Cummins, Duramax, Powerstroke)

All services at APA Total Car Care are performed by ASE-certified technicians using advanced diagnostic and repair technology. The shop is equipped to handle domestic, European, Asian, and diesel vehicles, making it a versatile solution for families, commuters, and business fleets throughout Queen Creek and the surrounding communities.

To make car care as convenient as possible, APA offers digital vehicle inspections (DVIs), remote approval and payment options, and flexible financing through Affirm, Wisetack, Easy Pay, and SNAP Finance, helping customers stay on the road safely without straining their budget.

Customer Care That Goes the Extra Mile

More than just a local repair shop, APA Total Car Care represents what it means to blend technical excellence with genuine care. As a family-run, community-minded business that values honesty and openness, it has become one of Queen Creek’s most respected names in auto repair.

The team understands that today’s customers expect more than repairs. They want reliability, clear communication, and a stress-free experience. That’s why APA invests not just in technology, but in people: technicians who care, advisors who listen, and a process designed around customer needs.

With its recent five-time Carfax Top Shop award and the launch of its Certified Auto Repair-backed warranty, APA Total Car Care is doubling down on its promise to deliver the Best Family-Owned Auto Repair in the East Valley, locally grounded and nationally supported.

Old or contaminated fluid leads to poor brake response and potential failure, especially in hot climates like Queen Creek.

About APA Total Car Care

APA Total Car Care is an award-winning, family-owned auto repair facility located in Queen Creek, AZ. Serving drivers throughout Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Mesa, and Chandler, APA offers expert repair, diagnostics, and maintenance for all major makes and models, including diesel and fleet vehicles. As a Carfax Top Shop and Certified Auto Repair provider, APA combines cutting-edge technology with small-town customer care to deliver dependable, transparent service backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty.

Media Contact
APA Total Car Care
22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
apatotalcarcare.com

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Brake inspections might seem simple until you need one that protects your safety.

At APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek, AZ, we believe a brake inspection should do more than just glance at your pads or top off fluid. It should uncover hidden issues, prevent costly repairs, and most importantly, give you confidence behind the wheel. From brake pad wear to caliper performance and fluid condition, we check the parts that other shops often overlook.

Curious about what’s included in a true full-service brake inspection? Here’s what you can expect when you trust your vehicle to APA, and why it matters more than you think.

The Real Value of Brake Inspections

Brakes are one of your car’s most important safety systems. They help you stop quickly and safely in traffic, during emergency maneuvers, or while towing or descending steep hills. But unlike tires or windshield wipers, brake problems aren’t always visible until it’s too late.

Even a slight issue, like worn pads, sticking calipers, or old brake fluid, can reduce braking power and lead to dangerous situations. Regular brake inspections allow you to:

• Catch early signs of wear before they turn into expensive repairs
• Prevent rotor damage caused by worn-out pads
• Ensure your brake fluid is clean and responsive
• Confirm your brake lines and calipers are functioning correctly
• Drive with peace of mind knowing your system is operating as it should

Routine inspections can also extend the life of your brake components and improve your overall driving experience.

What Is Included in a Full Brake Inspection?

Quick Visual Brake Check vs. Full Brake Inspection

What most shops glance at in minutes vs. what APA Total Car Care measures, documents, and verifies for safety.

Quick Visual Check What a Fast Glance Usually Covers

• ✗Wheels-on look at pads (no precise measurements recorded)
• ✗No rotor thickness, variation, or run-out measurement
• ✗Caliper slide pins/piston movement rarely tested
• ✗No brake fluid moisture/boiling-point test
• ✗Hydraulic system and hose/line leaks not fully inspected
• ✗Parking brake adjustment/operation often skipped
• ✓Very quick (5–10 minutes), but can miss hidden safety issues
• Okay for: a basic pass/fail peek when there are no symptoms.

Risk: May overlook heat spots, uneven wear, fluid contamination, or early hydraulic failures.

Full Brake Inspection (APA) What APA Total Car Care Includes

• ✓Pads/Shoes: wheels off; gauge-measured inner/outer thickness, glazing/cracks, hardware condition noted
• ✓Rotors/Drums: thickness & variation, run-out, heat spots/scoring; drum integrity (if equipped)
• ✓Calipers/Hardware: piston movement, slide pins, boots, even wear, leaks/fluid seepage
• ✓Fluid/Hydraulics: moisture % & boiling-point test, clarity, master cylinder, lines/hoses, air in system
• ✓Parking: cable adjustment and operation; drum mechanisms, springs, and levers verified
• ✓Road Test & DVI: pedal feel, pull, noise, vibration; photos/video with clear recommendations
• ✓Outcome: prioritized options, transparent estimate, and 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty

Typical time: ~30–60 minutes. Designed to prevent costly rotor/caliper damage and restore confident stopping power.

A full brake inspection is more than a glance at your brake pads. At APA Total Car Care, our technicians conduct a complete system evaluation using both visual inspection and diagnostic tools. This ensures every part of your braking system is working properly.

Here’s what we look at:

1. Brake Pads and Shoes

Your brake pads are often the first point of wear in your system. We’ll:

• Measure the remaining pad thickness
• Check for glazing, cracking, or uneven wear
• Inspect the backing plate and clips
• Look for contamination from dirt or fluid leaks

Pads wear gradually, but when they reach their minimum thickness, they can damage the rotors and reduce your ability to stop safely.

2. Brake Rotors and Drums When Braking

Your rotors and drums are responsible for creating the friction needed to stop your vehicle. We inspect:

• Rotor surface condition (scoring, warping, heat spots)
• Rotor thickness and variation
• Drum integrity (if applicable)
• Rotor run-out, which can cause pedal pulsation

Even slight imperfections in the rotors can lead to shuddering, vibrations, or longer stopping distances.

3. Brake Calipers and Hardware

The calipers are what press the pads against the rotors. We check:

• Caliper piston movement
• Even pad wear (uneven wear may mean a sticking caliper)
• Leaks or signs of fluid seepage
• Slide pins and mounting hardware condition

Sticking calipers can cause your car to pull to one side during braking and accelerate wear.

4. Brake Fluid and Hydraulic System

Brake fluid is essential for transmitting force from the pedal to the wheels. During your inspection, we:

• Test brake fluid moisture and boiling point
• Examine fluid clarity and consistency
• Check for air in the lines or a low fluid level
• Inspect the master cylinder and lines for leaks

Old or contaminated fluid leads to poor brake response and potential failure, especially in hot climates like Queen Creek.

5. Brake Lines, Hoses, and Parking Brake

Last but not least, we inspect the infrastructure of your braking system:

• Flexible and metal lines for corrosion or wear
• Fittings and hoses for cracking or leaks
• Parking brake cable adjustment and operation
• Spring and lever integrity for drum-style parking brakes

Every part is checked for reliability, giving you a clear picture of your system’s condition.

Brake Checks: Annual Task or Mileage Milestone?

While manufacturer recommendations vary, here’s a general guide for when to schedule a brake inspection:

• Once a year
• Every 12,000–15,000 miles
• Whenever you notice brake noise, vibration, or pedal softness
• Before long trips or if towing frequently
• If your vehicle pulls to one side while braking

In a climate like Queen Creek, with high heat and dusty roads, we often recommend more frequent checks. If you’re unsure when your last inspection was, book a brake inspection to avoid surprises.

The Top Brake Problems That Go Undetected Until It’s Too Late

Many drivers are surprised by what’s uncovered during a routine inspection. The most common problems include:

• Worn pads near or below the minimum thickness
• Warped or scored rotors from heat or metal-on-metal contact
• Stuck calipers causing uneven braking or pulling
• Brake fluid contamination, usually from age or moisture
• Air in brake lines, reducing hydraulic pressure
• Leaking master cylinder or brake hoses
• Faulty parking brake components

Catching these issues early can save you from more expensive repairs like rotor or caliper replacement. It also helps maintain optimal braking performance for your safety.

How Arizona Heat Affects Your Brakes

One of the most unique challenges Queen Creek drivers face is the heat. Brake systems generate a lot of friction, which creates heat, but in Arizona, they’re already starting at high temperatures.

Here’s how heat can impact your brakes:

• Brake fluid boils more easily, leading to a soft pedal and reduced stopping power
• Rotors warp faster when exposed to high temperatures repeatedly
• Dust and debris from dry roads can infiltrate brake components
• Friction material wears faster, especially during summer towing or mountain drives

For this reason, we always test your brake fluid during inspections and check for signs of heat damage in rotors and pads. If your driving includes a lot of hills, hauling, or high-speed braking, you may need inspections more often.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

While wear is inevitable, smart habits can extend the lifespan of your braking components:

• Coast before braking when approaching stops
• Avoid riding the brake pedal, especially downhill
• Give yourself more stopping distance in traffic
• Downshift when towing or descending long grades
• Flush brake fluid every 2 years or as needed
• Rotate your tires regularly, which helps distribute braking force evenly

A little preventative care can go a long way in reducing your overall brake repair costs and helping your vehicle perform better over time.

Trusted in Queen Creek: Our Approach to Brake Safety and Service

At APA Total Car Care, we take pride in delivering more than just routine service. Our brake inspections are:

• Thorough: Every inspection is done by ASE-certified techs trained to identify subtle signs of wear and damage.
• Transparent: We use digital vehicle inspections through Tekmetric, so you can see photos and videos of your brake components before approving any repairs.
• High-tech: We use high-end tools like the Hunter Hawkeye alignment system to detect suspension or alignment issues that contribute to uneven brake wear, and the Autel MaxiSys Ultra scanner to diagnose electronic brake system problems like ABS faults, helping us catch issues early and ensure a more complete, accurate brake inspection.
• Backed by warranty: Our brake repairs come with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, valid in Canada and Mexico.
• Customer-focused: We treat every vehicle like it’s our own and ensure you understand your brake condition without pressure.

Our commitment to integrity and excellence has earned us recognition as a CarFax Top-Rated Service Shop for five years in a row, a distinction we’re proud to share with the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley communities.

Want to learn more about our complete brake services? Visit our Brake Repair and Services page for details on inspections, repairs, and everything in between.

We’ve Checked Your Brakes. Here’s What You Can Expect Next

After completing your brake inspection, you’ll receive a full digital report outlining:

• The condition of your pads, rotors, and calipers
• Any fluid or hydraulic issues found
• Recommendations for service or replacement
• Photos and videos to back our findings
• Transparent pricing with no pressure to commit

You’ll leave with all the information you need to make a confident decision about your vehicle’s care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Are there different types of brake inspections?

Yes. Some shops offer quick visual checks during an oil change, but a complete brake inspection includes an in-depth evaluation of calipers, fluid, hardware, and hydraulics. Always ask what’s included to ensure you’re getting a full assessment.

Do all vehicles use the same brake system?

No. Most modern cars use disc brakes, but some still have drum brakes in the rear. Trucks, performance, and older vehicles often have unique brake configurations. This is why it’s important to have inspections done by certified technicians.

Can I drive with minor brake noise if my car still stops fine?

Even small noises can mean pad wear, caliper sticking, or rotor issues. It may not feel urgent, but waiting too long can lead to more costly damage. It’s smart to have it inspected as soon as possible.

Does my driving style affect brake inspection frequency?

Yes. Frequent towing, city driving, heavy traffic, or downhill braking will wear your brakes faster. If this sounds like your routine, aim for twice-yearly inspections instead of just once a year.

Hear a Squeak? Feel a Pull? Let’s Take a Look

Brake issues rarely go away on their own. They usually get worse the longer you wait. If you’re unsure about the last time your brakes were checked, or if you’ve noticed squeaks, pulling, or reduced stopping power, now is the right time to act. APA Total Car Care is here to make brake inspections simple, clear, and trustworthy.

Visit us at 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, give us a call at 480-282-8300, or book your appointment online. We’ll give you real answers and real solutions, because your safety is worth it.

Schedule An Appointment

Every Queen Creek driver knows our roads can be unpredictable, from stop-and-go traffic near town centers to long stretches of rural highways where sudden stops aren’t uncommon. Add in the Arizona heat, dust, and occasional construction zones, and your brakes are doing a lot more work than you may realize. If your vehicle starts to hesitate when stopping, makes strange sounds, or just feels “off” under your foot, it could be a sign that brake replacement is needed—often sooner than expected.

At APA Total Car Care, we help Queen Creek drivers recognize these small but important signs of brake trouble before they escalate into more expensive and potentially dangerous repairs. Brake problems often start subtly, so the earlier you catch them, the better. Not sure what to watch for? Let’s break it down.

Brakes 101: What’s Happening When You Stop?

Braking feels simple. You press the pedal, and the car slows down. But behind that action is a complex system of hydraulic force, friction, and responsive hardware.

Most vehicles today use disc brake systems. When you hit the brake pedal, a fluid-filled line compresses the brake caliper, which clamps a set of brake pads against the rotor (the spinning disc attached to your wheel). This friction slows the wheel and your car.

The trouble starts when any part of that system wears out. Brake pads thin out, rotors get grooved or warped, calipers may stick, and brake fluid can degrade over time. When one part begins to fail, the rest often follow. That’s why early detection and regular inspection are key.

The Most Common Signs Your Brakes Need Attention 1. Squealing Sounds

A sharp, high-pitched squeal when braking is typically caused by your brake pad wear indicators. These are designed to alert you that the pads are getting too thin. It’s one of the earliest and easiest signs to catch before damage sets in.

2. Grinding or Scraping

If you hear a grinding sound, your pads may be completely worn, causing the metal backing to contact the rotors. This not only reduces braking ability but can also damage your rotors, leading to more costly repairs.

3. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

A brake pedal that feels soft, mushy, or sinks to the floor could indicate air in the brake lines or a fluid leak. Both issues reduce stopping power and need to be addressed promptly to ensure your safety.

4. Car Pulls to One Side When Braking

If your vehicle pulls to the left or right during braking, it may be due to uneven pad wear or a sticking caliper. It’s a common issue, especially in areas like Queen Creek, where dust and uneven roads are factors.

5. Steering Wheel Vibration

Shaking or vibrating in the steering wheel when braking, especially at higher speeds, is usually a sign of warped rotors or poor wheel balance. It affects your control and should be checked by a technician.

6. Brake Warning Light Is On

The brake warning light on your dashboard means the system has detected a problem, such as low fluid, worn pads, or a sensor issue. Even if your brakes feel normal, don’t ignore this important alert.

Driving Habits That Wear Out Your Brakes Faster

This is where it gets interesting. Brakes don’t just tell you when something’s wrong with them; they also reveal how you drive.

If you’re wearing through pads quickly, it might not be a quality issue. It could be a habit issue. Riding your brakes, especially downhill or in heavy traffic, can cause early wear. Sudden stops from high speeds create more heat, which affects pad life and can warp rotors. Even how closely you follow other vehicles influences how often you use your brakes.

In Queen Creek, drivers face a unique combination of stop-and-go intersections, freeway ramps, and open stretches. This kind of varied driving can affect each part of your brake system differently.

Taking stock of your driving habits can help extend the life of your brakes. If you’re not sure what your habits are costing you, a professional brake inspection is the best way to find out.

Schedule your brake inspection now and get clarity before small habits become costly repairs.

Mileage, Wear, and the Right Time to Replace Your Brakes

There’s no single answer for every vehicle, but here’s a general guideline:

• Brake pads: Replace every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on use
• Rotors: Inspect with each brake service. Resurface or replace as needed
• Brake fluid: Flush every 2 years or as recommended by your manufacturer

Of course, this also depends on whether you tow trailers, drive through hilly terrain, or frequently encounter traffic. Drivers in Queen Creek who regularly drive through town and into the Phoenix metro area often see faster brake wear due to constant stop-and-go movement.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Delaying brake repair can lead to:

• Rotor damage: Replacing rotors is more expensive than just pads
• Caliper failure: A stuck or overheated caliper can ruin pads and rotors
• Fluid contamination: Old fluid absorbs moisture and leads to corrosion
• Extended stopping distance: Your safety is compromised when your car doesn’t respond immediately

The longer you wait, the more components need to be replaced. That’s why we recommend brake inspections as part of regular car maintenance.

If you’ve been searching for “car maintenance near me” or wondering when your last brake check was, this is your sign to get one scheduled.

Queen Creek’s Brake Experts: Reliable, Local, Trusted

Brakes are a safety system. They require attention to detail, experience, and high-quality parts, not just fast service.

Here’s why APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek is trusted by drivers throughout the East Valley: 

• We prioritize your peace of mind. Through digital inspections, we show you exactly what’s happening with your brakes, so you can approve repairs with full confidence.
• Skilled technicians, complete system care. Our team is ASE-certified and trained to evaluate everything—pads, rotors, brake lines, and fluid—ensuring your entire brake system performs at its best.
• Parts that meet or exceed OEM specs. You get lasting quality and a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty to back it up, giving you both safety and value.
• Independent and community-focused. We’re proudly family-owned, serving Queen Creek drivers with the kind of personal service and transparency that national chains can’t match.
• Service versatility that goes beyond brakes. APA Total Car Care is your local one-stop shop for auto repair, performance upgrades, and custom solutions, because your vehicle deserves more than a quick fix.

Noticing These Signs? It’s Time for a Brake Check

There are key moments when scheduling brake service is the smart move:

• You hear squealing or grinding
• Your car pulls while braking
• The brake light comes on
• You feel vibrations or shuddering
• You’re approaching or just passed 30,000 miles since your last service
• You’re heading out on a road trip or hauling a trailer

Even if everything “feels fine,” scheduling regular inspections is a good habit that prevents surprise repairs later.

Noticing unusual brake behavior? Check out these 5 signs you might need brake service or repair before it becomes a bigger issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can the Arizona heat affect my brakes?

Yes. High temperatures in Queen Creek can cause your brake fluid to degrade faster and may contribute to brake fade, especially during long downhill drives or stop-and-go traffic. Regular brake fluid checks are especially important in hot climates like ours.

What’s the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads?

Ceramic pads are quieter, produce less dust, and offer smoother braking, while semi-metallic pads provide stronger braking power and are often better for heavier vehicles or high-performance driving. Our team can recommend the best option based on your driving needs.

Do I need to replace all four brakes at once?

Not always. Often, front or rear brakes wear out at different rates depending on your vehicle’s design and driving habits. However, we always check all four corners to ensure safe, balanced braking.

How can I make my brakes last longer?

Avoid aggressive braking, don’t ride the brakes downhill, and give yourself space in traffic to coast instead of constantly stopping. Scheduling routine inspections is also key to catching uneven wear early.

Feel the Difference in Every Stop. Book Service in Queen Creek, AZ

Brake problems rarely shout; they whisper. A squeal here, a soft pedal there. But those small signs add up fast, especially on the roads around Queen Creek. At APA Total Car Care, we help you catch issues early with real answers, clear inspections, and repairs done right the first time. Whether you’re navigating local school drop-offs, weekend road trips, or Arizona’s busiest highways, your vehicle should stop when it matters most.

You’ll find us at 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Have questions? Give us a call at 480-282-8300 or schedule your brake service online. No matter which location you visit, you’ll get the same trusted service, expert diagnostics, and personal care that sets APA Total Car Care apart in the East Valley.

Schedule An Appointment

When it comes to European vehicles, one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it. These cars are built for precision, performance, and innovation, qualities that demand a technician with the right tools, training, and mindset. The difference between a shop that “can work on it” and one that truly understands brands like BMW, Audi, and VW can mean everything for your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

At APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek, we go beyond routine service. Our shop is equipped with advanced diagnostics, brand-specific service procedures, and decades of hands-on experience with German-engineered vehicles. We’re not just another repair shop. We’re your local European vehicle specialist.

If you’ve ever searched for “European auto repair near me”, you’ve probably noticed that not all shops are built the same. So what exactly makes APA Total Car Care stand out for luxury and performance car owners? Keep reading to discover what specialized care really looks like, and why it matters more than ever in Queen Creek, AZ.

Understanding the European Difference

You don’t need to be a technician to recognize that European vehicles are more than just a badge on the hood. Their reputation for luxury, performance, and innovation comes from highly engineered parts, advanced electronics, and model-specific service protocols.

What Sets European Cars Apart:

• Tighter manufacturing tolerances
• Complex electrical and computer systems
• Specialized transmission and braking systems
• Performance-tuned suspension components
• Brand-specific diagnostic requirements

A general repair shop might be able to change your oil or rotate your tires. But when it comes to diagnosing a VANOS timing issue in a BMW, recalibrating a VW suspension system, or updating Audi’s electronic control modules, that’s where specialization makes all the difference.

The Risk of Using a General Auto Repair Shop

A surprising number of European vehicle owners still take their cars to general mechanics. In some cases, this might seem more convenient or cost-effective, until it isn’t. Misdiagnosis, incorrect parts, incompatible fluids, and outdated equipment can lead to larger issues and costly do-overs.

Here’s what can happen when your vehicle isn’t serviced by a shop familiar with European systems:

• Use of non-approved fluids can damage seals, clutches, or turbos
• Faulty software updates can cause drivability issues
• Inaccurate scan readings may lead to unnecessary part replacements
• Improper brake or suspension work can reduce ride quality and safety

With cars as intricate as a BMW 5 Series, an Audi A6, or a VW Tiguan, taking shortcuts during service can result in poor performance and long-term reliability concerns.

A Closer Look at Brand-Specific Needs

Each European brand brings its own personality and its own repair requirements.

BMW

BMW engines often feature technologies like Valvetronic, VANOS, and twin-scroll turbocharging. Regular maintenance of cooling systems, gaskets, and sensors is crucial to prevent wear-related issues. BMW batteries also require electronic registration after replacement, something many shops skip.

Audi

From quattro all-wheel drive systems to dual-clutch transmissions, Audi’s performance features require precise handling. Carbon buildup in direct injection engines is common, making fuel system cleaning and intake servicing essential. Advanced electronics, including driver assist features, require OEM-compatible tools to diagnose properly.

VW

Volkswagen shares some German engineering DNA with Audi but has its own unique set of systems, like DSG dual-clutch transmissions and TSI engines with direct injection. VW models often face carbon buildup and PCV valve issues. Proper diagnosis and repairs require manufacturer-specific equipment and up-to-date training.

Why Queen Creek Drivers Need a Local Specialist

Finding a specialized European auto repair facility in larger cities like Phoenix or Scottsdale is easy, but for Queen Creek residents, the options are more limited. While driving 30+ miles for service may seem like a solution, it’s not always practical.

That’s why having access to trusted, local, specialized European auto repair matters.

Drivers in Queen Creek and nearby areas like San Tan Valley and Chandler need a shop that offers both the knowledge and tools to service BMW, Audi, and VW properly, without sacrificing time, convenience, or peace of mind.

Sun, Dust, and High Heat: Arizona’s Impact on BMW, Audi, and VW

Most people associate European cars with performance, technology, and style. But here’s something many drivers don’t consider: Arizona’s desert climate poses unique challenges for European makes.

High temperatures, constant sun exposure, and dusty conditions all take a toll on your vehicle’s systems. While these cars are built for autobahns and alpine roads, they aren’t automatically adapted for the American Southwest.

Here’s how the climate affects European vehicles in Queen Creek:

• Cooling systems in BMWs and Audis are more prone to failure due to heat stress.
• Battery life in VWs can be shortened significantly due to extreme temperature swings.
• Suspension systems, especially air suspension in luxury models, can degrade faster on rough, dry roads.
• Rubber seals and gaskets are more susceptible to cracking and leaks under constant sun exposure.

In other words, European car owners in Arizona need to be even more proactive about maintenance. Not all shops understand this dynamic, but a local expert will factor climate-specific care into your service routine.

What to Look for in a European Auto Repair Shop

Searching for a “BMW repair near me” or “Audi repair near me” can produce dozens of results, but what should you be looking for?

Checklist for a European Specialist:

• Technicians with specific experience on BMW, Audi, or VW
• Brand-level diagnostics and programming tools
• Use of manufacturer-approved fluids and parts
• A solid reputation for transparent service and fair pricing
• Familiarity with local driving conditions and climate impacts
• Certification or partnerships with respected vendors

Even better if the shop offers digital inspections, transparent repair tracking, and warranties that cover both parts and labor.

Your Local European Car Experts, Right Here in Queen Creek

This is where APA Total Car Care delivers.

Our Queen Creek location is equipped and staffed to handle the precise needs of European makes, without the need to drive across town or settle for a dealership price tag. We’ve built a reputation not only for quality but for being approachable, transparent, and consistent.

Why European Drivers Choose APA in Queen Creek:

• We use OEM-quality parts and approved fluids
• Our technicians are ASE-certified with European system training
• We handle advanced diagnostics, module programming, and service resets
• We’re family-owned, female-friendly, and locally trusted
• We back our work with a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty

If you drive a BMW, Audi, or VW in Queen Creek, APA Total Car Care offers the specialized attention your vehicle deserves—right here in your neighborhood.

Your European Auto Service Questions Answered Do European vehicles have different service intervals than domestic cars?

Yes. Many European vehicles follow a service schedule based on mileage and time, often using flexible intervals determined by sensors. While some may advertise extended oil change intervals (up to 15,000 miles), Arizona’s heat and driving conditions often call for more frequent service to protect engine health.

Can skipping one service appointment cause damage?

For European vehicles, absolutely. Skipping key services like brake fluid flushes, transmission fluid changes, or cooling system maintenance can cause premature wear on components that are more sensitive and expensive to replace.

Why do parts for BMW, Audi, and VW cost more than other brands?

European automakers use precision components designed to tighter tolerances, often imported directly or manufactured to brand-specific standards. These parts tend to cost more due to higher material quality and the engineering involved.

Are European cars harder to diagnose with standard OBD-II tools?

Yes. While most shops can read basic codes, many European vehicles require brand-specific software to accurately access modules, run advanced tests, and perform resets. Without these tools, misdiagnosis is more likely.

Is it worth servicing a high-mileage European car?

Yes, if it’s been well maintained. Many BMW, Audi, and VW models can last over 200,000 miles with proper care. Staying on top of maintenance is often more cost-effective than replacing the vehicle. A trusted European auto repair shop can help you decide based on its current condition.

Book Service with APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek, AZ

You’ve invested in a vehicle built for precision, performance, and luxury, and the service it receives should reflect those same standards. If you’re in Queen Creek or the surrounding East Valley and searching for VW repair near me, Audi repair near me, or a trusted auto repair shop in Queen Creek, AZ, APA Total Car Care is ready to help.

Our shop is conveniently located at 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Call us today at 480-282-8300 to schedule your European vehicle service or learn more about how we can help keep your BMW, Audi, or VW performing at its best.

Your engine is the single most important and expensive component in your vehicle. For perspective, the average new gas engine can cost you north of $6,000. But if you want a V8 engine, it can cost over $7,000. Fortunately, APA Total Car Care offers many options to prevent you from needing a new engine. As the leading automotive repair center in Gilbert AZ, we offer engine service, engine repair, and engine replacement services. Let’s explore each option.

Engine Service & Engine Maintenance in Gilbert AZ

If you want to prevent more expensive engine repair or engine replacement, it’s imperative to have regular engine service. Engine service refers to the proactive maintenance and repair procedures that keep your engine running smoothly. Some of the most common engine maintenance services include:

• Regular oil and filter changes
• Cooling system inspections
• Inspection of the engine for leaks
• Belt inspection
• Engine tuneup
• Timing belt replacement
• Check Engine Light Service
• Spark plug replacement
• Fuel filter replacement
• Air filter replacement
• And more

The goal of engine service is to ensure it operates at peak performance while extending its lifespan and preventing costly breakdowns.

Engine Repair Services in Gilbert AZ

While engine service is all about preventing more expensive repairs, engine repair is what you’ll need if there’s a problem. Your engine has several moving parts, and each of these parts must perform its role. If one of the components or parts needs replacement, you’ll need engine repair. Failure to repair one issue can cause other components to fail. When this occurs, it can turn what should’ve been a quick fix into a much more expensive ordeal. At APA Total Car Care, some of the most common engine repair services we provide include:

• Check Engine Light repair
• Head gasket replacement
• Oil pan sealing
• Water pump repair
• Belt replacement
• Engine valve repair
• Engine pistons repair
• Replacement or repair of connecting rods
• Crankshafts and camshaft repair
• Engine oil pump repair
• Cylinder head repair
• Intake manifold

What is Engine Replacement?

As the name suggests, engine replacement involves removing a damaged or worn-out engine from a vehicle and replacing it with a new, remanufactured, or rebuilt engine. It is a major repair for specific instances, such as if the engine is beyond repair or has reached the end of its useful life.

However, engine replacement involves much more than removing the old engine and replacing it with a new one. In most cases, the new engine must be modified and retrofitted to your vehicle, which requires a unique level of expertise.

Although engine replacement can be expensive, it’s often a much more cost-efficient option compared to purchasing a new vehicle. Engine replacement can also be more cost-effective than continually repairing an engine that is beyond repair or has multiple issues.

Should I Repair or Replace My Engine?

Whether you should have an engine replacement or engine repair depends on your engine’s specific circumstances. In general, if your engine has significant damage or wear and tear, and the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of engine replacement, then engine replacement may be the better option. Fortunately, APA Total Car Care will guide you through the process. Here are some of the top factors to consider when deciding between engine repair and engine replacement:

1. Age of the vehicle: If your vehicle is older and has high mileage, it may be more cost-effective to replace the engine rather than repair it.
2. The extent of the damage: If the engine has significant damage or wear, such as a cracked block or damaged pistons, engine replacement may be the best option.
3. Cost of repair: If the cost of repairing the engine is more than the value of the vehicle, it may be more practical to replace the engine or the entire vehicle.
4. Engine condition: If the engine is in good condition and the repairs are minor, then engine repair may be a good option.

Contact APA Total Car Care for Engine Repair, Engine Service & Engine Replacement

Whether you need engine service, engine repair, or engine replacement, APA Total Car Care can help. We are the top auto repair and maintenance center in Gilbert AZ. Since 2016, we have provided end-to-end, comprehensive car care services for virtually all makes and models.

Contact APA Total Car Care today!

Schedule your appointment, call us at 480-282-8300, or stop by to see us at 1730 W Sunrise Blvd Suite A105 in Gilbert AZ, or at 22325 S. Scotland Court, Suite 101 in Queen Creek AZ

When it comes to your Volkswagen, an ounce of maintenance is worth pounds of cure. In other words, it’s much easier and more efficient to stop a problem from happening than correct it or stop it after it has already started. With that in mind, it makes dollars and sense to have factory-recommended maintenance and preventative Volkswagen service. At APA Total Car Care, we are the leading Volkswagen maintenance and repair center. Our highly-trained, certified technicians have the expertise and skills to perform preventative maintenance on European models, Japanese models, and more. Let’s take a closer look at how often you should have Volkswagen service performed.

Previously, you were required to have your Volkswagen serviced every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, based on the type of oil used. Thanks to innovation, newer Volkswagens only require service and scheduled maintenance in increments of 10,000 miles. However, it’s important to note that some models may require more frequent servicing.

For older Volkswagen models, you should have a full service every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. This service should include:

• Oil and filter change,
• Brake inspection, and a
• A thorough check of the vehicle’s fluids and systems.
  
  

If you drive your Volkswagen frequently or in harsh conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic or extreme temperatures, it may need to service more often. Additionally, if you notice any unusual noises or performance issues with your vehicle, you should have it inspected by a professional at APA Total Car Care.

Ultimately, it’s best to follow the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in your Volkswagen owner’s manual and consult a certified mechanic at APA Total Car Care with concerns.

Routine VW Maintenance Schedule

While every vehicle can have a different maintenance interval, most newer VWs will follow this schedule:

1. 10,000-mile factory-recommended maintenance includes:
   1. Brake pad inspection
   2. Fluid inspection
   3. Visual inspection of all components
   4. Headlight cleaning system inspection
   5. Tire rotation
   6. Wiper blade inspection
      
      
2. 20K, 40K, and 60K-mile manufacturer suggested maintenance includes everything in the 10K service and:
   1. Brake, Battery, and Tire Inspection
      
      
   2. Fuel filter, dust and pollen filter replacement
3. 30K, 50K, 70K, 90K, and 110K-mile factory-recommended maintenance includes everything in the 10K service and:
   1. Brake disc inspection
   2. Brake and clutch unit fluid replacement
      
      
4. 40K, 80K, and 120K-mile manufacturers suggested maintenance includes everything offered in the 10K service and:
   1. Key component inspection
   2. Filter replacements
   3. And more

What’s the Most Important Volkswagen Service?

Regular oil changes are arguably the most important Volkswagen maintenance task you can perform. Clean oil lubricates your engine’s moving parts and prevents excessive wear and tear. It also helps your engine run smoothly, improves fuel economy, and helps prevent expensive repairs. Other essential maintenance tasks for your Volkswagen include:

• Replacing the air filter,
• Rotating and inspectthe tires,
• Checking and replacing the spark plugs, and
• Inspecting and maintaining your brakes.
  
  

Following your Volkswagen’s recommended maintenance schedule and having regular check-ups with a certified mechanic will help keep your vehicle running reliably and efficiently for years to come.

Why Should I Have My Volkswagen Service & Volkswagen Repair Performed at Independent Auto Shop?

When it comes to having VW service, you are not required to take it to the dealership. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you can service your vehicle at any qualified repair facility without voiding your warranty.

Instead, opting for a local, independent auto repair shop, like APA Total Car Care can open the door to a range of benefits:

1. Better cost: Independent auto repair facilities have less overhead and pass the savings onto customers in the form of lower prices, especially for Volkswagen routine maintenance tasks like oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire rotations.
2. Personalized service: Independent auto repair facilities often have smaller teams, which means you can get to know the technicians who work on your car. You may even be able to develop a long-term relationship with the facility, which can lead to more personalized service and attention to detail.
3. Flexibility: Independent auto repair facilities may be more flexible in scheduling appointments and working around your busy schedule.
   
   

Contact APA Total Car Care for Volkswagen Service & Volkswagen Repair in Queen Creek AZ

At APA Total Car Care, we make it easier and more cost-efficient to protect your vehicle with our Volkswagen maintenance and auto repair solutions. We offer a range of innovative and cost-effective auto repair services, including:

• Transmission repair
• Engine repair
• Heating and air conditioning repair
• TPMS repairs
• Cooling system/ radiator service
  
  

Contact APA Total Car Care today at 480-282-8300, complete our online contact form, or stop by to see us at 1730 W. Sunrise Blvd Suite A105.

Your fleet is one of the biggest expenditures and sources of revenue for your business in Gilbert AZ. However, your vehicles can only generate revenue when they are up and running. Considering the repair costs, lost revenue potential, and missed appointments, it’s best to avoid unplanned downtime and emergency repairs. Fortunately, you can do just that by having a proactive fleet maintenance program. In fact, your fleet maintenance program is the key to

• Keeping your vehicles running smoothly
• Maximizing efficiency
• Improved customer satisfaction
• Reducing downtime, and
• Minimizing costs.

At APA Total Car Car, we offer every factory recommended maintenance and fleet maintenance service your vehicle will need. We will work closely with you to create a customized fleet maintenance schedule based on your driving habits and needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to APA Total Car Care in Gilbert AZ for the best fleet maintenance. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about creating

What Is Preventative Maintenance?

Preventative fleet maintenance is a systematic approach to optimizing and extending the life of your vehicles. Preventative fleet maintenance typically includes a range of services, such as:

• Regularly scheduled inspections
• Factory recommended maintenance
• Proactive repairs and parts replacements
• Reactive repairs and parts replacements
• And other services.
  
  

Preventative maintenance for your fleet should include a detailed checklist of items to inspect and a schedule for when each item should be checked. It can also include guidelines for what to do if a problem is discovered.

How To Create a Fleet Maintenance Plan?

When it comes to creating a preventative fleet maintenance plan, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, your fleet maintenance plan should reflect the types of vehicles in the fleet and be centered on the factory recommended maintenance. With this in mind, you can use the following steps to create an effective preventative fleet maintenance plan:

1. Develop a comprehensive checklist of items to inspect, including items such as brakes, tires, fluids, and electrical systems. This checklist should be customized to the specific needs of the fleet, taking into account factors such as the type of vehicles being used and the conditions they operate in.
2. Establish a schedule for when each item on the checklist should be inspected, taking into account the age of the vehicle, the number of miles it has been driven, and the type of service it is used for. For example, a vehicle that is driven primarily in stop-and-go traffic may require more frequent brake inspections than a vehicle that is driven mostly on the highway.
3. Outline procedures and protocols for addressing problems or issues discovered during inspections. It may include a system for prioritizing repairs and replacements based on severity and urgency.
4. Create the framework to accurately and efficiently document and track repairs.
   
   

The final, and arguably the most important, step is to get your employees on board. As the first line of defense, your employees operate the vehicles and will spend the most time. Ensure they are properly trained on the preventative fleet maintenance plan and take a level of ownership in completing items as scheduled at your Gilbert AZ business.

Maximize Fleet Efficiency with These Bonus Preventative Maintenance Tips

Your fleet maintenance plan shouldn’t be treated as a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Instead, you and your employees should continue reviewing and revising the fleet maintenance plan to meet your business’s evolving needs. To truly maximize the efficiency of your fleet and fleet maintenance plan, consider the following bonus tips:

1. Conduct regular inspections: Regularly inspect each vehicle in your fleet, checking the brakes, tires, lights, fluids, and other critical components. This can help you catch problems early and prevent more significant issues from developing.
2. Use high-quality parts: Use high-quality replacement parts and fluids to ensure that your vehicles perform well and last longer.
3. Address problems quickly: If a problem is found during an inspection or reported by a driver, address it quickly. Delaying repairs can lead to more significant problems down the road.
4. Plan for emergencies: Develop a plan for handling emergencies such as breakdowns, accidents, or weather-related issues. Make sure your drivers know what to do in these situations and have the tools and resources they need.
5. Rotate tires regularly: Rotate tires regularly to promote even wear and prolong tire life.
6. Keep vehicles clean: Regularly clean and maintain the vehicles in your fleet to prevent rust, corrosion, and other damage.
   
   

Need Help with Fleet Preventative Maintenance in Gilbert AZ? Contact APA Total Car Care

Creating and managing a fleet of vehicles can be extremely time-consuming and tough. Fortunately, the APA Total Car Care located in Gilbert AZ can help. We offer comprehensive, end-to-end fleet maintenance solutions designed for fleets of all sizes. Whether you have one vehicle or several, the experts at APA Total Car Care will create a tailored fleet maintenance plan to help maximize the efficiency and productivity of your fleet.

Contact APA Total Car Care today by completing our online contact form, giving us a call at 480-282-8300, or stopping by to see us at 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Do you know what a wheel alignment is? Even the most mechanically oblivious individual can surmise this service involves the alignment of the wheel, right? Well, not so much. In fact, wheel alignment services have less to do with the wheels and more to do with your vehicle’s suspension.

At APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek AZ, we offer wheel alignment services for virtually all makes and models. As the premier wheel alignment shop, we use state-of-the-art equipment to perform fast and efficient wheel repair services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at APA Total Care in Queen Creek AZ for wheel alignment services. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about the wheel alignment service.

What Is a Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of the angles of your wheels, so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Wheel alignment services are an important part of vehicle maintenance that helps ensure you enjoy a safe, controlled, and efficient driving experience.

Why Are Wheel Alignment Services Important?

Here are some of the top reasons why you should have wheel alignment services as needed or as suggested by the manufacturer:

1. Improved handling: Properly aligned wheels can help to improve your vehicle’s handling, which makes it easier to control and steer.
2. Increased fuel efficiency: Properly aligned wheels experience less rolling resistance, which can help you save money on fuel.
3. Extended tire life: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and premature tire replacement. By having your wheels aligned, you can help extend the life of your tires and save money on replacement costs.
4. Safer driving: Properly aligned wheels will make your vehicle more stable and easier to control, which can help you avoid accidents.
5. Better ride quality: This integral preventative car maintenance service can help to reduce vibrations and noise for a more comfortable ride.
6. Preserves suspension components: Misaligned wheels can cause excessive wear on suspension components, leading to more frequent repairs and replacements. However, you can prevent more expensive repairs by having regular wheel alignments.
   
   

Signs You Need Wheel Alignment in Queen Creek AZ

With so much riding on your wheels in Queen Creek AZ and its proper alignment, it’s imperative to keep everything straight and narrow. As such, it’s important you’re aware of the signs you need to visit a wheel alignment shop. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should visit the wheel alignment shop in Queen Creek AZ.

1. Are you experiencing uneven or rapid tire wear? When your tires wear unevenly or wear out more quickly than normal, you may need wheel alignment services in Queen Creek AZ.
2. Is your vehicle pulling to one side? If your vehicle tends to pull or drift to one side or the other — even when the steering wheel is centered — you may need wheel alignment services in Queen Creek AZ.
3. Do you feel steering wheel vibration? If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel while driving, especially at higher speeds, you may need to visit a wheel alignment shop in Queen Creek AZ.
4. Is your steering wheel crooked? When you’re driving straight, your steering wheel should do the same. But if your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, your wheels are most likely misaligned.
5. Do your tires squeal? Misaligned wheels can cause your tires to squeal when turning. It’s not just embarrassing — it can be dangerous and cause excessive wear and tear on the tires.
   
   

If you notice these signs, don’t hesitate to contact the mechanic at APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek AZ.

How Often Should I Have a Wheel Alignment?

When it comes to your wheel alignment, there are no hard and fast rules as to how often you should have it. However, your manufacturer does set guidelines. Most manufacturers suggest you have a wheel alignment at least once every 12,000 miles or once a year — whichever comes first. Outside of these general guidelines, the frequency in which you should have a wheel alignment can vary based on several factors, such as:

• Driving conditions,
• Road surfaces,
• Vehicle usage, and
• Types of tires used.
  
  

Specifically, if you regularly drive on uneven or rough roads or have frequent pothole encounters, you may need wheel alignment services more often. At the same time, towing heavy loads and venturing off the pavement to explore your own roads can cause extra strain on your wheels and suspension, which may require wheel alignment services more often. You should also proactively schedule wheel alignment services whenever you purchase new tires or have suspension components replaced.

Contact APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek AZ for the Best Wheel Alignment Services

While wheel alignment services are often overlooked and considered optional, this is a very important service. Your wheel alignment impacts your ability to maneuver, which may be a life-and-death matter if you’re in an accident. Simply put, don’t skip wheel alignment services! You have too much riding around on your wheels.

Contact the best wheel alignment shop in Queen Creek, AZ.

Complete our online contact form, give us a call at 480-282-8300, or stop by to see us at 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101, Queen Creek AZ 85142.

As the only part of your vehicle that contacts the road, the importance of your tires can’t be overstated. Yet, when most people think of the most important components, tires rarely make the list. In fact, most drivers in Gilbert AZ rarely think twice about the tires — until there’s a problem. Besides, tires are nothing but rubber, right? Without any mechanical components or moving parts, your tires are simple.

However, there’s much more to your tires than what meets the eye. Let’s look at a few facts about tires you’ve never considered. And if you need tires, tire alignments, tire rotations, or any other auto care service, the experts at APA Total Car Care in Gilbert AZ can and will help.

Tires Have a Colorful History

Did you know the original tires were white? To strengthen the original tires, manufacturers would add zinc oxide to the rubber, which would turn them white. To further strengthen their durability and longevity, manufacturers then added carbon black. Combining the best of both worlds, white wall tires were first introduced in 1914 when a white zinc wall was combined with a carbon black tread.

Tires With Alignment Issues Are Expensive

Tires with alignment issues can be expensive. For starters, a vehicle that has improper alignment can use 10% more fuel than it needs to. At the same time, tires with alignment issues will experience a reduced lifespan. If your wheels are out of alignment by just 1/8th of an inch, your tires can experience a staggering 20% extra wear. In the end, a tire alignment or wheel alignment is a key preventative maintenance service you shouldn’t skip.

The Tire Tread Lines Are Called Sipes

All tires are designed with slits or slices that are called sipes. These slices spread and close to effectively grip the road as you drive. They also work to safely channel water away from your vehicle as you’re traversing over snowy or wet roads. This innovation was created by a butcher to reduce slippage on bloody floors. After cutting slits in his boots, he immediately discovered improved grip and traction.

Run Flat Tires Do Just That

Although it can seem natural for tires to need air, this isn’t always the case. Manufacturers have leveraged cutting-edge technology to create tires that are puncture resistant. These tires do not hold air at all. Many run-flat tires can travel just over 100 miles after losing tire pressure.

Old Tires Create Volumes of Waste

Each year, over 250 million used tires are discarded and thrown away. Fortunately, recycling programs are designed to melt old tires down and turn them into items like asphalt, garden mulch, and even new tires. If you’re looking to get rid of old tires, the best solution is to take your old tires to your local Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Gilbert AZ. It’s located at 2224 E Queen Creek Road in Gilbert AZ.

Do You Think Your Tires Are Expensive? Think Again

So, do you think a new set of tires for your vehicle in Gilbert, AZ is expensive? They most likely pale in comparison to a new set of tires for the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. A new set of Michelin tires for this supercar can easily cost around $42,000. These specially formulated tires are rated to withstand a whopping 258 miles per hour.

Tire Pressure Changes Are Caused by Water in Gilbert AZ

The seasonal change from summer to winter in Gilbert, AZ will almost always cause a change in your tire pressure. Many estimates suggest you can expect a 1 to 2-degree PSI drop for every 10-degree drop in temperature. This change in tire pressure is due to water vapor in your tires, which is more sensitive and reactive to temperature changes than the surrounding air. This causes variations in hot and cold air pressure. If you want to avoid seasonal changes in tire pressure, consider filling your tires with nitrogen. Nitrogen doesn’t have water vapor, so the tire pressure holds steady.

Contact APA Total Car Care for the Best Tire Alignments Near Me

At APA Total Car Care, we are the leading auto repair center in the Gilbert, AZ area. We offer a full range of tires from all the top manufacturers as well as every tire service your vehicle will ever need. Whether you’re looking for the best “tire alignments near me,” tire rotation, or any other service, APA Total Car Care checks every box.

In addition to our Gilbert AZ auto repair center, we also offer a convenient location in Queen Creek. Whether you visit our Queen Creek or Gilbert, AZ location, you’ll always enjoy reliable auto repairs and best-in-class service at every turn.

Contact APA Total Car Care today by completing our online contact form, giving us a call at 480-282-8300, or stopping by to see us at 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Whether you drive a Maserati or a Mazda, oil changes and filter replacements are the quintessential maintenance services for your vehicle. For most vehicles, the oil change is straightforward and relatively easy. So much so, many drivers in Queen Creek AZ opt to perform DIY oil changes. In either case, there are right and wrong ways of performing an oil change.

If you are a DIYer, the certified automotive experts at APA Total Car Care provide helpful and insightful tips for successful oil changes and filter replacements. Continue reading to learn more and don’t hesitate to reach out to APA Total Car Care for the best oil change and filter replacement service in Queen Creek AZ.

Always Perform the Oil Change According to the Manufacturer’s Specifications

No one — and we mean no one — knows your vehicle better than the experts who engineered and built it. As such, before you attempt to change your oil or even change a tire, you should refer to your owner’s manual. From the amount of oil, type of oil, and blend, everything you need to know about your oil change and filter replacements should be explained in the owner’s manual. One of the biggest mistakes novice oil change DIYers make is failing to check out the owner’s manual.

Always Choose the Right Oil Weight for Your Oil Change in Queen Creek AZ

Every vehicle’s engine requires a certain oil weight. Oil weight is a term used to describe the viscosity of the oil, which refers to how well it flows at specific temperatures. The preferred oil weight and viscosity can vary based on the make and model of the vehicle. However, most modern vehicles will have the suggested oil weight printed on the oil cap under the food. If you don’t see it there, you should always refer to your owner’s manual. If you choose the wrong oil, it can reduce the lifespan of your engine.

Let Your Vehicle Cool Down in Queen Creek AZ

Whether it’s a Queen Creek AZ summer or a New Jersey winter, under-the-hood temperatures can be extremely hot. In fact, these temperatures can be anywhere from 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. To put it into perspective, the average temperature in Queen Creek AZ from July to August lingers around 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

As such, before you attempt to perform any work on your vehicle, it’s important to allow it to sit idle for about 20 to 30 minutes. Doing so can help reduce the likelihood that the oil will burn you. If you need to warm up the oil, allow your vehicle to run for about two minutes.

Choose the Right Oil Filter for Filter Replacements in Queen Creek AZ

Oil filter replacements are an important part of your oil change in Queen Creek AZ. Your oil filter removes dirt and grit from the oil circulating throughout your engine. However, if your oil filter is clogged, it will no longer be able to perform. As such, it’s imperative to change the oil filter whenever you perform an oil change.

Similar to the type of oil, the right oil filter will depend on the type of engine and the manufacturer’s recommendations. When you’re looking to perform a DIY oil change, make sure to select and use the right oil filter replacements.

Seal the Oil Filter Replacements Properly

Another common mistake made by experienced and inexperienced oil change DIYers is not allowing oil filter replacements to dry. If you apply the new oil filter replacement to your vehicle and it’s wet, it can result in a subpar seal that may lead to leaky and loose filters. After some time, the new oil filter replacement can even unthread itself.

When this occurs, you’ll find oil all over your driveway — if you’re lucky. If luck isn’t on your side, you could be driving down the interstate or highway in a vehicle without oil. In either case, make sure to fill oil filter replacements about halfway with oil and spread a small amount around the filter to foster the perfect seal.

Contact APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek AZ Today

While performing an oil change may be simple for an experienced DIYer, it’s filled with pitfalls. At APA Total Car Care, we often see drivers looking to save a buck end up spending thousands more correcting their mistakes. Fortunately, the mechanic at APA Total Car Care offers a fast, affordable, and comprehensive oil change service that includes filter replacements.

Contact us today to schedule your oil change in Queen Creek, AZ.

Contact APA Total Car Care today by completing our online contact form, giving us a call at 480-282-8300, or stopping by to see us at 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Few things are worse than driving a vehicle where you feel every bump in the road. Needless to say, your vehicle’s suspension is important. However, the suspension is about much more than a matter of comfort. It can be a matter of safety. At APA Total CAre in Gilbert AZ, we offer a full range of suspension service and repair solutions for most vehicles. Let’s take a closer look at suspension service and repair and what you need to know about this critical system. And if you need auto repair in Gilbert AZ, don’t hesitate to contact APA Total Car Care.

Your Suspension System in a Nutshell

Your vehicle’s suspension system is a complex network of shock-absorbing parts, including dampers and springs. These components work together to ensure you enjoy a smooth and safe drive by absorbing energy from different bumps. Instead of being jolted every time you drive over a pothole, divot, or bump, the suspension dampens the impact. 

At the same time, your suspension and steering system helps ensure your tires stay in contact with the road. The main parts of a suspension system include:

• Coil Springs. Coil springs absorb the impact of the vibrations whenever your vehicle makes contact with bumps or the road. 
• Shock Absorbers. Also called shocks or dampers, they support the coils whenever your vehicle encounters bumps. 
• Linkages/Rods. Rods and linkages are tasked with securely connecting the many parts of your suspension system to each other. 
• Bearings and Joints. Joints and bearings allow other suspension parts and components to glide and move easily. 
• Anti-Sway Bar. This part helps shift the movement of your wheels relative to the steering wheel. It helps stabilize the direction your vehicle moves along the road. 
  
  

The Important Connection Between Suspension and Steering in Gilbert AZ

In addition to absorbing bumps and ensuring a smooth ride, your suspension and steering systems are intimately connected. In fact, the suspension system is paramount to your ability to control and steer your vehicle. If you need suspension service and repair in Gilbert AZ, you may notice your vehicle’s steering pulls to one side or the other. 

It can make it harder to stay in the proper lane because you’ll have to change how you adjust your steering wheel. While inconvenience is one attribute, it can be dangerous. When you need suspension service and repair in Gilbert AZ, your reaction times may be slower, which can increase the likelihood of you causing a collision in Gilbert AZ. 

A Damaged Suspension System Can Cause More Expensive Auto Repair in Gilbert AZ

One often overlooked outcome of ignoring the need for suspension service and repair is the additional damage it can cause. Specifically, a damaged suspension system will not be able to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle from the impact of potholes and bumps. It can also cause more expensive damage to other parts. For example, failing to have timely suspension service and repair can cause uneven tire treads, which means you’ll have to replace your tires sooner than normal. 

How Do I Know I Need Suspension Service and Repair in Gilbert AZ?

Like most components on your vehicle, there are several distinct signs your vehicle may demonstrate when you need suspension service and repair in Gilbert AZ. It’s imperative to always pay attention to any changes in the performance and handling of your vehicle. Some of the most common signs of suspension service and repair drivers in Gilbert AZ experience include:

• A squealing noise whenever you turn your steering wheel
• A grinding noise whenever you turn your steering wheel
• Tire damage and uneven wear
• A shaking or vibrating steering wheel
• Pulling or drifting turns
• Increased difficulty steering
• A rougher riding vehicle
  
  

Contact APA Total Car Care for the Best Auto Repair in Gilbert AZ

Your suspension and steering system are quintessential parts of your vehicle. They directly affect your ability to steer, maneuver, and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. As such, it’s important to have the necessary suspension service and repairs as needed. And the mechanic at APA Total Car Care can help. If your vehicle demonstrates any of the previously mentioned signs, it’s important to have an inspection. After the inspection, the mechanic at APA Total Care will explain the findings and offer you the most cost-effective suspension service and repair. 

Contact APA Total Car Care today by completing our online contact form, giving us a call at 480-282-8300, or stopping by to see us at 1730 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite A105, Gilbert, AZ 85233.

If you’ve ever heard someone play an old, out-of-tune piano, you probably know it’s an unpleasant experience at best. Now imagine they were driving the piano instead. Your car’s infinitely more complex than a piano, and it should come as no surprise that it also needs occasional tuning to keep running at its best. A tune up is a key preventative maintenance service your car depends on.

Fortunately, the mechanic at APA Total Car Care specializes in performing fast and precise car tune up services and auto repair in Queen Creek AZ. As the premier center for auto repair in Queen Creek AZ, we regularly educate our customers on the importance of having a regular tune up. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top benefits you stand to gain when you have tune ups and preventative maintenance in Queen Creek AZ.

Tune Up Services in Queen Creek AZ Prevent Costly Repairs

Every time you bring your car in for a tune up, we’ll go over all of your engine’s major components to look for signs of wear and tear. If something’s loose, we’ll tighten it. If something’s broken, we’ll let you know so you can have it replaced. Those little things can add up to big savings on more costly repairs down the road. And even though we’re the top provider of auto repair in Queen Creek AZ, we’d much rather see you on a non-emergency basis.

Save Money with Tune Ups in Queen Creek

With gas prices on the rise in Queen Creek AZ, higher than ever before, not many people can afford to waste gasoline. However, that’s just what your engine will do if you don’t bring it in for a tune up from time to time. How much will you save? According to research, tune ups and preventative maintenance can net you an average of 4% increase in fuel economy. That may not sound like much, but at today’s gas prices, it adds up in a hurry—and every bit helps.

Tune Ups Can Prevent You From Being Stranded in Queen Creek AZ

Every time you go for a drive, you’re counting on your car to get you where you’re going and back without any problems. A car with a neglected engine may not do that. Regular tune ups keep your engine running well but also offer experts like the team at APA Total Car Care a chance to find and fix other problems you may not know about. That can help you avoid getting stranded by the side of a road instead of getting to where you’re going one day.

Decrease Emissions with Regular Tune Ups in Queen Creek AZ

If you haven’t noticed by now, it keeps getting hotter and drier here in Queen Creek AZ, every year. Your car’s engine isn’t helping matters every time you go out for a drive—especially if it’s not in peak operating condition. Getting it tuned up from time to time helps to keep your car’s emissions as low as possible. While it won’t eliminate them completely, every bit of exhaust you can keep out of our atmosphere is worth it.

Improve Your Resale Value with Regular Vehicle Tune Ups 

Even though they’ve declined from their mid-pandemic peak, used car prices are still sky-high. That means your car is worth more than ever on the secondary market. However, if your car’s engine isn’t in good shape, don’t count on being able to sell it for much if you decide you’d like a new car. When a potential buyer brings your car to a mechanic to see its worth, they’ll know if you’ve neglected your engine. Then the buyer will either insist that you cut your asking price, or they’ll just move on. Trust us—we’ve seen it in our shop countless times.

Contact APA Total Car Care for Preventative Maintenance and Auto Repair in Queen Creek AZ 

At APA Total Car Care, we are the leading center for preventative maintenance and auto repair in Queen Creek AZ. We offer a full range of auto repair services, including engine replacement as a last resort. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take today to protect your vehicle and your wallet. These services are centered around having regular engine tune ups based on the manufacturer’s suggested intervals. Don’t wait for your engine to show you the folly of your untuned ways. Trust your vehicle to the experts at APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek AZ. 

Contact APA Total Car Care today by completing our online contact form, giving us a call at 480-282-8300, or stopping by to see us at 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Your car’s brakes are among the most important of your vehicle’s many mechanical systems. They’re also one of the few systems that can put you in immediate danger if they malfunction. Despite that fact, not every driver in Gilbert AZ fully understands how their car’s brakes work.

Fortunately, the team at APA Total Car Care in Gilbert AZ can help. At APA Total Car Care in Gilbert AZ, we believe that an informed customer is the best customer. As such, here’s a guide to different kinds of brake repairs and brake service solutions.

 

Common Brake Service #1: Brake Pad and Shoe Replacement in Gilbert AZ

The most common type of brake repair is brake pad replacement. Or, on older vehicles, a brake shoe replacement. Brake pads and shoes are the components of a brake system that generate the friction required to slow and eventually stop your vehicle. They’re consumable parts, though, that wear down over time.

When your car’s brake pads or shoes wear out, your car loses stopping power. The solution is to bring your car in for a new set of brake pads or shoes. It’s not a difficult job, but one that requires precision and care. If your car’s brake pads aren’t installed properly, it could compromise your vehicle’s ability to stop when you need it to.

Common Brake Service #2: Rotor Service in Gilbert AZ

Brake pads are only one of the brake system parts that generate stopping power. Your car’s rotors are the other part. They’re the smooth surface the brake pads come into contact with when you step on your brake pedal. The resulting friction stops your car in Gilbert AZ or anywhere else. Your rotors typically last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles.

Worn-out rotors don’t provide a smooth surface for the brake pads to grip. When that happens, you’ll lose stopping power and will often feel a vibration in your steering wheel when you try to stop. In some cases, it’s possible to resurface an existing rotor to return it to good working order. Sometimes, however, the only solution to a worn-out rotor is to replace it with a new one.

Common Brake Service #3: Brake Fluid Checks in Gilbert AZ

Modern cars feature hydraulic brake systems. That means they rely on a liquid—called brake fluid—to provide the force needed to stop your car. Most of the time, your car’s brake fluid will do its job without problems. However, if your brake system develops a leak or the brake fluid itself gets contaminated with dirt or other substances, you may experience brake trouble.

A brake fluid check is a service where the mechanic checks both the brake fluid level and its condition. If your car needs brake fluid, the mechanic will add it. If your brake fluid’s worn out or contaminated, they’ll replace it. Or, if the mechanic discovers a brake fluid leak, they’ll fix the problem before refilling the fluid.

Common Brake Service #4: Master Cylinder Replacement in Gilbert AZ

Your car’s master cylinder is the part of its brake system that divides and delivers the hydraulic force to your front and rear brakes. It’s built to last for your car’s lifetime, but sometimes, a malfunction or leak might mean you’ll need a replacement. To do it, a mechanic in Gilbert AZ needs to drain all of the brake fluid from your brake system first.

Once they do, they’ll then disconnect your brake fluid sensor and brake fluid lines. Then, they’ll install the new master cylinder, partially fill the system with brake fluid, and use it to drive any trapped air out of the new part. Once that’s finished, they’ll complete the job by topping off your brake fluid and bleeding your brake lines to be certain they’ve left no air bubbles behind.

Contact APA Total Car Care in Gilbert AZ for Brake Service

If you own a car, there’s a good chance it will need one of the brake repairs or services described above at some point. When that day comes, you’ll want to make APA Total Car Care your first and only stop. Our expert mechanics will handle your necessary brake services with skill and precision, so you’ll drive away confident that your brakes will perform every time you need them to.

In addition to brake repair, we offer a full slate of auto repair in Gilbert AZ for virtually all makes and models. There’s simply no better place to go for brake services and auto repair in Gilbert AZ and the surrounding area.

Contact APA Total Car Care today by completing our online contact form, giving us a call at 480-282-8300, or stopping by to see us at 1730 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite A105, Gilbert, AZ 85233.

Here at APA Total Car Care, the “P” in our name stands for Performance. That means we specialize in servicing and amplifying the dynamism of sports cars in Queen Creek AZ and other high-performance vehicles. In fact, this is one of the attributes that make us different from the other repair shops in Queen Creek AZ.

At APA Total Car Care, we are proud to be one of the leading performance auto shops with a top-performance mechanic. area. But do you really know what a performance mechanic is? Better yet, do you know how to choose a performance mechanic in Queen Creek AZ? In either case, we’ve outlined some of the most desirable attributes in a performance mechanic in Queen Creek AZ.

The Best Performance Mechanic Should Have Top-Notch Communication Skills

Although communication skills may not be the first thing you think of when you go looking for a performance mechanic, they should be. The reason why is simple. You want a performance mechanic in Queen Creek AZ that will listen and communicate clearly when you express a concern or want to discuss upgrades.

Too many mechanics have their own ideas of what’s best for a vehicle and couldn’t care less what their owners want. That’s not how we work at APA Total Car Care. We’d rather be your trusted performance auto partner, and that means we put customer communication first at all times.

The Right Training and Certifications

Another thing you want in a performance mechanic is one with the right training and certifications. After all, you wouldn’t want an amateur messing with your car, would you? APA Total Car Care is a NAPA Auto Care Center. Among other things, that means our mechanics have ASE certifications and a wealth of experience on the job. That’s why we can confidently claim to offer the best auto repair in Queen Creek AZ and back up our work with a warranty.

State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Equipment

When you take your car to a mechanic for a repair or a performance upgrade, you’ll also want to know they’re working with the latest diagnostic tools and equipment. Performance tuning requires precise performance measurements—which is only possible with state-of-the-art equipment.

Whether you have an overheating engine or any other service, the best mechanic is only as good as his tools. At APA Total Car Care, we use all of the latest tools and technology to get your vehicle to perform at its best. And that equipment also helps us to discover and fix problems that other shops might overlook until they turn into bigger problems.

Access To High-quality Performance Parts

When you want to get the greatest possible performance out of your vehicle, OEM parts are essential. But so, too, are high-quality aftermarket performance parts. Some performance auto shops have one or two preferred parts vendors whose parts they’ll push on customers whether they’re a good fit or not.

At APA Total Car Care, we have no allegiance to any suppliers. Our first and only goal is to get the right part for your car to produce the performance effects you desire. Nothing more and nothing less.

Experience With Foreign and Domestic Vehicles

While many may believe a car’s a car, there are distinct differences between European vehicles and domestic vehicles. A good performance mechanic will have knowledge and experience with both. That means they can handle performance upgrades on the widest possible variety of cars, even BMW auto repair or Land Rover maintenance.

Contact APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek AZ for Performance Auto Work

If you’re looking for the best performance auto shops in Queen Creek AZ, the performance mechanic at APA Total Car Care can and will help. Our state-of-the-art performance auto shops in Gilbert AZ and Queen Creek confidently check every box.

So, when you need a performance mechanic with the tools, experience, and know-how to deliver the repairs and upgrades you want, you know exactly where to turn. Trust APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek AZ for all of your performance auto needs. We’ll be your trusted performance partner for life.

Contact APA Total Car Care today by completing our online contact form, giving us a call at 480-282-8300, or stopping by to see us at 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101, Queen Creek AZ 85142.

We get it —car repairs and services can be expensive in Queen Creek AZ! In fact, CarMD suggests consumers spent an average of $384.90 in 2019 maintaining and fixing their vehicles. While car repairs and services are more expensive for some, they all cost money. Fortunately, there are a number of steps and best practices you can take to save money on auto repair in Queen Creek. Let’s take a closer look at easy steps you can take to save on auto repair in Queen Creek AZ. And for more, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at APA Total Car Care.

Make Sure to Have Regular Preventative Maintenance by Auto Mechanics in Queen Creek AZ

Without a doubt, the top and most certain way to save money on car repairs and services in Queen Creek AZ is to have regular preventative maintenance. Whether it’s having regular oil changes, fluid exchanges, wheel alignments, tire rotation, spark plug changes, or any other service suggested by your manufacturer, each one is paramount.

Failure to stick to preventative maintenance suggestions can lead to exponentially more expensive car repairs and services. For example, if you do not have your oil changed regularly, it can place your engine under unnecessary stress. Then, the stress can build to cause significant engine problems or all-out engine failure.

And this is ultimately why manufacturers suggest you have certain services at certain intervals. These services are designed to replace old and worn-out parts to ensure the more expensive, major components can perform as intended in an ideal operating environment.

Always Choose the Best Certified Mechanics Near Me

While this may sound counterintuitive, you pay for what you get. If you were to visit a shade tree auto mechanic in Queen Creek AZ or a quick lube, you may save a buck today. However, poor workmanship, inferior parts, and lack of expertise can cost you exponentially more than you assumed you saved.

In the end, you pay for what you get. And we’re not saying go to the most expensive auto mechanics in Queen Creek AZ, which is often the dealership. Instead, it’s about finding reputable and reliable “certified mechanics near me”, such as the squad at APA Total Car Care. When you bring your vehicle to us or other reputable auto mechanics in Queen Creek AZ, we will do it right the first time.

Watch Out for Warning Indicator Lights

Although your vehicle can’t talk, it can communicate and it does so in the form of dashboard indicator lights, including:

• Check Engine Light
• Transmission Warning Light
• Tire Pressure Warning Light
• Oil Pressure Warning Light
• ABS Warning Light
• Battery Alert Light
• And more!
  
  

Wanna know what light you didn’t see on the shortlist? The “Ignore Me…I’m Nothing Serious Light.” In other words, any dashboard indicator light that is illuminated means something is wrong. And it also means you should seek out auto repair in Queen Creek AZ before your molehill turns into a desert mountain.

Build a Relationship with Auto Mechanics in Queen Creek

As with anything in life, relationships are everything. And it’s no different when it comes to auto mechanics in Queen Creek AZ. One often overlooked way of saving money on car repairs and services in Queen Creek AZ is to find a mechanic you can trust and build a relationship with. On one hand, you’ll be more likely to know about special offers, discounts, and coupons available.

But most importantly, trust is priceless. Why? B/c if a mechanic tells you you need something and you don’t trust them, you will be less likely to take their suggestions or advice. And the advice may be very useful and valuable information.

However, if you have auto mechanics in Queen Creek who you trust and have a relationship with, you will be more likely to adhere to their suggestions without questioning whether they’re taking advantage of you. Simply put, relationships and trust are invaluable.

Contact APA Total Care for Car Repairs and Services in Queen Creek AZ

If you’re looking for the best car repairs and services in Queen Creek AZ, APA Total Car Care will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Most importantly, we are able to do so at an affordable price to save you time and money.

Contact APA Total Care today by calling us at 480-282-8300, completing our online contact form, or stopping in to see us at one of our two locations:

• 1730 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite A105 in Gilbert AZ
• 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101 in Queen Creek AZ

Purchasing a vehicle is the second largest purchase that most of us will make in Gilbert AZ. However, it’s much more than a single purchase. Your vehicle is likely to assure you the ability to earn a living, it’s a source of pleasure, and can be a priceless place of solitude. Because of this, it’s imperative to protect your investment and take the preventive steps you need to maximize the ROI and ensure it lasts for several years to come.

While changing your vehicle’s oil is the most basic and common type of factory recommended maintenance, other preventative car maintenance services include:

• Replacement of spark plugs
• Transmission inspection
• Wheel alignment
• Tire rotation and balance
• Change of air filters and fuel filters.
  
  

Make sure to speak to your mechanic in Gilbert AZ for personalized suggestions on how often you should have certain maintenance services. And when you do have car maintenance, you’ll open the door to the following benefits of preventative maintenance in Gilbert AZ.

Preventative Maintenance in Gilbert AZ Can Save You Money

Many significant automotive repairs are caused by the owner’s oversight or neglect. In most instances, major problems like engine failure or transmission failure could’ve been prevented with regular car maintenance and upkeep. Maintenance services like engine fluid replacement, coolant exchange, and oil changes are all paramount to protecting your vehicle and saving you the expense of major repairs. If you fail to have the necessary factory recommended maintenance and preventative maintenance, you’ll spend exponentially more on exhaustive repairs.

Car Maintenance Can Give You An Added Peace of Mind

Few things are worse than driving on “may pops” or a vehicle that is likely to leave you stranded on the side of the road in Gilbert AZ. However, if you fail to have proper preventative maintenance this may be the exact scenario you’re cruising into.

For example, if you fail to have wheel alignments, tire rotations, and tire services, you may be more likely to have a blowout or flat tire. Why? Because during these preventative services, your vehicle and tires will be inspected. This means the mechanic would’ve noticed the bulge in your tire and alerted you that it wasn’t safe to drive on in Gilbert AZ.

Improve Your MPGs & Fuel Efficiency

Today, it’s more important than ever to find easy and realistic ways to reduce your fuel consumption and gas bill. One way you can do just that is to have the necessary factory recommended maintenance and preventative maintenance. Having key services like tire rotation and oil change can bolster your MPGs by up to three miles a gallon. This is due to the fact that a properly maintained and functioning automobile will not have to work as hard to perform basic functions, which leads to real efficiency gains.

Your Loved One’s Safety Is Priceless

When it comes to your vehicle, you have too much riding around in it to take unnecessary chances. Simply put, poorly maintained vehicles are more likely to be less safe. For instance, if your vehicle has a blowout while driving, you could spin out of control and run into other drivers, pedestrians, and/or objects. Another example is if your wheels are out of alignment or you need preventative suspension service, it could hinder your ability to make defensive maneuvers.

Contact APA Total Car Care in Gilbert AZ for Factory Recommended Maintenance

At APA Total Car Care — previously Ace Performance Auto— we are proud to be the top car maintenance and auto repair center in Gilbert AZ. As such, we boast the ability and expertise to perform factory recommended maintenance, car maintenance, and preventative maintenance on virtually all makes and models, including:

• Domestic car maintenance & factory recommended maintenance
• European vehicle preventative maintenance
• German car maintenance
• Fleet service and fleet maintenance
• Diesel engine preventative maintenance
• And more!
  
  

Contact APA Total Car Care today by calling us at 480-282-8300, completing our online contact form, or stopping in to see us at one of our two locations:

• 1730 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite A105 in Gilbert AZ
• 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101 in Queen Creek AZ

Does exercising help you lose weight? Does going to work help you earn money? Does car maintenance really pay off in the long run? What do all three of these questions have in common? They all share a resounding “Yes” as an answer. While we aren’t here to talk about physical or financial fitness, we are here to discuss the fitness of your vehicle. And when it comes to your vehicle, the team at APA Total Care in Queen Creek AZ can help. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of preventative maintenance for your vehicle and why it makes dollars and sense in the short and long run.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Vehicle in Queen Creek AZ?

Over the years, vehicles have become significantly more reliable and durable. Previously, seeing the 100,000-mile mark on your odometer would’ve been considered a significant accomplishment. Today, you can expect your vehicle to last around 200,000 miles or about 12 years in Queen Creek AZ. However, the longevity of your vehicle significantly hinges on what you do and how you care for the vehicle. Simply put, when it comes to extending the life of your vehicle, regular preventative maintenance can help you go even further.

How Does Regular Car Maintenance and Preventative Maintenance Pay Off in the Short & Long Run?

Having preventative maintenance follows this core principle of business — “you have to spend money to make money.” In terms of your car, spending marginal money on preventative maintenance today is an investment in the second largest investment you’re likely to make. And when you make a relatively minor investment in car maintenance, you will unlock a host of benefits.

Extend the Life of Your Vehicle in Queen Creek AZ

As we previously mentioned, your vehicle is the second largest purchase you will make in your lifetime. As such, it only makes sense to protect your investment and keep the vehicle running for as long as possible. This underscores one of the key benefits of preventative maintenance. By having car maintenance, you can prolong the life of your vehicle.

Prevent More Expensive Repairs in Queen Creek AZ

If you wait until a part fails to replace it, you run the risk of the failed part impacting other components. For example, if you need brake pad replacement — a key preventative maintenance service — and you choose to ignore it, it can impact your rotors, calipers, master cylinder, and more. This means you will turn a minor brake pad replacement into a more exhaustive brake repair or a complete brake overhaul. And it is the same with oil changes. If you fail to have regular oil changes, it can result in you having to replace the entire engine, which is exponentially more than a simple oil change.

Save Time with Preventative Maintenance in Queen Creek AZ

Time is money, and when it comes to your vehicle, you can save both with preventative maintenance. By having regular car maintenance, you can detect minor problems before they turn into much more expensive repairs. At the same time, you can schedule preventative maintenance around your schedule. This is in direct contrast with emergency repairs, which can require you to drop everything and have the service done immediately.

Protect Your Manufacturer’s or Extended Warranty in Queen Creek AZ

Automotive warranties are extremely nice and comforting. An auto warranty can take a major $5000 auto repair and turn it into a sweet $100 deductible. As such, it’s imperative for you to ensure your warranty is valid. While the warranty requires very little on your behalf, it does require you to have the necessary preventative maintenance services. If you fail to have the required preventative maintenance services, you will void your warranty. And you could be stuck holding a monumental repair bill that would’ve been covered if you had the necessary preventative maintenance services.

Contact APA Total Care in Queen Creek AZ for Preventative Maintenance & Car Maintenance

At APA Total Care, we are the leading automotive repair and car maintenance center in Queen Creek AZ. As a full-service auto repair shop in Queen Creek, we specialize in maintenance and repairs for all makes and models, including domestic vehicles as well as European models, such as:

• Mercedes Benz
• BMWs
• Volkswagens & Audis
• Land Rovers
• And more

Schedule an appointment today with our online form. Or stop by to see us at 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101 in Queen Creek AZ or give us a call at 480-282-8300.

If you live in the Gilbert AZ or Maricopa County area, you have no shortage of options when it comes to finding a reputable auto repair shop. And most likely, you already have an auto repair shop that you are using. But if you’re not a mechanic, how do you know you’ve found the right shop? While the shady repairs and repeated breaks downs of a repaired part are signs you have the wrong auto repair shop, let’s look at signs of the right auto repair shop in Gilbert AZ.

The Best Auto Repair in Gilbert AZ Shop Offers a Warranty

One of the top signs of a reputable auto repair shop in Gilbert AZ is whether they stand behind their quality of work or offer a comprehensive warranty. While you may never need the warranty, a clear policy can help instill confidence that the auto repair shop can do the job the first time.

At APA Total Care in Gilbert AZ, we are proud to offer a 2-Year/24,4000-Mile warranty as a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our exclusive, nationwide warranty is accepted at over 14,000 locations throughout the United States.

The Top Auto Repair Shop Should Have ASE-Certified Technicians

Anyone can grab a wrench and claim to be able to perform automotive repairs and maintenance. However, not all automotive technicians and mechanics are created equally. How can you separate an average Joe from a qualified mechanic? Look for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification. ASE-Certified technicians and mechanics are experienced professionals who have met the stringent criteria and testing set forth by the Institute.

To become an ASE-Certified mechanic, the individual must pass the exam and have two years or more of on-the-job training or a two-year degree in automotive repair. While the certification isn’t impossible, it does take dedication and consistent demonstration of expertise. Unfortunately, not every mechanic has the capability or willingness to earn it. However, you should require that anyone who performs maintenance or auto repair on your vehicle have this important certificate.

Reputable Auto Repair Shops in Gilbert AZ Will Have Third-Party Certifications

When finding a reputable auto repair shop in Gilbert AZ, look for a third-party certificate or accreditation. And one of the top third-party accreditations an auto repair shop in Gilbert AZ can receive is the NAPA AutoCare Center. To become a NAPA AutoCare Center, the auto repair center must:

• Have ASE-Certified mechanics
• Use of premium, high-quality replacement parts
• Offer a nationwide warranty
• Consistently demonstrate integrity, qualifications, and expertise.

Simply put, only the best auto repair centers in Gilbert AZ are willing to go through the process to earn this highly-prestigious designation.

The Auto Repair Shop in Gilbert AZ Has Tenure

Today, auto repair shops in Gilbert AZ are a dime a dozen. However, only the best auto repair shops have staying power and the ability to weather the ups and downs of the industry. As such, you should look for an auto repair facility with tenure power.

At APA Total Care, we have been serving the area since 2016. We’ve managed to thrive and grow behind our commitment to world-class auto repair, best-in-class customer service, and affordable pricing. In fact, our commitment to doing the right thing all the time is one of the key contributing factors to our expansion throughout the area. While we started with one auto repair center, we now have five different auto repair centers:

• Gilbert AZ
• Queen Creek AZ
• Chandler AZ
• Tempe AZ
• Mesa AZ

Contact APA Total Care in Gilbert AZ for the Best Auto Repair

At APA Total Care, we are proud to be the best auto repair facility in the Gilbert AZ area. We offer a full array of maintenance solutions and repairs, including exhaust system repairs, steering, and suspension system repairs, transmission repairs, brake repairs, heating and air conditioning system repairs, electrical service repairs, and wheel alignments.

Contact APA Total Care today by requesting your appointment online. Or you can stop by to see us in Gilbert at 1730 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite A105 or give us a call at 480-282-8300.

With the summer heat in Gilbert, AZ, the last thing you want to deal with is car trouble.

However, the sheer intensity of the summer heat can wreak havoc on virtually every vehicle component and system. This can lead to automotive failures at the most inconvenient time. 

At APA Total Car Care, we want to help you avoid such issues. We thought it would be a good idea to provide a list of common auto repair issues faced by people in Gilbert, AZ.

This way, you’ll know what to watch out for and when to visit our auto repair shop for help.

1. Battery Issues

Every time you start your car, you’re counting on its battery to power the starter motor and bring your engine to life. It also powers all your electrical accessories and acts as a surge protector for your car’s computer system. 

However, batteries don’t like too much heat. This means summer is prime time for car battery failures. A failed battery can leave you stranded or even damage your car’s electrical system. 

It’s a good idea to get your battery checked out at least once every summer. This is to keep an eye on for signs of battery corrosion or other impending failures. At the first hint of trouble, give us a call or stop by our auto repair shop in Gilbert, AZ.

2. Engine Overheating

It should go without saying that car engines are at greater risk of overheating in the summer. Your engine’s cooling system can’t rely on lower ambient air temperatures for assistance to do its work. 

Thus, every part of the cooling system must work well if you want to get through the summer overheat-free. You’ll want to be sure that all the car’s fans are working, that you’ve got adequate antifreeze, and that nothing is obstructing the airflow through your radiator. 

The good news is your dashboard engine temperature gauge should let you know if anything’s amiss. The moment it does, make an appointment for a cooling system service to fix the problem.

3. Air Conditioner Issues

Air conditioning isn’t a luxury in hot conditions—it’s a necessity. But car AC systems need periodic maintenance to keep cooling your vehicle all summer. The trick is to spot AC problems early and take care of them. 

Generally, you should bring your car to APA Total Car Care if you notice:

• A lack of cold air coming from your vents
• Air that starts cool and gradually warms up while driving
• A leak from under your passenger dashboard
• Any unusual noise or odor coming from your vents or under the hood when the car air-con is on

Catching car AC problems early can help you avoid getting stuck in the heat. We offer comprehensive AC service and repair to fix whatever ails your car’s AC system.

Contact APA Total Car Care for Auto Repair and Other Services in Gilbert, AZ

Summer car trouble is no picnic. But now you know how to spot the signs of some summertime auto repair issues. With some luck, you’ll catch them before they grow into big ones. Just bring your car to APA Total Car Care in Gilbert, AZ and other locations, and we’ll take care of the rest—no sweat! 

Call us at 480-282-8300 or fill up this appointment form. Our auto repair shop is at 1730 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite A105, Gilbert, AZ 85233.

In the sunny locale of Gilbert, AZ, owning a car is a must. Yet, cars are expensive—both to buy and to maintain. This is why APA Total Car Care in Gilbert, AZ goes to great lengths to help our customers save time and money on auto repairs. Even when you keep your vehicle maintenance up to date, sometimes, it will need repair.

At APA Total Car Care, we have outlined a quick list of the most expensive auto repairs and a few secret tips to avoid them.

What are the Most Expensive Auto Repairs?

Here’s our list of the four most expensive auto repairs.

1. Catalytic Converter Replacement

The catalytic converter is a major component of your vehicle’s emission control system. It’s the part that removes the bulk of the harmful substances found in your car’s exhaust before it leaves your tailpipe. 

The catalytic converter is also costly. On average, a new one will cost between $500 and $2,500, plus the cost of installation. Since it’s illegal to drive a car without a catalytic converter, it’s a repair you can’t put off or avoid.

2. Engine Control Module Replacement

Modern car engines rely on sophisticated sensor systems to keep them running and prevent unnecessary emissions. They have a computer— the engine control module (ECM)—that reads the sensor data and keeps your engine running properly.

If you ever need a new ECM, it will cost you quite a bit. Most ECMs cost between $800 and $2,000, depending on the type of your car. 

You’ll also have to pay for the time it takes for an auto technician to install the ECM. This is not another repair you can put off—your car won’t run without a working ECM.

3. Transmission Replacement

Your car’s transmission is one of the most complex systems. It’s the part of your car that shifts between gears to provide you with the right mix of speed and torque as you drive. 

If your transmission fails, you’re looking at a minimum of $4,000 for a new one, plus installation. However, it’s not a job you want to leave to an inexperienced mechanic, or you’ll end up stranded by the side of a road somewhere before you know it.

4. Engine Replacement

As we’re sure you’re aware, your car’s engine is its most important part. Without the engine, you’d be the proud owner of a 4-ton stationary modern art display. 

It should come as no surprise that replacing an engine is one of the costliest car repairs on our list. It’s another repair that’ll set you back at least $4,000. The more powerful the engine is, the more it’ll cost.

How Do I Prevent Expensive Auto Repair?

The experts at APA Total Car Care have two secret weapons you can use when it comes to preventing expensive auto repairs.

1. Always Have Regularly Scheduled Maintenance

Regularly scheduled maintenance is your first line of defense. Make sure to have all factory-suggested maintenance according to the manufacturer’s schedule. 

To learn any suggested maintenance, you can refer to your owner’s manual or reach out to the mechanics at APA Total Car Care.

2. Build a Relationship with a Trusted Mechanic in Gilbert, AZ

The second secret weapon is to establish a relationship with a trustworthy mechanic. If you do so, you will be more confident in their suggestions and be more likely to have the suggested service performed.

In many instances, a mechanic can tell when a part is on the verge of failing. By replacing that part before it actually fails, you can prevent harm to other components. For example, replacing a catalytic converter or spark plug is exponentially less expensive than replacing the entire engine.

Contact APA Total Car Care for Auto Repair in Gilbert, AZ

Let’s get this out of the way—we hope you never need any of the repairs on this list. If you do, you’ll want the experts at APA Total Car Care to be the ones doing the work. 

We offer fast and affordable repair solutions for cars, trucks, SUVs, and more. Our mechanics are trained and skilled at auto repair for both foreign and domestic models. Most importantly, we will partner with you to offer maintenance solutions and key suggestions that can prevent one of these mentioned repairs.

Call APA Total Car Care at 480-282-8300. You can also fill out this appointment form or stop by our shop at 1730 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite A105, Gilbert, AZ 85233.

Things are heating up! As summer temperatures wreak havoc on us all, take a second to think about your vehicle. While outside June temperatures in Arizona can quickly climb to 103 degrees F, the normal operating range under the hood can be around 220 degrees F. 

All systems designed to create an ideal working environment should work appropriately with such extenuating circumstances. In short, your cooling system must do its job. If not, you’re likely to be stuck on the side of the road with an overheated engine in Gilbert, AZ and Queen Creek, AZ. 

All is not lost. The experts at APA Total Car Care have outlined a few simple things you can take if you find yourself with an overheating engine. Let’s look at them, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.

Why Is My Engine Overheating? 

Engines overheat for many reasons, but most causes are cooling system problems. The radiator and cooling system are tasked with the monumental task of moving heat away from your engine. If the cooling system has blockages, leaks, or faulty components, you’re in the fast lane for an overheated engine.

You can prevent engine overheating by having regular preventative maintenance in Gilbert, AZ and Queen Creek, AZ. Our mechanics at APA Total Car Care will carefully inspect fans, hoses, oil levels, coolant levels, the thermostat, and other components in your cooling system. 

If a problem is detected, we can offer you a fast and affordable repair solution that trumps being stuck on the side of the road. At the same time, our preventative maintenance solutions are exponentially more cost-effective than having to replace the entire engine.

How Do I Know My Engine Is Overheating? 

Even though every vehicle may be unique, there are a few common, tell-tale signs that you may be experiencing an engine overheating.

• Do you see steam coming from under the hood? One of the most noticeable signs of engine overheating is steam emanating from under your hood.
• Do you smell strange scents? If you smell a strange or a sweet smell from under your hood, it could be a coolant leak and a precursor to your engine overheating.
• What does the temperature gauge say? Whether you’re in Gilbert, AZ or Queen Creek, AZ, the engine temperature gauge would never spike to “H” or foray into the red area of the gauge. If it does, you’re speeding toward engine overheating.

What To Do If My Engine is Overheating?

If your engine is overheating, you can take a few simple steps to potentially remedy the situation long enough to get your vehicle to APA Total Car Care. 

Turn Your Heater On.

While this may not make sense, activating the heater can pull heat away from your engine. This will reduce the burden on your cooling system. 

Some drivers in Gilbert, AZ and Queen Creek, AZ have used this tip to reverse it. You’ll know it’s working if and when the temperature gauge moves down to the neutral position or if the warning light goes off.

Stop. Pause. Assess.

If your vehicle continues to overheat even with the heater on, it’s best to pull over and turn the engine off. Doing so may allow the engine to cool down. However, if you’ve reached this point, it’s best to contact the professionals at APA Total Car Care.

Should I Add Coolant to an Engine Overheating?

Yes, you should, if you are comfortable doing so. After you have waited for about 20 minutes and your hood has cooled, consider adding coolant to the radiator. 

However, practice extreme caution because you deal with immense amounts of pressure and heat. If you’ve never removed the radiator cap, it may be best to reach out to APA Total Car Care for assistance.

Contact APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek, AZ and Gilbert, AZ

If your engine is overheating, don’t sweat it! Simply contact the experienced pros at APA Total Car Care. If you aren’t comfortable driving through Gilbert, AZ or Queen Creek, AZ, we can set up towing transportation.

We offer an array of fast and affordable solutions designed to repair overheating engines and faulty cooling systems. We have the experience working with all makes and models, including imports and European.

Contact APA Total Car Care today by filling out this form or calling us at 480-282-8300. You can also stop by at 1730 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite A105, Gilbert, AZ 85233, or 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

Owning a car gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. But as we all learned from Aunt May, “With great power comes great responsibility.” And one of your responsibilities as a car owner is maintenance. 

While most drivers in Gilbert, AZ and Queen Creek, AZ are fully informed of the standard oil change, this is only the beginning. One often overlooked service your vehicle requires is a coolant fluid flush. This is especially important in Arizona, where the heat is enemy #1 for your vehicle. 

High Temperatures and Your Car’s Engine 

When left in the heat, your car seats reach a blazing temperature of 123 in the summer. The average dashboard temp can be 157. As if these weren’t hot enough, the usual operating temperatures underneath the hood can be as high as 220.

Your car’s cooling system is all that stands between your engine and the punishing effects of that heat. By getting a coolant fluid change at regular intervals, you’re helping your car stay cool. 

Fortunately, the team at APA Total Car Caremotive in Gilbert, AZ and Queen Creek, AZ can help. We specialize in performing a range of preventative maintenance services on virtually all makes and models of vehicles. 

Let’s look at coolant fluid flush.

What Is a Coolant Fluid Flush?

In the old days, cars relied on water to carry and dissipate heat away from engines towards the radiator. 

Today’s modern vehicle utilizes specially formulated coolant fluid. It’s a mixture of ethylene glycol, water, and protective engine additives. It can absorb more heat than plain water and keeps today’s high-performance engines from overheating.

The trouble is, coolant fluid doesn’t last forever. Over time, the key nutrients are used up, and the fluid’s quality degrades due to extreme operating temperatures. 

Therefore, you’ve got to replace it with fresh coolant from time to time. During a coolant fluid change, our experienced mechanic will flush out the old coolant and replace it with a fresh coolant.

The Importance of a Coolant Fluid Change

When you bring your car for a coolant fluid flush, you’re helping your engine run cooler for longer. 

But that’s not all. You’ll also be:

• Eliminating rust and scale deposits in the cooling system
• Adding lubricating compounds to keep your water pump running
• Preventing your car’s coolant from turning acidic
• Minimizing the wear on your radiator hoses

In short, a coolant fluid flush in Queen Creek, AZ or Gilbert, AZ removes harmful substances and keeps your car ready for the road ahead.

Contact APA Total Car Care in Gilbert, AZ & Queen Creek, AZ for Coolant Fluid Flush Services

Your vehicle is the second largest investment you’ll make. It only makes sense to protect it with regular preventative maintenance. This includes coolant fluid change. 

APA Total Car Caremotive is a family-owned and operated local business with convenient locations within Arizona (including Gilbert, AZ and Queen Creek, AZ). No matter the location, you’ll always be treated with fast solutions, affordable pricing, and world-class customer service.

Contact APA Total Car Caremotive today by calling 480-282-8300 or completing the appointment request form. 

In the area? Feel free to stop by at 1730 W Sunrise Blvd., Suite A105, Gilbert, AZ 85233, or 22325 S Scotland Court, Suite 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.

If you were to ask most people what word they most associate with Arizona, there’s a good chance they’d say “heat.” 

After all, it’s not unusual for the temperature in Gilbert or Queen’s Creek, AZ to topple 100-degrees in the summer. 

Once the first 100-degree day hits in summer, the mechanics at APA Total Car Care will receive calls about preventing cars from overheating and cooling system malfunction.

While an overheating car in Queen’s Creek or Gilbert, AZ isn’t unusual, it doesn’t have to be your experience. There are several simple steps you can take today to keep it cool. 

Let’s take a closer look at how you can prevent your car from overheating.

Get Regular Coolant Changes to Prevent Overheating

One of the biggest reasons for car overheating is when coolant is too low or compromised to do its job. 

The general rule of thumb is to get a coolant flush and refill roughly every 30,000 miles. However, the extreme temperatures of Arizona necessitate more frequent coolant services. 

Fortunately, APA Total Car Care can help. APA Total Car Care offers two convenient locations in Arizona: Gilbert and Queen’s Creek. 

Our expert mechanics will flush your vehicle’s coolant, refill it, and check the system for potential signs of trouble no matter which location you visit. 

Moreover, APA Total Car Care only utilizes high-quality coolant specially formulated for smoldering temperatures in Gilbert and Queen’s Creek, AZ.

Avoid Car Overheating by Modifying Your Driving Habits

Believe it or not, the average car can handle prolonged highway trips in the heat better than a handful of short, stop-and-go drives. It’s because traveling at high speed maximizes airflow through your car’s engine, helping it to stay cool. 

By contrast, stop-and-go traffic forces your car to work harder without the benefit of the added airflow. You’re also more likely to turn up your car’s air conditioning to combat the heat in the car’s cabin, further straining your engine.

If you’re driving in the Gilbert or Queen’s Creek areas in the summer, try to plan your trips with these things in mind: 

• Incorporate some downtime between destinations. 
• Park your car in a shady spot at each stop when you can to allow for maximum cooldown between uses. 

These steps may seem simple, but using them can help prevent your car from overheating.

Pay Attention to the Temperature Gauge

Although most people know their car has a temperature gauge, not many pay attention to it at all. Ignoring it can be at your peril. 

Your vehicle’s temperature gauge can provide a valuable warning before your car overheats. The temperature gauge in a car will begin to creep up long before you notice any other signs of overheating.

Spot unusual temperature increases before they reach the danger zone. You’ll have the opportunity to pull over and allow your car to cool down. 

This can make a difference between being stranded and getting to a destination (albeit with a few stops along the way).

Contact APA Total Car Care for Expert Auto Repair

When it comes to your vehicle, an ounce of maintenance is worth pounds of cure. Having regular vehicle maintenance is more affordable than having a costly radiator repair. 

APA Total Car Care offers a full range of solutions designed to prevent your vehicle from overheating. If your car overheats, we have the tools and expertise to repair it properly.

Contact APA Total Car Care for an appointment today.

When you go out for a drive, your car’s brakes are all that stand between you and a potentially life-threatening accident. When you think about it, you’re asking a lot from your brakes. You expect them to bring thousands of pounds of steel, glass, and plastic from a high speed to a sudden halt, using nothing but half-inch thick brake pads. Over time, all that hard work takes a toll on your car’s brakes. That’s why you’ve got to know the warning signs of impending brake trouble. Here at APA Total Car Care, we’re happy to help you learn them. Here are five signs it’s time for brake service and repair in Gilbert, AZ or Queen Creek, AZ.

1. A Constant Squealing Sound = Brake Service and Repair

If you hear a constant squealing sound when you drive, your brake pads could be letting you know they’re about to wear out.

It happens because modern brake pads have a wear indicator—in the form of a thin metal strip—embedded in them. When brake pads wear down and near the end of their useful life, that strip will begin to grind against the rotors to let you know they need replacement.

If you hear a squeal coming from your wheels, reach out to APA Total Car Care for brake service and repair in Gilbert, AZ and Queen Creek, AZ.

2. Longer Stopping Distances Can Mean You Need Brake Service and Repair

An obvious sign that your car needs brake service and repair is when it takes your car longer than usual to stop. That could mean your brakes aren’t generating the right amount of braking force when you apply them.

It could be a sign of worn-out brake pads or a mechanical problem with your brake system. In either case, it’s wise to get your brakes checked at APA Total Car Care the moment you notice it takes more than the usual time to stop.

3. Clicking Could Mean Brake Service and Repair

When your brakes are working as they should, your brakes should be all but silent.

If you begin to hear a clicking sound when you apply your brakes, then something could be wrong. Most of the time, it means your brake pads are vibrating. It could be the result of a broken clip or brake housing.

If you ignore the sound, you do so at your peril. It’s a sure sign that your brakes need servicing.

4. Vibration in Your Brake Pedal Means You Need Brake Service and Repair

Your car’s brake system isn’t built to give you tactile feedback. That means when you step on your brakes, you should feel nothing but a slight amount of resistance.

If your brake pedal is vibrating when you step on it, it’s alerting you that something’s wrong. When it happens, it’s often a sign of uneven rotor wear or glazing. This calls for a servicing trip to our Gilbert, AZ or Queen Creek, AZ locations as soon as possible.

5. Your Car Pulls to One Side When Braking

When you apply your brakes, they should create an even amount of stopping force on both sides of your car. If they don’t, you’ll notice your car pulling to one side or another as you come to a stop.

When that happens, it means your brake pads didn’t wear evenly. If you ignore it, it could lead to additional damage to your car’s suspension and steering systems. Not to mention an eventual brake failure.

Contact APA Total Car Care for the Best Brake Service and Repair

If there’s one part of your car that you can’t afford to ignore, it’s your brakes. They play a crucial role in keeping you safe on the road. Thus, keeping them in good working order is a must.

If you notice any of the above warning signs, contact APA Total Car Care as soon as possible. We’re the one-stop shop for all your auto repair and brake service needs.

Contact APA Total Car Care today in Gilbert, AZ and Queen Creek, AZ.

Hailed as one of the best-kept Arizona secrets, Queen Creek offers almost perfect weather year-round, a host of natural recreational riches, and a welcoming community. APA Total Car Care is proud to call Queen Creek, AZ, our newest home for these reasons and more. We have offered fast and affordable auto repair solutions to residents of Gilbert, AZ, and the surrounding area for quite some time. Since so many of our clients made the quick 30-minute drive from Queen Creek to APA Total Car Care, we thought this locale was the perfect place for our newest state-of-the-art facility. 

APA Total Car Care of Queen Creek, AZ is open for business! We offer a full range of auto repair services and solutions for Queen Creek, Maricopa, and Pinal Counties residents. You can rest assured you’ll receive the world-class services and solutions you deserve. We are proud to be a highly-esteemed NAPA-Certified AutoCare Center. Let’s take a closer look at the auto repair benefits offered through this industry-leading certificate.

We Offer a Wide Range of Auto Repair Services for Virtually All Makes and Models

While most other facilities lack the training, expertise, and equipment to repair European vehicles like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Land Rover, Volkswagen, and Audis, APA Total Car Care can! In addition, we offer repair and maintenance services for virtually all domestic and Asian vehicles.

And, we’re not your typical auto repair shop in Queen Creek, AZ. While many auto repair shops can only handle light auto repair work, such as steering and suspension work, brakes, oil changes, and similar services, we do much more. APA Total Car Care is your one-stop shop for auto repair, from comprehensive engine and transmission replacements to auto repair services on Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke diesel engines.

We Stand Behind Our Work with Available Auto Repair Warranty

If your current auto repair center in Queen Creek, AZ is “repair at your own risk,” you deserve better. Better is what you will receive at APA Total Car Care. As a NAPA AutoCare Center, we stand behind our work with available auto repair warranties. We go the distance to ensure you enjoy greater peace of mind and confidence in everything we do. 

Certified Technicians mean Faster and More Affordable Repairs

Your auto repair technician must receive the latest and most accurate training with automotive technology continually evolving. And as a NAPA AutoCare Center, we are required to employ ASE-certified technicians. This means your technician will use the most advanced techniques, which leads to faster, more efficient repairs. On the other hand, taking your vehicle to auto repair centers without certified technicians will undoubtedly take longer, which means higher costs. Don’t overpay for repairs and maintenance by taking your car to inexperienced or uncertified technicians. APA Total Car Care will save you time and money with our ASE-certified technicians.

Contact APA Total Car Care for Auto Repair in Queen Creek AZ

At APA Total Car Care, we believe finding affordable and quality auto repair in Queen Creek, AZ, should be easy. And to stand out from the crowd, we are proud to be the newest NAPA AutoCare Center in Queen Creek, AZ. This certification is proof of our dedication to excellence and world-class service at every turn. Don’t settle for less-than-stellar auto repair in Queen Creek, AZ. Get the fast automotive repair solutions and world-class service you deserve at APA Total Car Care. 

Contact us today to experience the APA Total Car Care difference. 

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that contacts the road, which makes them extremely important. However, not all tires are created equally. This can make choosing the best tires for your vehicle a challenging process. Fortunately, the experts at APA Total Car Care in Gilbert AZ can help.

At APA Total Car Care, we offer a wealth of auto repair services as well as tire service and repair solutions. Among those is our world-class consultative approach to helping you find the best set of tires in Gilbert AZ for your needs and driving habits. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the top factors you will need to balance when choosing new tires in Gilbert AZ.

Tire Expectancy vs Tire Performance vs Tire Ride

Each tire will have a different life expectancy. Usually, this expectancy is measured in miles. Tires that usually have a shorter lifespan will usually be manufactured for a smoother ride or for superior performance. Based on your unique budget, driving habits, and needs, it’s important to strike the perfect balance between tire performance, tire expectancy, and tire ride. 

Price of Tires Matter

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. And tires are no different. When considering factory tires or aftermarket tires, it’s important to choose a set of tires within your budget. However, you should also understand that less expensive tires may not have the life expectancy, performance rating, or smoothness of more expensive tires. Fortunately, APA Total Car Care offers a host of tires for virtually every budget and will match you with the perfect solution.

Ride Noise of Tires Matter

Every tire produces a certain level of noise. Some tires, however, will generate more noise than others. Why? Usually, it’s the tread design. If road noise is a high priority for you, speak to an expert at APA Total Car Care for quieter tires. 

Style and Ride Quality of the Tires

Whether you want an elegant look, modern appeal, sporty style, or rugged capability, the team at APA Total Car Care can find the perfect tire package. It’s important to know different tire styles may offer different performances. For instance, a low-profile tire looks amazing and can deliver bolstered handling capabilities. However, these tires may have a shorter tread life, produce a rougher ride, are more prone to damage, and are more expensive. 

The Speed Rating of the Tire 

Each tire is assigned a letter rating that determines the speed it can travel for extended periods of time. When considering speed ratings, you should always choose tires based on you and your driving habits. 

Contact APA Total Car Care Tires in Gilbert AZ

Finding the perfect balance of tire attributes and your budget can be tough. For some, it can seem outright impossible. Fortunately, the team at APA Total Car Care specializes in matching your unique needs, driving habits, and budget to the perfect set of tires. As the leading auto repair facility in Gilbert AZ, we pride ourselves on offering tailored solutions at an affordable price. 

Contact APA Total Car Care today for the best tires in Gilbert AZ. Our shops are located at 1730 West Sunrise Boulevard Suite A105 in Gilbert, AZ AND 22325 S Scotland Court Suite 101 in Queen Creek, AZ.

As the second-largest purchase most of us will make in our lifetimes, our vehicles are essential. As such, you must pay your vehicle the proper attention and care it deserves. Simply put, when you take care of your vehicle, it will be more likely to take care of you. Failure to do so can lead to untimely, expensive, and potentially dangerous mechanical failures. 

However, at APA Total Car Care in Gilbert, AZ, we are here to help. While we are an auto repair shop, we pride ourselves on helping our clients save time and money. One of the top ways we do that is by informing our clients of the steps to prevent the more expensive auto repairs in Gilbert, AZ. Without ado, here are our simple top steps you can take to avoid more expensive auto repair. 

Prevent Auto Repair By Following the Maintenance Schedule

Every vehicle is different. And each car has a manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule designed to serve as the golden source for how to care for your car. If you’re looking to prevent expensive auto repairs, the first step is to follow your maintenance schedule to the letter. Examples of general services included in scheduled maintenance include:

• Oil change and filter change
• Tune-up services
• Timing belt replacement
• Tire rotation and more

Replace Your Brake Pads to Avoid More Expensive Auto Repair

Do you hear a squealing sound or grinding sound when you press the brakes? If so, your brake pads are most likely on their last leg. Each time you press the brakes, your brake pads will generate friction to help you stop. In doing so, a small amount of material is lost each time. Eventually, they wear thin and need to be replaced. Failure to change your brake pads can cause your more expensive rotor to break or warp. It can also cause damage to your brake calipers and other components. Simply put, changing your brake pads is a must-do maintenance item that can save you thousands later down the road. 

Schedule a Coolant Flush to Prevent Auto Repair & Save Money

Your vehicle relies on several different fluids. Whether it’s transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, oil, or any other fluid — these liquids are imperative. Over time, however, these fluids lose their ability to perform the intended task. At the same time, these fluids tend to pick up debris, metal flakes, rust, scales, and other deposits.

A coolant flush is a service where all the old fluid is drained out and new, nutrient-rich fluid is replaced. A fluid flush is a necessary maintenance item that cleans varnish, gum, sludge while removing potentially harmful deposits and dirty oxidized fluid. Failure to have regular fluid flushes can lead to auto repair bills that range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars. 

Contact APA Total Car Care Performance for Expert Maintenance and Auto Repair

In the end, the sentiment — an ounce of maintenance is worth pounds of cure — remains valid. In other words, it’s much more cost-effective to have regularly scheduled maintenance than it is to have auto repair. However, even when you have maintenance performed as suggested, your vehicle may still experience mechanical failures. When this happens, the team at ace performance auto can help. We are the leading facility for auto repair in Gilbert, AZ. We offer a full range of general auto repairs, tire services, diesel auto repair, and more. 

Contact APA Total Car Care today. 

Although Arizona boasts bright blue skies more often than not, fall storms are not entirely uncommon. To avoid getting stuck in a car ill-equipped to handle the monsoons, it’s best to get your fall car care completed at the start of the season. With a trip to our auto repair shop in Gilbert, AZ, you can easily handle all the most crucial seasonal vehicle maintenance tasks. Here’s how our team at APA Total Car Care can help.

Headlight Restoration

As the hot Arizona sun beams down brightly, it wreaks havoc on your headlight lenses. Then, before you know it, they’re cloudy and dull, barely letting enough light through to illuminate your way. Thankfully, you can get that fixed without replacing the headlights by having our techs scrub the oxidation away. The headlight restoration process leaves the lenses looking new so that you can see the path ahead.

Wiper Replacement

The sunshine is no friend to your windshield wipers, either. Most cars in Arizona end up with dry, brittle wipers by the end of summer, making it difficult to wipe the rain off the windshield. Instead, the wipers tend to smear the water around, so you cannot see the road. So, it’s wise to have your wipers replaced at the beginning of fall and then again as spring rolls around. While doing that service, your tech will also fill up your windshield washer fluid to ensure you can clean your windshield on the go.

Tire Services

As your tire tread wears out, your car might start to have trouble pushing standing water out of the way on your travels. Without that ability, your car will likely hydroplane out of control whenever there’s standing water on the roadway. You can avoid all that trouble by having your tires inspected at the beginning of autumn. Your mechanic will let you know if it’s time to replace your tires, get a tire rotation, or have your wheels aligned.

Brake Repair

When the rain starts to fall, your brakes have to work double time to scrub off the speed. Unfortunately, if your pads and rotors have reached their service limits, they may not stand up to the demands, resulting in poor stopping power. For that reason, you must have your brakes inspected and repaired regularly. Your tech needs to measure the brake rotors and pads to see if they’re in spec. If not, then it’s time for brake service.

Need Auto Repair in Gilbert, AZ? Call Today to Schedule Your Visit

Whenever you need seasonal vehicle maintenance and auto repair in Gilbert, AZ, call us at 480-282-8300 to schedule your visit. Our team at APA Total Car Care will help you find the perfect time to stop by and handle all your fall car care in one visit. You can then hit the road with confidence that your vehicle can handle whatever comes your way. Ready to get started? Just give us a call today.

 

If you have the need for speed, you also have the need for excellent stopping power. Otherwise, all your power goes to waste when you cannot scrub off the speed enough to move through the corners like a pro. Thankfully, you can count on Wilwood Engineering and our team at Ace Performance Auto to get your car’s braking system into perfect shape. If that sounds like just what you need, take a peek at this guide to learn all about this sweet performance upgrade. 

A Look at Wilwood Brake Upgrades

Whether you have a classic hotrod or a modern sports car, Wilwood has the right brake upgrades for you. For starters, they sell disc brake conversion kits for cars stuck in the days of brake drums and shoes. 

Plus, they have big brake kits for souped-up sports cars that need a boost in stopping power to go with all the performance upgrades. Beyond that, they have the parts you need to upgrade your calipers, pedals, and everything in between. 

Just getting the parts is not enough, however. You need a talented team to install the parts and keep them well-maintained mile after mile – and we can help. At our shop, you can partner with a mechanic skilled in performance upgrades, maintenance, and repair services. We’ll help you create the perfect build to suit your needs, and then perform all the work needed to get your car stopping on a dime every time.

Why Bother Beefing Up Your Brakes

Cars typically come with braking systems that perform well alongside the stock engine output. So, as you increase horsepower and torque, the brakes quickly get outmatched, making it difficult to slow down on demand. 

Furthermore, the risk of brake fade increases, especially while driving your car at its limits on the track. When that happens, you might find yourself pushing the brake pedal into the ground without getting the stopping power you need in that moment. 

Fortunately, upgrading your braking system with Wilwood parts typically solves all that. You’ll need to work with your auto tech to match your upgrades to the rest of your build. By doing that, you can rest assured that your car’s stopping power will exceed your every expectation. As you continue to do performance upgrades, you may need to revisit your braking system to ensure it keeps up with the changes.

Want to Get Wilwood Brakes? Just Call Our Gilbert AZ Auto Repair Shop 

If you’d like to learn about the Wilwood brake upgrades available for your car, give us a call at 480-282-8300. As your trusted place for auto repair in Gilbert AZ, our team can not only help you upgrade your brakes but also keep them in great shape through the years. We can handle all your brake service and repair needs, ranging from brake pad replacement to swapping out leaky master cylinders. So, please feel free to reach out whenever you’d like help maximizing your car’s stopping power.

Many car problems make themselves rather obvious as major parts start to fail. But, it’s often a huge mistake to wait that long before getting repairs. You’ll likely spend more money than you would have if the problem were caught early. Plus, you’ll have to potentially come to the shop at an inconvenient time or even get stranded on the side of the road. To avoid all that, turn down your radio for at least a few minutes per drive to listen and feel for the following signs that it’s time for auto repair in Gilbert, AZ.

Upon Hearing Bad Noises from the Engine Bay

If you listen closely to your engine regularly, you get to know all its healthy noises. From there, it’s easy to tell if any potentially harmful noises join the chorus, so you can let your mechanic know right at the start of the problem. Your auto tech can then let you know if you need to bring your vehicle in for auto repair.

When it comes to keeping your engine in excellent condition, any new noises are always worth investigating. A hissing noise, for example, could occur due to cooling system leaks, while a whirring noise might indicate the water pump is on the way out. Either way, noticing the noises helps you get minor issues fixed before your motor overheats, saving you from a blown head gasket or even the need for an engine replacement and any other major auto repair.

If Your Suspension or Steering Feels Less Than Stable

Your steering and suspension work together to keep your car handling at its best and feeling steady overall on driving surfaces. Each time you take a moment to feel your car through the seat and steering wheel, you get to know how it should feel when in proper working order.

You can then quickly notice the most common signs of steering or suspension problems, such as:

• Pulling to one side
• Hitting bumps hard
• Squatting with acceleration
• Leaning too much while cornering
• Excessive vibration

Without prompt repairs, all these problems can leave your car feeling unstable, potentially putting you at risk of an accident. So, always report them to your auto tech to stay safe on the road as soon as you notice them.

Whenever Your Brakes or Tires Start to Act Up 

Your brakes and tires work overtime to keep your car moving and stopping as expected. So, be sure to give back by tuning in to see how they are doing every time you hit the road. Any changes in how your brakes feel are a red flag, as is squealing, clicking, and other new sounds.

As for your tires, keep them inflated to the proper pressure level and visually inspect them once you arrive at your destination. If you notice any signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, and excessive wear, it’s time to get on over to our auto repair shop for service.

Need Auto Repair in Gilbert, AZ? Call for a Visit Today

Whenever you feel like it’s time to make auto repair a top priority, call 480-282-8300 to reach our team at APA Total Car Care. If you prefer, you can fill out our online appointment request form, and we’ll get right back to you. Either way, we’re always here to complete an inspection to see what’s going on with your car and then perform all the auto repair services it needs to stay in excellent condition.

When it comes time to replace your tires, the first thing you’ll likely notice is the dizzying number of options out there today. Every brand has seemingly endless tire types, leaving you trying to guess what might work best for your car. Fortunately, by partnering with our team at APA Total Car Care, you can get help finding all the tires that match your preferences. To get started on this journey, here’s a look at the difference between your two main options: Touring tires vs. performance tires.

Why Get Touring Tires

When you want a quiet, comfortable ride without compromising excellent grip, touring tires will undoubtedly fit the bill. Their wide contact patch offers steady footing, while the all-season tread inspires confidence in almost all weather conditions. Touring tires also feature taller sidewalls that help cushion your ride and keep everyone cozy on your travels.

Sweetening the deal even more is how the precise tread design absorbs road-noise, so you can go on long road trips without hearing incessant droning from the wheels. Plus, their thick tread withstands the test of time, letting you maximize the miles you get out of every set. All in all, touring tires are a great bet if you’re looking for the best balance of performance and comfort in a budget-friendly package.

Benefits of Performance Tires

If you drive a purpose-built sports car or invest in custom and performance auto upgrades in Gilbert, AZ, performance tires are a wise choice. These tires are built to boost acceleration, cornering abilities, and stopping distances so that you can enjoy your car’s full potential. As a result, you’ll undoubtedly delight in the impact on your driving experience upon getting your first high-quality set of performance tires.

While most performance tires are designed for hotter, more dry weather, you can find a couple of all-season options if you want more grip in wet conditions. Either way, you can expect to compromise a bit on road-noise, comfort, and the overall lifespan of your tire. But for the performance-minded, those things are quickly left behind in favor of taking handling to the next level.

Need Help Selecting the Best Tires? Call Our Gilbert AZ Auto Repair Team

Whether you’re looking for a comfortable set of touring tires or want the highest performance rubber you can get, call 480-282-8300 to reach our team at APA Total Car Care. As your trusted Gilbert auto repair shop, we can help you find the perfect set of tires and then install them on your ride. You can always come to us for additional tire services in Gilbert, AZ, to help protect your investment, including tire rotations and wheel alignments.

When looking over the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals, you’ll likely see plenty about when to change the spark plugs – but what doesn’t get mentioned are the spark plug wires. Since they are responsible for delivering power to the plugs, the wires need to stay in great shape to do their job effectively. Otherwise, you could end up with many different problems, ranging from a malfunctioning radio to a rough idle. Wondering how that works? Here’s what you need to know.

Bad Spark Plug Wires = EM and RF Interference

Depending on your car’s build, spark plug wires typically run from the distributor to the spark plugs. They feature conductive material at the center shielded by heat-resistant insulation along the outside. In addition, it has a tiny spring inside the boot that helps decrease the risk of RF interference as your car runs.

Despite its heat resistance, the shielding material does wear down over time, as does the spring inside the boot. When that happens, the power can essentially leak out, resulting in electro-magnetic (EM) and radiofrequency (RF) interference.  

Common Problems Caused by Old Spark Plug Wires

Electro-magnetic interference can get in the way of the proper operation of your car’s onboard computer and all its sensors. Your car may lose power or start to misfire, which can lead to the premature failure of vital components. Plus, without your engine management system working correctly, your car may stall out while driving and put you in a truly dangerous situation.

Radiofrequency interference, on the other hand, is not a safety issue, but it does prove frustrating. When it occurs, you might notice your radio making a loud ticking sound, for example, or otherwise malfunction as you try to listen to your favorite stations.

Spark plug wires can also fail internally, which often results in a rough idle, poor acceleration, and bad gas mileage. Eventually, your car may fail to startup altogether, leaving you stranded until you find the problem and replace the wires.

When to Change Your Spark Plugs and Wires

Like all maintenance services, the ideal interval for changing your spark plugs and wires depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most cars need them done at 30,000 to 60,000 miles, while others are good until 100,000 miles. The most important thing to remember is to change the wires when you do the spark plugs.

If you’re not sure when to change the spark plugs and wires, just ask your Gilbert AZ auto tech when to come in. They can also let you know when to complete other vehicle maintenance services, so you can keep up on the care of your car.

Call APA Total Car Care for All Your Vehicle Maintenance Needs

If you need your spark plugs and wires replaced or any other vehicle maintenance services, just dial 480-282-8300 or fill out our online form to reach our team at APA Total Car Care. We will help you find a convenient time to bring your car into our Gilbert AZ auto repair shop. Our team can then perform a full inspection, complete your maintenance services, and let you know if your car needs anything else to stay in great condition. Make sure to ask about our rewards program during your visit!

APA Total Car Care Work

We recently had a vehicle come in to our shop for a tune up. Upon further inspection of the spark plugs we noticed the bad spark plug wires.

To keep up with APA Total Car Care Repairs, Products, Services and Shop News follow us HERE. If you have any questions, send a message. We would love to hear from you!

The summer heat is quickly on its way and that can spell bad news for your car if it’s not ready. High temperatures often prove quite taxing on all your car’s systems as they run. Thankfully, you can help lessen the impact by checking off the items on this summer car maintenance checklist in Gilbert AZ.

Oil Change

Is your car due for its next oil change? If so, don’t delay that service or the oil could break down even faster in the summer heat. Once the oil loses its lubrication and cooling properties, all bets are off and wear of the engine’s internal parts will accelerate. So, get that oil changed on time as recommended by APA Total Car Care, your Gilbert AZ auto repair shop, to avoid problems down the road.

Air Filter Replacement

As summer temps appear, dust, pollen, and debris flow through the dry air, quickly clogging up the engine and cabin air filters. By replacing them early and often, you can keep the filter elements clear, so air can flow freely everywhere it belongs.

Cooling System Flush

Your cooling system needs all the support it can get to slough off that dry summer heat in Gilbert AZ,  and keep your car running at optimal temperatures. To help it out, have the cooling system flushed out to remove debris that could block flow. During that process, your experienced Gilbert AZ auto technicians at APA Total Car Care, will add new coolant, letting the system better withstand high temperatures.

Air Conditioning Check

If you want to stay comfortable on all your drives, take a moment to see if your air conditioning is up to the task. This is especially important if you haven’t used it in months since the system could stop blowing cold air or fail to work altogether. Thankfully, if that happens, one of our mechanics will take a look to see what went wrong and which repairs could help.

Other Important Summer Maintenance Services

As the chance for summer fun comes your way, you’ll likely be on the road more often than not. So, make sure that you can head out on your travels without delay by getting all the other regular maintenance done on time.

Depending on your vehicle’s specific needs, you may need:

• PCV replacement
• Fuel filter replacement
• Belt change
• Tire rotation
• Brake service
• Wiper replacement
• Light check
• Battery service

If you’re not sure what to do, ask us here at APA Total Car Care, your regular Gilbert AZ auto repair shop, which summer maintenance services are due and when to come in.

Gilbert AZ Summer Maintenance Time? Get to an Auto Shop Near Me

If you’re ready to start moving through your summer car maintenance checklist in Gilbert AZ, schedule a visit to APA Total Car Care. As your premier auto repair shop, we go above and beyond in performing auto maintenance and repair services of all kinds. We’re always here to help you keep your car in fantastic shape, so you can enjoy all your travels to the fullest. To get started, simply give us a call at 480-282-8300 to find a convenient time to come down.

Head over to our Facebook page to check out some of our summer maintenance work in action!

Are you looking for a trustworthy, reputable automotive shop in the Gilbert AZ area? If so, you don’t have to look any further than our full-service repair shop, APA Total Car Care. As a family owned and operated shop, we know what it takes to fix cars right the first time around while providing the highest quality of service and support. When you come to our repair center, you can count on us coming through for you in a big way every single visit.

Serving as Your One-Stop Shop for Maintenance to Aftermarket Upgrades

We proudly serve as your one-stop shop for everything from basic maintenance to impressive aftermarket upgrades. So, whether you want to just get a quick oil change or lift your Jeep, we can make that happen for you. Beyond that, our skilled team works on nearly every make and model, including European cars and diesel trucks. Your vehicle is always in good hands at each visit to our Gilbert auto repair shop.

We Match Every Job to Techs with the Right Skills and Experience

To ensure that your vehicle always gets the absolute best level of service at every visit, we always match our techs to the job at hand. Each of our techs has at least 12 years of experience and the knowledge to back it up. We reflect on their experience, skill sets, and strengths to assign them the right projects each and every time. Whether you’re bringing in your commuter, classic muscle car, or lifted truck, you just know your vehicle will get the highest quality of service.

Our Mission to Keep Transparency and Honesty at the Heart of All We Do

We not only take fantastic care of vehicles, but our customers, too. We are dedicated to keeping honesty and transparency at the heart of all we do, ensuring you have the best auto repair experience possible. We use digital inspection sheets to show you what maintenance and repairs are needed plus work with you to find the perfect level of service for your car, truck, or van.

How We Help Keep All Our Customers Safe During These COVID Times

As the COVID pandemic went into full swing, we took a proactive approach to helping keep all our valued customers safe and healthy.

For customers interested in no-contact service, we decided to:

• Let them choose a convenient time and date to come in through our online scheduling system
• Provide car pick up and drop off services to everyone within a 10-mile radius from our shop
• Use digital inspection sheets and send them out for review by email or text message
• Send a link by text message to allow for secure, no-contact payment of the bill

Beyond that, our techs always wear gloves for their safety and yours, plus disinfect each car before its return.

Want to See Our Positive Reputation with the Community? Check Out Our Reviews

As a testament to our quality work and commitment to excellent customer service, our shop already has nearly 350 five-star reviews. After seeing what we’re all about, our customers organically post up their impressions, helping others find a Gilbert AZ auto repair shop they can trust. We are very proud of these reviews as they show that we are making a positive difference in our community.

Your car gets you to all your most important daily activities, including appointments, school events, and everything in between. And it does it all without complaint and while asking for nothing in return. But there is a way to give back to your loyal ride anyway and ensure that it lasts far longer than you’ve ever expected: regular maintenance. By making its maintenance needs your top priority, you can keep your car running right for the long term. Here’s four simple things you need to do to make that happen.

Follow Vehicle Service and Maintenance Intervals

When it comes to figuring out just when to complete each maintenance task, you can look to your car’s manufacturer for the ideal service intervals. These intervals tell you how often to complete regular maintenance, like oil changes and coolant flushes. They also let you know how often to change your timing belt, spark plugs, and so much more. By following those intervals, you can keep your car in great condition while getting the most out of every service.

Always Use Quality Replacement Parts

Using quality replacement parts for every service is just as important as doing all your vehicle maintenance on a strict schedule. Quality parts meet or exceed OEM standards to ensure that they stand up to the demands of running your car. Your commitment to using the best components possible reduces the risk of part failure and allows you to continue on all your travels. If you’re not sure which parts are the best, you can just ask your auto techs for their recommendations.

Use the Right Fluids

Just like parts, not all automotive fluids are made equal. To get the best of the best, you need Valvoline Professional Series products on your side. When your technicians use these products to service your vehicle, you know that they will withstand anything your travels can throw at them.

To show that their products are the highest quality, Valvoline covers each one with a protective warranty. If you start their service plan before your car hits 50,000 miles, they’ll provide you with up to $4,000 worth of coverage. Even cars with 125,000 to 150,000 miles get $500 in coverage just in case anything goes awry.

Check Your Car Often – and Report Any Problems to Your Tech

Even while following a strict maintenance schedule, using quality parts, and filling up with the best fluids, it’s still necessary to keep a close eye on your vehicle. For starters, check your oil, coolant, and other fluids every week to make sure they are at the ideal level. If not, top off the fluid and take note of the consumption rate.

In addition, look your car over from nose to tail before every drive. Then, turn down your radio and listen to your car for at least five minutes on each drive, so you can see if there are any changes. If anything seems amiss, let your technician know and they will inspect your vehicle for problems. You can also come in to see us at APA Total Car Care in Gilbert AZ anytime you want to talk about your vehicle service and maintenance needs. We are happy to help you figure out the best way to care for your car and keep it running strong for longer than you’ve ever imagined.

If your tires start to go bald or suffer damage while out on the road, you have to replace them with quality rubber to continue on your travels. But what if your car is under warranty? How can you avoid voiding your coverage while buying aftermarket tires for your ride? Well, you can rest assured that installing aftermarket tires will not affect the factory warranty on your car. Want to know more? Take a look at this guide.

Protection Offered by the Magnuson-Moss Act

All automotive warranty companies must abide by the Magnuson-Moss Act while deciding to approve or deny claims. This act states that they cannot deny your claim just because you modified your vehicle.

So, whether you put on aftermarket tires, exhaust, or other upgrades, they are not allowed to deny you coverage due to those parts. Instead, they must provide that the failure of any given system or part is directly linked to the modification. If they cannot do that, then they must approve the claim and cover the required services.

To ensure you get all that protection, practice your due diligence when selecting your aftermarket tires. You just have to look at their key characteristics to make sure that they meet the manufacturer’s minimum standards to buy your tires with confidence.

What to Look for in Warranty Compliant Tires

To keep from voiding your automotive warranty, you should look for the following characteristics when buying aftermarket tires.

Materials

Although it’s often simply referred to as rubber, tires are made from a variety of materials, including steel, nylon, and synthetic polymers. Natural rubber is still important since it resists tears, cracks, and other damage as you move down the road.

To get the best tires for your ride, look for companies that use at least two body plies made from a mix of rayon, nylon, or polyester and rubber. Beyond that, they should have a strong sidewall and a tread pattern designed to balance grip and wear.

Load Rating

Every tire has a load index that indicates how much weight it can support while on the road. You must buy aftermarket tires that match or exceed this rating. If you don’t, your tires could wear out too fast or even pop. You can ask your installer what load rating to use if you’re not sure.

Speed Rating

Your aftermarket tires also have to meet or exceed the speed rating. This rating indicates how fast the tires can spin without deforming or otherwise failing. If you’ve upgraded the horsepower of your car, you may need tires with a higher speed rating than was issued from the factory.

Also, remember to look for tread patterns that match the climate in your area. If it’s mostly dry and doesn’t freeze during the winter, you can likely get summer tires. Otherwise, go with all-season tires. You can also get winter compounds and snow tires for the winter if needed in your area.

How to Get Aftermarket Tires You Can Trust

If you’re not sure what aftermarket tires to buy, just ask the team at APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek, AZ. We will help you zero in on tires that will meet your budget, support your travel needs, and look fantastic on your vehicle. Beyond that, we will help you find tires that exceed the manufacturer’s recommended minimum standard, so you can rest assured that your selections won’t void your warranty.

Of course, our purpose here is to talk about your car battery.  When people come into our service center and need a new battery, they’re not that happy about having to spend the money.  But the fact is that 70% of batteries don’t make it for 4 years.

There are some things that you can do to extend the life of your battery.  First, keep it clean.  If you see it getting dirty or greasy, let us know and we can clean it off.  A dirty battery runs hotter and that shortens its life.  If your battery terminals are corroded, let us look at that too.  We can clean them, and if the corrosion has gotten into the battery cables, we can replace them.

Also running your battery way down is bad for it. Things like running the headlights or watching a DVD player with the car turned off can deeply deplete your battery.  The typical battery can only take about 10 of those deep cycle depletions before it gives up the ghost.

Because we often take short trips around town with lots of stops for errands, our batteries can end up not getting fully recharged just by driving around.  That also shortens battery life.  You can hook up a good quality automatic battery charger at home from time to time.  We recommend charging once a month during hot months and every three months during cold months.

Now when it’s finally time to get a new battery, we can help you find the right replacement.  We’ll always make sure to meet your manufacturer’s recommendations.  Now if you have special needs – like live in a very cold climate or run a lot of electrical accessories, we can look at an upgrade that’ll give you the power you need.

Give us a call

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

If you’re a quart low, there isn’t enough oil to lubricate your engine properly.  The extra friction causes drag that reduces fuel economy.

Same goes for dirty oil.  It doesn’t reduce friction properly.  The result is you get to watch those numbers at the gas pump rolling higher and higher.

The transmission also needs the proper amount of clean fluid to do its work.  When it’s in need of service, the transmission drags your fuel economy down.

So, keep it clean and give yourself a fighting chance.

Give us a call

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

Earlier this year, we tested the RS3 (Stage 3) Roush Mustang: a 710hp, supercharged street rocket with pavement-wrinkling power that’s still comfortable enough for a long road trip. Back at McCall’s Motorworks Revival, the unofficial kick-off for Monterey Car Week, Roush unveiled a special version of this car that was built for Coker Tire CEO Wade Kawasaki. Draped in a Gulf Racing livery, this RS3 features many one-off touches from the masters of carbon fiber at SpeedKore—custom parts that include the front splitter, side vents, mirrors, and bodykit.

“Unveiling this custom Stage 3 Mustang at McCall’s Motorworks Revival was an exhilarating experience,” Kawasaki said. “This was my first time seeing the finished car, and Roush Performance has created something truly special here. I’m proud to share this moment with the public at this exclusive event, and I hope everyone enjoyed seeing this incredible machine as much as I have.”

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

Have you ever been in your car or truck, and a nasty smell smacks you right in the nose? If you don’t immediately feel faint or nauseated, you start wondering what it could be.

• Gasoline
• Oil
• Fast food
• Pets
• Kids after soccer practice
• Exhaust from outside
• Your upper lip (says my kid, the comedian)
• Mold in the vents

Identifying an odor can help you decide if you need immediate automotive service or if you should just freshen the interior (throw out the fast food). It will also give your mechanic some important information if you do have to take your car to the shop.

WHAT DOES IT SMELL LIKE?  GASOLINE

Gasoline has a very potent smell. A little goes a long way, so if you do smell it, chances are it’s not as bad as you think. For instance, did you spill some gasoline on your jeans while pumping gas? If so, problem solved.

What to do: If you didn’t spill any gas, you could have a leak in your fuel system, which would need to be fixed right away.

Best case scenario: You need to do laundry.

Worst case scenario: You could have an (expensive) emissions system issue or, worse yet, a fuel leak that could cause your vehicle to catch on fire.

 ROTTEN EGGS

Naturally, if a car smells like rotten eggs, you might assume someone ate some sketchy takeout. But that’s not always the case. The catalytic converter reduces harmful exhaust emissions from your engine, but if you smell rotten eggs, the cat’s not working right. It’s not converting the sulfur in the gasoline and that’s the smell you’re most likely experiencing.

What to do:Get it checked out. You’ll likely need a new catalytic converter. It’s not an emergency situation, but problems downstream (in the emissions system) can sometimes cause problems upstream (in the engine). The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair could be.

Best Case Scenario: You have time to save up for a new catalytic converter.

Worst Case Scenario: Your converter is so plugged up that when you start the car to drive home from the shop because you “don’t believe in all of that fancy EPA emissions nonsense,” your carpet catches fire as the unburned fuel ignites and torches the underside of your vehicle. But hey, that’s worst case.

 SYRUP

Coolant is often described as sweet smelling, like candy or syrup. (In fact, pets with a sweet tooth may try to lick toxic coolant from your driveway). If your temperature gauge on the dash starts rising, and you smell something super-pungent, stop driving. Without coolant, your engine will overheat, and you don’t want that to happen.

What to do: Visit your nearest shop. Ask about getting fresh coolant in the system. Be sure to have them check for leaks as well!

Best Case Scenario: You have a minor leak and just need a small repair or part replacement.

Worst Case Scenario: Your water pump decided to throw in the towel. The phrase “blown head gasket” begins to haunt your dreams.

 BURNT OIL

The most common cause of a burnt oil smell is, well… burnt oil. It has an acrid smell to it, and is most pungent when it burns. It’s also visible, leaving a bluish-white trail of smoke. Check for an oil leak. If you’re losing oil and notice a cloud in your wake when you’re driving, check that dipstick. Your engine could be burning oil.

What to do:If you see a leak, call your car guy. It’s best to have your car looked at by an expert.

Best Case Scenario: While changing your own oil, you spilled a little bit. Whoops!

Worst Case Scenario: Your engine is literally running dry because the oil is all burned up. But don’t worry, it’ll stop knocking when it locks up (joking… you should worry if your engine has no oil).

Another cause of a burnt oil smell is transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is pretty hard to smell from the cabin of your car. You will probably spot a leak before you smell the fluid. Transmission fluid, when new or still in good condition, is a cherry-red color. When it’s time to change transmission fluid, it will be dark brown and smell burnt (like burnt oil).

What to do: See burnt oil. It’s probably either oil or transmission fluid. Either way, leave it to the experts.

Best Case Scenario: A seal is starting to wear out or a fitting for a line is loose. Not a big deal if it’s taken care of immediately.

Worst Case Scenario: The seal for the front pump or the output shaft has failed, and you have a mess. If you’re driving, you’re going to destroy more metal than a Transformers movie.

 BURNED RUBBER

Yep, you guessed it: rubber is burning somewhere. Did you recently peel out? If not, the smell could be from any number of hoses or belts. It’s possible one of these is resting on the hot engine part.

What to do: Pop the hood and do a quick inspection, then call your friendly auto expert and report the findings. You’ll probably need to replace a belt or a hose.

Best Case Scenario: A minor repair is needed. Replace the damaged part and you’re back on the road.

Worst Case Scenario: Your belt snapped, none of the accessories are working, coolant is going every which way and your engine is a-cookin’.

 LOCKER ROOM

Moldy, funky odors that intensify when you flip on the A/C are the most obvious smells to work out. Stock up on nasal spray allergy-sufferer, because mold, mildew, and other bacteria can fill the air you breathe, turning your car into a Petri Dish on wheels.

What to do: Get that cabin filter changed. It would also be a good idea to use anti-fungal spray in those vents. When changed regularly, your cabin air filter catches particles and prevents smells. It will also keep your sinuses free and clear.

Best Case Scenario: Your cabin air filter needs changed. Quick and easy.

Worst Case Scenario: You’re now patient zero for a new respiratory illness and the bacteria colonies in your vents are so big they can vote.

AVOID THE SMELLY SITUATION.

Our sense of smell is more important than people think. It’s tied to memory, and one whiff of something can bring back the good times, like cookies at grandma’s house. It can also bring back the not-so-good times, like the smell of oil and sweat when you were at the shop finding out just how much repairs can cost.

Keep your nose at the ready and you can spot problems before they become a hassle. So the next time you’re cruising down the road, and your passenger asks you, “What’s that smell?,” you’ll be ready with an answer. You might just save a few bucks, too.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

Be good to your car, and it will be good to you.

Your trusted advisor in automotive maintenance,
Tommy

APA Total Car Care is proud to announce their newest alliance with COBB Tuning. COBB Tuning has long been one of the most popular and dominant names in the performance world and we are extremely happy and honored to call ourselves a COBB dealer. The first of many builds will be a 2015 Ford Focus ST for one of our great customers who discovered us on a Google search and loved what he saw.

This high performance build will utilize the complete Stage 3 COBB Tuning kit which consists of:

• COBB Accessport V3
• Front Mount Intercooler w/ Piping
• Carbon Fiber Intake System
• Catback Exhaust System
• Performance Catted Downpipe
• Rear Motor Mount
  
  

The Accessport V3 is the world’s best-selling, most flexible ECU upgrade solution for Ford. Unlock power hidden within the vehicle by replacing conservative factory settings with more aggressive calibrations. Upgrade forever with off-the-shelf (OTS) calibrations for most bolt-on modifications. It’s the last engine management solution you’ll ever need.

Maintaining the best qualities of the factory intake while improving on the rest, the COBB Carbon Fiber Ford Focus ST Intake is a bold, performance-driven addition to your vehicle that will add a kick to your overall driving experience. Fitment verified for left-hand drive vehicles only.

The COBB Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC) for your Focus ST is the easiest way to drastically improve power when coupled with tuning from the Accessport. Even when stock, the factory FMIC can be overwhelmed with heatsoak. By using a 57% larger core with streamlined piping, your Focus ST will come alive with charge air that’s up to 100 DEGREES COOLER.

Free up your Focus ST’s engine with the COBB 3″ Downpipe! This direct replacement for the factory downpipe features a 200 cell count high flow catalytic converter and 304 stainless steel tubing. The CNC machined v-band flange and 4″ flex section ensures perfect OEM-like fitment. All of these features combine to provide a free-flowing exhaust outlet for high-energy exhaust gases to reduce turbo back pressure and increase turbo efficiency.

Our 3″ Stainless Steel Dual Tip Cat-Back for the Ford Focus ST is a direct replacement cat-back exhaust that boasts full 304 stainless steel construction, custom inline mufflers, and dual 4″ double-wall tips, resulting in a drone-free, unique exhaust note.

The COBB Rear Motor Mount (RMM) is the best way to minimize engine movement, improve traction, and reduce wheel hop without major impact to NVH. Typical bushing designs can rattle your teeth out at idle or during throttle input. The COBB RMM utilizes unique voids custom molded into the 85A durometer bushing to absorb vibrations, but still, reduce engine movement to aid in getting all the power to the ground.

FORD SPECIFIC FEATURES:

COBB Adjustable Traction Control: Adjust target traction slip on the fly (Slots 1-8) and maximize tire grip to best suit given track conditions (wet/damp/dry/street/slip/burnout/etc). Note: Feature must be enabled in ECU calibration for use. (Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS & Mustang Only.)

COBB Flat Foot Shift (MT Only): Improve shift times and keep boost built during shifts. Flat Foot Shifting can hold engine RPM at a set RPM between 3000-8000 RPM during shifting. This feature is enabled in COBB OTS maps. (Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS & Mustang Only.)

COBB Launch Control: Adjust Launch Control on the fly with 6 pre-configured RPM slots to dial in launch based on track conditions and vehicle configuration. Enabled in OTS Maps and configurable within Accesstuner Pro. (Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS & Mustang Only.)

COBB Change Map Slot: Map switching allows for instant changes to several tables inside the vehicles calibration without having to re-flash the ECU! Each “Map Slot” is grouped into a folder found inside the Map Switching Features group. When a map slot is selected by the driver, the ECU will use the corresponding values as defined in each folder. Further Documentation can be found here.

COBB Burnout Mode: Enabled in OTS (Off the Shelf Maps) This feature allows you to hold the car at a predetermined RPM and perform a burnout. Burnout mode prevents you from over revving the engine while performing a burnout! (Fiesta ST, Focus ST & Mustang Only.)

This just in…. the all-new Tesla Roadster was unveiled Thursday evening and delivered from the back of a Tesla Semi in Hawthorne, California.

But, you might want to hold on to your deposit money for now—at least until we get all of the details. Still, there are a number of paying customers who are willing to wait a few years for a new Roadster and happy parted with $50,000 or more to be the first in line for their dream machines.

Here’s what we know so far—Elon Musk claims it is the fastest production car ever made. The new Tesla Roadster seats four, can rocket from 0-60 mph in less than 1.9 seconds, has a claimed top speed over 250 mph, and has a driving range of 620 miles.

Impressive? Sure sounds like it. And the price? Just a quarter of a million bucks for the founder’s edition limited to 1,000 reservations or $200,000 for a base model with a $50,000 deposit. Sure makes the Model 3 deposits look like pocket change.

Tesla says the second-generation Roadster is “The first supercar to set every performance record and still fit seating for four.”

Stay tuned for more hype and details as it continues to unfold.

If your engine misfires, hesitates, stalls, gets poor mileage, is hard to start or has failed an emissions test, it clearly needs something, though a tune-up in the traditional sense might not be the cure.

If you tell a repair shop you need a tune-up, the mechanic should ask why you feel you need one before recommending any service. Just like a doctor should ask what symptoms you’re experiencing, a mechanic should seek to diagnose the problem. And just as a doctor may recommend some tests, a mechanic may do the same.

You can speed the process by being ready to describe what happens and when (such as whether your car hesitates when the engine is cold or when passing at highway speeds), any sounds you hear and what you feel when your car’s “illness” shows up.

One caution about lower fuel economy: You should expect it to go down at least a little during the cold months, and maybe a lot. Colder temperatures make your engine and charging system work harder. In addition, winter gasoline blends have slightly less energy content than summer blends, so they don’t deliver as many miles per gallon. A tune-up won’t make Old Man Winter, or his effects, go away.

What are symptoms that might make you think you need a tune-up?

* A misfiring engine (when spark plugs ignite at the wrong time) could be caused by worn or fouled spark plugs. Bad spark plugs can also cause low fuel economy, hard starting and sluggish acceleration. Most plugs, though, should last 100,000 miles or more, and engine computers do a remarkable job of compensating for worn plugs, so that might not be the main or only culprit.

* A dirty or clogged engine air filter is more likely to reduce acceleration than fuel economy, according to tests conducted by the EPA. Because filters get dirty gradually over time, you might not notice a small but steady loss of performance until your car is accelerating like a turtle. But if you haven’t changed the filter in a couple of years (or sooner in areas that have a lot of soot in the air), that could be part of the problem.

* Engine deposits caused by low-quality or contaminated gasoline create drivability problems, and the cure for that might be a fuel system cleaning, either by a repair shop or with a gas-tank additive.

* An illuminated check engine light signals when something is amiss in the emissions control system, but depending on what the issue is it could also affect fuel economy or engine performance, so don’t ignore it. A faulty oxygen sensor, for example, leaves the engine computer in the dark about how to set the air-fuel mixture, and that can result in poor fuel economy.

* An old oxygen sensor (say, 90,000 miles or more) may still work well enough that it doesn’t trigger the check engine light but could still hurt fuel economy. Engine performance can also be reduced by more serious internal problems, such as valves that don’t seat properly or worn piston rings, or by restrictions in the exhaust system.

Because the same symptoms can suggest different problems, and there are often several possible causes and cures, it’s better to consult a professional mechanic than to try to be one if you have neither the experience nor the right equipment to diagnose drivability problems.In short, rather than ask for a tune-up, tell a mechanic what you’re experiencing and ask him or her to find the cause.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

Yes, though how often this service should be performed varies by manufacturer and vehicle, and it’s open to debate.

The manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn’t call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and it should be done at least every 50,000 miles. Manual transmissions may be on a different schedule, so it’s best to consult the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual.

Like other vital automotive fluids, transmission fluid deteriorates over time. Hard use — such as frequent stop-and-go city driving, hauling heavy loads, trailer towing — will accelerate the deterioration. That kind of driving raises the operating temperature of the transmission, and heat puts more strain on the transmission and the fluid, which helps facilitate gear shifts, cools the transmission and lubricates moving parts.

If you do a lot of driving under high-stress conditions, you should check the transmission level more often and have a repair shop check the condition of the fluid. Transmission fluid often is red but can come in other colors, and as it deteriorates it tends to turn darker. It may also acquire a burned odor that could indicate it needs to be changed or that the transmission is developing mechanical problems. Another indication it needs changing is dirt or other debris in the fluid. When you take your vehicle in for an oil change or other routine service, the repair facility may urge you to pay for a transmission-fluid change or flush. Even if they can show you that the fluid is darker than original, that might not mean you need fresh fluid right now. Step back, check the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual and see what the manufacturer recommends before you decide. This also will give you time to price shop.

Many repair shops use flush systems that force out the old fluid and pump in new fluid. Though that sounds good, some manufacturers say you shouldn’t do that (Honda is one; there are others), so you need to know this before you agree to a flush. Look in your owner’s manual. Some manufacturers, such as Honda, also call for their own type of transmission fluid and warn that using other types could cause damage. Moreover, some automatic transmissions have filters that should be cleaned or replaced when the fluid is changed. Make sure the repair facility is using the correct fluid and procedures for your vehicle.

If you have never changed the transmission fluid in your vehicle and have more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, should you change it now? We have seen mixed opinions on this, with some mechanics suggesting you should just leave well alone if you aren’t having shifting problems. Adding fuel to this theory are stories about older transmissions failing shortly after they finally received fresh fluid. We have a hard time accepting that fresh fluid causes transmission failure, so our inclination would be to have it done if you’re planning on keeping the vehicle a few years or longer. However, fresh fluid is not a cure for gears slipping, rough shifting or other mechanical problems, so don’t expect a fluid change to be a magic elixir.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

A good time to rotate your tires is when you get the oil changed, assuming you do that at least once a year and more often if you drive, say, more than 10,000 miles annually. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend that the tires be rotated on the same schedule as oil changes. In most cases that means every 7,500 miles or six months, though some have stretched the oil-change interval to 10,000 miles, such as on many Fords, Volkswagens and Toyotas. BMW allows up to 15,000 miles between oil changes, but that is too long to wait to rotate the tires.

Unless you drive fewer than about 7,500 miles per year, you should probably rotate tires every six months or so.

The tires mounted on the drive wheels of any vehicle perform extra duty because they apply the power to the pavement. On front-wheel-drive vehicles that is amplified by the weight of the engine and transmission, and because the front tires do most of the work in turns. Rotating the tires between front and rear a couple of times a year spreads out the burden so they wear evenly. Automakers that offer all-wheel-drive cars also recommend rotating tires. Subaru, for example, says to do it every 7,500 miles or 7.5 months, whichever comes first.

There are exceptions to these examples, particularly with performance models that may have different schedules for tire rotation. We suggest you follow the recommended schedule outlined in your owner’s manual, but rotate the tires (and change the oil) at least once a year. You don’t have to go to a car dealership to have this done, and many tire dealers and other repair shops will perform both jobs for about $30 total.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

It’s a rare motorist who doesn’t have strong feelings about today’s sport utility vehicles. Love ’em or hate ’em, one thing is certain-just like their automobile cousins, SUVs last longer, operate more efficiently, and command a higher resale value when they are properly maintained and serviced.

For those too busy or too overwhelmed by modern vehicles to perform their own maintenance, the pros at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer some advice on choosing a repair establishment:

• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
• Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
• Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
• Look for a neat, well organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
• Look for posted policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• Ask if the repair facility usually handles your type of repair work.
• Start off with a minor job and progress to more complex work if you are pleased with the establishment.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
• Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification of the technicians by ASE.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE NOW CAN HELP ENSURE WORRY-FREE DRIVING THIS WINTER

The vacations are over, the kids are back in school and cooler evenings have begun. Take advantage of the lull to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead, advise the pros and the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Breakdowns, never convenient, can be dangerous in cold weather period.

The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. There are usually two schedules listed: normal and severe.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Have engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filtersair, fuel, PCV, etc.

FUEL

Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that’s kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming in the first place.

OIL

Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

COOLING SYSTEM

The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you’re doing your own work, allow the radiator to cool down completely before removing the cap. (Newer vehicles have coolant reservoirs.) The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.

HEATER/DEFROSTER

The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent you’ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

BATTERY

The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. But do-it-yourselfers can do routine maintenance. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

A WORD OF CAUTION:

Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Note too that removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles so refer to your manual for instructions.

LIGHTS

Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses with a moistened cloth or towel. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.

TIRES

Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

EMERGENCIES

Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

The goal of CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards is to increase the average fuel efficiency of all the vehicles on the road to 54.5 MPG by 2025. Every few years until then, manufacturers have a benchmark average MPG to reach. For 2016, the CAFE benchmark is 35.5 MPG. In order to meet these goals, OEMs are improving the efficiency of other vehicle systems such as the engine and transmission.

In the transmission system, the focus is on the viscosity of automatic transmission fluid (ATF). ATF has gotten thinner and thinner and OEMs’ recommendations have begun to reflect that. In fact, 40 percent of new passenger cars in the U.S. call for low viscosity ATF. By 2022, that number is expected to be almost 75 percent. Low viscosity ATF offers a number of advantages over high viscosity ATF:

Better fluid flow—Because low viscosity ATF is thinner, the transmission does not have to work as hard to push fluid through the system, improving efficiency and increasing power to the wheels.

Better shear stability—High viscosity fluid (thicker) tends to shear down or break down into a lower viscosity fluid. Sheared down fluid has lost the ability to protect transmission components. Modern low viscosity ATF is thinner but still provides adequate film strength while maintaining a consistent, stable viscosity over time.

Better technology—Low viscosity ATF is the cutting edge of ATF technology. It has active chemistry that allows it to not only last longer than high viscosity ATF but also protect the transmission for tens of thousands of miles.

Extended drain intervals

On top of calling for thinner fluid, some OEMs have extended their recommended drain intervals. A few years ago, many OEMs claimed that their transmissions could be filled for life. While major OEMs have gone away from this claim, some still have drain intervals that far exceed an ATF’s ability to protect a transmission. For instance, Ford’s maintenance schedule calls for an ATF change at 150,000 miles (241,000 km)!

The reasoning behind extended drain intervals stems from OEMs’ desire to keep the cost of vehicle ownership as low as possible. A longer service interval gives the consumer the perception that they’re spending less to maintain their vehicle. However, this creates a problem for OEMs: waiting 150,000 miles (241,000 km) for an ATF exchange could potentially do irreparable damage to the transmission, requiring transmission replacement and causing the cost of ownership to skyrocket. In that case, preventive maintenance lowers cost of ownership compared to component replacement.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

If your vehicle is giving off an unusual or sickening odor instead of that new-car smell, follow your nose and find the source of the aroma. Bad smells can lead to expensive repairs or health hazards and shouldn’t be ignored. Here are some common odors and their possible causes:

Musty: If turning on the air conditioner generates a musty smell, mold and/or mildew have probably formed in the air-conditioning system. Moisture naturally collects on the cold air-conditioning evaporator (a small radiator that carries refrigerant into the car’s dashboard) and it
may be harboring mold. Running only the fan at high speed (with the air conditioning off) can dry the evaporator.

However, that doesn’t guarantee the problem won’t reoccur — especially if it’s being caused by a clog in the drain tube that allows water to drip out under the car. A musty smell also can be caused by carpets that get wet when water leaks into the interior.

Sweet: Antifreeze has a sweet, syrupy odor, and smelling it inside a car usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the cooling system. The source may not be easy to see. For example, the leak could be from a corroded heat exchanger (aka heater core), which is usually behind the dashboard. The leak could be in the form of steam that enters the cabin, producing the smell and potentially fogging the windows. Have this problem addressed, because breathing antifreeze isn’t good for you.

Burning: Oil could be oozing onto a hot part of the engine or exhaust system. It also could come from overheated brake pads and/or rotors — due either to aggressive braking, pads that don’t retract when you release the brake pedal or the emergency brake being left on while driving. On a vehicle with a manual transmission, the clutch plate could be worn or overheating from riding the clutch pedal. Leaves or other material in the engine compartment — sometimes imported by nesting rodents — also can burn on hot surfaces.

Rotten eggs: If you can smell rotten eggs or sulfur, your catalytic converter may have gone bad. The root cause could be an engine or emissions-system problem that made the converter overheat.

Rubber: The smell of burning rubber could be an accessory drive belt that’s slipping or getting chewed up by a broken pulley or hose rubbing against a moving part. An overheated clutch plate also can smell like burning rubber.

Electrical: Smell burnt toast? That could be a short circuit in an electrical component or overheated insulation. Take electrical odors seriously, because short circuits and overheated components are common sources of fire.

Gas: It’s normal to smell a little gas when a cold engine is first started because of incomplete combustion. If you smell gas after the engine is warm, though, the gas cap could be loose or the evaporative emissions control system — which is supposed to contain fuel vapors and recycle them through the engine — could be leaking or clogged. Even worse, gas could be leaking from the tank or another part of the fuel system. Always investigate gas smells you discover when your car is parked before starting the car and potentially igniting the fuel.

Rotting fruit: It’s probably what it smells like. Look under the seats for a decomposed apple or banana.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

No matter how well they’re made, vehicles are bound to have problems with their design or manufacturing. Think of all the moving parts. When the government thinks a problem is really serious, they require the vehicle manufacturer to issue recall notices to Queen Creek residents and to fix the affected vehicles free of charge. The they try to contact all Queen Creek residents who own that type of car so they can have it taken care of at their Queen Creek service center.

To find out if your car has any recall issues, give us a call:

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

These recalls always affect safety, so Queen Creek residents would be wise to take them seriously. It’s really easy to find out if a vehicle is being recalled. For links to government sites, look in the AutoNetTV website.

Recalls are pretty serious for Queen Creek residents and don’t happen all that often. But sometimes cars have less serious problems that Queen Creek residents still might want to know about. For these less serious cases, the vehicle manufacturer issues what is known as a Technical Service Bulletin – or TSB. These bulletins tell Queen Creek service centers (including APA Total Car Care) how to repair a problem that occurs frequently or is especially difficult.

Your Queen Creek service center receives updated information through subscription plans, which are sometimes available in consumer versions too.

Whatever your source, pay attention to Queen Creek vehicle recalls to keep you and your passengers safe.

Ever notice that your tire is covered with writing? It’s like some hieroglyphic art form. Of course, Queen Creek drivers know that it’s not just graffiti, but to most of us, it might as well be. Would you like to know what all those codes on your tire mean? It won’t lead you to buried treasure, but it could help you make a better tire purchase at your local Queen Creek tire store.

Prominently featured on your tire is a set of numbers and letters that looks something like this: 225 50 R 16 92 H. The first number is the width of the tire in millimeters, or the width between the sidewalls of the tire when it is fully inflated and not carrying a load. When Queen Creek drivers replace tires, they need to match this width number, or the tires won’t fit properly in the wheel wells.

The 50 is the aspect ratio of the tire, which is measured by taking the height of the sidewalls and dividing it by the tread width. If you drive off-road around the Queen Creek area, it should have a high aspect ratio. For high performance on the road, you want a lower aspect ratio.

The R simply means this is a radial tire.

The 92 is the load rating index, or in other words, a rating of how much load a tire can safely carry. If you frequently haul heavy loads around Queen Creek, you will want a tire with a high load rating.

The last letter in our “code” sequence is the speed rating on the tire. Not all tires have this rating. In general, the closer the letter is to the end of the alphabet, the higher the speed rating. In other words, Z is the highest rating and A is the lowest. One exception: H comes between U and V. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.

If you’d just as soon ignore all of the markings on your tire, that’s okay. When you need to replace your tires just ask your friendly and knowledgeable APA Total Car Care tire professional for his auto advice on the best tires for you and your vehicle. Replacing tires is a standard part of preventive maintenance for Queen Creek drivers vehicles. We all have to do it sooner or later. And the better we understand what we’re buying, the better our vehicle will perform and the safer we will be on AZ roads. Good vehicle care is informed vehicle care.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

In very simple terms, a fuel injector is a valve that squirts fuel into your vehicle engine. Your engine control computer tells the fuel injector how much fuel to deliver as well as the precise time it should be delivered. Of course this happens thousands of times a minute in every single fuel-injected vehicle driving down Queen Creek roads.

Most fuel injectors for gas engines are known in the Queen Creek automotive community as port fuel injectors because they deliver the fuel to a port just outside the cylinder. The fuel pump provides pressure needed to squirt the right amount of fuel into the engine.

A few have recently introduced gas direct injection systems on some engines. They are now available at some AZ dealerships. These systems inject the gas directly into the cylinders under very high pressure – many times the pressure of port injection systems.

Although more complicated, direct injection technology promises greater power with improved fuel economy. AZ motorists can expect to see more of it in the future.

High temperatures under your vehicle hood and variations in Queen Creek gas quality cause fuel injectors to be fouled with wax, dirt, water, additives and carbon. Injectors can become partially clogged, preventing them from delivering the proper amount of fuel at the correct pressure.

When injectors are dirty, the fuel doesn’t burn as efficiently resulting in poor fuel economy and loss of power. So it’s wise for Queen Creek residents to keep their fuel injectors clean.

Your technician at APA Total Car Care can perform a fuel system service for you in which the fuel injectors are cleaned so that they operate properly and deliver the right amount of fuel at the right time.

Proper maintenance of your vehicle fuel system means that you will spend less on gas, enjoy strong performance and prevent repair bills down the road.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

GILBERT drivers rely on their vehicle’s coolant system to keep their engine cool. Coolant (also called antifreeze) mixed with water flows through your vehicle engine and absorbs heat. The mixture then flows out to the radiator where it’s cooled by air flowing over the radiator. From there the coolant/water mix circulates back through the engine to absorb more heat.

There’s a reason we mix coolant and water. Water alone actually does a good job transferring heat from the engine. The problem is that water boils at a temperature that’s easily reached inside your vehicle’s engine, so it can turn to steam which does not conduct heat as well and is harder to contain.

Also, if it’s freezing outside in GILBERT, the water in your engine could freeze while your vehicle is sitting out in the AZ cold.

So, if you remember your high school chemistry, you’ll know that a mixture has both a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point than either component alone.

Coolant, or antifreeze, is specially formulated to keep your engine safe in a wide range of environmental and operating temperatures in and around GILBERT.

Whenever your vehicle is running, the coolant in the cooling system is working to keep your engine from overheating. When it’s cold outside, the coolant acts as antifreeze to keep the fluid from freezing in your engine.

All that exploding fuel in your engine creates a lot of heat. Without coolant, the metal vehicle engine parts would expand so much that the engine would seize up and stop running. The parts could be broken or warp so badly they would have to be replaced. It could even be so bad that the whole vehicle’s engine is ruined and has to be junked.

This is why it is critical that GILBERT drivers check coolant levels frequently and have their vehicle’s cooling system inspected for leaks. Also your vehicle has a maintenance requirement for draining and replacing your coolant. These recommendations can vary widely, so check your owner’s manual or ask us at APA Total Car Care in GILBERT.

The reason GILBERT drivers need to change the coolant is that it has additives in it to protect the cooling system. As you can imagine, with all the heat, the cooling system’s a pretty harsh environment. The additives keep the fluid from becoming corrosive and damaging the radiator and other vehicle cooling system components. Over time, the additives are depleted and the coolant just has to be replaced.

Many GILBERT auto owners ask our advisors at APA Total Car Care why there are different colors of antifreeze. It is very important that you use the correct type of antifreeze. The different types of antifreeze – or coolant – are different colors so you don’t mix them up.

They use different materials to make the cooling system, and they require different types of antifreeze to protect them.

So check with us at APA Total Car Care in GILBERT or your owner’s manual for the right kind because using the wrong coolant can void the warranty for your vehicle cooling system.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

There are a lot of new features, both optional and standard, on Queen Creek drivers’ vehicles these days. One you may not have heard of is called a cabin air filter. Simply put, its job is to keep the air in the passenger compartment of your car nice and clean.

A cabin air filter is similar to the filter you use on your furnace at home in Queen Creek. Cabin air filters can catch particles down to three microns. By comparison, a grain of sand is 200 microns. So cabin air filters are effective against dust, dirt, pollen, mold spores and most pollutants in our Queen Creek area atmosphere. Good news if you suffer from any types of allergies, or if you live in an area in AZ prone to air pollution.

Cabin air filters are generally located in the engine compartment or under the dashboard. They can be tricky to access and replace, so you’ll probably want to go to your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at APA Total Car Care to get it done. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to find out if your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter and how often it should be changed. Recommendations vary, but generally a cabin air filter should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 kilometers).

Of course, if you are an allergy sufferer in Queen Creek, you may want to replace it more often. Also, if you do a lot of driving in polluted or dusty areas in AZ, you’ll also want to shorten the cabin air filter replacement period. Dirty air filters just don’t work well, and they can exude an unpleasant odor if ignored for too long.

Most Queen Creek folks know that good car care includes keeping your vehicle clean, including the air inside the passenger compartment, so changing your cabin air filter should be part of your routine preventive maintenance. It’s good auto advice as well as good medical advice that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You really shouldn’t wait until the interior of your car starts to smell and your eyes start to water before you change your filter. And trying to cover it up with a dangling green pine tree is not the right answer, either!

Cabin air filters can be a welcome relief to Queen Creek allergy sufferers, but they’re also a great idea for anyone in AZ who just wants to breathe better.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

At APA Total Car Care, we occasionally see severe tire damage that could have been prevented with proper wheel alignment. During a APA Total Car Care alignment service, your vehicle is put on an alignment rack where the tires,steering and suspensionparts are inspected for problems. Then the alignment is charted and checked against the vehicle factory settings. Adjustments are made to bring the wheels back into alignment. This gets all four wheels moving in precisely the same direction.

If you don’t remember hitting a pothole, how do you know if your wheels are out? The most obvious sign is that your vehicle pulls to one side. Also, your steering wheel may not be centered when you’re going straight. If you’re in the habit of checking your tire wear regularly, you may notice the edges of one or more tires rapidly wearing down. You should have your Queen Creek auto service center look it over. Of course, if you’ve been in an accident, you should get your alignment checked.

It’s not surprising that a forceful impact can seriously knock tires out, but remember that a series of smaller ones can add up. That’s why your vehicle manufacturer recommends periodic alignment checks. If your vehicle owner’s manual doesn’t advise a specific interval, once a year might be appropriate. Check with your APA Total Car Care service advisor. As with most other preventive maintenance services, the cost of the alignment is a heck of a lot cheaper than having to purchase new tires earlier than expected.

Give us a call.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

Have you ever thought about all the little things we do to keep our lives running smoothly – like vacuuming? It makes a room feel fresher and more comfortable. We may not consider that we’re also prolonging the life of the carpet by keeping it clean. But Queen Creek drivers don’t always extend those good habits into the garage. Our vehicles need regular maintenance just like our rugs need vacuuming. We may not notice a difference in the feel or appearance of the vehicle, but just as cleaning a carpet carries the hidden reward of prolonging its life, maintaining our vehicles incurs a hidden reward that becomes noticeable at Queen Creek gas stations.

When it comes to reduced fuel economy, there are two culprits: increased friction and inefficient fuel combustion. That means that anything Queen Creek drivers can do to decrease friction and increase the efficiency of their engines will translate to savings on fuel. Friction increases the amount of energy it takes to move something. So if we can reduce friction, we can decrease the amount of fuel it takes to run our vehicles. Engine oil is usually at the heart of friction problems in an engine. Too little oil means parts are not getting lubricated, which increases friction; dirty oil doesn’t lubricate as well as clean oil. So one secret to good fuel efficiency is to stay on top of oil changes. Don’t skip them and don’t procrastinate. The same auto advice applies to transmission fluid. Keep it full and keep it clean, and your vehicle will run with less friction and better fuel economy.

If your tires are underinflated, it increases the friction between the tire and the road. Again, there is increased drag, and it takes more fuel to move your vehicle. Queen Creek drivers should check their tire pressure every month and keep their tires properly inflated.

Alignment and brake problems can also increase friction. Besides saving fuel, keeping these systems in good repair has the added benefit of saving you on tires and brake pads. These items wear out more quickly when the alignment is off or when the brake system isn’t in good working order. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at APA Total Car Care.

The second culprit that stealthily steals our gas is inefficient fuel combustion. It depends on the engine getting the right amount of clean fuel to the right place with the right pressure at the right time in the right pattern. The key to peak engine performance is to keep the fuel system clean. Varnish and gum can build up in a fuel system, which will interfere with the fuel injectors. The fuel injectors are responsible for all those “rights” we spoke of. If they’re dirty, amounts, timing, pressure and spray patterns can all get out of whack. The result? Reduced fuel efficiency. A fuel system cleaning at APA Total Car Care in Queen Creek can get your injectors back on track, improving performance and efficiency.

There are a few other maintenance items that can improve your fuel economy. One is to replace your PCV valve when it gets sticky. This valve allows unburned fuel in your engine exhaust to return to the engine. Queen Creek drivers can also replace worn spark plugs and dirty fuel filters. A well-maintained vehicle will require fewer repairs and save at Queen Creek gas pumps.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

Hennessey Performance Engineering had one goal when it announced the arrival of the Exorcist Camaro ZL1: Cast out the demon. The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, that is. On paper, it sure looks like it has enough to answer the Dodge Demon’s call. HPE revealed the Exorcist Camaro ZL1 would make 1,000 horsepower at the crankshaft and 996 pound-feet of torque. Those big power numbers come from a multitude of improvements, but a big portion is thanks to a larger supercharger producing 14 psi of boost pressure.

All of that means nothing if the power can’t be delivered to the wheels, and thankfully, it is in the Exorcist Camaro ZL1’s case. Video from HPE itself shows the Exorcist Camaro ZL1 strapped in for some dyno runs that reveal how much of the power makes its way to the ground. When the pulls are complete, it’s clear this Camaro is an unholy beast. The dyno shows 959 horsepower and a max torque output of 756 lb-ft, all to the rear wheels!

In comparison, the Dodge Challenger Demon produces 840 hp and 770 lb-ft of torque on race gas, and those numbers aren’t representative of wheel horsepower. Yet, it’s still valid to argue the folks at Dodge created their devil of a muscle car all in-house, with corporate accountants looming over their heads. The Exorcist Camaro ZL1 is born of the aftermarket, with fewer corporate restrictions. We should note, however, that HPE will eventually tackle the Dodge Demon, too, with plans for a 1,500-hp variant.

There’s also the price. The base price for an HPE Exorcist Camaro ZL1 is $117,135. That’s a lot of dough, considering Dodge plans to keep Demon pricing well under six figures as long as dealerships don’t get greedy with “market adjustments.” Ultimately, the products will speak for themselves, but in the meantime, the Exorcist Camaro ZL1 has a lot to say with its hellish bark on the dyno.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/

Having previously experienced less-than-stellar results with the sadly misunderstood Pontiac GTO and later the Pontiac G8 sedan, two recent Australian-American V-8–powered products that failed to build much excitement at the cash register, GM knew to temper the plan with a dose of consumer reality. While GM initially had high production hopes for multiple times the initial capacity, its estimates were drastically revised once production began. Sales turned out to be consistent if not earth shattering: GM sold 2479 units in 2014, 2895 in 2015, and 3013 in 2016. Ultimately, it was the company’s decision to shutter Holden production altogether, not weak sales, that sealed the SS’s fate. Ordering for the SS concluded at the end of February, with Chevrolet dealers now selling off any remaining stock. Interestingly, Chevy sold 1529 SSs in the first three months of 2017, with 1217 sold in March alone. Apparently, news of the car’s impending demise helped stoke some fires; that and a recent fire sale advertising 20 percent off.

Before the SS forever disappears not so silently into a cloud of tire smoke, we wanted one last fling to load up the memory bank, so we snagged a 2017 SS with a six-speed manual. Little has changed in the car’s four-model-year run. Its centerpiece—the old-school, two-valve-per-cylinder pushrod LS3 V-8—still sends 415 ponies and 415 lb-ft of torque to the rear tires. While the SS launched in 2014 with a six-speed automatic transmission as the sole cog-swapper, the manual came onboard (as a no-cost option) in 2015, as did Chevy’s excellent Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes in the rear to match the existing fronts, 4G LTE connectivity, and five additional exterior colors. Although its fascia was mildly updated and new 19-inch wheels arrived in 2016, some fans still found the exterior appearance too bland. We kind of dig its clandestine exterior for its authority-avoiding disappear-into-the-flow-of-traffic properties.

One of the SS’s more interesting traits is its high level of standard equipment. In addition to the hardware above, the base price of $48,620 includes a dual-mode exhaust, a limited-slip differential (3.70:1 final drive in the manual versus the automatic’s 3.27:1 ratio), proximity entry and remote start, heated and ventilated power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a head-up display, forward-collision warning, a rearview camera, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. With the SS, you won’t spend hours hemming and hawing over the options sheet. On our test car, the only items adding to the bottom line were the $395 Orange Blast paint, which was bright enough to negate the whole disappear-into-the-flow-of-traffic theory, and a sunroof for $900. The sticker also calls out the $1000 gas-guzzler tax (it’s $1300 with the automatic transmission). All in, the total came to $49,915. If we had the chance to order our own, we’d go with basic black.

While the SS performs well in virtually any driving environment that involves pavement, it excels out on the fringes of civilization, following the undulating and meandering rural lanes that weave between the lakes and farms near our Ann Arbor office. It’s these types of roads that had staffers talking resurrected E39-generation BMW M5. Balance is a word that rarely applied to big Chevrolet sedans in previous decades, but the SS has it. Push the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires (245/40R-19 front, 275/35R-19 rear) too hard and you feel a hint of understeer, which can be remedied with a gentle stab of the accelerator (stability control is fully defeatable.) Those familiar with the steering of the current Camaro will feel right at home with the electrically assisted setup in the SS—it’s direct and linear but a little devoid of feel and on-center weight. A few drivers complained about nonlinear clutch takeup, but most found it a mild inconvenience and easily trained their left leg accordingly.

In its performance, this SS fell right in line with the numbers posted by its 2015 six-speed predecessor. The zero-to-60-mph run took 4.5 seconds, shaving a tenth off the time of our 2015 example. The quarter-mile was a dead heat, with the 2017 model matching the 13.0 seconds and 111-mph trap speed of the earlier car. Of what used to be referred to as the Big Three, only Chrysler offers V-8–powered, rear-drive sedans that play in the same league as the SS. The Dodge Charger R/T equipped with the 5.7-liter V-8 and an eight-speed automatic couldn’t match the SS, requiring 5.1 seconds to reach 60 mph and 13.6 seconds for the quarter-mile. Add a 6.4-liter Hemi to the equation, however, and the tables are turned: The Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack sprinted to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.4.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that the price to pay for enjoying that glorious, naturally aspirated, 6000-rpm soundtrack on a regular basis is an observed fuel economy of 14 mpg. That falls short of the EPA combined number of 17, but on the brighter side, the SS returned 23 mpg in our 75-mph, steady-state highway test.

Neither of the Mopars can match the SS’s sense of balance—yep, there’s that word again—or its general poise. Registering 0.96 g on the skidpad, the SS handily outgrips the Dodge boys (0.86 g for the R/T, 0.91 g for the R/T Scat Pack), but even more critical is that the Chevy goes about the task with more finesse. In addition, stopping from 70 mph required just 156 feet, right in line with previous model years. You don’t need to change much when you get it right the first time around.

But now that the SS’s days are numbered, the opinion farm is back to spreading manure: “It was too well equipped,” they say. “I totally would have been a player if Chevy would’ve offered a stripper model without the infotainment and convenience features for around $30K.” Sure, you would’ve. For those whose actions speak louder than their words, however, the chance to act is quickly vanishing.

APA Total Car Care
22325 S Scotland Ct Ste 101, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-282-8300
https://apatotalcarcare.com/