2016 Ford Escape SE

When temperatures rise, your vehicle’s air conditioning system has to work harder to keep you cool. Over time, the A/C may not blow as cold as you want, even though the control is at the coldest setting. Eventually, the compressor will wear out and need to be replaced. Probably the most important part of the air conditioning system, the compressor ensures a constant flow of refrigerant to cool the air channeled into the passenger cabin. Lack of cold air plus noises from clattering bearings or a squealing belt are signs of compressor failure. Although this repair is relatively straightforward, it’s best done by a professional versed in evacuating and recharging the compressor’s refrigerant.

Over time, air conditioning may not blow as cold as when the car was new. That means that the refrigerant used in the air conditioning compressor is no longer capable of cooling. This service involves determining if the refrigerant is lost, which means there’s a leak in the system that needs to be repaired (it may be a faulty seal or connector) or merely has lost its ability to cool. This service is best performed by a service technician.

Alignment is the process of making sure all 4 wheels point in the same direction, which will cause the vehicle to drive straight and not drift. Performing this service regularly (yearly or after the vehicle starts drifting) will extend the life of your tires. Alignment is measured in degrees of camber (tire leaning inward or outward), caster (forward or backward slope of steering components in relation to the McPherson struts) and toe (the direction the tires are pointing). Toe-in means that the tires are pointing inward; toe-out means that the tires are pointing outward. Most vehicles are “averaged” for everyday driving.

Diamonds may be forever, but batteries are not. A car battery lasts approximately 3-4 years – or less in regions with high heat and humidity. A key sign of pending failure could be sluggish starting cycle. Many mechanics suggest having a battery “load tested” once every two years, in an attempt to predict just how much life may be left in your battery.

Please note: Pricing shown is for either front brakes or rear brakes. Modern braking systems typically are self-adjusting to ensure that the brake pad maintains constant contact with the braking surface on a rotor or drum when the brakes are applied. Older brakes may need periodic adjustment where the pad is realigned to close the gap between it and the surface by tightening adjustment screws in the brake mechanism.

Air in the brake lines can create a spongy feeling when you apply the brakes. Bleeding the brake lines usually removes the air, but it isn’t a job for the faint of heart. Better left to professionals, newer ABS braking systems require specialized equipment to complete the job.

Please note: Pricing shown is for either front brakes or rear brakes. Made of ceramic, organic or metallic material, brake pads squeeze against the brake disc rotors to slow the vehicle down. Every time you apply the brakes, the pads wear down a tiny bit. Eventually a wear indicator starts squeaking to tell you it’s time to replace the brake pads.  A mechanic can examine brake pad thickness during a tire rotation or other service. Sometimes you feel a vibration while applying the brakes. That’s a sign that you may need to  resurface or  replace the brake rotors. Resurfacing a brake rotor will extend the life of the rotors by grinding a tiny amount of the metal surface area away to remove any irregularities or other imperfections that have cropped up over time. After a while, the entire brake rotor may need replacement if it has become too thin (through repeated grindings) or warped from variations in temperature. Don’t delay, as brakes are probably one of the most critical safety devices on your vehicle, right up there with seat belts. 

Please note: Pricing shown is for either front brakes or rear brakes. Made of ceramic, organic or metallic material, brake pads squeeze against the brake disc rotors to slow the vehicle down. Every time you apply the brakes, the pads wear down a tiny bit. Eventually a wear indicator starts squeaking to tell you it’s time to replace the brake pads. It’s always better to replace the pads before they start squeaking, to avoid damaging the brake rotors. A mechanic can check brake pad thickness during a tire rotation or other service. The number of miles you can go before replacing the brake pads really depends on your driving style.