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The powertrain of your vehicle consists of the engine, transmission or transaxle, and rear differential if you have rear-wheel drive. If you have a gas/electric hybrid, an electric motor or two may also be involved, as would the battery pack. And if your vehicle is all-electric, your powertrain would be the electric motor and the battery pack. This system is what moves your car. The engine uses fuel to generate power; that power is either multiplied or distributed through the transmission, and then it reaches the drive wheels via a differential or transaxle. Drivetrain issues […]

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An oil change is like a transfusion of new life into your vehicle. Over time, oil can lose some of its chemical properties that are designed to reduce corrosion and increase the lubrication in your engine. In some environments, dust and dirt can also find their way into your crankcase, so a regular change of your oil and filter are paramount to the long service life of your car or truck. Maintenance schedule The manufacturer of your vehicle sets the maintenance schedule based upon average use in average conditions. We can help you to stay […]

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There are many systems required for a car to start properly, so regular maintenance is necessary to keep your vehicle starting reliably. First, there are many electrical components needed to start successfully. A well-charged battery is necessary to turn the starter. The battery will also provide voltage to the ignition coil(s), as well as provide power to the fuel pump and fuel injection system. Spark plugs need to be clean and have a proper “gap” to allow the fuel in the cylinder to ignite. As you can see, the electrical system, the fuel system and other sub-systems […]

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Engine operation management requires the input of a few systems working together. The filtered air of the inductions system, the fuel delivered to each cylinder, and the emissions system all feed information to the ECM (or PCM) and the computer calculates the proper amount of fuel for each running condition. Being a computer, it can measure and correct parameters like the air/fuel ratio thousands of times per minute! It also takes input from the electrical system in determining load and how much timing advance the engine requires for optimum operation. Regular maintenance This is […]

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Your vehicle has a variety of filters to keep small particles of dirt from circulating in the operating systems, causing damage and eventually failure of moving parts. Cabin Filter The cabin filter works just like the filter for your air conditioner at home. It filters dust and dirt from the outside air prior to being treated by the climate control system. Keeping this filter serviced at proper intervals will ensure fresh, fast moving air is always available inside your vehicle. Oil Filter The oil filter traps contaminants in your engine oil. Even […]

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Several states now require regular (annual or biannual) emission tests. These tests have different names; the most common are inspection/maintenance (I/M), SMOG, or OBD-II emission testing. The tests may involve visual inspection of certain emission-control systems, measuring tailpipe emissions at specified engine speeds or as the vehicle runs on a dynamometer, or verifying the proper operation of the emission system on 1996 and newer vehicles with a scan tool. A poorly maintained emission system can cause the vehicle to fail these tests, diminish gas mileage and more. Call Moxie Auto Care & […]

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The electrical system in your vehicle is like the nervous system in your body…sensors generate impulses that are distributed, then processed, and those processed impulses are sent to some other area to display information, actuate another sensor or mechanical device, or provide power for device operation. Electrical starting systems In the early days of the automobile, the only electrical system was to allow the engine to operate. Later, lighting was added, and the more expensive cars received electrical starting systems. Today, electrical systems are extremely complex and interface with every other […]

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If our climate control system is working properly, we never give it a second thought. For some, it’s just “set and forget”. For others, if the air blowing from the vents is the right temperature, it’s all good! But keeping the cabin at the desired temperature requires a complex system of electronic, mechanical, and gaseous systems working at peak efficiency to keep us comfortable, and each system has specific maintenance needs for proper operation. Inside Air Temperature Electronically, your system may use a variety of sensors and switches to keep the […]

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