Automotive News & Information - By The Book Diesel & Auto Repair

If you own or operate a fleet or commercial truck, you know it’s hard to keep everything working perfectly all the time. You have to choose what to give priority to, and what can wait. However, some small problems are indicators that a bigger issue is on the way. At By The Book Diesel & Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM, our goal is to keep you and your fleet going.

Brake pads are important - you don’t need them to go, but you do need them to stop. At By The Book Diesel & Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM, we like to keep your vehicle stopping exactly as it should - it’s less dangerous, and it keeps insurance premiums low. So, how do you know if your brake pads are going bad? How do they work? What even are they? We’ve got the answers!

Your brake master cylinder is an integral part of your brake system. When one fails, some odd symptoms may arise, and it may be difficult to diagnose. Here’s some information to help you decide if yours has gone bad. At By The Book Diesel & Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM we want you to know what to look out for so that you can be safely on the road.

Your drive belts run everything - your AC, power steering, alternator, and water pump are all dependent on the belts that turn them. At By The Book Diesel & Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM, our goal is to keep your truck maintained, so you’re never stuck out on the road. Drive belts are a critical part of that goal.

If your vehicle breaks down and you have to be towed make sure you are aware of proper steps to protect your vehicle's transmission. The vehicle’s configuration determines how it should be properly towed to avoid transmission damage. Specifically, it matters if your vehicle is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive and whether it’s an automatic or a manual. From the professionals at By The Book Diesel & Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM, here’s how to tow your vehicle:

Your drive belts are simple but integral components to the function of your car, truck, or SUV. At By The Book Diesel & Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM, belts are one of the first things we assess when looking over a vehicle, as they alone are in charge of operating your AC, water pump, alternator, and power steering.

Your vehicle's belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded.

What is the purpose and importance of your belts and hoses? The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized to maintain engine timing. Whether serpentine, V-belt, or fan belt (the belts on the outside of the engine), they all transmit power from the front of the engine to accessories that need to be driven, such as the air conditioning, the charging system, and fans. Radiator and heater hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator, and heater core.

If you're prepping to go on a road trip, you need to be sure that your vehicle is ready for the journey. An unmaintained vehicle could be the difference between a good trip and a trip that goes south really quickly. Here at By The Book Diesel & Auto Repair, we want to remind you of some things to do so you and your vehicle are ready for the road.