Import Auto Center

Vehicle safety inspection is a government inspection that ensures vehicles are safe for the road.

What is checked during vehicle safety inspection?

Tires, brakes, lights, windshield/wipers, mirrors, seat belts, steering and alignment, suspension.

With so many potential problems, it’s always best to have your vehicle inspected regularly, even if the state doesn’t require it.

–Coolant Leakage

An oil cooler’s external failure can leak out the coolant from the engine. Most coolant leakage occurs at radiators, cooling hoses, and motor related coolant components. The leak could result in anything from a small puddle to a steady stream of coolant under the vehicle. A coolant leak from a bad oil cooler can cause engine overheating problems. If you need help taking care of leakage, contact Import Auto Center and let our experts diagnose and manage the problem for you.

–Oil Leakage

Uncontrolled leaks can stick to rubber hoses and seals and cause premature wear. Oil leaks can leave unpleasant stains on driveways and are dangerous to the environment. Worst of all, oil leaks pose a fire hazard to the engine compartment, and at worst it can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Therefore, fixing oil leaks should be every vehicle owner’s number one priority. Oil leaks occur when gaskets and seals are worn out. Inadequate lubrication of engine parts would eventually c

Exhaust plays an important role in allowing a vehicle’s engine to “breathe” by removing toxic gasses and fumes from the engine and out the exhaust pipe through the catalytic converter. However, these components have a defined lifespan, as the same gasses and vapors will over time damage oxygen (O2) sensors in vehicles, precious metals in catalytic converters, and even the metals that make up these components.

Failure of these components can have consequences ranging from an unpleasant smell to an engine not running properly. If you think your vehicle’s exhaust system needs repair or replacement, contact the Import Auto Center. Regular maintenance of your exhaust system can save you time and money in the long run.

If your power windows behave strangely or no longer respond properly to controls, schedule a service at the Import Auto Center. Power windows not only let air into the car on hot days, they are also useful when driving on toll booths and driveways.

We understand the various components that make a power window system work and have the appropriate tools to repair power window motors, gears, regulators and other power window system components. If the window behaves strangely, don’t wait. Let our experts fix your broken power windows for a smooth and joyful drive.

Timing belts are essential to the operation of your vehicle. Timing belts synchronize the action of camshafts and crankshafts to ensure valves operate efficiently and safely. Older cars have timing chains similar to motorcycle chains that have a lifespan of about 60,000 miles. Newer models use polyurethane and Kevlar timing belts for longer life and durability.

It can run up to 100,000 miles, but we recommend replacing it before then. A broken belt can cause extensive damage to your engine’s valves, pistons, and other internal components. The cost of replacing the timing belt is much more affordable compared to the cost of replacing entire engine. Consider replacing the timing belt once you hit the 90,000-mile mark.

An engine tune-up entails checking and replacing various engine parts that could be the cause of the engine’s poor performance.

Even an engine that has been well-maintained will eventually start to lose its tune. As a result, the engine may become inadequate, use more fuel, and eventually fail. Therefore, it’s crucial to have regular diagnostic examinations and tune-ups.

Tune-up Services Include;

– Spark Plugs

A spark plug ignites the fuel mixture in the engine and provides the power to make the car run. It is mounted in the cylinder head of the engine and receives spark from the electronic ignition on modern vehicles or the distributor cap and rotor on older vehicles. At about 30,000 to 40,000 miles, conventional spark plugs will eventually wear out and can cause engine stalls, starting problems, and engine misfires.

– Oil Change

An oil change, one of the main parts of tuning, is like giving your engine a blood transfusion. Synthetic motor oils have a long service life and are

The good operation of the engine and the running of the vehicle depend on its operation within a certain rpm range. The transmission system connected to the engine and performs the function of transferring the power from the engine to the wheels where the traction is and keeping the engine in the optimum rpm range.

The transmission handles this task with various gear combinations. While the vehicle can produce the same rpm in different gears, this generated power can move the vehicle to different speeds. While the driver performs the task of choosing the appropriate gear according to the engine’s revolution speed in the manual transmission, the automatic transmission carries out the same task and provides comfort to the driver in a sense.

Vehicle manufacturers inform that transmission service should be done when the vehicle reaches a certain mile. Transmission service starts with the complete flush of the transmission related compartments and then continuous with the change of the tr

Vehicle suspension system; consists of a shock absorber, coil spring, sway bar, and in some vehicles, a spring.

What Problems Suspensions Cause?

-Steering becomes stiff.

-The suspension softens.

-The grip gets weak.

–The vehicle skids on wet ground.

–The steering wheel vibrates.

-Tires become uneven and wear out quickly.

-Driving becomes difficult.

-Brakes become deteriorated.

One of the reasons for the problems in the shock absorber and suspension system of the vehicle may be the brake system, which is one of the most vital systems of the vehicle. Within the scope of periodic maintenance services, Import Auto Center professionals perform brake system control and replacement.

Shocks and struts are a system that carries the weight of the vehicle by being placed between the body and the wheels of the vehicles, provides driving comfort and safety, absorbs the jolts, oscillations and sudden shocks caused by the road surface, and ensures the vehicle to hold on to the road at the maximum level during driving and turning.

Each vehicle has a different suggested frequency for oil changes. Every 3,750 miles, on average, the engine oil needs to be changed. Engine oil changes for gasoline-powered and diesel vehicles may differ from one another. It is important to check the vehicle’s engine periodically.

There are other factors that affect the frequency of oil changes and the contamination and decrease of engine oil. The way the vehicle is used, how frequently it is used, and the terrain it is used on all have an impact on how the engine operates. The frequency of engine oil changes will vary depending on how the car is utilized. Import Auto Center experts provide reliable information on when your car’s engine oil needs to be changed.

There is a considerable likelihood of damage if the vehicle’s oil change is delayed, which could result in high costs down the road. If the engine oil change is ignored, the car can lose traction and possibly generate noise as you drive. As engine oil degrades, its content det

Mechanical, electrical, and electronic components make up the majority of common cars. One of the most crucial features of automobiles is electricity. Even though modern technology can now diagnose a vehicle, detecting electrical problems that the system cannot identify might occasionally be the most crucial information in the hands of professionals.

Our specialists at the Import Auto Center have completed their advanced training in diagnosing automotive electrical problems by performing detailed inspection and using appropriate tools.

The check engine light on your car alerts you that there is a problem related to the engine compartment. Performing computer diagnostics on your car is the only way to determine whether the problem is minor or major. It’s critical to use the best computer diagnostic since obsolete or inefficient equipment may produce erroneous or ambiguous readings, necessitating more testing and repairs in an effort to pinpoint the issue.

When it comes to pinpointing the exact problem related to your vehicle, using the most updated diagnostic tool is essential since it provides more accuracy compared to On-Board Diagnostic tools. Our experts here at Import Auto Center use the most updated computer diagnostic technology to determine the particular issue that turned on the check engine light. By using advanced technology, we can make instant notifications to our customers, notify the cause of the malfunction and repair it upon request.

The battery’s main function is to start the car. When the car is running, the alternator takes over and starts producing power to meet all the car’s electrical requirements, including charging the battery.

Weak battery may show signs such as;

– Slow starting

– When turn the ignition, not starting the vehicle at all

– Cutting power off suddenly.

If your car shows these signs, bring your car to the Import Auto Center for a FREE battery test.

“We perform your vehicle’s battery check for FREE!”

Your brake system’s components eventually need to be replaced as a result of wear and tear. The most frequent brake repair is replacing the brake pads since they degrade every time you push the brake pedal. The metal housing of the pads will come into touch with the metal rotors if they are allowed to wear down too much without being replaced, posing a safety risk and perhaps necessitating rotor replacement as well.

When Do I Need to Service My Brakes?

Some typical warning indicators are:

– While driving, the brake warning light illuminates,

– Your car drifts or pulls to one side while braking,

– Brake fluid is low and/or looks dirty

– You hear grinding or squealing noise when you push the brake,

– You feel a pulsation or “sponginess” when you push the brake,

– You feel vibration on steering wheel while braking

– You may have difficulty stopping the vehicle when you push the brake.

Manufacturers of vehicles will provide particular maintenance schedules and services that will help to maintain the integrity of your vehicle. Manufacturers of vehicles normally advise doing a major service every 30,000 miles, which will include a particular set of inspections or services that may be required depending on mileage. Consider these significant services as an update for your car that will enhance its performance, lifespan, and fuel efficiency.

Our 30|60|90K services will include the following items:

–Oil Change

– 4 Wheel Tire Rotation, Pressure and Condition Check

– Inspection and Replacement of Air, Fuel, and Cabin Filters

– Overall Vehicle Inspection of Parts, Electric/Electronic Systems, Disc Brake System, Parking Brake System, Head-lights, Tail-lights, Brake-lights, Daytime Running Lights, Turn Signals, Fuel System, Drive Belt, A/C Belt, Water Pump Belt, Cooling and Air Vacuum Hoses, Pressure Hoses as applicable.

– Spark Plugs and Timing Belts as applicable.

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Plan on going on a road trip? For your safety, it is very crucial to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition to take a long journey. Weird noises, difficult steering, extreme vibration, disturbing smells, issues with internal components, and more are a few of the signs that we advise for coming into our shop for an inspection. A visual inspection can typically identify a part problem, but computer diagnostics may be required if the issue is electrical or engine-related.

The experts at Import Auto Center can assist if you have noticed a weird symptom with your car or think you might need a repair. Our ASE-certified experts at Import Auto Center of Tampa are extremely proficient with all makes and models of vehicles and can assist you in resolving any automotive issue you may be experiencing.

One of the best conveniences ever to be introduced to the global automobile industry is air conditioning. However, in order to retain peak performance, it requires frequent inspections just like any other component of your car. Your car’s heating and air conditioning are in charge of keeping you cozy while you’re driving. The ability of your heating system to defrost the windshield or rear glass so that you can see your surroundings clearly is also crucial.

Our experts at Import Auto Center of Tampa, which specializes in auto repair, can handle repairs and upkeep for your heating and air conditioning systems. If you are looking for the best auto ac repair near you, Import Auto Center is your place to go. We provide quality auto ac service and recharge. Allow the Import Auto Center of Tampa to assist you in staying cool while the temperature rises.