What is a timing belt? A timing belt is a cogged rubber belt that connects the camshaft and crankshaft of an engine. The crankshaft is spun by the pistons via connecting rods, sort of like the crank on a bicycle is spun by your legs. The camshaft must open valves at certain points in the… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Parts
How Much Should I Pay for Clutch Repair?
If you are in need of a new clutch or clutch repair, it helps to have an understanding of what is involved to appreciate the cost. Central Avenue Automotive can provide you with a rough estimate for clutch repair cost based on the following factors: Which make and model you own What type of vehicle… Read more »
Is it Time to Replace the Rotors and Calipers?
WHY DO I NEED TO REPLACE ROTORS AND CALIPERS WITH MY BRAKES AND BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT? Many of our customers assume that when the bring their vehicle in to Central Avenue Automotive for brake service and brake pad replacement that you can just resurface the rotors and install new pads. In some cases, this is… Read more »
Kent Drivers: Is It Time To Replace Your PCV Valve?
Your browser does not support video Improved fuel economy has two benefits for Kent motorists: less fuel is necessary and fewer emissions are released. Kent cars and trucks run cleaner than ever. Kent drivers may not realize that the first federally mandated pollution control device came out almost fifty years ago. WA car owners that were… Read more »
Spark Plug Maintenance is Critical
Spark plugs are an important component to keep your vehicle running smoothly, so neglecting them altogether or replacing them yourself may not be the best idea. I’ve seen people go to replace their spark plugs and cross-thread a plug. They’ve taken a very common routine repair and turned it into a big deal. Spark plugs… Read more »
Were You Told to Replace Your Water Pump with Your Timing Belt?
We’re asked a lot of questions here in the shop, and one we hear over and over again is whether or not you should change your water pump when you’re replacing your timing belt. This is a specific question, so naturally it has a specific answer. Unfortunately, that specific answer involves a whole lot of… Read more »
Common Auto Repair Myths
There are a number of myths about vehicle maintenance that come from a lot of different sources. Some are urban legend, some are people trying to save money, and others are misinformation that’s been shared and re-shared. Buying into a myth can cause damage to your car, so we feel it’s important to bring the… Read more »
Engine Replacement or Car Replacement?
Your vehicle relies on its engine for everything , so when the engine starts to go bad due to time, mileage, or mechanical failure , you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible. There are several ways to go about doing this. Replacing it with a low-mileage used engine is usually the best and… Read more »
Timing Belt Replacement
WHY DOES THE TIMING BELT ON MY CAR NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY SO OFTEN? Timing is everything to a well-operating engine, and that is why a timing belt is so important. Most of our customers at Central Avenue Automotive are aware that their vehicles require timing belt replacement after a recommended period of mileage,… Read more »
Timing Belt
Ever heard the sad tale of a staggering repair bill from a broken timing belt? Bad news. Let’s take a lesson from their woes and remember to think about our timing belt. First, let’s review what a timing belt does. The top part of the engine, over the cylinders is called the cylinder head. The… Read more »