Yeck's Tire & Auto

Products And Services

• Oil Change

  Check the owner's manual to see if your driving habits are considered to be "severe service." This type of driving requires more frequent oil changes, warns the Car Care Council. Have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 3-5,000 miles. For less wear and tear on the engine, drivers in cold climes (sub-zero driving temperatures) should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30. Your mom and dad would probably suggest simply moving to someplace warmer. Description: The typical oil filter consists of a high-strength steel housing containing various types of filtering media. An anti-drainback valve prevents oil from running out of the filter when the engine is off. Today's oil filters have a convenient spin-on design that makes removal and installation easy. Purpose: The oil filter sifts out contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. Should the oil filter become restricted or clogged with contaminants, they will flow around the filter. This bypassing is a safety mechanism, but you never want to let oil and filter changes go so long that bypassing takes place. Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: For best results, consult your owner's manual, but consider that your driving probably constitutes a severe maintenance schedule. Usually, this means oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. If you change the filter yourself, dispose of it properly. Take used filters to a facility that accepts them. Used filters can be crushed, removing the used oil and the steel part of the filter can be recycled. The oil from one used, seemingly innocent filter leaking into a landfill can taint 62,000 gallons of ground water.

  Link: Oil Change

• Wheel Alignment

  Wheel alignment is the position of the wheels relative to your car. When properly aligned, the wheels point in the right direction. Without proper alignment, the wheels resist your steering commands, as well as each other. Alignment also affects gas mileage and tire wear. If your tires are pointed in different directions, they fight against each other and can cause tread wear. Computerized alignment equipment is used to measure all alignment angles on today's cars. These include both adjustable and non-adjustable angles. (Non-adjustable angles require repair or replacement of the suspension component.) Tire Alignment Wheel alignment is often overlooked by busy Omaha car owners until serious tire damage has been done. One wheel can be knocked out of alignment from the rest by hitting a curb or pothole on Omaha roads. The tires will wear out very quickly and will need to be replaced prematurely. It could also lead to suspension damage. Conversely, worn suspension or steering components can lead to alignment problems for Omaha motorists. But the big issue for Omaha motorists is safety. When your car wheels are out of alignment, the vehicle will pull to one side, which could lead to an accident. When you're out of alignment, you should have it taken care of right away at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair. Signs of alignment problems are: Your car pulls to one side. Also, your steering wheel may not be centered when you're going straight. If you see the edges of one or more tires rapidly wearing down, you should have your technician at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair look it over. If you've been in an accident in Omaha that involved a wheel, you should get your alignment checked. A big jolt can seriously knock things out of alignment, but Omaha drivers also need to understand that a series of smaller ones can add up. Worn steering or suspension components can also lead to alignment problems for Omaha drivers. That's why your car manufacturer recommends periodic alignment checks. If your car owner's manual doesn't specify, once a year might be appropriate. Check with your service advisor at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair in Bellevue. He'll also be able to tell you if your vehicle requires a four wheel alignment or if just the front wheels can be aligned. One thing's for sure: the cost of the alignment at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair is cheaper than having to buy a couple of new tires because of neglect. Alignment It’s no surprise that your vehicle will drive better in the Carter Lake area if all the wheels are pointed in the same direction.That’s called wheel alignment. If your wheels are out of alignment you may notice that your truck pulls to one side or the other. Something that you won't notice right away, but you will if you keep driving around Carter Lake when you're out of alignment, is that your tires are wearing unevenly and fairly quickly.. That's because when the vehicle is pulling to one side, you have to steer it back straight. The outside of the tire just wears out fast because you're constantly turning, which can be very exhausting on a long road trip from the Carter Lake area fighting to keep the vehicle going straight down the road. Some of the things that commonly throw a wheel out of alignment are slamming into a pothole in Carter Lake, smacking a curb in Bellevue or something like a rock in Papillion. And it doesn't have to be a big shock, it can just be the regular bumps and bangs of daily driving that add up and eventually take your vehicle out of alignment. That's why your owner's manual or Bellevue service advisor at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair may suggest having your alignment checked periodically. With an alignment service at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair, we measure each wheel's alignment and to see where they are relative to factory specifications. While we have the vehicle on the alignment rack, we inspect the tires for wear as well as the suspension and steering components for damage or wear things that can contribute to alignment problems. With some trucks you can adjust all four wheels so we bring all wheels into alignment. On those vehicles where you can only adjust the front wheels, we bring the front into alignment relative to the rear. Cost varies by whether or not it's two or four wheel adjustable. Four-wheel drive vehicles may have an additional charge because they're more difficult to align. At any rate, it's cheaper than having to replace tires every few months. If it's been a while since you've had your wheels aligned, bring your vehicle to Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair in Bellevue NE for an alignment check.

  Link: Wheel Alignment

• Brake Repair

  The brake system is actually composed of two kinds of systems---Hydraulics and Friction Materials. Here's what happens within these systems between the time your foot hits the brake pedal and your car stops. Hydraulics Master Cylinder When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure which pushes brake fluid to the wheel brakes. Brake Lines and Hoses Steel brake lines and high pressure rubber hoses are the avenues through which the pressurized brake fluid travels. Wheel Cylinders & Calipers These are the hydraulic cylinders that apply pressure to the friction materials, causing your car to stop. Friction Materials Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes These brake linings are composed of high temperature materials that create the friction that stops your car. Types of Brakes Disc Brakes Disc brakes consist of a Disc Brake Rotor, which is attached to the wheel, and a Caliper, which holds the Disc Brake Pads. Hydraulic pressure from the Master Cylinder causes the Caliper Piston to clamp the Disc Brake Rotor between the Disc Brake Pads. This creates friction between the pads and rotor, causing your car to slow down or stop. Brake System Drum Brakes Drum brakes consist of a Brake Drum attached to the wheel, a Wheel Cylinder, Brake Shoes and Brake Return Springs. Hydraulic pressure from the Master Cylinder causes the Wheel Cylinder to press the Brake Shoes against the Brake Drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or stop your car. (See more about Drum Brakes, below) Parking Brake The Parking Brake uses Cables to mechanically apply the brakes (usually the rear brake.) This is used to prevent the car from rolling when not being driven. Anti-Lock Brakes: A System Built For Safety Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a recently developed safety feature. When sudden stops are made, the ABS prevents wheel lock-up. The system is comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor wheel rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the brakes on and off rapidly, and the on-board computer. Did You Know About Hydraulic brake fluid replacement is not listed in some owner's manual service schedules. Ask your service advisor about when he would recommend a power brake fluid replacement. Fresh fluid has adequate levels of anti-corrosion additives that can help protect expensive brake components. Drum Brakes Brakes that work properly are essential to your safety as you drive and stop on Bellevue and Eastern Nebraska streets. You want to carefully maintain your brakes. In vehicles equipped with drum brakes, the brake components are housed inside a drum that rotates with the wheel. When you step on the brake pedal, brake shoes push out against the inside of the drum, slowing the wheel. Now brake shoes just wear away with use from rubbing on the drum as you brake. When it's time to replace brake shoes, it's a straight-forward repair. If you hear squealing or grinding when braking, have your Bellevue service advisor check them out. He'll have a technician perform a thorough brake inspection to see what needs to be done. He'll check for signs of brake problems and go over other brake components to see that they're working properly. He can tell you if it's time to replace the brake shoes or if there are other issues with your brakes that should be addressed. Some people in our Bellevue community ignore the warning signs and keep driving long after the shoes are completely worn out. When that happens, metal brake components will grind against the drum, damaging it enough that it has to be resurfaced or replaced. When you push on your brake pedal, the wheel cylinder is activated and it pushes the shoes against the drum to slow the vehicle. This cylinder, and various springs within the brake, can wear out affecting your ability to stop . The worn components can be easily replaced. The new brake shoes we put on your truck or other vehicle will restore your brakes to manufacturers' specifications. Or, we can install upgraded parts to increase your stopping power and reduce brake noise and brake dust . We have several options to meet your braking requirements and your budget. Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely and you could prevent premature brake repairs down the road.

  Video: Brake Repair

  Link: Brake Repair

• Cooling System

  If you're old enough to remember coolant changes before the age of environmental law, all I can tell you is "everything's changed". Letting the engine run for 30 minutes, with the radiator petcock open and a garden hose pumping water into the radiator fill pipe is now seriously illegal. In most locales, all drained coolant must now be collected and taken to a licensed disposal facility. If the drained coolant is diluted with a garden hose, you might have 100 gallons to bring in. The environmental laws change everything. What was an easy 20 minute procedure is now a day-long affair, complete with risks of injury, car damage, and legal difficulties. For that reason we suggest bringing your vehicle in and allow our certified technicians to flush your coolant system properly. Cooling System We're often asked questions in Bellevue NE about the cooling system - the system that cools your engine and keeps it at the proper operating temperature. Let's examine the topic in two areas: first the coolant itself and, second, the parts that make up the cooling system. The coolant in you truck is the mix of water and antifreeze that circulates through the engine to draw off heat. First, you need to have the proper amount. If you don't have enough coolant it can't keep your engine cool. You also need the right kind of coolant. Different makes of trucks and other vehicles require different coolant formulation to protect against corrosion. Finally, your coolant needs to be fresh. Over time and miles, the anti-corrosion additives in the coolant are depleted and the coolant can actually start to eat away at the cooling system parts. Your owner's manual and your Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair service adviser in Bellevue NE can help you with the recommended coolant replacement schedule and make sure you're getting the right type of coolant. Now let's talk about the cooling system components. These will all eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Starting with the radiator, we see them coming into the shop with leaks or clogged with deposits. Depending on the damage, we will clean, repair or replace. We also see radiator pressure caps that can no longer hold the proper pressure. We recommend replacing pressure caps when you change your coolant to avoid this problem. We see leaky water pumps and hoses in Bellevue that need to be replaced, too. There's also a part called the thermostat that opens and closes to regulate the flow of coolant. Sometimes they stick open or closed and the cooling system won't work properly. Engine damage from overheating can be very expensive to fix so it's important to maintain your cooling system properly with scheduled coolant replacement and periodic inspections of the cooling system. Certainly come in if you suspect a leak and have us take a look.

  Link: Cooling System

• Air Conditioning Service

  If the breeze from those open windows just isn't cutting it, come by our shop in Bellevue, NE 68005 to get an expert opinion on what we can do to fix your auto A/C or heating problems. We offer affordable prices and guaranteed workmanship. Contact us so we can help you drive in comfort Why maintaining your AC System is very important: Heating and A/C systems may break eventually with usage, hose pipes may clog and drip if not serviced, causing reduced efficiency heating and cooling capabilities. Regular maintenance will keep your AC system operating at peak performance! Indications your A/C system may be having issues: If your air conditioning blows only slightly cooler air compared to the exterior air Air that blows in smells damp, musty, or like mildew and mold Your cabin does not warm up in cold weather, or is just a little warmer than outside The defroster takes longer than typical to operate, or does not operate Your heater or A/C only functions when driving, not when idling, or quits blowing when the car is stationary Your heating system blows cold air, or the air conditioning blows warm air Low airflow even at the highest fan setting. A comprehensive evaluation of heating and A/C system includes: Examining the internal controls and blower Checking radiator coolant operating temperature, hoses, pressure radiator cap and thermostat Inspecting the compressor belt Inspecting system and seals for leaks or various other damages. A cooling system pressure test Verifying the A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications Measuring the interior vent air temperature Your car's engine is the power source for both heating and air conditioning systems. The systems also share other components, as the diagram shows. Here's what happens when you flip on the heat or the air conditioner: Heating System Heat is a byproduct of the engine's combustion process. The coolant in your car’s radiator absorbs the heat. The coolant is then circulated through the heater core before returning to the radiator. The heating system also includes a series of air ducts, a blower motor and fan, and temperature and duct controls, which select the desired temperature and direct the flow of warm air. Air Conditioning System This system shares air ducts, controls and a blower with the heater, but has its own refrigerant system. The air conditioning system is comprised of the following components: 1. Compressor This is a pump that pressurizes and circulates the refrigerant through the system. 2. Condenser As the refrigerant flows through the condenser, it gives off heat and converts from gas to liquid. 3. Receiver/Dryer or Accumulator This is where clean, dry refrigerant is stored as it circulates through the system. 4. Orifice Tube or Expansion Valve This is a metering device that controls the flow of refrigerant through the system. 5. Evaporator Core Refrigerant enters the evaporator core as a liquid. Heat from the air converts the liquid refrigerant back into a gas, which cools the air before it enters your vehicle. Air Conditioning Service & Repair: Let’s talk about air conditioning service and repair issues for the Council Bluffs NE area. Most of us in Bellevue we don’t give our air conditioning a second thought as long as it’s making cold air. But it’s a complex and expensive system that we should think about before it starts blowing hot air. The refrigerant in the air conditioner contains a special oil that lubricates and cools the A/C parts. This oil is eventually used up. Your air conditioner still makes cold air, but the parts don’t have oil to protect them and they wear out faster than they should so it’s important to service the air conditioner as recommended by your Bellevue NE service center. Replacing old refrigerant has another benefit: refrigerant tends to gather moisture and become corrosive. That causes leaks in the system which can be expensive to repair. Fresh refrigerant protects the air conditioning components and keeps the system operating at peak efficiency so it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool. Even with regular service A/C parts can just wear out. Normal wear and tear eventually gets to all moving parts. Addressing early problems can save on more extensive repairs down the road. For instance, a common failure is the clutch that turns the compressor on and off. If you can take care of a bad A/C clutch when it first starts having problems, you may be able to save the compressor. Wait too long and you’ll have to replace both. Check your owner’s manual or ask your Bellevue service advisor at Yeck’s Tire & Auto Repair for service recommendations. And if you’re hearing strange sounds when your air conditioning turns on, or if it just isn’t as cold as it used to be, have us give it the once over see what it’ll take to keep you cool.

  Video: Air Conditioning Service

  Link: Air Conditioning Service

• Belts and Hoses

  Exposure to heat, vibration and contamination makes belts and hoses wear out faster than any other components in your car. That's why regular inspections are so important. Here are the belt and hose types in your car, along with their applications. Accessory Drive Belts While some accessories in your car are electrically powered by the charging system, others use the engine itself as their power source. The power for these accessories is delivered by a system of pulleys and belts. Examples of these accessories are: Alternator Water Pump for engine cooling Power Steering Pump Air Conditioning Compressor Radiator Cooling Fan Many late model cars use a single serpentine belt in place of individual belts to drive these accessories. Hoses The hoses that convey your car's fluids are made of two rubber layers with a layer of fabric in between. Typical hoses include: Radiator and Heater Hoses - These hoses convey coolant to the engine and heater core. Fuel Hose - As the name implies, this hose transports gasoline from the tank to the engine. Power Steering Hose - It connects the power steering pump to the steering gear.

  Link: Belts and Hoses

• Exhaust

  Keep your vehicle running safe and efficient with frequent checks of your exhaust system to ensure you and your family's safety. Make sure there are no holes in the exhaust system or in the passenger compartment where exhaust fumes could enter. Exhaust system repair which primarily involves the replacement of mufflers, tailpipes, and catalytic converters. Yeck's Auto Repair has the technical know-how and parts to make you vehicle like new again, including mufflers, exhaust pipes, catalytic converters , exhaust manifolds, clamps, exhaust accessories, and complete exhaust systems packages. More on Exhaust System Exhaust We’ve all heard a car or truck in our Council Bluffs neighborhoods that needs a new muffler. But there’s more to the exhaust system than just the muffler. The exhaust system has three main functions: To safely get hot exhaust gas from the engine out the tailpipe Treats the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants Muffle the engine noise Exhaust gas is poisonous. You don’t want it getting into the passenger compartment. For example, carbon monoxide can be deadly. That’s why you should never run your engine in a closed garage. If you have a leak in the exhaust system, exhaust could get into the passenger cabin and make you sick or even kill you. If you smell exhaust in the vehicle, roll down your windows and get it inspected. You may smell or see exhaust coming from the engine compartment or under the vehicle if you have a leak. Sometimes the sound from an exhaust leak is loud and obvious. Sometimes it’s a ticking sound when you start the engine that goes away as you drive. That could be a small crack or a bad fitting that leaks when it’s cold but seals up when the metal heats and expands. Now, let’s address the environmental issues for our Council Bluffs community. Exhaust gas contains a number of pollutants and particulates. The catalytic converter scrubs some of those harmful substances. And diesel vehicles have systems to deal with soot. Catalytic converters eventually wear out and need to be replaced. They’re expensive so you want to help them last as long as possible by keeping the fuel system clean and replacing your air filter. These components need to be tested for function with an emissions test from time to time. And that leaves the muffler. The beauty of getting a new muffler is that you can suit your taste: Some want whisper quiet and others like a little rumble. And some like a roar when they drive down our Council Bluffs streets.

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• Shocks and Struts

  The primary function of your cars suspension and steering systems is to allow the wheels to move independently of the car, while keeping it "suspended" and stable. Any play or uncontrolled motion in these systems results in a deterioration of handling and accelerated tire wear. Vehicle alignment is closely tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems. Steering Steering Systems Worn or loose components affect the ability to control the toe angle, and may result in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear. The main components of a Conventional system are: Steering Gear Box Center Link Pitman Arm Idler Arm Tie Rods The main components of a Rack and Pinion steering system are: Rack and Pinion Assembly Bellows Boots Tie Rods Suspension System Worn or loose components affect the suspension systems ability to control motion and alignment angles, resulting in a deterioration of vehicle handling and stability, and accelerated tire wear. The main components of the suspension system are: Control Arms Ball Joints Springs (Coil or Leaf) Shock Absorbers Struts Schedule A Suspension Inspection At Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair Today's Papillion car care article focuses on your suspension system. After many years and tens of thousands of miles, your car suspension system components do wear out, but how long that takes depends a lot on how you drive. As you can imagine, if most of your driving is on smooth Papillion highways, your shock absorbers will last a lot longer than if you do most of your driving on bumpy roads or hauling heavy loads. In addition to just wearing out, Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair customers need to know that suspension components can be damaged in an accident or by a hard impact - like a pothole, hitting a curb or a rock in the road. Because the life span of shocks can vary so widely, your car manufacturer and Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair recommend periodic inspections. During an inspection, your Papillion service technician will check for worn, broken or missing parts. Signs that shocks or struts are wearing out: The tires may have a cupped wear pattern. This is from the shocks bouncing unevenly as you drive around Papillion. You may notice a floaty or drifting sensation when cornering. If the front of your car dives excessively when stopping, or rocks back and forth after you stopped, your shocks may be worn out. And if they are leaking fluid, it's definitely time to replace them. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, come into Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair for a suspension inspection. Same if you've been in an accident that involved one of your wheels. Worn or broken shocks can cause premature wear or failure on other car suspension parts such as ball joints and other steering components as well. If your suspension actually fails, it could lead to a serious accident, so let us take care of your suspension components at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair. When you replace your shocks, it's usually a good idea to replace all four at the same time. That'll give you more even handling. Talk with your service advisor at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair because you don't want a big difference between the performance of your shocks from wheel to wheel, and replacing all may be the safest bet. Suspension Let's talk about your suspension - you know, the system that connects your wheels to your vehicle, controls your handling and delivers a good ride as you cruise around Bellevue NE. Your suspension is critical for proper steering, stopping and stability. Hey, it's a rough world out there in NE - every time you hit a pothole, a bump or an object in the road, your suspension system has to absorb the impact and maintain control. As you can imagine, your suspension has a lot of joints and pivot points that allow your wheels to move up and down over bumps and to turn as you steer. These parts include ball joints, tie rod ends, the pitman, idler arms and the control arm bushing. They simply wear out over time. When a joint or other part is worn the suspension parts don't fit together as tightly as they should. Handling and steering has a loose feel and you may hear strange noises. Your tires will wear unevenly because they're bouncing down the Bellevue NE road a little off kilter. A loose joint has the effect of stressing other suspension components so they wear out faster than they should. Sometimes a suspension part can be bent from hitting a rock or curb or by slamming into a big pothole. When your Bellevue NE service advisor at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair inspects your vehicle, he'll look for signs of suspension problems: things like uneven tire wear, excessive play in suspension components and other visible damage. He can replace the worn or damaged parts and restore safe handling.

  Link: Shocks and Struts

• Batteries

  Our staff can safely and professionally install your battery and get you back on the road. Batteries Battery When your car's engine is off, the battery provides the required power to the rest of the system, as well as during start-up (cranking). It also supplements the power from the charging system during periods of high demand. Charging System This is the heart of the electrical system. It consists of three main components: the belt-driven alternator, various electrical circuits, and a voltage regulator. The alternator supplies power to the electrical system and recharges the battery after your car has started. Just like it sounds, the voltage regulator controls the voltage, keeping it within the operating range of the electrical system. Starting System This system consumes more electrical power than any other in your car. The starting system consists of three components which work in tandem: the ignition switch, the starter relay or solenoid, and the starter motor. The ignition switch controls the starter solenoid, which activates the starter motor. The starter motor then turns the engine until your car starts. Your vehicle's battery primarily helps to start the engine. However, it also stores energy generated by the alternator, and runs the secondary electrical systems or additional components in your vehicle. More on your vehicles Battery Car Battery Batteries are a huge part of modern life in Eastern Nebraska. I mean, how many battery chargers do you have? Of course, our purpose here is to talk about your car battery. When people come into our Bellevue NE service center and need a new battery, they're really not that happy about having to spend the money. But the fact is that 70 percent of batteries don't make it for 4 years. There are some things that you can do to extend the life of your battery. First, keep it clean. If you see it getting dirty or greasy, let us know at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair and we can clean it off. A dirty battery runs hotter and that shortens its life. If your battery terminals are corroded, let us take a look at that too. We can clean them, and if the corrosion has gotten into the battery cables, we can replace them. Also running your battery way down is bad for it: Things like running the headlights or watching a DVD player with the car turned off can deeply deplete your battery. The typical battery can only take about 10 of those deep cycle depletions before it gives up the ghost. Because we often take short trips around Bellevue with lots of stops for errands, our batteries can end up not getting fully recharged just by driving around. That also shortens battery life. You can hook up a good quality automatic battery charger at home from time to time. We recommend charging once a month during hot months and every three months during cold months. Now when it's finally time to get a new battery, we can help you find the right replacement. We'll always make sure to meet your manufacturer's recommendations. Now if you have special needs – like live in a very cold climate or run a lot of electrical accessories, we can look at an upgrade that'll give you the power you need. Battery Replacement Question: When do I need to replace my battery? Yeck's Tire & Auto Answer: That's a good question for Bellevue drivers. All batteries wear out and need to be replaced – but some are replaced before their time. Look, if your battery is dying and you need a jump-start, it could very well be that you have a bad battery. But Bellevue drivers should have Yeck's Tire & Auto test the battery first to see if it's actually bad. The problem could be parasitic drain or a bad alternator that's not properly charging your battery. And Bellevue drivers in this situation also need to have their service advisor check their alternator and have it tested. A surprisingly high percentage of “bad” alternators brought into Yeck's Tire & Auto in Bellevue are actually just fine: the problem is a worn serpentine belt and/or belt tensioner. If the belt is slipping, it's not spinning the alternator properly so it can't fully charge the battery. Hopefully, Bellevue drivers can see that a dead battery can be the result of a chain of events: a worn serpentine belt, a worn belt tensioner, a bad alternator or a bad battery. If you don't check the belt, tensioner and alternator, you can just end up replacing batteries that are still good. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable pros at Yeck's Tire & Auto . That brings us back full circle to when batteries do fail. There's a chemical cycle that takes place inside your battery: the battery is discharged when you start the vehicle and is recharged by the alternator when you drive. Short trips around the Omaha area with frequent stops and starts may mean that your battery is never fully recharged. When a battery isn't fully charged, parts of the battery harden and are no longer available

  Link: Batteries

• Transmission Repair

  Vehicles with automatic transmissions require transmission fluid. It protects the transmission from running too hot, especially during strenuous conditions such as towing or steep hills. If you will be putting more driving stress than normal on your vehicle, it's important to have your car inspected and serviced to prevent the transmission from overheating. However, completely flushing and replenishing your transmission fluid requires a specially-designed machine. Transmission Service: Smooth Shifting In Bellevue Let's suppose you're going to take some friends out on the boat for some water skiing on a beautiful Bellevue area lake. Of course, you get the boat ready, but what about your tow vehicle? Think about it – heavy Bellevue traffic, hilly Nebraska terrain. Maybe some dirt roads – and it's going to be pretty hot. And all the time you'll be towing several thousand extra pounds around Bellevue roads. That all adds up a lot of severe strain on your transmission. It's going to be working overtime, spending more time in lower gears. The internal transmission temperature is going to be much higher than normal. Bellevue drivers need to make sure they have enough transmission fluid. If it runs low, the transmission will run hotter and won't have the protection it needs to cope with the added stress of towing. Transmission fluid breaks down and gets dirty over time. Whether your car has an automatic or manual transmission, you need to have it serviced on schedule at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair to make sure it runs efficiently. Before you leave your Bellevue home and head to the lake, bring your vehicle in to Yeck's Auto Repair for a trip inspection. Your Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair service technician will check your fluids, belts and hoses and let you know if your brakes are in good shape. Now, don't forget the sunscreen. What You Need To Know About Transmission Service At Yeck’s Tire & Auto Repair Automatic transmissions have gotten more sophisticated in recent years for Bellevue car owners. Take the number of gears for starters: The base is four speeds, five is very common. Many manufacturers are using six speeds and several have seven or even eight speeds. As you can imagine, this means more parts in your car's transmission. Today's transmissions are computer controlled. Some high end transmissions have two or three computers. Our experienced technicians at Yeck's Auto Repair in Bellevue receive ongoing training on transmission service and repair. Bellevue, Omaha, and Papillion car owners trust that transmissions are engineered to last. But Nebraska motorists need to understand that they are also engineered to tighter tolerances. If a portion of the transmission is starved for lubrication, it can lead to failure. This can happen with not enough fluid. And, if the transmission fluid gets dirty or sludgy, small passages in the transmission can get clogged, then the lubricant is blocked and can't get to all the parts to protect them, so they wear out prematurely. Most newer vehicles in Bellevue, Omaha, and Papillion require special transmission fluids – at Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair we can make sure you get the type your manufacturer recommends. As you can imagine, repairing one of these new transmissions can be quite costly at most Omaha auto repair shops. That's why manufacturers have a schedule for how often Bellevue drivers should change the fluid and what type of fluid to use. Simple Answers from Yeck's Tire & Auto in Bellevue: Transmission Service Question: My friend just had a very expensive transmission repair in Omaha. How can Bellevue drivers like myself avoid transmission trouble? Yeck's Tire & Auto Answer: Next to your engine, your transmission is the most important component in your vehicle – so you and your fellow Bellevue drivers want to do all you can to avoid transmission repairs. Bellevue drivers may have noticed a trend of engines becoming more and more powerful in recent years. At the same time, fuel economy has been improving in nearly every motor vehicle segment in NE. More power and better economy have always been at odds. Some of the improvement in fuel economy has been due to engine design, but most of the increases can be credited to advances in transmission technology. Every engine has a sweet spot in which it most efficiently makes power. This is often referred to by Bellevue technicians as the power band – the optimal engine speed (measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM). The computers that control what gear your automatic transmission is in also try to keep it in the right gear in order to maintain optimal engine speed – whatever your Bellevue driving conditions may be. Modern automatic transmissions have anywhere between four

  Link: Transmission Repair

• Engine Diagnostics

  The computer receives information from a network of sensors and switches that convert engine operating conditions into electrical signals. Based on the information and instructions stored in the computer program, commands are then sent to three primary systems: Ignition System Fuel System Emission Control System The sensors that monitor one or more of these systems include: Mass Airflow Sensor Throttle Position Sensor Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Coolant Temperature Sensor Exhaust Oxygen Sensor Crankshaft Position Sensor Camshaft Position Sensor Check Engine Light When your check engine light comes on, you may be torn between utter panic and just wanting to ignore it and hope it goes away. That’s perfectly understandable. That same check engine light could come on for anything from a serious engine or transmission problem all the way down to a loose gas cap. There’s a very common misconception that the trouble codes stored in your engine computer when your check engine light comes on will specifically identify a problem. It’s really more like pointing to the symptoms of a problem. Call Yeck’s Tire & Auto Repair for help with your check engine light. Think of taking your temperature. Say it’s 101. Your heat sensor – the thermometer – tells you that your temperature is out of the normal range. But it doesn’t tell you why you have a fever. Is it the flu or a sinus infection? You need more information; more tests. For any given trouble code, there could be a number of causes. So your trained technician takes the trouble code as a starting point and begins a diagnostic process to determine the cause of the problem. And some problems take longer to solve than others. When your engine management system logs a problem and illuminates the check engine light, your Bellevue service technician at Yeck’s Tire & Auto Repair will plug in a scanner, download the trouble codes and go to work tracing the cause of the problem. That’s just the first step. That’s when your technician’s training, equipment, databases and skill get put to work diagnosing the problem and fixing it. If your check engine light is flashing it means that the problem could lead to serious damage. You should get to your local Bellevue NE service center as soon as possible to get the problem solved. If it’s on but not flashing, you have some time to get in at your convenience. Air and fuel are mixed together to be burned in your engine. You request how much of each you need by how hard you press on the accelerator, by going up or down a hill or by how much you are carrying in your vehicle as your drive around Bellevue. Based on how much air you need – and how much is available – your engine management computer sends the needed amount of fuel to your engine. But what if the computer is getting the wrong information about how much air is coming into your engine? Well, it would send get the wrong amount of fuel and your engine wouldn't perform the way you need it to. The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor measures the volume, temperature and density of the air coming into your engine. With that information, the computer calculates how much oxygen is available to burn and adjusts the amount of fuel it sends. A dirty or damaged MAF sensor will provide inaccurate air flow readings, which can lead to drivability problems, damage your catalytic converter, set off the Check Engine light and may even prevent the engine from running. The good news is that Bellevue drivers can prevent most MAF sensor contamination. As air comes into your engine, it first passes through the engine air filter. Dust, road grime, pollen and other contaminants are captured in the filter. When the engine air filter becomes very dirty and clogged, some of the contaminants pass through the filter and hit the MAF sensor. That is how the sensor can become so dirty or damaged that it cannot accurately measure the air flow. So replacing your engine air filter as recommended will extend the life of your MAF sensor and help keep your engine running smoothly. Now if your MAF sensor is contaminated, it may be possible to clean it with an air induction cleaning service at Yeck's Tire & Auto in Bellevue. This service also cleans your throttle body and other fuel system components. In those circumstances where the MAF sensor has been damaged, it will need to be replaced. Approximately 12,000 gallons of air pass through your engine air filter for every gallon of fuel you burn (45,000 liters of air for every 4 liters of fuel). That's a lot of air to clean – and your air filter must be up to the job. Replacing this relatively inexpensive part will not only prevent dirt from getting into your engine, it will help keep your MAF sensor functioning properly. Your technician can easily inspect your engine air filter to see if it should be replaced. A caution: low-line air filters may actually contribute to MAF sensor failure as filter mate

  Link: Engine Diagnostics

• Towing

  Early on, we recognized that to truly be a one-stop, total car care facility, we had to be able to take care of all our client’s needs, including towing and road service. Yeck's Tire and Auto in Bellevue offers Towing & Road Service for Cars, Vans, Trucks and Motor Homes in the Eastern Nebraska area. AAA Approved Towing Provider Flatbed Service Wheel Lift Tire Change Modern Equipment Jump Starts US & Iowa DOT Authority Specialties We work on all makes and models of cars, trucks and SUV's. We perform all types of maintenance and repairs including: oil changes, a/c & heater, alignments, front end & suspension, tires, brakes, cooling system, electrical, exhaust, clutches, engine repair, automatic & manual transmissions, 4WD, differentials, timing belts, tune-ups, and all types of testing and diagnostics. We provide emergency towing service. Whether it's a minor or major repair, Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair can absolutely handle all your service needs! We are truly your one-stop, total car care facility. After 40 years in business, you know we're not going anywhere. Come in and discover why Yeck's Tire & Auto Repair won the prestigious AAA "Top Shop" award for the state of Nebraska.

  Link: Towing

• Factory Scheduled Maintenance - 30K, 60K, 90K

• RV Service & Repair