Eddie's Tires Mufflers & Auto Center

The compressor is a belt-driven device that derives its name from compressing refrigerant gas and transferring it into the condenser. While basically acting as a simple pump, the compressor is the core of your vehicle's air conditioning system.

The condenser's primary function is to cool the refrigerant. It is a heat dissipating apparatus that radiates heat released by compressed gases and condenses them into high pressure liquids. The location of your condenser depends on how new your car is, but typically it's found at the front of the vehicle, directly in front of the engine cooling radiator.

The receiver is a metal container that serves as a storage receptacle for the refrigerant. It's also referred to as a drier because it absorbs moisture from the refrigerant and filters out particles of debris and harmful acids that would otherwise harm your AC system. Commonly located on the liquid line of the AC system, you should change your drier every 3-4 years to insure quality filtration and prevent any damage caused by these detrimental chemicals.

The orifice tube (also known as the expansion valve) is a controlling mechanism that regulates the flow of refrigerant throughout the system. In addition to this, it also converts high pressure liquid refrigerant (from the condenser) into a low pressure liquid, so that it can enter the evaporator. Generally located at the evaporator inlet, the orifice tube could also be found between the condenser and the evaporator, or in the outlet of the condenser.

The evaporator is designed to remove heat from the inside of your vehicle; therefore it's a heat exchanger that's vital to your vehicle's AC system (not to mention your comfort). The evaporator allows the refrigerant to absorb heat, causing it to boil and change into a vapor. When this occurs, the vapor is removed from the evaporator by the compressor, cooling your car and reducing humidity. Because the evaporator houses the most refrigerant in this heat transfer process, it is the most susceptible to corrosion by harmful acids. Usually this damages the evaporator beyond repair, which is why it's imperative you see us to prevent this from happening.

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.

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.

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.

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 ◦ 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.

The hoses that convey your car's fluids are often made of layers of rubber with metal or fabric for strengthening. Some examples are: ◦ Radiator and Heater Hoses - These hoses convey coolant to the engine and heater core. ◦ Fuel Hose - As the name implies, this hose transports fuel from the tank to the engine. ◦ Power Steering Hose - It connects the power steering pump to the steering gear. ◦ Transmission Hoses - Many vehicles have transmissions that require cooling for optimal operation.

When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure which pushes brake fluid to the wheel brakes.

Steel brake lines and high pressure rubber hoses are the avenues through which the pressurized brake fluid travels.

These are the hydraulic cylinders that apply pressure to the friction materials, causing your car to stop.

These brake linings are composed of high temperature materials that create the friction that stops your car.

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.

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.

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.

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.

◦ Interior controls and blower ◦ Radiator coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat ◦ The A/C compressor belt for condition and tension ◦ Leaks or other damage ◦ Component condition, leaks or damage

◦ Pressure test engine cooling system ◦ A/C system pressures are measured and compared to manufacturer's specifications ◦ A/C system is leak tested ◦ Both the heater and A/C are performance tested by checking the outlet air temperature at the discharge vents

Designed specifically for each car model to properly route exhaust to the back of the car.

Acts like a funnel, collecting exhaust gases from all cylinders and releasing it through a single opening. Some engines have two.

Designed to reduce the amount of harmful emissions products by transforming pollutants into water vapor and less harmful gases.

Metal container with holes, baffles, and chambers that muffles exhaust noise.

Works with the muffler to reduce noise.

Found at the back of the car, the tail pipe is designed to carry exhaust gases away from the vehicle. All components of the exhaust system are connected with a series of clamps, hangers, flanges, and gaskets.

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

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, Leaf, or Torsion Bar) ◦ Shock Absorbers ◦ Struts

If your tire is damaged or leaking air, it doesn't necessarily need replaced. Call today and we'll inspect your tire to see if it can be repaired. If it does need replaced, we have a large inventory from the best brands. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Your car, truck, or SUV has four points of contact with the ground. If your tires are old, then your car isn't performing as well as it should. We stock the best brands and styles for any vehicle. Call today to schedule your tire replacement.