On-Board Diagnostics in Redding California

Some people are confused by charges for diagnostic services for a vehicle repair, even though many other services in life include diagnostic fees – things like computer service,  and appliance repair.


Even when we go into the doctor for a medical problem, we’re paying him/her to diagnose our ailment and of course for the tests that go along with it. So receiving a diagnostic charge for a tricky automotive problem shouldn’t be a surprise.
Automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range. If you hear a noise in your brakes, a quick visual check is usually enough to know what needs to be done. If you’re having an intermittent problem with your engine, diagnosis may be much more involved.
Some think that when the check engine light comes on, the engine computer tells the technician exactly what the problem is. The reality is much different. The trouble code just tells your technician what engine parameter is out of range, not what’s causing it. Your technician at Bryant Automotive needs to determine the underlying problem that’s causing the symptom.

As you can imagine, some automotive diagnoses are quick and easy. Others are more involved and difficult. Of course, we at Bryant Automotive want to figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

At Bryant Automotive in Redding California (96002) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 530.222.3313. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Under Pressure: Your TPMS System In Redding CA

Flats, blow outs, skids and longer stopping distances can all be the result of folks driving around on under-inflated tires. Now, it’s hard to tell when a radial tire is under-inflated but your service technician at Bryant Automotive can help you. The tire may not look low until it gets below 20 pounds – which is significantly under-inflated.

Your newer SUV or light truck might be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This technology has been used by California race car drivers for years. They are able to head off problems from under inflation by closely monitoring tire pressure on the track.

Obviously, TMPS systems don’t come free for Redding car buyers. U.S. government studies have estimated the net costs of the TPMS system itself, maintaining the system, replacement of worn or broken parts and tire repair cost increases. The costs are partially offset for drivers by savings in fuel and tire wear. There’s also a saving in property damage and travel delay. The net cost is estimated to be between $27 and $100.

The government predicts fewer fatal accidents. They estimate that it will cost between three and nine million dollars for every life saved. This new safety equipment will help Redding motorists avoid the most common vehicle failure, and possibly a catastrophic accident.

At Bryant Automotive in Redding California (96002) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 530.222.3313. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Clean Air For Your Engine Engine Air Filters In Redding

Every Redding car owner who has taken their car in for an oil change has been told that their engine air filter’s dirty. Here’s what goes into the determination of when to change the filter: First, your SUV owner’s manual will have a recommendation of when to change the filter. Second, a visual inspection by your Bryant Auto technician may determine that your filter it is visibly dirty and needs to be changed.
So between your SUV owner’s manual and yourtechnician’s inspection there’s really no guesswork involved.
Now, most air filters purchased in Redding don’t cost a lot to replace. It’s just that most people hate getting caught with an unexpected expense. On the plus side, though, changing a dirty air filter at Bryant Automotive can often save enough on gas to pay for itself before your next oil change.
Think about a dirty furnace filter in your Redding home. When it’s all clogged up, enough clean air can’t get through. In your SUV, that means that your engine can’t get as much air as it needs to burn the fuel efficiently. So it makes do with less air and has to use more gas to move your vehicle around Redding roads.

Your SUV actually needs about 12,000 gallons of air for every gallon of gas it burns. Engine air filters don’t cost much. When it’s time to change yours, just get it done. You’ll save money, have better performance and protect your engine.

Give us a call:
530.222.3313
Bryant Automotive
2354 Churn Creek Rd
Redding, California 96002

At Bryant Automotive we install quality NAPA replacement parts.

A Hand grenade in your car?

No, we're not talking about the explosive kind. This is the hydraulic tensioner for a timing belt. It functions to keep the Timing Belt tight, and removes any slack which could cause the timing belt to skip and ultimately fail, possibly leading to severe engine damage.  It is nicknamed a "hand grenade" for obvious reasons; you have to pull the pin for it to work.

 Hand grenade Hydraulic Tensioner

The Tensioner comes from the factory ready to go. once the pin is pulled, it presses on a lever attached to a pulley which tightens the timing belt itself.  The Timing belt usually links the Crank Shaft to both the Camshaft (which controls the intake and exhaust valves) and the water pump.  

Our Timing Belt Display, showing the Hydraulic Tensioner in the lower left The timing belt

The timing belt as it sits on the vehicle

If you would like to know more about the Timing Belt, Click Here and navigate to the "Timing Belt" link on the lower left for an animation and video.

If you have any questions about the timing belt on your vehicle and whether it needs to be replaced, don't hesitate to give us a call at (530) 222-3313

bryantauto.com