Engine and Exhaust System

• Oil Change
  If your vehicle maintenance routine only consists of periodic oil changes, you are neglecting many other important vehicle fluids.  Your vehicle’s systems use a variety of fluids to support their function through lubrication, temperature control, hydraulics, and cleaning.  These fluids not only need to be checked on a periodic basis, but they also require replacement.  In this month’s blog post, we review four vehicle fluids and the timeframe that you should include in your ongoing vehicle care.  Before you begin any plan, consult with your vehicle owner’s manual for fluid timeframes and details for your specific vehicle make and model. Continue reading
• Engine Tune-Up
• Starter Repair
  There are three main parts that make up the electrical system in your vehicle – the battery, alternator and starter. When any one of these parts is not functioning properly, your vehicle may not start. That means you will have to call for road service or a tow.
• Alternator Repair
• Engine Services
• Engine Diagnostic
• Timing Belt/Chain Replacement
• Fuel Injection Service/Repair
  Sometimes what seems to be a warning that something major is about to break may be a hint from your car’s computer or engine that it is time for a tune-up, cleaning or a problem with a control center. The vital components of your engine, such as fuel injectors and intake manifolds can gum up with dirt, varnish, and carbon. Those issues cause rough idling and lost performance. Our technicians clean these components performing a two-part fuel injection service to improve overall performance, mileage, and acceleration. The timing belt should be changed every 60,000 miles or can increase cost significantly otherwise and you should always replace oxygen sensors at 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Another important service we recommend is to have your chassis undercoated to prevent corroding from salt and rainwater.

Transmission and Drivetrain

• Transmission Service
  The transmission is one of the more commonly neglected systems when it comes to vehicle care. As with any engine system that uses a fluid and filter, you should make sure to have the transmission fluid and filter changed on a regular basis. If you don’t, the transmission will fail prematurely and you will be looking at an expensive repair bill. The cost of periodically changing the transmission oil and filter is a lot less than you will have to pay if the transmission has to be repaired or replaced.
• Transmission Repair
  Noises, vibrations and/or erratic shifting – These are not signs to be ignored. It could be something as simple as a adjustment. But, if you ignore it, a simple transmission problem will mostly likely turn into a major transmission repair.
• Transmission Fluid Service
  Not all transmission shops in Staten Island, NY, are alike. For trusted transmission service and repair, bring your vehicle to Colonial Service Station. We can perform all the routine maintenance needed to keep your transmission running optimally, like pan gasket, filter and fluid changes. We can also complete transmission fluid flushes. We only use the type of transmission fluid and filter that works best with your vehicle make and model. We will also let you know if we find a problem with the transmission so you can have it repaired right away. Contact us for an appointment to have a transmission service performed on your vehicle.
• Differential Service/Repair
• Axle Repair

Steering and Suspension

• Suspension Service/Repair
  The steering and suspension systems work together to help you maintain control of your vehicle. The suspension system is particularly important for keeping the tires on the road when you hit bumps. It also allows you to turn corners and go around curves without rolling your vehicle. One of the main parts of the suspension system is the shock absorber or the strut. Your vehicle is equipped with one or the other. When the shock or strut needs to be replaced, you may begin to notice it takes you longer to stop, the car bounces a lot more when you hit bumps and you may notice more rolling or swaying when you go around turns. If you notice any of these signs of suspension problems, contact us to schedule an appointment.
• Steering Service/Repair
  Loose Steering – One of the more common problems vehicle owners notice with their steering system is looseness. Loose steering is often the result of a worn inner tie rod. The tie rods are responsible for keeping your vehicle stable as you ride over different types of road surfaces. It’s important to make sure the inner and outer tie rod ends lubricated. Our certified mechanics can do that for you.
• Steering Fluid Service
  If you ever had a challenge in turning your steering wheel, you may have experienced a drop in your power steering fluid.  Power steering fluid provides hydraulic power to aid the driver with turning the wheel.  You may also have heard unusual noises from the power steering pump.  Steering is a safety item so you do not want to lose power steering fluid while driving.  Check your steering fluid level at least once a year.  This is one vehicle fluid that drivers may overlook, until a problem surfaces with their steering.  There are a variety of recommended timeframes for power steering fluid replacement, but you should consult with your vehicle owner’s manual for the best timeframe.

Heating and Cooling

• Air Conditioning Service/Repair
  When it starts to get warm outside, there’s nothing more frustrating than to turn on your vehicle’s air conditioner to find that warm or no air comes out of the vents. This can be the result of any number of issues. That’s why you should trust your auto air conditioning repair and service needs to the auto technicians at Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, New York.
• Radiator Service/Repair
• Radiator Flush
  Your vehicle’s engine is subjected to high temperatures, and the coolant is what helps to keep the engine from overheating.  Coolant is a fluid that circulates through the engine to absorb the heat, then back to the radiator to cool down.  When the coolant is low, you will most likely overheat.  Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also be very damaging to the radiator and the engine.  Coolant levels should be checked monthly, and coolant replenished when it’s low.  If you notice signs of a leak, have it checked out.  Most service professionals recommend a coolant flush every 20,000 miles or two years.

Tires

• Tire Rotation
  Tire rotation is an extremely important aspect of caring vehicle tires. Regularly rotating tires minimizes uneven wear, help you achieve a smooth ride and will also allow you to get the expected life out the tires you purchased. During a tire rotation, we remove each tire and wheel and switch it to a different position. We also check and add air, if needed. Give us a call today for a quote on your next set of tires.
• Tire Repair
• Wheel Alignment
  The control bushings are another important part of a vehicle’s suspension system. They are located in the front and rear of your vehicle and are responsible for maintaining wheel alignment. If the control arm bushing is worn, you may hear clunking noises when you accelerate or put on the brakes. You will also notice that the tires are wearing unevenly.
• Tire Replacement
  Need new tires for your car, truck, van or medium-duty truck? Look no further than Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, New York. We have a wide selection of tire brands from which you can choose. Not sure what type of tire to buy? No need to worry. We can help you select the best tires for your vehicle and budget. Once you select your new set of tires, we can mount, balance and install them for you. We will reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) during the tire installation process and can perform a wheel alignment.
• Tire Service
  Did you run over a nail or do you have a slow leak in one of your tires? Call us for a tire service. If it is fixable, we can patch and plug the tire for you.

Brakes

• Brake Service
• Brake Fluid Service
• Brake Inspection
  If you suspect there is a problem with your braking system, take action right away by scheduling a brake inspection at Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, NY. We will take a look for signs of rough spots or damage, check to see how much life is left on the brake pages and will inspect the brake lines for signs of damage, cracking or corrosion. Contact Colonial Service Station schedule a brake inspection or brake repair today.
• Brake Repair
  If you ever have a concern about the reliability of the brakes in your vehicle, you should have them checked out right away. If there is a problem and you continue to drive, you could end up having limited braking ability or worse, no brakes at all. Aside from the physical danger of driving a vehicle with bad brakes, you will end up having to spend more on a brake repair because of additional damage that may occur.
• Brake Replacement

Exterior/Interior

• Body/Collision Repair

Electrical and Electronic

• Lighting Services
• Battery Service
• Electrical Service/Repair
  Many problems with electrical systems can be avoided with a little bit of care and preventive maintenance. Here are a a number of helpful tips...

General

• General Repairs
  We have an opening for an experienced auto repair technician. Must have references and your own tools. Call Tommy at 718-351-1500.
• Towing Service
• Auto Maintenance
  Keeping up with proper auto maintenance is required for your vehicle to operate efficiently and safely. It is also an essential part of protecting the investment you have made in your car, truck or van. It’s important to follow the recommended service schedule. Doing so will extend the life of your vehicle and also help you avoid costly repairs. Colonial Service Station has ASE-certified technicians on staff to help you maintain your vehicle for years to come.
• Belts and Hoses Service
  If you have ever been stuck on the side of the road with a broken belt or hose, you understand how important these two vehicle components are for the smooth operation of your vehicle.  Belts play a role in supplying power to vehicle systems and hoses carry vital fluids throughout your vehicle.  Without these two components, many vehicle systems would not function.  In this blog, we consider the purpose of the belts and hoses, and how to keep them performing their job for your vehicle. Continue reading