Auto A/C & Heating Services

If the breeze from those open windows just isn't cutting it, come by our shop in Murrieta, CA 92562 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 at 951-677-0027, 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

Our repair and maintenance services include:

Belts
A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car's engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle's fan belts will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Alternative Automotive for all your vehicle's repair needs.

You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the belts replaced by auto cooling and heating experts - and get your car driving right - visit Alternative Automotive today. The mechanics at Alternative Automotive will thoroughly inspect your car's belts; replace all worn belts; and adjust the installed belts.

Coolant System Flush
A car's coolant system transfers excess heat from one part of the engine and finally loses it through the radiator fins. With time, the coolant becomes old and dirty. The old coolant will negatively impact the system's performance. To make sure the system is working effectively, consider having a regular coolant system flush. A coolant flush is basic maintenance for your car's cooling system. Call 951-677-0027 or visit Alternative Automotive in Murrieta, CA 92562 for all your coolant system flush and fill needs.

Hoses
Hoses transfer coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system (including the radiator). Sooner or later, your vehicle's hoses will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Alternative Automotive for all your vehicle's repair needs.

You not only have to get the hoses replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the hoses replaced by auto cooling and heating experts - and get your car driving right - visit Alternative Automotive today. The mechanics at Alternative Automotive will thoroughly inspect your car's hoses; replace all worn hoses; and adjust the installed hoses.

Radiator Flush
A radiator is the part of your vehicle that keeps the engine cool and protects it from excessive heating. To be cool, the radiator needs to remain clean - always. With time, sludge, rust and other solid deposits build up inside your car's radiator. These make the cooling system become clogged and less effective. This in effect hurts your vehicle's performance. A regular radiator flush is enough to keep the system in shape. For this reason, make radiator flushing a part of your routine car maintenance schedule. For all your radiator flush needs, call 951-677-0027 or visit Alternative Automotive today.

Radiators
Radiators are heat exchangers for cooling your car's internal combustion engine. A radiator cools the engine by circulating an engine coolant through the engine block - it then loses the heat to the atmosphere through radiation. A radiator has a set of tubes through which the engine coolant flows. Fins surround these tubes. When the radiator fails, the excess heat produced by the engine could damage the engine components. To prevent this from happening, have your radiator serviced regularly. To have your radiator needs handled by experts, visit Alternative Automotive today.

Summerize Your Vehicle
It's important to prepare your car for the perils of summer - heat, dust, traffic jams - which increase the likelihood of a breakdown. At Alternative Automotive in Murrieta, our technicians can perform the necessary preventive maintenance to get your car ready for summer. These are some of the recommended services:

• Check the battery
• Change the fluids
• Examine the belts and hoses
• Check climate and coolant systems
• Check wiper blades
• Check tires
• Check headlights, turn signals, and tail lights

Your car will be ready to handle the hot weather so you can enjoy your summer.

Winterize Your Vehicle
Winter weather can be harsh on you and on your vehicle. Trust the technicians at Alternative Automotive to get your car ready for the winter. These are some of the recommended services:

• Check the battery
• Check the tires
• Check wiper blades
• Check fluids
• Check headlights, turn signals, and tail lights
• Check the exhaust system for leaks
• Check the belts and hoses
• Check the heating system

Your car will be ready for the winter weather so you can have driving confidence.

Coolant Questions and Answers

Q: Why is my coolant light on and what should I do?

A: If the dashboard light is red, indicating your car is overheating then you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. If the coolant level is low or there is another problem with your cooling system, you could cause serious damage by continuing to drive.

Q: When should I do a coolant flush?

A: Your vehicle's owner's manual will recommend getting the coolant flushed about every 30,000 miles or three to five years, whichever comes first. Make sure to consult your owner's manual as some outline a more specific interval depending on the vehicle's make and model and your driving habits.

Q: When is the coolant temperature too high?

The engine coolant is overheating if it's around 240 to 250 degrees. When the coolant gets this hot a light on your dashboard will come on to alert you. Pull over and turn your car off. The coolant is very hot and under extreme pressure. Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap until the car has cooled.

Q: Why is my coolant leaking?

A: Corrosion within the radiator is the leading cause of a coolant leak. As the radiator tubes get older and weaker, sediment or debris collects inside and causes a leak. The sealing gasket between the tank and the radiator can also wear out, and lead to a leak.

Q: How do I know what coolant I should use?

A: Your car's owner's manual provides a wealth of information. Follow the recommendations in your car's owner's manual to the letter unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer or auto repair professionals. It will tell you what type of coolant is best to use in your vehicle. If you don't have a copy of your owner's manual, you can most likely find the information you need on the manufacturer's website.

Radiator Questions and Answers

Q: When should the radiator in my car be replaced?

Often, radiators will last for the entire life of a car. On average a radiator lasts 8 to 10 years. However, there are a few factors that can reduce a radiator's working life such as improper maintenance, driving habits and environmental conditions.

Q: What does radiator service include?

A: Radiator service starts with draining the system. Then we flush the radiator and engine block, inspecting all hoses to make sure they're not cracked. Next we refill the radiator with fresh coolant and finish by pressure testing the radiator cap and cooling system.

Q: When replacing a radiator what else should be replaced?

If you replace your radiator you may need to replace three other parts as well - the thermostat, water pump and heater core. An auto repair professional at Alternative Automotive will let you know what other parts need to be replaced.

Q: Why is my car engine overheating?

A: The most common reason a car overheats is a lack of coolant or a coolant leak. However, if you have an older vehicle, it may also indicate that it is time to replace your radiator, thermostat, water pump or heater core. If it continues to be a problem that you can't fix, your best bet is to bring it to our shop in Murrieta.