How We Inspect | Timing Belt | 3,000 mile Service | 15,000 mile Service | 30,000 mile Service

Every time we inspect a vehicle we take it very seriously, for two good reasons. First, the customer needs to know exactly what is wrong with the car, if anything to make informed decisions. Second, we need to know everything that is wrong so we have a clear understanding of the repair work that needs to be done. We really don't want to do any repairs on someone else's diagnosis, it may be correct and we will verify this or it may not.

When your vehicle is inspected one of our certified master technicians, none of which have less than 15 years experience will be assigned to it. We will put plastic on your seat and floor to keep your vehicle clean. Then we will walk around the car and inspect the exterior. We take your car to for a test drive, to check problems that occur while driving. Then the car is brought into our facility and put on a lift that is safely raised into the air. We then inspect the underbody, exhaust system, brakes, wheels, suspension, tires, bearings and look for any fluid leaks. Under the hood we check belts, hoses, fluids, your engine, battery, alternator and the other parts of your car. All logged on our 65-point inspection sheet.

After the inspection, the technician speaks with the service writer who then determines the cost of the repairs. The service writer then will call you to discuss what we found wrong with the vehicle. After that the technician performs the work authorized by you. No one ever repairs a car that has not had prior authorization.

After the repairs are done, another technician will double-check the work of the first to ensure your safety. The service writer will call you to let you know your car is ready to be picked up. When you arrive the old parts will be available for you to see and your car will be returned with any repair related spots or smudges cleaned.

Most repairs come with a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty. Domestic vehicles have a 6-month/6,000 mile warranty on the repairs. Everything will be in writing on your bill. The price will be the one given when you authorized the repairs and any repairs you elected not to do will be listed for future reference.

A Timing Belt is what keeps the crankshaft, pistons and valves operating together in proper sequence. Belts are quieter and more efficient than timing chains which are used in older engines.


Like all other components in your car this belt wears out and is often changed at 60,000 miles. If you belt breaks one of two things will happen. On a "Free-Running Engine", like a Toyota, your car will die and need to be towed. If you have an "Interference" engine, your car should stall and error lights will come on. It is important not to drive a Interference engine with a broken belt because it will cause engine damage.

Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Check all fluids and tire pressure, top off as needed
Lubricate front suspension
Inspect dust covers and drive axle boots
Inspect hoses and drive belts
Inspect cooling system
Inspect exhaust system
Inspect air filter
Complete Visual Underhood Inspection
Check All Headlights, Turn Signals, Parking Lights and Brake Lights
Inspect Wiper Blades

Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Check all fluids and tire pressure
Lubricate front suspension
Inspect dust covers and drive axle boots
Inspect hoses and drive belts
Four wheels brake inspection including clean and adjust rear brakes
Rotate tires Inspect cooling system
Inspect exhaust system
Replace air filter
Drain and flush transmission and differential fluids
Replace air filter
Check electrical system with VAT 40
Clean and fill battery
Lube All doors, locks and hinges
Clean Throttle Body and add fuel injection cleaner into gas tank

Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Check all fluids and tire pressure, top off an needed
Lubricate front suspension
Inspect dust covers and drive axle boots
Inspect hoses and drive belts
Four wheels brake inspection including clean and adjust rear brakes
Rotate tires
Inspect cooling system
Inspect exhaust system
Inspect air filter
Drain and flush transmission and differential fluids
Replace air filter
Check electrical system with VAT 40
Clean and fill battery
Replace a/c filter (only Toyota Avalon)
Add fuel system cleaner
Replace P.C.V.
Inspect fuel lines and all connections
Cooling system drain and fill
Flush transmission fluid, drain and fill differential
Replace fuel injected fuel filter
Four-cylinder tune up includes spark plug replacement and inspection of distributor cap and wires
Check timing and idle
Platinum Tipped Spark Plugs are changed every 60,000 Miles

©2004-2010 Stephens Automotive, Inc - Palatine, IL