Automotive News & Information - Martel Automotive Service Inc

Losing a belt on the road can turn a small problem into a big one instantly. At Martel Automotive Service Inc in Belleview, we know efficient and cost-effective operation begins with preventative maintenance.

Keeping track of maintenance done on your fleet vehicles and commercial trucks is one of the most important aspects of fleet management. At Martel Automotive Service Inc in Belleview, FL, we track maintenance and repairs for a number of reasons. Here’s why:

In the old days, when your headlight burned out you just replaced the entire thing with a new glass bulb. Modern headlights are plastic assemblies, with a bulb inserted through the back. What this means, is that the plastic lens that light shines through never gets replaced, and eventually will begin to oxidize and deteriorate due to time, weather, and heat from your bulb. Today you will learn when it’s time to fix or replace your headlight assemblies, what options you have in doing so, and what the benefits are.

If you spend much time on the road, you’ll eventually encounter a flat tire on your vehicle. At Martel Automotive Service Inc in Belleview, FL we want to prepare you for what you should do next. First, get out of traffic immediately. It’s best if you can stop on solid, flat ground, out of the way of traffic where other drivers can see you. Don’t continue driving; your steering is compromised, and you risk damaging expensive components, including your rim. Next, decide whether you want to call a tow truck, or change the tire yourself. If you have towing and assistance then you can call for help but it is always great to be able to handle the situation yourself if need be as there is not always cell phone service and you sometimes do not have the luxury of the added time it would take to wait for that assistance.

Performance chip installation is one of the perks of diesel truck ownership. At Martel Automotive Service Inc in Belleview, FL, our mechanics can professionally tune and install a chip for any application, whether you drive a Cummins, Powerstroke, Duramax, or otherwise.

At Martel Automotive Service Inc in Belleview, we know how important it is that your fleet benefits you as much as possible. One of the easiest ways to ensure this is by minimizing breakdowns. Breakdowns are expensive, time-consuming, and throw a wrench into operations; and as anyone who operates a fleet knows, time and efficiency are the most important factors in getting the most out of your fleet. Here are some tips on minimizing breakdowns in your fleet, from Martel Automotive Service Inc in Belleview, FL.

Your vehicle's belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded.

What is the purpose and importance of your belts and hoses? The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized to maintain engine timing. Whether serpentine, V-belt, or fan belt (the belts on the outside of the engine), they all transmit power from the front of the engine to accessories that need to be driven, such as the air conditioning, the charging system, and fans. Radiator and heater hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator, and heater core.

At Martel Automotive Service Inc in Belleview, FL, we service all types of fleet vehicles and see many of the same problems come through the door again and again. Here are some easy early warning signs from our team here at Martel Automotive Service Inc, that signal your fleet vehicles are in need of maintenance soon.