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We provide complete mechanical service and repairs to all of the vehicles in which we specialize. This includes services such as:
Certifications
Specials
Check out for Purchase
Everyone wants to get a great car at a bargain price. But a cheap price on a car may mean you are buying expensive repairs you don’t know about yet – and that is no bargain.
At Cornerstone Automotive, we will perform the following checks in our Check out for purchase:
 Visual Examination - Open all doors including the hood and
trunk. Check for rust, weld marks, or a bent frame. Examine the muffler, tail pipe and exhaust pipe. Under The Hood - Check fluids. Examine hoses and belts for wear.
Electrical System - Start the engine and check all accessories
such as gauges, radio, wipers, etc. one at a time. Check the horn and all lights.
Air Conditioning - Does the system blow cool air quickly? Is it
low on refigerant? Is the compressor noisier than is normal, indicating a possible failing compressor?
Engine - Does it idle smoothly? Is its highway performance OK? Are there any unusual noises?
Drive Train - During road test check smoothness of shifting or unusual noises.
Suspension - Push down on the car's corners, front and back.
If it continues to bounce more than one and a half times the shocks may be worn. View the car from a distance; an unlevel car may indicate weak suspension.
Steering - On a straight, level stretch be sure the steering
wheel pulls neither to the left nor right. When rounding a corner it should return straight ahead smoothly.
Tires - Examine tread and general condition. On the road test, listen for thumping or whining of faulty tires.
Brakes - Driving between 30-40 mph, with no one behind you,
apply the brakes. If they pull in either direction, there's a problem. Apply slight pressure on the brake pedal at a speed of about 5 mph; check for an intermittent surge indicating drums or rotors that may be out of round.
Odometer - Simply because a car has high mileage doesn't
mean you shouldn’t consider it. It may be in better condition than one with fewer miles. Owner's manuals emphasize that low mileage cars which have been victims of "stop and go driving"
(several trips in one day of 10 miles or less) may fall into the "severe service" category. Not only is this type of driving tough on a vehicle, it requires special servicing the owner may have overlooked.
Service Records - Ask for service records. Many private
owners proudly display their maintenance history books as a selling point. A new car dealer may provide this information if the vehicle originally was purchased and serviced there.
When you've narrowed the field and made your final choice, invest in a comprehensive inspection by a qualified technician.
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