Emissions Services

EMISSION SYSTEM

Your car’s emission system controls emissions, exhaust, and pollutants (including gasoline vapors escaping from the fuel tank). The emission system substantially reduces harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The system uses sensors, computerized engine controls, and the exhaust components and, by law, must be kept in operating condition.

The exhaust system starts right behind the engine. Exhaust manifolds connected to the cylinder heads collect exhaust gases. These gases move through the exhaust system, are analyzed by oxygen sensors, are refined by the catalytic converter, and are muffled by the muffler.

Operating properly, the emission system makes your car run smoother, cleaner, and quieter.

If any of these emissions components fail, emissions can increase. Beside the emissions system, other defective components, such as spark plugs, plug wires, and filters, can also increase emissions.

It is a complex system, but the auto repair specialists at Bowie Auto Clinic can diagnose and fix the problem.

The first sign of a problem could be your CHECK ENGINE light.

When the CHECK ENGINE light or SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on, it is time to have your vehicle checked by a service professional at Bowie Auto Clinic.

And if the CHECK ENGINE light is on when you go have your vehicle emissions tested, it will fail.

Emissions Test

“Emissions” is a generic term used to describe certain harmful gases in the exhaust. Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) are usually measured in an emissions test. The state and federal governments place certain limits on how much of these harmful gases can be emitted. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is also measured, but is not considered a harmful gas.

When the measured gases from the vehicle exceed the state or federal limits, the vehicle fails the emissions test. Whether they use the Online Diagnostic plug-in or the tailpipe check, when you fail, they will be able to provide you with the fail codes.

To pass a plug-in OBDII emissions test, a vehicle must:

Have a functional Check Engine Light and diagnostic connector (no tampering allowed)

The Check Engine Light must be off

Successfully complete the OBDII system monitors that are built-in to the vehicle

Some factors affecting the emission system include:

Driving and atmospheric conditions

Mileage

Vehicle age

Type of spark plug electrode material

Poor vehicle maintenance

Poor quality fuel

Damaged or worn sensors

Dry-rotted or cracked vacuum hoses

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of high emissions can be an involved process that usually requires special tools and measuring equipment. Here are some of the possible problems:

Worn distributor cap and/or rotor

Improper ignition timing, usually over advanced

Vacuum leaks

Engine mechanical failure, low compression, worn valves, excessive oil consumption

NOX Failure is the result of combustion temperatures that are too high. The most common causes are:

Inoperative Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (EGR)

Cooling system malfunction, engine running too hot (restricted radiator, defective thermostat, etc.)

Over advanced ignition timing

Excessively lean air fuel mixture (defective oxygen sensor, MAP sensor or Air Mass Sensor)

Let the service professionals at Bowie Auto Clinic take care of all your emissions problems. We have the service professionals and state-of-the-art equipment needed to get the job done right.

Brake Repair and Service

Stop: Ever wondered how your brakes work? Do they squeal or feel squishy? Find out what it all means. And discover what happens during a brake inspection and why Bowie Auto Clinic is the place to go for stopping power.

BRAKE SERVICES

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Brakes pulling, pulsating, making noise? Pedal mushy, hard to press, or low? ABS light on? Car not stopping right? Bowie Auto Clinic is your one-stop shop for brake maintenance, diagnosis and repair. Let Bowie Auto Clinic’s  experts assist you with your brake service needs.Just Brakes

  • Warranty on All Brake Services
  • Bleed, Fill and Adjust Brakes
  • Rotor and Drum Resurfacing
  • Caliper Reconditioning and Replacement
  • Wheel Cylinder Replacement
  • New Master Cylinders
  • Brake Line Repair and Replacement
  • New Brake Hoses
  • ABS Diagnosis and Repair
  • Power Boosters
  • Parking Brake Service and Repair

Shop Fees & Disposal Charges

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Shop fees charged by Bowie Auto Clinic covers supplies, equipment and materials that are used in quantities impractical to measure for each vehicle. These items include, but may not be limited to, worn out items and tools, lubricants, solvents, small nuts, bolts, washers, clamps and adhesives. It also applies to health and safety equipment to conform to state and local labor laws, such as eye protection, back supports, protective gloves and disposal of shop mop water.

Disposal charges that are charged on specific services and products are not included in the shop fee calculation. These charges are specific to the proper disposal of the hazardous or regulated scrap or waste of the service or product. These include, but may not be limited to, waste oil and filters, antifreeze, transmission fluid, retention devices and scrap tires.

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Emergency Services

Roadside Assistance Services: What to Look For

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A good roadside assistance plan should provide every possible roadside service, generous extras, and quality customer support. 

Services
The services provided by a roadside assistance company are the most important features to consider when choosing a plan. Essential services include 24/7 roadside assistance, lock-out assistance, minor roadside adjustments, towing, tire change service, extrication, gasoline delivery and dead battery services.

Other key services we looked at include an on-time arrival guarantee, emergency travel assistance and reimbursements for travel interruption expenses. It is also important to consider how many times you can call for service each year and how much it costs to add an additional family member.

Coverage
While you can request service no matter where you breakdown, some roadside assistance companies are unable to enroll members from certain states. Choose a provider that covers the vehicles you drive the most. Some companies also offer coverage for RVs and motorcycles as well as trailers.

Most breakdown services offer more than one plan, giving you better and more comprehensive coverage for an additional cost. Look for a roadside assistance service that offers the most coverage with a basic plan, then upgrade if you want the bonuses their enhanced plans offer.

Extras
The best roadside assistance plans offer generous extras, such as online, trip-planning tools, retail discounts, concierge services and emergency travel assistance. Many companies also sell car insurance and offer a mobile application for quicker assistance. These extras can help you save money and make it easier to plan and enjoy your next adventure.

Help & Support
A good roadside assistance plan should offer toll-free phone support to answer any questions you may have before signing up or to address any concerns once you’re a member. They should also offer email support as an additional option. We also looked for FAQs on each plan’s website site, since a good FAQs section can help you find answers to your questions quickly.

Knowing help is only a phone call away can bring you peace of mind, no matter the situation that may occur on the road. Whether you’re in need of a tow or lock out assistance in the middle of the desert or on the side of the highway, these roadside assistance plans deliver. Add in benefits from travel planning assistance to retail discounts, and the roadside assistance plans in our reviews are sure to provide the features you’re looking for when choosing a great motor club.

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Dealership Alternative

We can handle your maintenance services for you.

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“It’s a common misconception that only car dealers can perform the maintenance services on a newer vehicle that is under warranty,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Clearly, consumers can have maintenance services done by their local independent service shop without affecting your warranty, even though dealers and manufacturers often suggest the opposite.”

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