Sant Automotive

https://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/Exhaust/CatClamp-Catalytic-Converter-Lock Catalytic Converter Theft Catalytic Converter theft is a nationwide problem, and it is effecting the St. Louis area as well. Thieves steal catalytic converters because of the precious metals that act as catalysts, namely platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Catalytic converters are expensive, and when thieves steal converters, they are not just stealing the converter. They are damaging other exhaust components because thieves cut the exhaust in whatever manner will allow them to do it quickly. Catalytic converter theft can be deterred by the installation of devices like CatCamps which make theft more difficult. These devices do not make theft impossible. Rather, installation of a CatClamp on your car or light truck makes your vehicle a less desirable target. Similarly, the Crestwood, Missouri Police Department instituted a program called “Etch & Catch” wherein participation shops, like Sant Automotive...

Why Doesn’t My Lug Wrench Fit My Lug Nuts? It is not uncommon for motorists to be stuck with a Flat Tire that they can not change. Sometimes, they can’t find the Wrench or Jack. Other times, the Lug Wrench will not fit the Wheel Nuts. If you are reading this on the side of the road, you probably don’t want to hear that it might have been a good idea to check proper operation prior to the trip. So, we are not going to mention that. There are two common reasons why Lug Wrenches, also called Tire Irons, will not work on your car. Either the wrench is defective, or the Lug Nuts have become misshaped. The second is more common. So, let’s start there. Many vehicles have Chrome Capped Lug Nuts, and these can be a problem. Moisture becomes trapped between the chrome cap and the steel portion on the Lug Nut. This causes the Lug Nuts to swell making it difficult or impossible to fit the wrench to the nuts. The best solution is to replace the Lug Nuts with Solid Lug Nuts. Dorman Product...

What is Intoxaloc ? Intoxolac is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) that is mandated by St. Louis area courts for those convicted of DUI offenses. When installed, IIDs, like Intoxaloc, prevent a vehicle from starting until the vehicle’s operator submits a breath sample. Once the vehicle has started, additional breath samples are required to keep the vehicle running. In some cases, those convicted of DUI offenses must also have a camera installed in their vehicle to verify the identity of the person providing the sample. Typically, Intoxaloc devices must be recalibrated about once a month. Recalibration requires taking the device to an approved Intoxaloc service center and having a technician download usage data from the intoxaloc device and running a test to make sure that the Intoxaloc device is operating properly. Sant Automotive provides Intoxaloc recalibrations. Typically, Intoxaloc recalibrations take about 20 minutes. No appointment is required, and the fee for Intoxaloc reca...

What is the Difference Between an Air Filter and a Cabin Air Filter? The difference between an Air Filter and a Cabin Air Filter is simple: an Air Filter, or Engine Air Filter, cleans the air that is introduced into your car’s engine to be used in the combustion process. A Cabin Air Filter, also called a Pollen Filter, cleans the air that is introduced into the passenger compartment. Put simply, a Cabin Air Filter cleans the air that you breathe, and an air filter cleans the air that your car breathes. It is important to change both your air filter and your cabin air filter on a regular basis, and the frequency with which you change these filters depends on both the environment and the surfaces on which you drive. The St. Louis area has high levels of pollen, especially in the Spring and Fall. Also, dirt or gravel roads create a lot of dust which will clog both Air Filters and Cabin Air Filters. A clean Air Filter will help optimize your fuel economy by making it possible for you...

What is a Cabin Air Filter? Think of a Cabin Air Filter as a furnace filter for your car. Also called a “Pollen Filter,” a Cabin Air Filter removes particles of dirt, pollen, and other pollutants before they can enter the passenger compartment of your car or light truck. Clogged Cabin Air Filters restrict the flow of air to the passenger compartment of your car and diminish air quality. Moreover, a restricted Cabin Air Filter will reduce air flow to your car’s HVAC blower motor. This restricted air flow will cause your car’s blower motor to run hotter than it should which will shorten the life of the blower motor and lead to unnecessary repair bills. Spring and Fall in St. Louis bring a lot of pollen. If you or any potential occupants of your car or light truck suffer from allergies, if you want them to be able to breath clean air, or if you want to avoid the unnecessary expense of having your blower motor replaced, have your cabin air filter replaced twice a year, once in the Sp...

Intoxaloc Recalibration Intoxaloc is an ignition interlock device that is often mandated by St. Louis area courts for those convicted of DWI or DUI offenses. Once installed on a vehicle, Intoxaloc devices require that driver’s provide a breath sample to start and operate their vehicles> Intoxaloc devices must be recalibrated about once a month; the “recal” involves having a technician remove the Intoxaloc device from the vehicle and placing it in a docking station that downloads usage data and verifies that Intoxaloc device is working properly. An Intoxaloc recalibration typically takes about 20 minutes, but the time can be greater if there is a problem with the customer’s account or if the device is not functioning properly. Sant Automotive accepts walk in appointments for Intoxaloc recalibrations, but it is best to call ahead to verify availability. To have your Intoxaloc device recalibrated, call 314-849-2900.

Missouri Emissions: Mileage Based Waiver Vehicles in St. Louis, St. louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, Missouri that otherwise would be subject to a bi-annual emissions inspection are exempt from emissions testing if they meet one of the following criteria. Completion of Missouri Form 78-1973 is required for each type of mileage-based waiver. A vehicle that has less than 40,000 miles on the odometer when due for its first emissions inspection, an inspection waiver may be obtained. Documentation of the current odometer is required, and this can be accomplished by obtaining an IDOD , which is an vehicle information (VIN) and odometer verification. IDOD inspections are available at any authorized Gateway Clean Air Inspection Station. A vehicle more than 10 years old may be exempt from an emissions inspection if the vehicle has travelled less than 12,000 miles since its prior safety or emissions inspection. Verification of the prior odometer reading is required; ...

Missouri Emissions Inspection Waiver If you have failed a Missouri emissions inspection , you have options. You could have your vehicle fixed; you can spend $450 or more at a qualified repair facility; or, you could spend $400 on qualified parts that you install yourself. This article deals with DIYers who want to spend the minimum amount possible. If you are one of these people, you are in luck. First, obtain a Missouri Form 780-1973 : Cost Based Waiver Application Affidavit Repairs Made by Vehicle Owner. The form itself lists parts that qualify for waiver repair, and they are listed in three columns as follows: Column A: Oxygen Sensor Catalytic Converter EGR Valve Spark Plugs Column B: Evaporative Canister PCV Valve Air Pump Column C: Distributor Ignition Wires Coils Unlike common convention at Chinese restaurants, there is no need to choose an item from each column. The form states that a motorist seeking a mileage-based exemption must purchase $400 worth of qualifying...