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Top Signs it is Time for Engine Repair

Top Signs it is Time for Engine Repair

There are many ways a car can communicate with its operator about potential or current problems. Noises, smells, leaks, and dashboard indicators are all common signs of trouble. The engine itself has a few queues that represent real trouble. If you notice any of the following problems you will want to get to an engine repairshop as soon as possible to ensure that your car does not leave you stranded. Knocking Noise The engine bearings are what many of the moving parts inside the engine block. Over time or without proper lubrication due to a lack of maintenance the bearings will begin to wear out. This will result in a knocking noise that rises and falls with the RPMs of the engine. Head to the shop at the first sign of distress to prevent a major breakdown caused by excessive engine damage. Decreased Performance There are numerous things that can cause a decrease in performance. Some are relatively simple, such as a clogged air filter, while others ... read more

Why Won't My AC Blow Cold Air?

Why Won't My AC Blow Cold Air?

Summer is long gone, and the heat may not be as intense these months, but it certainly isn't non-existent! It's hot down here in Texas year round. If you rely on your car's AC for a comfortable commute and have recently noticed it isn't blowing cold, you'll want to get to the auto repair shop as soon as possible. If you neglect to get the problem fixed, and it sits over the winter unused, it could result in a much larger repair bill come spring.One of the major causes of a need for air conditioner repair is an AC system leak, which can be very difficult to detect. The refrigerant used in AC systems evaporates when it comes in contact with outside oxygen, so an ultraviolet fluid must be used in the system to determine if there is a leak and where it may be at. This test is usually performed after finding low refrigerant pressure.While an AC leak is a common culprit of little, irregular or no cool air, other reasons include a broken or loose drive belt, a dirty expansio ... read more

What does it mean to be a NAPA AutoCare Center Auto Repair Shop?

What does it mean to be a NAPA AutoCare Center Auto Repair Shop?

When it comes to searching for auto repair how can you be sure if a shop is trustworthy and reliable? Well there is one sign that you should always look for - NAPA AutoCare Center. If you see this blue, yellow and white symbol hanging at an auto shop or advertised on their website, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be in good hands if left here for service. This is a true sign of professional auto repair? Why? Here are the wonderful qualities of NAPA AutoCare Center repair facilities. Certified Technicians One of those three words, qualifications, in part refers to have ASE Certified Technicians on staff. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence tests mechanics abilities to service vehicles. There are numerous types of tests to take, some general, some specific, but to be certified a technician must have at least two years of provable work experience. When ASE certified technicians are working on your vehicle you know that only those with great knowledge of m ... read more

5 Common No Start Problems

5 Common No Start Problems

While your role for starting a vehicle only entails turning a key, there is quite a bit more that goes into the act. There is actually a complex series of events that occurs to get the motor purring, meaning a lot that can potentially go wrong. These following issues are some of the most common problems that prevent a vehicle from starting. Bad Alternator The alternator is what charges your battery while the car is running. If the alternator fails your battery will be quickly drained and the car's engine won't be able to turn over. Fuel System Problem There are a few possible faults in the fuel system. A faulty fuel pump will fail to deliver gasoline to the engine and a clogged fuel filter will prevent the proper amount of fuel from getting to the combustion chamber. Faulty Starter If you hear a single click, or a click, click, click, when you try to start the there is a good chance that your starter motor or solenoid has gone bad. Bad Ignition An ignition switch that has bit the dust ... read more

Does My Car Need Exhaust Repair?

Does My Car Need Exhaust Repair?

One of the hardest worked systems in your car is the exhaust, and it doesn't have any moving parts, aside from the exhaust valves inside the engine. Made up of a series of pipes after that, the exhaust is tasked with removing harmful fumes from inside the engine, converting them to less hazardous emissions, and then expelling them out of the tailpipe. An exhaust leak can result in major engine trouble, as well as put you and your passengers at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. To prevent health concerns for you and your car be sure to get to a repair shop if you notice any of these signs of an exhaust leak. Massive decrease in fuel economy There are many things that can cause your MPGs to fall, but an exhaust leak is likely to slash your fuel efficiency by nearly half. This will occur because the oxygen sensor, located in the exhaust system, monitors oxygen in the exhaust in order to help regulate the air/fuel mixture used to make the car run. A leak will cause the sensor to detect ex ... read more

Understanding commercial fleet vehicle maintenance

Understanding commercial fleet vehicle maintenance

As a person who owns their own business you may rely on various vehicles to complete the services offered by your business. So you understand that it is critical for those cars and trucks to continue to operate with ease. Well those autos rely on you, too, in order to provide those vehicles with proper maintenance so that they don't let you down. By keeping up with scheduled auto maintenance your fleet vehicles will continue to help you make delivery after delivery or service call after service call. Here is why fleet vehicle maintenance is so incredibly important for your fleet. Keep deliveries and services on time In order to keep your bottom line above the red you need to be able to complete your services or deliveries in a timely fashion. It takes a healthy car or truck to be able to do this. Putting off maintenance, which includes oil changes, belt and hose replacement, diagnostics, fluid flushes and out scheduled services, you put your vehicles at risk of a breakdown ... read more

Is it time for an Engine Rebuild for your vehicle?

Is it time for an Engine Rebuild for your vehicle?

The engine in your vehicle can be equated to the human heart. As the heart pumps blood and oxygen through the veins, the engine pumps power to the wheels. While routine maintenance, including oil changes, belt and hose replacements, filter replacements and other 30/60/90K services, will keep your engine well protected, it can still run into trouble, especially at high mileage. If you notice any of the following problems with your vehicle's engine be sure to visit a local auto repair shop for further diagnostics. These problems are often an indication that it is time for an engine rebuild, but more minor repairs may be appropriate depending on the circumstances. Knocking Noise If you are driving down the road and you hear a knocking noise coming from under the hood that rises and falls with the engine RPMs you will want to find a professional engine repair shop right away. This is an indicator of worn engine bearings, which supports the flow of moving parts of the engine. If the bearing ... read more

Increase your MPGs this Summer with Simple Auto Maintenance

Increase your MPGs this Summer with Simple Auto Maintenance

There are a few simple maintenance services you can have completed to your vehicle to improve its current MPGs, which would be a great idea to do now as we head into the summer driving season. In addition to the tune up there are a few good driving habits to keep your fuel efficiency up as well. Check out these simple tips to get better miles per gallon so you can spend more time on the road and less money at the gas station during your next road trip! Auto Maintenance Tips Routine auto maintenance is crucial in order to extend the life of your vehicle, but it also helps improve MPGs Check out these simple maintenance tips to increase your fuel economy. Keep tires properly inflated - Tires that are under-inflated take more power from the engine to turn, so keep that rubber pumped up! Change the spark plugs - Spark plugs are what create the tiny explosion that powers the pistons up and down. If the plugs become dirty they may misfire, which is not only a big waste of fuel but can ... read more

Why are Oil Changes so Important for My Car?

Why are Oil Changes so Important for My Car?

There are few things more convenient than having a vehicle available to you in order to run errands, get to and from your place of employment or for pure enjoyment purposes. If you want your vehicle to be ready to take you on your next great adventure it is important that you provide it with all the necessary maintenance services that it requires. This includes things like fluid flushes, filter replacements and oil changes. That last one there is utterly important in regard to the operation of your car. Here are four important reasons to be sure that you have the oil changed on time every time your car is due. Reduced Operating Temperature The oil in your engine reduces the operating temperature in two ways, helping the cooling system prevent overheating. The way first is by absorbing heat produced by the engine. Oil is able to do this when it is new because it is scientifically engineered to do so; as oil ages it loses its ability to do this. The second is by actually reducing the amo ... read more

My Car Won't Start... What's Wrong?

My Car Won't Start... What's Wrong?

When it comes to car trouble few things are as frustrating as a vehicle that just won't start. Luckily, if that can mean anything when your car won't start, is that it is probably a small problem that offers a quick resolution that is causing the problem. For a car to run it needs air, gas and spark, if any of these things are not present the vehicle cannot run. However, a combination of parts must work together to get the pistons pumping. If your car won't start it is likely caused by one of the following four no start issues. Dead Battery The most common reason a vehicle won't start is because the battery is dead. If this is the case nothing will happen when you turn the key in the ignition. While batteries do have a lifespan of 3-5 years they can die before that if their electrical juice is drained from elsewhere. Often times a battery will die if a door is left open or if electronics in the car, such as the radio or navigation system, are used when the engine is not running. If thi ... read more