Posted on 9/22/2017

Engines come in many sizes and each independent one can create a vastly different amount of power from another. But all internal combustion engines, like the one in your car operate in practically the same manner. This means the symptoms of trouble that they display will be similar from one vehicle to the next. It is important that you head to an auto shop at the first sign of problems so that the issue does not get worse. If diagnosed soon enough engine trouble can be a relatively quick, inexpensive fix, but if the signs are ignored it can result in a lengthy repair process. If you experience any of these signs of engine trouble don't delay having the problem properly diagnosed! Loud Knocking Noise There is a good chance that one of the first signs of engine trouble you will experience will be a loud, repetitive knocking noise coming from under the hood. This noise occurs when the vehicle's engine bearings begin to wear out. This can happen due to improper lubrication or general wear ... read more
Posted on 9/2/2017

Your car's engine operates at very high temperature, but the radiator helps keep it cool with the use of cold air and by circulating coolant fluid through the engine. If your car springs a radiator leak or a coolant leak elsewhere in the system your vehicle is at risk of overheating, which can cause major engine damage. The most common sign of a coolant leak is the engine temperature gauge rising to the hot side prior to your engine spewing steam. Before your engine overheats you can perform these checks to look for a radiator leak. If you find one you will want to bring your car to a professional mechanic to have the issue repaired to prevent major problems. Puddle of Coolant Fluid This goes without saying but the most obvious sign of radiator trouble is a visible coolant leak. Coolant is generally a bright green color, but can also be pink or yellow, and it will be slimy to the touch. Radiator fluid is very attractive to animals but is very hazardous if ingested so it is important to ... read more
Posted on 8/22/2017

Modern cars and trucks are full of sensors and other devices that are designed to help inform drivers about potential problems with their vehicle. However, even the most technologically advanced automobiles can't detect every single issue. Sometimes, all you need is a pair of ears to determine that something isn't quite right. If you ever hear strange noises coming from your car it's a smart idea to visit the auto repair shop for diagnostics and service. The following are a few of the most common noises you may encounter if your car is having trouble operating. Grinding Noises Grinding noises are a fairly common sign of trouble, but it is important to pay attention to what you're doing when the noise occurs. Brakes - If you encounter a grinding noise when you apply the brakes then it is safe to assume that the brake pads are low and in need of replacing. Transmission - Grinding noises that can be heard as the transmission shifts often indicates that ... read more
Posted on 8/3/2017

When it comes to automobile safety there is nothing that is quite as important as the breaks. While features such as airbags and seatbelts are great in the event of an accident, it is the brakes that will prevent that accident from ever occurring. Should you ever notice any of these signs of brake trouble it is imperative that you visit a local auto repair shop as soon as possible. It is up to you to keep your car safe to drive. Grinding Noise One of the most common symptoms of braking issues is a grinding or squealing noise that occurs as you slow your car. This is most often do to completely worn brake pads. The sound that you are hearing is metal grinding on metal. The longer you wait to have this repaired the more damage that the brake system will endure. Pulling When you hit the brakes the vehicle should continue in a straight line, or whichever direction you intend for it to go. If the car pulls to the left or to the right as you try to stop then there is a good chance that your ... read more
Posted on 7/23/2017

There are numerous ways to tell if your car is having trouble operating. Ignoring signs of an issue presented by your car could leave you stranded, as putting off auto repair is likely to result in the problem growing much worse. If you notice any of the following types of problems, be sure to contact your local auto repair shop for further diagnostics and proper repairs, to ensure your car doesn't run into bigger problems. Odd Smells If you ever catch a whiff of something strange while driving your car be sure to head to the auto repair shop, as it may be quite serious. Some problems are less concerning for your car's health and more for your own. If you notice the odor of dirty laundry it could indicate dangerous mold growth inside your AC or heater vents. Shaking or Vibrations If you find your steering wheel shaking back and forth you can count on a wheel alignment in your near future. A vibrating gas pedal is a sure sign of an exhaust leak and a brake pedal that won't stay still l ... read more
Posted on 7/5/2017

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
Posted on 6/28/2017

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
Posted on 6/3/2017

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
Posted on 5/30/2017

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
Posted on 5/3/2017

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