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Getting Your Car Ready for that Summer Road Trip

Getting Your Car Ready for that Summer Road Trip

March is upon on, which means the weather is getting warmer and summer is just a few months away. Now is the time families across the country start planning their route for that good ole American tradition -- the road trip. Summer is the perfect time for a road trip as the kids are often on break from school, the weather is warm and the water cool. As you prepare to head out this summer be sure to take your car's needs into consideration so you don't end up stuck on the side of the road or spending too much time at the gas station. Here's our tips on prepping your car for a road trip, and be sure to contact us before you head out for any of the following! Fluid Checks & Oil Change Your car uses a number of fluids to operate, including coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid and engine oil. If any are due for a flush do it now, and top off fluid levels as needed. If your trip is a long one, it's best to change the oil before you hit the highway. Wipers Summer ... read more

European Auto Repair - Where Luxury Meets Labor

European Auto Repair - Where Luxury Meets Labor

At Strande's Garage we love being able to help our friends, neighbors and other community members keep their vehicles from across the pond in tip top shape. It seems the Germans, Swedes and Brits have really hit the mark when it comes to engineering and building quality cars and SUVs and we take the opportunity to maintain these vehicles with the utmost gratitude, and the occasional spot of tea.When you need European auto repair in Denton we hope that you'll come see our team of ASE certified mechanics. Our highly trained team has access to the best parts available for any make and model since Strande's is a NAPA Auto Care Center. This also means that most of our auto maintenance and repair services are available with a great warranty. German Auto Repair Some of the earliest automobiles were built in Germany by Karl Benz and other famous engineers. One such man, Emil Jellinek, named his car company after his daughter, Mercedes. To ensure ... read more

Keys to Keeping Your Car Safe to Drive

Keys to Keeping Your Car Safe to Drive

With a driver's license and a car comes a lot of responsibility. When you get behind the wheel of any vehicle you are taking your life and those of all around you into your hands. At Strande's Garage we are dedicated to providing expert auto care that results in a reliable, comfortable and safe vehicle. However, we can't do our part unless you do yours. It's important to pay attention to any signs of safety concerns for your vehicle, such as the following. If you ever encounter issues that comprise the safety of your vehicle, such as the following, do not hesitate to visit us for professional, friendly car care. Worn Tires What connects your car to the ground? The tires! It is critical that you pay close attention to the condition of your tires, as you'll want to replace them as they become worn to ensure you always have proper control of your vehicle. Bald tread, cracked or bubbling sidewalls or dry-rotted rubber are all signs it's time for new tires. How long your tires will last is ... read more

Help! Why has My Car Broke Down!

Help! Why has My Car Broke Down!

We totally get it, because even as mechanics, we've been there too. A breakdown is not only frustrating, but it can be confusing, especially if your car or truck showed no signs of trouble before having issues starting, suddenly shutting off, or coming to a harsh halt. While diagnosing car trouble on the side of the road may not help you get to where you need to be any faster, perhaps after reading through these common causes of breakdowns you'll find some comfort in having some understanding of what's wrong. Remember, no matter what you drive or how new your vehicle is, all cars, trucks and SUVs are susceptible to a break down under the right, or should we say wrong, conditions. Auto Electric Failure The auto electric system in your car includes the ignition, alternator, spark plugs, starter and of course the battery. Issues with any of these components, as well as electrical relays, fuses and wiring, could contribute to a breakdown. The most common reason that you won't be able to s ... read more

5 Common Check Engine Light Problems

5 Common Check Engine Light Problems

When the check engine light illuminates many drivers will ignore it, thinking it is an error, since their car seems to be running just fine. Truth is, it isn't an error. The check engine light often comes on in relation to a small malfunction within the vehicle that if left unchecked will grow into a much worse problem. Be sure to get to the auto shop for further diagnostics if your check engine light comes on. The following are five common check engine light issues. Loose gas cap If the gas cap is loose, broken or otherwise ill-fitting it could allow fuel to evaporate out of the filler hose. This would be detected by the EVAP system, which then illuminates the check engine light. Be sure to always tighten your gas cap after a fill up. Oxygen Sensor The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust system and helps calculate the proper air to fuel ratio. If the sensor malfunctions it could result in excessive amounts of gasoline being burnt, thus decreasing your fuel efficiency. This could ... read more

Why Fix a Small Oil Leak?

Why Fix a Small Oil Leak?

If you have spotted something leaking from your vehicle it is understandable to be concerned. The first thing you will want to do is determine what sort of fluid it is, as your car uses a number of liquids to operate. Oil leaks will appear as dark brown or black on the ground, and should they become wet, a rainbow sheen will be seen.For some reason many people believe a small oil leak isn't a big problem. While it's true that as long as your oil level doesn't fall below the minimum as dictated by the oil dipstick your car shouldn't suffer any negative effects, it's still smart to fix small oil leaks. Here's why. It'll get bigger Ignoring a small oil leak will allow it to get bigger. It isn't uncommon for even low mileage cars to begin to leak oil, so always pay attention to the ground where you park. If you spot an oil leak it is best to visit a local shop that can determine where it is coming from and give you an idea of how soon it should be fixed. If it's completely overlooked that ... read more

Common Auto Parts that Need Routine Replacement

Common Auto Parts that Need Routine Replacement

We rely on our cars and trucks day in and day out to get us everywhere we need to be. The only way they'll continue to do so is by ensuring that they are given proper maintenance. Routine maintenance services include replacing certain car parts that will wear out or otherwise lose the ability to do their job as the miles add up. The following are a few of the most common auto parts that will, at some point, require replacement. Air Filter The air filter is tasked with preventing dirt and other particles from entering the engine. If the air filter becomes dirtied it will prevent the proper flow of air and cause the engine to run poorly. Fuel Filter Like the air filter, the fuel filter prevents contaminants from getting into the engine via the fuel line. A clogged fuel filter will prevent the motor from running right, or at all. Spark Plugs and Wires The spark plugs are fed an electrical charge that creates a spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture. Dirty or corroded spark plugs wil ... read more

Expert Foreign Auto Repair in Denton

Expert Foreign Auto Repair in Denton

Many people who own a vehicle manufactured or designed in a country outside of America believe that they will have to return to the dealership to have their car serviced for routine maintenance or unexpected repairs. This simply isn't true. By identifying a local auto repair shop that provides professional import auto repair, you can save hundreds of dollars on service for car, truck or SUV. At Strande's Garage, we offer just that. As a NAPA Auto Care Center staffed by ASE certified technicians, you can count on us for quality car repair, no matter what you drive. European Auto Repair Many manufacturers of fine automobiles are based in Europe. Our team has access to the latest diagnostic and repair equipment to ensure that we're able to fix any issue, on just about any car. German Auto Repair - German engineers were pioneers in the automobile industry, and they continue to revolutionize the way we drive. We provide repairs and maintenance for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, V ... read more

Does My Car Need Transmission Service?

Does My Car Need Transmission Service?

The transmission is a complex mechanism with an important job, which is to transfer the power created by the engine to the wheels. If the transmission is unable to operate as it was designed to do so, you will need to visit the repair shop, or else you may end up with a car unable to move. There are several common signs of transmission trouble, including the following. At the first sign of a problem be sure to contact a reputable transmission repair shop. Grinding Sounds One of the most common symptoms of transmission trouble is a grinding, whining or squealing noise that occurs as the transmission shifts. This can occur with both automatic and manual transmissions and can represent a few different issues, including low tranny fluid or worn gear teeth. Popping Out of Gear If your manual transmission vehicle pops out of gear as you accelerate in first gear there is a good chance that the clutch plate has worn thin. However, this issue can also be caused by engine oil leaking onto the c ... read more

How to Find a Great Auto Repair Shop

How to Find a Great Auto Repair Shop

If your vehicle has begun to run rough or if it is due for factory scheduled maintenance, then you know it's time to find a trustworthy auto repair shop. When searching for an honest car care center using an Internet search engine you'll likely find many options. So with all the available shops out there, who do you know who to bring your car, truck or SUV to? There are several qualifying factors that you should search for to ensure that you will not only get outstanding auto repair service, but that you will feel as if you're part of the auto shop family throughout your service. ASE Certified The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, is the auto industry standard when it comes to certifying technicians. Be sure the shop you select employs ASE certified technicians so that you know the repairs done on your car will be conducted by skilled mechanics. Free Verbal Estimates A friendly auto shop should offer free estimates to give you a clear idea of the cost of fi ... read more