Yearly Archives: 2018

DIY Auto Maintenance: Fluid Checks

DIY Auto Maintenance: Fluid Checks

First of all unless your a confident and competent DIY mechanic, most automotive services should be left to a professional auto technician in order to keep your car safe and reliable. However, there are some minor maintenance procedures you can do at home to ensure that your vehicle is good to go, such as checking the various fluids used by your car. From time to time these specialized fluids need to be drained and refilled to keep them clean and ensure they aren't losing the properties they need to do their job, such as viscosity. It's also important to check fluids to ensure they are at the proper level. Discovering your car is low on a liquid could indicate a leak! Let's look at five common fluids you can check under the hood of your car. Engine Oil Oil typically needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but it's a good idea to check on it in the meantime to ensure it is clean and at the right level. To check the oil shut the engine off and wait a few minutes for it to cool ... read more

If this happens your car may need exhaust repair

If this happens your car may need exhaust repair

The exhaust system is one of the hardest worked systems in a car. While it has no moving parts, it is tasked with transferring highly hazardous exhaust fumes from the engine, past the passenger cabin, convert them to less harmful emissions and emit them out of the tailpipe. That is quite a large task for some metal piping. The exhaust system usually does not require much maintenance, but it can develop problems if the vehicle is subject to certain operating circumstances that result in a crack in the pipes, which may include an accident or rust.It is important to pay attention for signs of exhaust trouble as a leak may result in exhaust fumes entering the passenger cabin. If this were to happen you could be at risk of inhaling for toxic fumes that could quickly kill you. If you experience any of these signs of an exhaust leak get in touch with your local auto shop right away to have the issue resolved before bigger problems occur. Increased Engine Noise One of the most common symptoms ... read more

Common Signs of Car Trouble

Common Signs of Car Trouble

Your car is pretty smart, but despite all of its sensors, computers and gadgets, it still doesn't have the ability to tell you about every problem it is encountering. It is important to pay attention to any signs of car trouble that your vehicle may encounter so that you can visit a trusted auto repair shop before your car bites the dust completely. If you notice any of these symptoms of car trouble, head to the shop ASAP, or else you could be stuck on the side of the road before you know it. Strange Noises Odd noises are one of the most common signs of car trouble. Based on what you're doing at the time the weird noise occurs you can often figure out what is causing it. For example, if you hit the brakes and hear a grinding noise, it is likely time for new brake pads. Or if you hear a whining noise as your car shifts, it may be time for transmission maintenance. Leaks Nothing should ever be leaking from your car. If you notice a drip head to the auto shop immediately. Common automoti ... read more

What is Leaking from My Car?

What is Leaking from My Car?

Did you know that your car uses a variety of specialized fluids to help ensure its smooth, safe and reliable operation? While it is gas that you put in the tank, these other fluids have just as important of jobs. If you ever spot something dripping from your car it is critical that you visit a local auto repair shop for proper diagnostics and repairs. Putting off automotive fluid leak repair could result in massive damage to your car. Here's a look at five of the most common vehicle fluid leaks. Oil leak Oil is the lifeblood of the engine. It is what keeps the moving parts lubricated to prevent harsh metal on metal friction. If you spot a black or dark brown spot on your driveway it is likely engine oil. While a small leak won't be immediately devastating, it is necessary to have it repaired to prevent additional oil loss. Coolant leak If you see a bright green or yellow liquid dripping from your car that has a sweet smell to it, then it is likely coolant. Coolant is pumped through th ... read more

Auto Maintenance You Should Never Skip

Auto Maintenance You Should Never Skip

No matter what you drive it is going to need routine service at one point or another. All cars, trucks and SUVs require a variety of specialized treatments at certain mileage points to help prevent unsafe operating conditions and breakdowns. While you should never skip any scheduled auto maintenance required by your vehicle, the missing out on the following could be particularly devastating to your vehicle. Check your owner's manual to see when your car is due for certain services. Oil Change Oil changes do a couple things for your vehicle. First of all, during an oil change the old oil is drained from the motor, bringing with it engine buildup that can decrease performance. Secondly, the oil filter is changed, ensuring proper oil flow throughout the engine. Finally the new oil that is added to the motor will ensure that there isn't excessive friction between the moving parts. Missing oil changes can result in massive engine wear and tear, resulting in a need for extensive engine repa ... read more

4 Symptoms of Poor Wheel Alignment

4 Symptoms of Poor Wheel Alignment

It is pretty easy to control your car, isn't it? If it weren't for bends in the road it seems that new vehicles could essentially drive themselves. Imagine a road with no bumps, no curves, and no other obstacles; a brand-new car could handle this drive with ease since it is designed to cruise straight as an arrow for as long as can be. However, roads like this just aren't the case. But if you do find yourself on a straight road and your car is seemingly driving itself to the curb it may be caused by poor wheel alignment. If you experience any of these symptoms of alignment trouble be sure to head to a local auto shop right away to restore the drivability of your vehicle. Pulling Sensation As mentioned, a car that drives to the side of the road without any human interaction is likely suffering a symptom of a bad alignment. This phenomenon is referred to as vehicle pulling. You may experience hard pulling, which makes it feel as if you are fighting with the steering wheel to keep the car ... read more

Is it Time for an Engine Rebuild?

Is it Time for an Engine Rebuild?

One of the biggest repairs that you may ever need to do for a vehicle is conduct an engine rebuild. This is often an extreme service, but it can be much cheaper than the alternative, which is often to simply by a new car. During a rebuild an engine is completely disassembled and rebuilt, returning it to a like new condition. So when should a rebuilt be completed, and how do you know if it is time for an engine rebuild? Read on. Reasons for an engine rebuild There are a couple main reasons why an engine rebuild may need to be completed. Worn engine bearings - The engine bearings support the motion of the moving engine parts, such as the crankshaft, rods and pistons. They do wearout after many, many thousands of miles of use, but their wear is acceled if the engine is ran with low oil. Poorly seating piston rings - The piston rings seal in the expanding gases created by the burning of gas in the engine. If they don't seat properly oil can get into the combustion chamber. Signs it i ... read more

Does My Car Need Radiator Repair?

Does My Car Need Radiator Repair?

Within seconds of turning on your vehicle's engine the motor heats up to incredibly high temperatures. If it weren't for the cooling system the engine would essentially melt itself. The cooling system, which includes such parts as the radiator, cooling fan, thermostat and water pump, pushes coolant through the engine to trap and remove heat. It is important that you get to a repair shop as soon as possible if you notice any of the following signs of cooling system failure. Rising temperature gauge One of the first signs you may notice if your car's cooling system is not operating as it should is a dashboard engine temperature gauge rising into the red zone. If you notice a skyrocketing temperature gauge be sure to pull over as soon as possible to allow the engine to cool down before major damage occurs. Steaming hood If you miss the rising gauge it is likely you will encounter white steam pouring out from under the hood. This is a positive sign that your car is currently overheating ... read more

3 Diesel Engine Problems to be Weary Of

3 Diesel Engine Problems to be Weary Of

Your diesel work truck hits the road day in and day out, putting up with dirty conditions that can result in numerous engine problems. When it comes to diesel repair and maintenance it is important that you leave the service to professional technicians. Diesel engines run much differently than traditional gasoline motors, so they require a special skill set or else the motor may end up in even worse shape. Be aware of the following issues, because if you begin to notice performance issues with your vehicle it could be related to one of them. Incorrect Engine Lubricants One of the most common causes of hard starting is the use of improper lubricant, A.K.A, engine oil. This is because if you use the wrong oil it may allow oxygen into the hydraulic system that assists the fuel injection unit, creating a foam that results in fake fuel injector pressure. It is necessary to use the correct oil as recommended by the manufacturer for different seasons of the year as well due to humidity and o ... read more

What is Scheduled Auto Maintenance and Why does my Car Need it?

What is Scheduled Auto Maintenance and Why does my Car Need it?

When a vehicle is being engineered the designers take into account the maintenance it will require, including at what mileage point, in order to ensure it remains in top operating condition. These services are known as factory scheduled maintenance and include a variety of different services. It's pertinent that you follow your vehicle's maintenance schedule in order to get the most out of your automotive investment. These are a few of the most common forms of scheduled maintenance that all vehicles need. Oil Changes The most frequent service required by all vehicles is the oil change. Necessary between every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on what you drive, oil changes ensure proper engine lubrication to prevent harsh metal on metal friction. Oil changes also help keep the engine clean. 30/60/90K Maintenance The general term that is applied to factory maintenance is 30/60/90K maintenance, because of the fact that it is generally necessary every 30,000 miles. These service check ups i ... read more