Did you buy a new part to replace an old one, but it's outside your DIY skills? Bring it to us and we'll install it for you. This is a pretty common practice and we'll be glad to help you out.
Has your check engine light lit up out of the blue? Try tightening your gas cap (after you pull over and stop, of course. If this doesn't work, it may still be only a simple fix. Have us run a diagnostic.
If your car throws a check engine warning and its performance suddenly deteriorates, you should keep going until you make it home or to a repair shop. This decrease in power is caused by the vehicle's computer entering limp mode which is designed to prevent any damage from getting worse.
Want to help your tires last longer? The best thing you can do for them is to check their air pressure on a regular basis and keep them inflated to the proper pressure. You can the correct amount on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
Are you having all the maintenance milestones for your car or truck attended to? Doing so helps you get every penny out of your investment and increases your ride's resale value. The owner's manual provides you information on what and when maintenance is needed.
Over time, the rubber bushings holding your vehicle's suspension components in place will wear out and cause it to rattle. In this instance the only thing to do would be to have the undercarriage thoroughly inspected and have any failed or failing components replaced.
If you are planning to not use your vehicle for an extended period of time, it is recommended that you make plans for someone to drive it monthly at a minimum.
Not only is it important to wear your seat belt whenever you are in the car, but it’s important that you wear it correctly. To ensure the proper distribution of force, the lap belt should be positioned across the upper thighs and the diagonal belt across the chest.
Did you know brake pads are designed to let you know when it’s time to replace them? When you hear squealing coming from the tire area when you brake, they're signaling it’s time to have the pads checked and replaced.
A faulty thermostat can keep your car from warming up properly in cold weather, causing it to overheat quickly. Fortunately this is an inexpensive repair that will prevent more serious damage.
If you notice a hairline crack on your vehicle's windshield, you should look into getting a replacement as soon as possible. This is because cracks tend to grow very quickly and may cause the glass to fail without warning.
No matter how diligent you may be when it comes to maintaining your car, sometimes things break, and when it is an engine belt, you're not going anywhere. Have us check them for signs of wear and replace them before they fail.
To get the longest life from your tires, have the wheel alignment checked periodically, and rotate the tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. This improves steering control and balances tire wear.
In some cases, minor car dents can be popped out safely from behind, but otherwise they will need to be filled and then repainted. In some cases, sanding is also required in order to create a perfectly smooth surface.
Did you know that a modern vehicle is equipped with a brain that is supposed to run everything? Called an ECU (engine control unit), this device relies on sensors placed all over the vehicle to send it the data it needs to keep the car or truck running correctly.
What is oil viscosity? Oil viscosity refers to how easily oil pours at a specified temperature. Thin oils have lower viscosity (lower number) and pour more easily at low temperatures than thicker oils that have a greater viscosity (higher number).
Safety tip: Do you have an emergency road kit? Does in contain road flares and reflective triangles so that should your car become disabled at night, other drivers can see you?
Carbon and gunk build up on cylinder heads over time and reduces power. To correct this, the cylinder heads, valves, valve seats, and ports need to be cleaned of deposits and checked for wear and damage.
Suddenly stiffened steering in older cars can be a sign of deteriorating or damaged ball joint. If not addressed and corrected, it could fail completely, creating a serious safety hazard.
What's that noise? A thudding sound from your tires means low air pressure, a flat tire, or alignment problems. Check your inflation and then have your alignment checked to extend the life of the tires.
When it comes to your vehicle, one thing that you'll have to pay close attention to is the state of your tires. Tire wear in particular is something to take note of because premature degradation can mean a camber alignment issue.
The cars of decades past are certainly less complex than what's available today. However, this doesn't mean that they're easier to fix. In fact, they may prove to be a serious challenge as there are no onboard computers that can tell mechanics exactly what's wrong.
Misaligned wheels will make your tires drag instead of rolling smoothly. The result is increased wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor handling. Make sure that you get your alignment checked once a year to keep your car running as smoothly as possible.
To improve steering and balance the wear on your tires, have the alignment on your vehicle checked periodically, and rotate the wheels according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
The life of the transmission of a vehicle is greatly reduced by overloads. Because overloading puts a lot of pressure on your vehicle, overheating occurs, which can lead to premature transmission failure.
COLD WEATHER will return soon!!!!! Don't go another winter without heat!! Get your car checked out for winter NOW!! Winter check/Heater Performance check just $29.95 through the end of November. Call us today for an appointment! 417-866-8500
Buying a used car? Before you turn over your hard-earned cash, bring it to us for a presale once-over to make sure you know what you're buying. This includes whether you're buying from a dealer or a private seller.
Don't let this be you!!! Get your car checked out BEFORE winter arrives! Call for appointment today!
417-866-8500
The batteries in electric cars are sealed, and trying to work on one yourself can cause serious damage and void the warranty. Trust that task to trained technicians whenever repairs or scheduled maintenance are needed.
Why is it called a "Tune up"? The first ignition systems consisted of spark plugs and ignition coils and as these coils worked they would emit a buzzing sound. If they were all working together correctly they would all buzz at the same level and be “in tune.”
Excessive wear on the outer edges of the tread is a telltale sign of underinflated tires. It may also be an indicator that something is wrong with the wheel alignment.
If the temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard suddenly spikes, you need to pull over and stop your car; continuing to drive could cause serious damage to the engine. Once you are off the road, call us for help.
DON'T GO ANOTHER WINTER WITHOUT HEAT!!!! Get your car's heater performance checked along with a winter check out for just $29.95 Call for appointment 417-866-8500
If you notice that your car or truck has become somewhat bouncy, it may be time to have your suspension system inspected. This is particularly true if you haven’t replaced your shock absorbers in a long while as they may have already become faulty.
Have you noticed a shimmy, shake, or other odd movement when driving at highway speeds? It may be a problem with wheel alignment, wheel balance, or a bent wheel. Have it checked to determine the problem and what repairs are needed.
If your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, all of the components need to be replaced whenever you change the tires to make sure it continues to function as expected.
While you may know that your vehicle's battery gets charged when the engine is running, do you know how this happens? The charging process is possible because a component called an alternator, which is powered by the engine via a belt to send a constant charge to the battery to keep it charged.
Hear, hear! If unfamiliar sounds are coming from your car, it's trying to tell you something. For example, a roar could be a problem with the exhaust, or it could be the transmission isn't shifting into a higher gear.
Here are a few words we take to heart when working with our customers: “The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.” - Sir Henry Royce
Pay attention to, and become familiar with, the sounds your car makes when it is running normally. When you hear something you do not recognize, don't turn up the radio to drown it out, bring it in for service.
Don't let this be you! Get your car checked out BEFORE cold temperatures arrive! Give us a call at 417-866-8500 and avoid a winter breakdown!
When the airflow to a diesel engine is restricted, performance suffers. If your engine lacks an indicator on the air filter housing, have us inspect the filter on a regular basis to make sure it's in good condition.
If it sounds like your car's turn signals are blinking too rapidly, it most likely the fuse is about to give out. Fortunately, this is a quick, easy and inexpensive repair.
What does the “EVAP Leak” code signify? This code signifies that there is a vacuum leak in the evaporative emissions system. The EVAP’s function is to contain any fumes from gasoline to keep them out of the atmosphere.
One of the most important tips for safe winter driving is to know what types of brakes you have and how they are going to respond to you. Antilock brakes need to be stomped on when you are skidding, whereas non-antilock brakes need to be pumped.
If you smell the aroma of burning plastic coming from the engine will it is running, it may be a problem with the battery cable, or wiring could be in contact with the hot engine.
Being stranded with a dead battery or faulty ignition system is never good, but it’s even worse when it’s dangerously cold outside. When it starts to get cold, it’s a good idea to have your electrical system checked by a professional.
Even though technological advances have resulted in improved products, things still break. Always check your car's hoses and belts and look for signs of wear. If you think they need replacing, come in and have them changed.
If you notice that your vehicle is tracking left or right when you let go of the wheel, chances are it's due for an alignment. Of course, this is something that can only be done at a professional garage as the job will require using a specialized alignment machine.
Before buying new tires, check to make sure they are the right size and type. Putting the wrong size or type of tire on your vehicle affects its handling, puts stress on the powertrain (an expensive repair), and compromises the safety systems.
Do you smell burning wires when you turn off your car's engine? In most cases, the problem is the battery cable, or a wire set is touching the hot engine. In either case, let us make the needed repair.
Mirrors in the wrong position will keep you from seeing your blind spots, and they can actually make them worse. Make sure that your mirrors are in good repair and in the right positions so you can drive as safely as possible.
Among your vehicle's consumable components are its serpentine belts. However, this really isn't something you should work on if you don't have the experience as getting to them, taking them out and replacing them with new ones can be quite a task.
Do you smell burning wires when you turn off your car's engine? In most cases, the problem is the battery cable, or a wire set is touching the hot engine. In either case, let us make the needed repair.
Your nose knows, so trust it. If you detect the odor of rotten eggs when your car's engine is running, it may be a problem with the catalytic converter or emissions control system.
Have your brakes started to squeak or squeal when you depress the brake pedal? That's an early warning sign that the brake pads have worn out and need to be replace. Don't delay having this done as it could lead to brake failure.
While 70s muscle cars are simpler than performance vehicles available today, they can be quite hard to fix. This is due to the fact that all their systems are mechanical and there are no onboard computers that register the faults that occur.
Mirrors in the wrong position will keep you from seeing your blind spots, and they can actually make them worse. Make sure that your mirrors are in good repair and in the right positions so you can drive as safely as possible.
Among your vehicle's consumable components are its serpentine belts. However, this really isn't something you should work on if you don't have the experience as getting to them, taking them out and replacing them with new ones can be quite a task.
Belts and hoses need to be inspected periodically. Look for cracks, fraying, sagging, and rips and tears, and have them replaced before they fail. Otherwise, your ride won't be going anywhere.
If you turn the ignition key of your car and all you hear is a clunk, you may have a bad battery. However, if the one you have installed is fairly new and the vehicle is used often, then you may have a charging issue which is something that will require professional repair.
Your nose knows, so trust it. If you detect the odor of rotten eggs when your car's engine is running, it may be a problem with the catalytic converter or emissions control system.
Have your brakes started to squeak or squeal when you depress the brake pedal? That's an early warning sign that the brake pads have worn out and need to be replace. Don't delay having this done as it could lead to brake failure.
While 70s muscle cars are simpler than performance vehicles available today, they can be quite hard to fix. This is due to the fact that all their systems are mechanical and there are no onboard computers that register the faults that occur.
Mirrors in the wrong position will keep you from seeing your blind spots, and they can actually make them worse. Make sure that your mirrors are in good repair and in the right positions so you can drive as safely as possible.
If your mechanic needs to use an electric welder on your vehicle, he will need to unhook the battery first. If he fails to do this, there's a very good chance that the expensive engine control unit (ECU) will be irreparably damaged by the surge of electricity that will course through the car or truck.
If you clock a lot of miles over the course of a year, it would be prudent to have your vehicle inspected more often. This is particularly true if you drive long stretches over rough roads as your vehicle will experience a lot more wear and tear.
A modern vehicle is as much a computer as it is a mechanical machine so it can be very difficult to fix. That said, however, the electronic modules used in such vehicles—along with the proper diagnostic tools— allow a tech to resolve issues faster because they can indicate exactly what’s wrong.
Belts and hoses need to be inspected periodically. Look for cracks, fraying, sagging, and rips and tears, and have them replaced before they fail. Otherwise, your ride won't be going anywhere.
If you turn the ignition key of your car and all you hear is a clunk, you may have a bad battery. However, if the one you have installed is fairly new and the vehicle is used often, then you may have a charging issue which is something that will require professional repair.
Your nose knows, so trust it. If you detect the odor of rotten eggs when your car's engine is running, it may be a problem with the catalytic converter or emissions control system.
If you ever notice that the cover or case of your car's battery is swollen or bulging, there's a serious problem. Swelling indicates high charging rates or high temperatures. and the cause needs to be identified and the battery replaced.
The cylinder heads of a seriously overheated engine can quite possibly warp or crack. When this happens, an extensive and expensive engine rebuild will most likely be required so it’s best to ensure that any faults causing overheating issues are found and fixed right away.
If your mechanic needs to use an electric welder on your vehicle, he will need to unhook the battery first. If he fails to do this, there's a very good chance that the expensive engine control unit (ECU) will be irreparably damaged by the surge of electricity that will course through the car or truck.
If you clock a lot of miles over the course of a year, it would be prudent to have your vehicle inspected more often. This is particularly true if you drive long stretches over rough roads as your vehicle will experience a lot more wear and tear.
A modern vehicle is as much a computer as it is a mechanical machine so it can be very difficult to fix. That said, however, the electronic modules used in such vehicles—along with the proper diagnostic tools— allow a tech to resolve issues faster because they can indicate exactly what’s wrong.
Belts and hoses need to be inspected periodically. Look for cracks, fraying, sagging, and rips and tears, and have them replaced before they fail. Otherwise, your ride won't be going anywhere.
Milky brown engine oil color may indicate coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a failed transmission cooler, cracked casings or blown gasket. If this happens, get it inspected by our repair technicians immediately.
Did you know your car has a cabin filter? Be sure to have it checked and changed regularly. While its primary purpose is to keep the air inside the car clean, if it's old and clogged, it can cause dirt to build up in your engine.
If your vehicle’s engine doesn’t sound quite right, you should refrain from using it until it gets checked out. After all, the issue may be serious enough to destroy the motor so it would be advisable to wait for the mechanic’s diagnosis to prevent things from getting worse.
If you ever notice that the cover or case of your car's battery is swollen or bulging, there's a serious problem. Swelling indicates high charging rates or high temperatures. and the cause needs to be identified and the battery replaced.
The cylinder heads of a seriously overheated engine can quite possibly warp or crack. When this happens, an extensive and expensive engine rebuild will most likely be required so it’s best to ensure that any faults causing overheating issues are found and fixed right away.
If your mechanic needs to use an electric welder on your vehicle, he will need to unhook the battery first. If he fails to do this, there's a very good chance that the expensive engine control unit (ECU) will be irreparably damaged by the surge of electricity that will course through the car or truck.
Do you know that the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle was made in 1899 by eponymous founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche? Named as Lohner-Porsche “Semper Vivus”, it was an electric car with an internal combustion motor used as a generator.
If your vehicle's front suspension components need to be taken apart, chances are, you will need to have the wheels realigned when everything's put back together. This is because the removal of parts will invalidate adjustments previously done and thus cause the vehicle to veer to the left or to the right.
Milky brown engine oil color may indicate coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a failed transmission cooler, cracked casings or blown gasket. If this happens, get it inspected by our repair technicians immediately.
Did you know your car has a cabin filter? Be sure to have it checked and changed regularly. While its primary purpose is to keep the air inside the car clean, if it's old and clogged, it can cause dirt to build up in your engine.
If your vehicle’s engine doesn’t sound quite right, you should refrain from using it until it gets checked out. After all, the issue may be serious enough to destroy the motor so it would be advisable to wait for the mechanic’s diagnosis to prevent things from getting worse.
If you ever notice that the cover or case of your car's battery is swollen or bulging, there's a serious problem. Swelling indicates high charging rates or high temperatures. and the cause needs to be identified and the battery replaced.
What do you put into your car's radiator? If it's only water or coolant, you could be headed for trouble. Check the owner's manual and use the proper mix of water and coolant.
Who doesn’t love the smell of a new car? Actually, the smell of a new car is comprised of 50 volatile organic compounds. Don’t worry, none of them are toxic!
The best way to help avoid accidents when you’re driving is to practice defensive driving techniques. Keep all of your attention on the road while at the wheel. Pay attention to those around you so you can predict their actions and be prepared for the unexpected.
Do you know that the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle was made in 1899 by eponymous founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche? Named as Lohner-Porsche “Semper Vivus”, it was an electric car with an internal combustion motor used as a generator.
If your vehicle's front suspension components need to be taken apart, chances are, you will need to have the wheels realigned when everything's put back together. This is because the removal of parts will invalidate adjustments previously done and thus cause the vehicle to veer to the left or to the right.
Milky brown engine oil color may indicate coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a failed transmission cooler, cracked casings or blown gasket. If this happens, get it inspected by our repair technicians immediately.
Vehicles today are very complex but, did you know that they're somewhat easier to fix? Thanks to onboard computers and specialized scanners, the car or truck can tell the mechanic exactly what's wrong so long, drawn out searches are effectively eliminated.
Is there the aroma of burning wires or plastic wafting from your car's engine after driving it? The most likely source is the battery cable or a wire touching the hot engine. No matter the reason, we can clear the air.
What do you put into your car's radiator? If it's only water or coolant, you could be headed for trouble. Check the owner's manual and use the proper mix of water and coolant.
Who doesn’t love the smell of a new car? Actually, the smell of a new car is comprised of 50 volatile organic compounds. Don’t worry, none of them are toxic!
The best way to help avoid accidents when you’re driving is to practice defensive driving techniques. Keep all of your attention on the road while at the wheel. Pay attention to those around you so you can predict their actions and be prepared for the unexpected.
Do you know that the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle was made in 1899 by eponymous founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche? Named as Lohner-Porsche “Semper Vivus”, it was an electric car with an internal combustion motor used as a generator.
Hearing a high-pitched whine coming from the engine after it has started? It could indicate a problem with the starter or the flywheel. The only way to be sure is to have it checked and then repaired, if necessary.
Does your car vibrate when you apply the brake? Well, in most cases, this vibration is caused by an issue with the front brake rotors. Let our skilled auto technicians diagnose the issue and suggest the right solution.
In order to find a leak in a vehicle's AC system, a tech may charge it with a special fluorescent dye. After the dye has been put in, he will then take a detector light and go through all the pipes and components in order to find the damaged area.
If you notice that the steering is hard, especially at low speeds, the first thing to have checked is the power steering fluid. If this does not solve the problem, the issue may be with the power steering pump, ball joint, or problems with various belts.
Hearing a high-pitched whine coming from the engine after it has started? It could indicate a problem with the starter or the flywheel. The only way to be sure is to have it checked and then repaired, if necessary.
Does your car vibrate when you apply the brake? Well, in most cases, this vibration is caused by an issue with the front brake rotors. Let our skilled auto technicians diagnose the issue and suggest the right solution.
One of the problems with the deterioration of shock absorbers on your car or truck is that it happens gradually as time passes, so you become used to the subtle changes in control and make adjustments as you go. If you are wondering if your vehicle may need new shock absorbers, have us check them.
Vehicles today are very complex but, did you know that they're somewhat easier to fix? Thanks to onboard computers and specialized scanners, the car or truck can tell the mechanic exactly what's wrong so long, drawn out searches are effectively eliminated.
Do you own an electric car or a hybrid? Because the battery is sealed, it's not recommended that you perform maintenance on it yourself as it could damage it or void the warranty.
If your car’s A/C system is low on refrigerant, this indicates a leak somewhere which must be fixed immediately. A leaking A/C system should not be refilled without fixing, as it is a violation of federal law.
Are you going to head out on a road trip soon? The best thing you can do is to plan ahead before you hit the road. Check the weather reports for your destination and the road on the way. Use this information to make sure you have enough time in your schedule and the right supplies.
In order to find a leak in a vehicle's AC system, a tech may charge it with a special fluorescent dye. After the dye has been put in, he will then take a detector light and go through all the pipes and components in order to find the damaged area.
If you notice that the steering is hard, especially at low speeds, the first thing to have checked is the power steering fluid. If this does not solve the problem, the issue may be with the power steering pump, ball joint, or problems with various belts.
Hearing a high-pitched whine coming from the engine after it has started? It could indicate a problem with the starter or the flywheel. The only way to be sure is to have it checked and then repaired, if necessary.
Keeping the tires at right pressure ensures an ideal point of contact of the tread to the road so the tires don’t drag excessively. Make sure to check tire pressure once per month after the vehicle has been sitting overnight.
Fuel filters on diesel vehicles vary, not only in number but in size and performance characteristics as well. When the filter fails or is clogged, water can enter the system and the engine will suffer as a result.
Do you own an electric car or a hybrid? Because the battery is sealed, it's not recommended that you perform maintenance on it yourself as it could damage it or void the warranty.
If your car’s A/C system is low on refrigerant, this indicates a leak somewhere which must be fixed immediately. A leaking A/C system should not be refilled without fixing, as it is a violation of federal law.
Are you going to head out on a road trip soon? The best thing you can do is to plan ahead before you hit the road. Check the weather reports for your destination and the road on the way. Use this information to make sure you have enough time in your schedule and the right supplies.
In order to find a leak in a vehicle's AC system, a tech may charge it with a special fluorescent dye. After the dye has been put in, he will then take a detector light and go through all the pipes and components in order to find the damaged area.
"I’ve always been into cars. Cars are part of our genetic makeup. It’s unavoidable." - Matthew Fox. We could not agree more.
Shock absorbers deteriorate so gradually that you become used to the subtle changes in control and make adjustments as you go. Have them checked every 20,000 miles or so to see if they need to be replaced.
Keeping the tires at right pressure ensures an ideal point of contact of the tread to the road so the tires don’t drag excessively. Make sure to check tire pressure once per month after the vehicle has been sitting overnight.
Fuel filters on diesel vehicles vary, not only in number but in size and performance characteristics as well. When the filter fails or is clogged, water can enter the system and the engine will suffer as a result.
Do you own an electric car or a hybrid? Because the battery is sealed, it's not recommended that you perform maintenance on it yourself as it could damage it or void the warranty.
If your car’s A/C system is low on refrigerant, this indicates a leak somewhere which must be fixed immediately. A leaking A/C system should not be refilled without fixing, as it is a violation of federal law.
Are there little chirping noises coming from your engine while you're driving? It may be caused by loose, faulty or broken transmission mounts. If they're not repaired, bigger problems will follow.
Can you name the seven vital fluids that every vehicle needs for optimal performance on the road? These include motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, battery fluid, and power steering fluid.
Can you list a few warning signs that indicate that your transmission needs repair? Well, these include a burning smell, constant grinding while driving, or gears slipping. If you notice any of these signs, bring your vehicle to our repair facility right away.
"I’ve always been into cars. Cars are part of our genetic makeup. It’s unavoidable." - Matthew Fox. We could not agree more.
Shock absorbers deteriorate so gradually that you become used to the subtle changes in control and make adjustments as you go. Have them checked every 20,000 miles or so to see if they need to be replaced.
Keeping the tires at right pressure ensures an ideal point of contact of the tread to the road so the tires don’t drag excessively. Make sure to check tire pressure once per month after the vehicle has been sitting overnight.
