A car’s starter is a small electric motor and solenoid that takes energy from the battery to push the starter gear into the flywheel. This process cranks the car and fires up the engine. If your car won’t start up correctly, it could be a starter issue.
What are the symptoms of a bad starter?
- Starter clicking
- Accessories run but engine does not
- Clicking after engine is on
- Smoke coming from under the hood
- Grinding noises after start up
CARBIBLES.COM
Symptoms of a Bad Starter | Car Bibles
Transmission fluid is vital to the overall operation of your vehicle. In addition to lubricating the transmission’s internal parts, it also prevents overheating and metal-to-metal contact.
How often your transmission fluid will need to be replaced depends upon the make and model of your vehicle. Your vehicle’s manufacturer will recommend the correct interval. However, transmission fluid that looks dark brown, dirty, or sludgy should be replaced.
CARBIBLES.COM
When Is The Time To Change Your Transmission Fluid?
Squeaky brakes? Excessive vibrating or shaking? Car pulls to one side on the road?
What is one car symptom that you’re currently experiencing while driving? Comment and let us know!
What are the signs of worn shocks and struts?
- Uneven tire wear
- Vehicle bounces excessively
- Vibrating at high speeds
- Front end dives when braking
- Rear end squats when accelerating
- Leaking shocks
Can driving over a speed bump quickly cause damage to your vehicle? The answer is, yes! Driving fast over a speed bump can cause:
- Damage to the shocks
- Power steering system leak
- Wheels to be forced out of alignment
- Damaged steering rack mounts
- Ruined exhaust system
- Worn down tire sidewalls
Remember to follow the speed limit and slow down before approaching speed bumps.
While we know it may be tempting, try to avoid hanging your face mask on your car’s rearview mirror. It can obstruct your view, which can be dangerous on the road. It’s also important to fold your mask after you remove it so that the inside of the mask is protected, and hanging it on the rearview mirror leaves it exposed.
Don’t let your vehicle spook you!
Take care of your car’s fall maintenance now to keep your vehicle running at its best all October long. Important fall maintenance items include:
- Brake inspection
- Replace windshield wipers
- Check all fluids
- Inspect tires
- Test lights
- Check heater/defroster
What is a brake bleed?
A brake bleed is the process of removing air from the brake lines to restore your brake system to its best. Over time, small amounts of air can become trapped in your vehicle’s brake line. Air in the brake lines can decrease the effectiveness of your brakes significantly. If your brakes feel soft or spongy, you may need a brake bleed.
October is Fall Car Care Month, and now is the time to remember how addressing certain items like brakes, tires, belts and hoses and fluids, including oil, antifreeze, steering, brake, transmission, and wiper fluids, will help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently, saving money at the gas pump.
Other areas of the vehicle, such as heating and air conditioning systems, wipers, and lights, should also be checked periodically. #CarCare saves you money!
CARCARE.ORG
See How #CarCare Saves You Money - Be Car Care Aware
Are you familiar with your vehicle’s owner’s manual?
It may be collecting dust in your glove compartment. However, the owner’s manual contains important information regarding your vehicle’s proper maintenance intervals and features. Know how to reference it!
Ever wonder how far your car can continue traveling on an empty tank?
While it can vary anywhere from 30 to 50 miles, driving on an empty tank can actually damage your fuel pump and clog the fuel filter. Try to fill your gas when you get down to a quarter tank full.
Tire blowouts can be scary and hard to navigate. To correctly handle a blowout, keep the wheel straight, wait for the vehicle to slow down, and stay calm.
The best way to avoid a blowout is to keep your tires at the proper inflation pressure. Check your tire pressure at least once a month!
ALLSTATE.COM
What to Do If Your Tire Blows Out | The Allstate Blog
We have all experienced a scary car symptom, such as seeing the check engine light turn on or the sound of rattling bones coming from underneath the hood. But have you ever experienced something spooky or paranormal while inside your car?
We are getting in the Halloween spirit and want to hear your spooky car story below!
Who is guilty of this? 😂
Do you remember your first car? Let's face it - you probably drove a lemon. Whether it was a tin can or a straight up Flintstone-esque vehicle, chances are your first car has a special place in your heart.
What was your first car and what was your favorite memory of it?
EXTRAMILE.THEHARTFORD.COM
My First Car (A Compilation of Fond Memories)
Every time that someone mentions that they don’t have the proper setup to start camping, ask them one simple question. “Do you have a car?” If the answer is yes, then it’s time to fill them in on a little secret…It’s 100% possible to camp in your car! If you’re looking for ways to make car camping happen, here are some simple suggestions to get started.
AGIRLSGUIDETOCARS.COM
Gotta Get Away? 5 Ways Car Camping Has You Covered | A Girls Guide to Cars
Did you know that driving with excess junk in your trunk can have an effect on your vehicle?
An overloaded vehicle can:
- Decrease fuel efficiency
- Wear out your shocks and struts
- Wear down your tires faster
- Put your engine at risk of overheating
- Put you at risk for a tire blowout
- Reduce the effectiveness of your brakes
Keep your trunk empty and your vehicle clean to better maintain your vehicle overall.
Test your vehicle knowledge!
What did fuel injection replace in many cars?
A. Leaded Fuel
B. The Carburetor
C. Manual Transmission
D. Water Cooling in the Radiator
One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is a quick and easy way to help avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown many miles away from home, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
Check the following:
- Fluids
- Belts & Hoses
- Tires
- Lights
- Wipers
CARCARE.ORG
Don’t Let Your Thanksgiving Road Trip be a Turkey - Be Car Care Aware
Check engine light on?
The check engine light is your vehicle's way of letting you know that something is wrong. But don't stress - the best thing you can do is bring your vehicle into our shop for an inspection. Driving with the light on can make matters worse, and we will help find the solution that best fits the needs of you and your vehicle.
Is it bad to drive your car if it doesn’t have a gas cap?
While it isn’t a major issue if caught early on, you don’t want to continue driving without a gas cap for an extended period of time. You’ll lose gas and debris and moisture can get into the fuel tank, causing performance and fuel efficiency issues over time.
It’s inexpensive to fix, so take care of a lost, missing, or broken gas cap!
AUTO.HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM
Is It Bad to Drive Without a Gas Cap?
This is your vehicle’s oil pressure warning light. While it may look like a genie in a bottle, it’s actually an image of an old fashioned oil can.
It indicates that your car is either low on oil or your oil pump isn’t circulating enough fluid. This is a critical warning light, since driving with low oil can quickly damage your vehicle’s engine.
As the days get shorter, it becomes increasingly important to check that your vehicle’s wipers and lights are all in proper working order.
You may not be able to see from the driver’s seat if a light isn’t working, so take the time to test all exterior lights and replace any if needed. Also, test your wiper blades and replace them if they skip, smear, squeak, or appear to be dried out or frayed.
CARCARE.ORG
As Days Get Shorter, Check Vehicle Lights, Wipers - Be Car Care Aware
What is a tire rotation, and is it important?
A tire rotation is just that - it is the process of rotating your vehicle's tires or in other words, switching the placement of each tire. The purpose of this process is to simply make sure that they wear down evenly, which makes it important in terms of extending the overall life of your tires. A good rule of thumb is to have this performed every 6 months or so.
Your vehicle’s power steering system allows you to be able to steer with ease. Among the power steering system’s components is the power steering pump. A failing one can mean trouble when it comes to your safety on the road, which is why having it inspected at the first sign of trouble is key.
Read more to understand what symptoms can indicate a failing power steering pump.
CARBIBLES.COM
Symptoms of a Failing Power Steering Pump | Car Bibles
We’ve all been there before - you arrive home and rush out of your vehicle, eager to get inside and rest. However, doing a quick check of your vehicle to see if you need to bring anything inside with you can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to these 7 items that you should never leave overnight in your car:
- Food & Drink
- Aerosol Cans
- Sunscreen
- Lighters
- Plastic Bottles
- Batteries
- Electronics
YELP.COM
Jennifer W.'s review of Downey Car Care Center
Changing a flat tire can certainly be an inconvenience, but it’s also manageable if you’re prepared with the right tools and know-how. Fixing a flat is something every driver should know how to do. Read more about how to here:
MAHALODAILY.COM
How to Change a Flat Tire
Did you know that your vehicle's fluids wear down over time? Fluids are essential to your vehicle's operation, which is why an inspection is recommended regularly to have these vital fluids checked. These fluids include the transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, engine oil, and more.
Car batteries are often taken for granted until they simply stop working, and usually at the worst time. A dead battery can be an inconvenience at best and, at worst, may leave you stranded somewhere. That’s why it’s important to know when to replace your car battery. They typically only last between 3-5 years, and warning signs of a dying battery include:
- Engine is slow to start
- Check engine light is on
- Dim headlights
- Electrical problems
- Corroded battery terminals
