What's that horrible squeak when you hit your brakes? That's the squealer - and you are lucky to have it, as many car manufacturers have stopped installing them. That squeal is telling you that your brakes need service ASAP before you wear out the rotors.
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.
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.
Did you know that the founder of Audi, August Horch, started working as a blacksmith? Before starting his own venture, Horch worked under Benz for 3 years.
Does your car have a timing belt? If so, refer to your owner's manual for information on when to change it. Most belts have a service life of 60,000 miles (give or take), so if yours is nearing this limit, have it checked.
It’s especially important that you properly maintain your car during the winter driving season. This means having the battery checked, making sure the tire tread is deep enough to handle skids, and checking your antifreeze levels.
If you're planning to add electrical components to your vehicle (e.g. a louder horn or extra lights), it would be prudent to have a professional shop do the work. After all, the electrical system of the car, as well as sensitive on-board electronics, can become irreparably damaged should you make a mistake.
Did you know that the oil in your car does more than lubricate parts? It is also a key component of the engines cooling system as it helps to dissipate heat from moving parts.
Want to improve ride performance? Switch to gas-charged shocks. The shocks help smooth things out when traveling on rough roads and when taking corners.
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.
Do you drive a car or truck with a standard transmission? If you hear chattering when changing gears it can mean low or contaminated transmission fluid. Have it checked by a trained mechanic.
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.
Can you name the three main types of brake pads? Well, they are organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Organic pads that are a mixture of natural materials, like glass and rubber, are the least expensive.
If you're shifting into drive while your car is rolling backwards, your killing the transmission. Wait until you come to a complete stop before changing gears.
A rotten egg or sulfur odor coming from the engine exhaust could indicate several things. It may be the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, PCV valve, ignition timing, or some other issue. It is an easily diagnosed problem.
What’s the significance of the D.O.T. number on a tire? It indicates the factory that built the tire, its batch number, and its manufacture date.
There are no spark plugs in diesel engines. They inject fuel into a highly compressed air, and the fuel is ignited by the heat already present within the internal combustion chamber.
Overheating is a serious problem that can cause damage to your car’s engine. If your car overheats, shut the engine off immediately and have it towed to our repair facility.
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.
If the temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard should spike, pull over and stop your car as continuing to drive could cause serious damage to the engine. Bring your car to us for repairs.
We know that sometimes it's practically impossible to avoid hitting a pothole. If you do happen to slam into one, bring your car or truck in and have us check the wheels, tires, suspension system and alignment.
If you lose your brakes while you’re on the road, you should never try to nurse the vehicle to your destination. Instead, pull over as slowly and safely as you can and call for a tow to the nearest auto repair facility.
"It's a never ending battle of making your cars better and also trying to be better yourself." Dale Earnhardt
If your car's AC suddenly stops blowing cold air, the most likely culprit is a leak in the system. Unfortunately, these leaks can be difficult to trace and seal so the best thing to do would be to get a specialist to work on the problem.
