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.
If your car has a bent aluminum alloy rim, straightening it is not a good idea as it can contribute to tire failure or other problems. If the wheel is bent or dented, replacement is the safest option.
“Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you are is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you are is a maniac?” - George Carlin
It’s not recommended to drive a vehicle with less than a 1/4 of a tank on a regular basis. Doing so can clog your fuel pump. Moreover, fuel filters should be replaced regularly in order to avoid breakdowns on the road.
Don't ignore even the smallest crack in your car's windshield as it can quickly grow and cause it to fail. For everyone's safety, have the windshield repaired or replaced immediately.
If you want to upgrade the suspension components on your four-wheel drive vehicle, it would be best to have it done professionally. This is because a great deal of know-how is needed for such projects so an amateur DIY attempt isn't wise or safe.
Overheating is a serious problem as it can damage your vehicle’s engine. If your car starts to overheat, shut the engine off immediately and have it towed to our auto repair facility.
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.
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.
An illuminated check engine light is not always a sign that a major repair is needed. It may be as simple as a loose gas cap.
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.
Besides a loose or missing gas cap, another reason for a check engine light is a faulty oxygen sensor. If you find that adjusting the gas cap does not fix the problem, you should consult a mechanic.
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.
While car's today are very efficient, they are quite complex so anyone attempting to perform a repair will need special tools. This is in stark contrast to the cars of decades past that only required traditional tools to fix.
Although air bags save lives, they do not reduce the important of seat belt use. In fact, since air bags deploy at explosive speeds, they can harm an unrestrained person. Not using a seat belt can also reduce air bag effectiveness.
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.
The United States has more cars than any other country in the world, at 300 million. China comes in a distant second, at 78 million.
If your car's brakes are constantly squealing, you may want to stop by a garage to have the problem checked out. Chances are, your brake pads or brake rotors are worn so you will need to have them replaced as soon as possible.
Your car’s air filter should be inspected for signs of wear after every oil change. A clogged filter means a significant decrease (up to 11%) in acceleration. Even if it’s not failing, the filter should be replaced once per year.
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.
Do you often face problems while changing gears or are your gears slipping? If yes, there could be some fault in your car’s transmission. Get it checked by our car repair professionals to avoid more major problems.
Does the inside of your car or truck smell like you're standing right behind the exhaust pipe? There's probably a leak somewhere in the system. Come see us to take care of the problem. You'll breathe easier.
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.
While you’re free to DIY the complex repairs that your car or truck may need, you may want to reconsider if you don’t have the needed experience. This is particularly true if your vehicle is valuable and/or expensive as you may end up damaging something else during the process of the repair.
