While an electric car may not have emissions worries, there are still some things that can cause it to fail inspection. Bring it in so we can check the brakes, headlight alignment, wipers, and anything else that can cause inspection problems.
If your car is constantly overheating, this obviously means that there's something wrong with the cooling system. However, the issue could be one of many things like a broken water pump, leaky radiator hoses or even a blocked radiator so you're going to want to have a mechanic check things out.
What does that check engine light actually mean? It can have a number of causes, but the most common reason that light comes on is due to a loose or missing gas cap. Before you call, check your gas cap or try tightening it a bit and see if the light goes out.
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?
Buying a used car? Whether it's from a dealer or a private transaction, make arrangements to have us inspect it before completing the deal. Unless the seller is willing to give you a warranty, it's "buyer beware."
Instead of just grabbing a container of oil off the shelf when you need to top it off in your car, look at the oil cap on the engine. It will tell you what grade and viscosity is needed for your vehicle.
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.
Do you always choose the same color of car every time you buy, or do you mix it up? Studies show the most popular car colors are silver, white and black - and make up more than half of new car sales.
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.
Always have oil and fluid changes, belt and hose replacements, and other milestone maintenance tasks performed at the recommended intervals to get your money’s worth out of your ride.
Regularly rotating tires extends their life and improves performance. Have them rotated when you have the oil changed. At the same time, have the condition of the brakes inspected.
While there are some things that you can safely repair on your car, you will find that everything else will require professional attention. This is because most of a modern car's systems are incredibly complex and may require the use of special tools that only a commercial shop will have.
Is there a clunking sound coming from your car's rear end when driving at low speeds or on rough roads? It could be damaged struts or malfunctioning anti-roll bar brushes.
Yellow-green liquid pooling under your car or the aroma of sweet-smelling anti-freeze is never good, and needs to be addressed quickly to prevent expensive damage. We can make any needed repairs and replace the coolant.
Can an alignment issue cause a vibration? While an alignment issue can cause a vibration, these are very rare occurrences. Vibrations typically come from tire or braking issues.
Signs of transmission problems include a feeling of "dragging" while the car is in motion. There may or may not be signs of a fluid leak. If you suspect transmission trouble, have the car towed to a repair shop.
The aroma of burning plastic coming from the engine while it's running could either be a problem with the battery cable or your vehicle's wiring could be in contact with the hot engine.
"Car designers are just going to have to come up with an automobile that outlasts the payments." - Erma Bombeck. Of course, regular maintenance can do the trick.
What are some of the things that cause a vehicle to overheat? Apparently, there are quite a few. Overheating can be caused by a lack of coolant, a clogged radiator, leaky or damaged radiator hoses, or even a faulty water pump.
If your car is overheating, and the upper radiator hose is significantly cooler than the lower hose, this is most likely due to a failed thermostat. Overheating is a serious issue that should never be ignored.
If your car or truck won’t start, one of the things that a mechanic will check is the fuel supply to the engine. If there isn’t any gas coming through (and the tank is adequately filled), chances are the fuel filter is clogged or the fuel pump has stopped working.
Car frame damage is not the devastating condition it once was. Modern equipment does an excellent job of straightening frames and can restore vehicles to their original alignment.
A ticking noise coming from the engine when your vehicle is idling or driving may signal a number of things. The problem could be with the rocker arm, the pistons or piston rings, the main bearing, or it could be with the fuel line assembly.
What is the annual cost to maintain a car? Well, the average consumer spends $400 a year on diagnostics, scheduled maintenance, and tune-ups. That's a little more than a dollar a day.
