Surveys of mechanics and repair shops show that the most often reported car issues are brake problems, check engine light, electrical system, power train and airbag problems.
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.
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.
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.
Do you own a car with a manual transmission? If you hear chattering when changing gears it's a sign of low or contaminated transmission fluid. We'll take care of the problem.
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.
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.
How often should you rotate your tires? About every 5,000 miles, according to experts. It will prevent uneven wear and make the vehicle handle more smoothly - and safely - and extend the life of the tires.
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 drive on rough roads, and your car's shocks are worn, it will increase the braking distance you need to stop as well as increase the likelihood of skidding on wet surfaces.
Even if you love working on your car, we do not recommend working on struts yourself. Strut repair and replacement requires intricate work. Then, once the wheels are back on they need to be realigned. Let professionals handle that job.
If your car often makes strange noises, it can be associated with both engine and transmission malfunction. Bring your car to our repair facility and we will diagnose it to identify the exact issue.
If the pressure diminishes when you step on the brakes, or the pedal goes all the way to the floor, it could be a problem with the master cylinder. Have it checked and repaired to prevent a safety hazard.
Did you know that manual transmissions need transmission fluid in order to perform properly? If shifting has become difficult or is different, or the fluid color has changed or grit is present, it's time to bring your car or truck in.
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.
Matthew Chandler Fox, an American actor, once said, “I have always been into cars. Cars are part of our genetic makeup. It's unavoidable.”
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 you want to extend the life of your tires, avoid aggressive starts and stops. It not only prevents damage or wear and tear, but produces fewer emissions as well.
The gudgeon pin is a name given to the pin that holds the piston to the connecting rod. It is under constant stress from the motion of the piston and is subject to different types of force being applied.
Parasitic draw is an abnormal and continuous battery drain that occurs when the vehicle is off. You likely won't notice any problem under normal operation, but if the vehicle sits for a few days, it could kill the battery.
"I’ve always been into cars. Cars are part of our genetic makeup. It’s unavoidable." - Matthew Fox. We could not agree more.
Cars and trucks today rely on a lot of specialized equipment so it wouldn’t be advisable to work on them if you don’t have the proper knowledge and tools. Blindly groping around in hopes of finding a fault isn’t something you should do as this can possibly make the problem worse.
Be careful before making any DIY repairs to your vehicle while it is under warranty, as it could void it. Instead, turn to trained service technicians for needed repairs and services to protect the warranty and the value of your car or truck.