Posted on 9/15/2015
If you are looking around for an auto repair shop to use, you need to make sure that you are not turning to the wrong place. Shady auto repair shops are, unfortunately, all over the place. So what is it you need to look for? There are quite a few signs that can point to a problem. Shady Auto Repair Shops Often Use Similar Tactics If you approach an auto repair shop and the first emotion you feel is fear, you need to turn around. They should not be trying to scare you into hiring them on the spot. If the mechanics are doing their best to frighten you from driving anywhere else before getting something checked, then you need to have red flags going up, and you need to find another auto repair shop. Another thing to look for in a good auto repair shop is to find certifications up on the wall. If you are looking at an auto shop that has nothing up on the walls aside from grease and tires, or other miscellaneous car parts, then you should turn around ... read more
Posted on 9/1/2015
Finding the right auto repair shop is not always easy. If you go to the wrong place, you can end up paying for repairs you did not need, paying for services that are not rendered, or leaving with a car that is not fully repaired. This is not only dangerous, but also against the morals and ethics that most people would have. So what are you supposed to do to find the right auto repair shop for you? Tips for Finding the Right Auto Repair Shop The first tip is to make sure that you look around for the right auto repair shop when you have time, long before there is a problem with your vehicle. If you are stuck needing a repair, needing to get back to life, and with nowhere else to turn, you may turn to the first auto repair shop you find, just to get back on the road. Another tip for finding a reliable auto repair shop is to ask people you trust. Those that fall into your social circle will likely be very open to sharing where they have had both goo ... read more
Posted on 8/4/2015
Auto repair for transmission problems can seem intimidating, especially if you are unfamiliar with the inner workings of your vehicle’s transmission. Sometimes the most difficult part of auto repair is determining what is causing the problem. One symptom could mean a variety of problems on its own, but if you are noticing multiple issues then they may all be related. Focusing on the problems and their relation can help you more easily determine what the root cause of the issue is and help you with your auto repair. Diagnosing Problems for Auto Repair Many vehicle problems will reveal themselves with distinct smells or sounds or vibrations that can help you recognize when something is not working as it should. The moment that you notice something with your vehicle seems to be “off” or different than it has been in the past you will want to find out what is causing the issue and do the proper auto repair before the situation becomes worse. With vehicle ... read more
Posted on 7/21/2015
The starter of your vehicle is one part that helps gets your car started. The starter is turned on by the ignition key which then turns the engine at the same speed to suck fuel and air into the cylinders for compression. When working properly, your starter will “turn over” your engine. This means that it will make the noise that it normally makes when you start up your car. If your car is making this noise but not starting, then the problem is not with your starter but with some other component. The only job a starter does is turn over the engine but there are many other parts and systems that all must work together and play a vital part in the function of your vehicle. The symptoms of a bad starter can reveal themselves in various ways. The following symptoms are the most common issues. Starter Slowly Turning the Engine Over Sometimes a bad starter results in the engine slowly turning over. This is noticeable by the sound of your engin ... read more
Posted on 7/7/2015
The exhaust system of your vehicle is a vital component for removing harmful emissions to keep everyone in the vehicle safe. When a vehicle is running at least six different types of emissions are produced. These emissions include carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, and nitrogen oxide. The exhaust system removes these emissions from your vehicle, quiets the noise caused by combustion and ensures your vehicle is running efficiently. Components of the Exhaust System The exhaust system begins at the engine and ends at the tail pipe at the rear of your vehicle. It is composed of a series of pipes and chambers. While most vehicles only need one exhaust system, vehicles with engines that have eight cylinders have two exhaust systems, one on each side. In the event that you have a vehicle with two exhaust systems, it is extremely important that both systems are running efficiently. There are five main parts in a normal exhaust system. The first ... read more
Posted on 6/9/2015
Auto repair covers a wide range of repairs for your automobile. Finding the right auto repair shop can be vital when it comes to repairing the vehicle that is responsible for you and your family’s safety. Here is a list of common questions and answers when it comes to auto repair. How do I find the right Auto Repair Shop? When choosing an auto repair shop, it is a good idea to find one before you actually need one. This will help you avoid making rash, last-minute decisions without all of the information. Often, the best gauge of a reputable auto repair shop is what your friends, family and coworkers suggest. These word-of-mouth recommendations can point you in the direction of a mechanic who they trust and have had good experiences with. Depending on state and local law, auto repair shops may be required to be licensed or registered. If this is the case, it is always a good idea to ask to see the current licenses. You can also check wit ... read more
Posted on 6/2/2015
Have you ever wondered what a muffler really does? Is it there simply to muffle the sounds coming from your vehicle, or is there a greater purpose behind this piece of equipment? The truth is, the muffler of your vehicle is very important. It also helps you get better performance from your vehicle as a whole. Here’s a few things you need to know about this engineering marvel. A Muffler Does More than Quieting Noises We all know that a muffler is a great piece of equipment to decrease the amount of noise coming from your engine. The baffle within the piece allows the sound to radiate outward, instead of straight out of your vehicle, leaving you hard of hearing after just a quick trip to the grocery store. However, there is a greater purpose behind this seemingly insignificant attachment to your tailpipe. It also helps your engine gulp up more oxygen, boosting how well your engine is able to perform. Part of the job of a muffler is to help get the ... read more
Posted on 5/19/2015
Most people know of the 3,000 mile rule—when you’ve driven about 3,000 miles or for about six months (whichever comes first), it’s time for a tune up. This includes having an oil change, having the filters replaced, and more. However, some people ignore this tune up rule, and others have started to question it. It doesn’t help that manufacturers have introduced the myth that new cars can go 100,000 miles without a tune up. The Spark Plugs Aren’t Everything During Tune Ups What these manufacturers are really talking about is the spark plugs. New spark plugs made out of more durable materials such as platinum may not need to be replaced during a tune up for 100,000 miles. However, this is only true for spark plugs. Things like having your hoses inspected and your filters changed need to be done much more often. Tune ups still need to occur every 3,000 miles or so. Longer Lasting, but not Invincibl ... read more
Posted on 5/12/2015
Getting your vehicle a tune up on a regular basis is a necessity if you want to avoid costly problems later. But while tune ups have always been a part of the automotive industry, they’ve changed a lot over the years. Today, some of the common parts that are replaced during a tune up didn’t exist when cars were invented. Here are some of these common items and why they need to be replaced regularly during a tune up. Preventative Maintenance In many cases, a tune up is done more for preventative maintenance rather than to fix an issue. Without this regular checkup, something that is a fairly easy fix could turn into a major disaster later. Sometimes, a tune up will reveal a problem, but often, they don’t. However, even if your vehicle seems to be running perfectly, there are a few things the mechanic should replace anyway. Spark Plugs The spark plugs are the key component in starting ... read more
Posted on 5/5/2015
It used to be that tune ups were required for every vehicle on the road in order to keep the vehicle operating properly. However, as cars have advanced in terms of technology, so has their needs. Tune ups are now different than they used to be, and involve checking different things. Instead of having to manually adjust settings, most cars have computers for that purpose, changing the purpose behind the tune up. Here are a few things that are important to keep an eye on, next time you’re under the hood of your vehicle. Parts of Modern Tune Ups There are some specific parts of your vehicle that need to consistently be checked during tune ups. The first thing you need to do is check the battery in your vehicle. You need to make sure that it is holding the proper voltage, and make sure that it is charging properly. The voltage is incredibly important when keeping a vehicle maintained due to the internal computer in most modern cars. ... read more