Yearly Archives: 2020

How Do I Know If My Shocks and Struts Are Going Bad?

How Do I Know If My Shocks and Struts Are Going Bad?

Struts and Shocks in a car are essential elements that maintain a comfortable and smooth ride on the road. Unfortunately, realizing when to replace the shocks and struts might be challenging because they are among the components that go bad slowly. These parts are not easy to observe, and observation might require disassembling, which is not cost-effective or even convenient to any driver. The car has unique ways of communication trouble to the driver. A good car owner pays attention to the car and listens to its needs to detect possible problems with any comment. Struts and shocks also communicate trouble to the driver. These are some of the symptoms of faulty shocks and struts: Decreased Stability and Control When shocks and struts are worn out, it becomes challenging to maintain control of the vehicle. It might slide to one side when turning. Driving in bumpy or harsh roads, the ride becomes very uncomfortable and intense. Increased Stopping Distance Paying attention to the sto ... read more

A Guide to Dashboard Lights

A Guide to Dashboard Lights

Your vehicle has a computer system that uses the dashboard to alert you of any issues. These lights provide vital information about how your car is functioning, helping you prevent long-term damage. No one ever expects the dashboard lights to illuminate, and they may not be completely familiar with their meaning. Does the check engine light mean you need maintenance right away, or is it an issue that's easily solvable? Below is a brief description of a few standard dashboard lights to help you decipher what may be the underlying issue.  Battery Light  The battery light is pretty easy to spot because it's a small rectangle with a plus and minus sign on the inside. If the battery light is on, the battery may need to be charged or replaced. In some circumstances, there may be a problem with the alternator. The alternator and battery work hand-in-hand to supply electricity to the battery. An issue with either of them will cause the battery light to shine.  Oil Pre ... read more

3 Signs of Water Pump Failure

3 Signs of Water Pump Failure

The water pump is an essential part of a vehicle's cooling system. The water pump works to prevent the engine from overheating. Water pumps don't fail often, but if you're planning on keeping your vehicle for several years, the water pump is subjected to wear. If this happens, your vehicle's performance relies on you fixing it as soon as possible to prevent severe damage. Water pumps don't usually break overnight; it's usually a gradual process that results from a lack of maintenance or neglect. To help recognize the signs of water pump failure, below are three common symptoms to look out for.  Low Coolant Levels  If you check your coolant and notice it's lower than usual, it's essential to make a note to refill the reservoir. Check underneath the front of your vehicle for coolant leaks. If there is a leak, the water pump will need to be inspected for holes.  High Pitched Whining or Grinding Sound If you notice a hi ... read more

Categories:

Auto Repair

The 4 Main Types of Vehicle Filters

The 4 Main Types of Vehicle Filters

The outside paint isn’t the only place that collects dirt during road trips and short city commutes. Dust and debris from the road also get pushed into the air and kicked into the engine. Pollutants aren’t just damaging to the engine; they become hazardous for those who breathe them in. All vehicles have various types of filters responsible for keeping the engine and car cabin pollutant free. Most drivers become so preoccupied with other vehicle maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and transmission flushes that they forget about their filters. Below is a list of the four primary filters and when you should have them replaced:  Oil Filter Clean engine oil helps lubricate the engine and reduce friction. Over time engine oil becomes gritty and sludgy; impurities will build up. These impurities can damage the engine. The oil filter improves engine performance by filtering out the pollutants and ensuring only clean oil is flowing through the en ... read more

Common Automotive Myths

Common Automotive Myths

There are a lot of misconceptions that can be passed off as fact within the automotive world. While some common myths may not hold a lot of validity, we're here to help highlight the truthful aspects. Myth: American cars are made in the U.S. American vehicles are assembled in the United States, but it's common for foreign automakers to create some critical parts overseas. Myth: Premium fuel boosts performance. Premium gas may be more expensive, but using it doesn't guarantee it will boost performance. Premium gas is for vehicles that need to use a fuel that has a higher-octane level. The best fuel to use is always the type recommended in your vehicle's owner manual for top performance. Also, save yourself the extra few dollars if you can. Myth: Replace all your tires at the same time. If your vehicle isn't four-wheel drive, you can safely change just one tire at a time. Just make sure that the tire you're ... read more

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