Posted on 2/24/2023
Getting a flat tire can be frustrating and inconvenient, but it's also a common problem that drivers can face on the road. It's important to know what to do in this situation so that you can get back on the road safely and quickly. In this blog, we'll provide you with some helpful tips on what to do when you get a flat tire. Step 1: Find a Safe Spot to Pull Over If you feel or hear a tire blowout, you first must safely pull over to the side of the road. Ensure you're in a spot where you won't cause any danger to yourself or other drivers. If you're on the highway, try to find an exit ramp or a wide shoulder area to pull over. Step 2: Turn on Your Hazard Lights Once you have safely pulled over, turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know that you're having car trouble. Step 3: Assess the Damage Take a look at the tire and assess the damage. If you see a nail or a screw, the tire may be repairable. However, if the tire has a large tear or a bul ... read more
Posted on 1/31/2023
An overheating car or engine may seem contradictory in the winter. However, it can happen to you at any time, at any point in the year. Engines produce a lot of heat, no matter what conditions it runs in. Vehicles have cooling systems to maintain their internal temperature at acceptable levels. So if your vehicle overheats this winter, it is most likely a fault in the cooling system. What Can Cause Your Car to Overheat? Here are three of the most common culprits for overheating engines: Low Antifreeze/Coolant - A lack of coolant fluid can cause your engine to get hotter than the norm. That is why we ask our customers to frequently inspect their coolant levels this season. If the levels are dipping low, don’t hesitate to top it off. We invite you to our shop if you need help checking for leaks. Broken Thermostat - The thermostat is responsible for monitoring engine temperatures and facilitating when coolant should enter the engine. If this component is faulty, it ... read more
Posted on 12/30/2022
Winter is characterized by frigid cold, and as a vehicle owner, you should know that cooler winter temperatures will affect your car immensely. It is especially so during nighttime when the temperatures are even lower than during the day. Winter temperatures will affect your car in the following ways: Tire Pressure The cold will cause tire pressure fluctuations, affecting your driving. The cooler the temperatures, the lower your tire pressure because the air contracts. However, when you drive, the tires will start warming up, causing the air to expand and the tire pressure to increase. The constant inflation and deflation are devastating on tires. Therefore, get winter tires that will undergo less damage due to the conditions. Battery The chilling winter cold is devastating for car batteries. The battery becomes very sensitive when it is cold. The battery cools down during winter much quicker than in other seasons, making it very difficult to start the car. You should check your ... read more
Posted on 11/30/2022
The alternator and car battery are pivotal to starting your vehicle’s engine. However, it can be difficult to distinguish a charging problem vs. a starting problem. Today, we are bringing you the key differences between a car battery and an alternator and their failing symptoms. Functions of a Car Battery The car battery is responsible for holding chemical energy which eventually gets converted to electrical energy to power the engine. It starts the ignition system and is a major power source for the rest of the car. When the battery is getting used, it gets recharged by the alternator. However, the battery deteriorates over time. It is recommended that you replace your vehicle’s battery every 3-5 years. Signs of a Bad Battery 5 years or older Slow engine starts Corrosion on the battery - typically looks white, blue, or green and clings onto the battery terminals Frequent jump starts Battery Warning Light Illuminated Functions of an Alternator The alternator direc ... read more
Posted on 10/27/2022
Fluid leaks are not an extraordinary experience especially if your vehicle has been on the road for several years. However, it is important to observe the characteristics that accompany the leakages because some of them if not repaired are dire. Luckily, you can differentiate the types of leaks and identify the issue beforehand. Engine oil spills It's either black or brown, but sometimes you can glimpse that distinctive rainbow. Even though an oil leak doesn't necessarily indicate the car needs to be fixed right away, oil is a crucial component of how your engine works. The engine may run dry and crush parts against each other if there are excessive oil leaks, which will cost you a lot of money. Additionally, if oil leaks persist, you will need to keep adding oil, raising the expense of operating the car. Power steering fluid leakage While a leak in the power steering fluid won't stop you from driving, it can swiftly lead to serious and permanent damage. Having said th ... read more