Suwanee, Decatur & Marietta Auto Repair

Engine oil is essential for lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and controlling the temperature inside your car’s engine. But what if you find yourself needing to add oil more often than expected? If your car is burning through oil quickly  without visible leaks, it can be a sign of an underlying issue. Oil consumption varies widely between different vehicles. Some manufacturers even note a certain level of oil use as normal. However, there are also mechanical or maintenance-related reasons that cause oil to disappear faster than it should. Understanding the difference between normal and excessive oil burn is key to maintaining your engine’s long-term health.   Normal vs. Excessive Oil Consumption All engines consume some oil during operation, especially when the vehicle is under heavy load or driving at high RPMs. Newer engines with tighter tolerances may use very little oil between changes, while others, especially performance o ... read more

You glance down at the dashboard and notice the ABS or traction control light has come on—or maybe both. While your car might still drive normally, those lights are warning you that part of your vehicle’s safety system isn’t functioning the way it should. These systems are designed to help you stay in control during hard braking or slippery road conditions, so when a light comes on, it’s worth looking into before the next unexpected stop.   How ABS and Traction Control Work Together The ABS helps prevent your wheels from locking up during sudden or hard braking. It quickly pulses the brakes to maintain grip and steering control. Traction control, on the other hand, reduces wheel spin when you accelerate—especially on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces. Because these systems share many of the same sensors and components, a fault in one can often affect the other. That’s why it’s common to see both warning lights turn on ... read more

Hearing a squeak or squeal every time you hit the brakes can be irritating—but it’s also your car’s way of telling you something. Brake noise isn’t always a sign of danger, but it usually means something has changed in your braking system that deserves attention. In some cases, it’s a simple fix. In others, it could point to worn parts or something more serious. If your brakes squeak every time you stop, here are the most common reasons—and what you can do about it.   1. Worn Brake Pads This is the most common cause of brake squeaking. Most brake pads come with a small metal tab—called a wear indicator—that’s designed to make a high-pitched noise when the pads get too thin. That squeak is your cue to replace them before they wear down to the point of damaging the rotors. If your squeaking is constant, espec ... read more

Your car’s engine is designed to operate within a certain noise level, but if you suddenly notice it getting louder, something may be wrong. A change in engine noise could indicate anything from a minor issue like a loose component to a serious problem that could lead to costly repairs. While some causes are harmless, others could affect performance, fuel efficiency, or even put your safety at risk. If your engine is roaring, rattling, or making unexpected noises, it’s best to identify the cause and address it before it leads to a breakdown.   Exhaust System Problems A faulty exhaust system is one of the most common reasons an engine sounds louder than usual. Your exhaust system is responsible for directing harmful gases away from the engine while also helping to reduce engine noise. If a leak or break occurs, the sound-dampening effect is lost, causing a significant increase in engine noise. Exhaust leaks can develop in multiple areas, but a ... read more

Driving should feel predictable, but hearing a clicking sound when you turn the wheel can be unsettling. It’s not the kind of noise you expect from a properly functioning vehicle, and it’s certainly not something you want to ignore. While some clicking sounds might be harmless, others could indicate worn or failing components in your steering or suspension system. The key is understanding what’s causing the noise and whether it requires immediate attention.   What Causes a Clicking Noise When Turning A clicking noise while turning is almost always linked to an issue in the vehicle’s steering, suspension, or drivetrain. The cause can range from minor wear to serious mechanical failure, and knowing the difference can help you avoid unnecessary breakdowns. Failing CV Joints Constant velocity (CV) joints are responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing flexibility in movement. Th ... read more