Posted in General | January 19, 2021 

People have a way of communicating when they feel something’s off, and so does your car. Your automobile works hard on a daily basis to get you where you need to go, which can wear on it over time. You can return the favor by taking care of your vehicle and watching out for engine troubles. You don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road, even if you entrust your car to the best auto repair service Ferguson MO has to offer.

A car will give you warning signs long before it breaks down. Before getting back on the road, read on to learn about a few hints that tell you your car needs an engine repair.

Extra Noise

Your engine may chatter every once in a while, but anything more should grab your attention. If things start to get worse, your engine will make what most people refer to as a knocking sound. Once your engine rattles, you know it’s time to take a closer look. You can try and spot the issue, but it helps to have a second pair of eyes on it. Only a professional can diagnose the issue with swiftness and accuracy.

Suspicious Smoke

If you see a trail of smoke in your rearview mirror, that’s an instant red flag for you to have your engine checked. Depending on the color of the smoke, the problem can range from burning oil to a leaking coolant. Regardless, smoke means nothing good. Be sure to take your car in, so an auto repair service can give you a precise analysis.

Poor Performance

You now know the obvious tip-offs of engine failure, but there are more subtle signs to be aware of. If your car tends to stall in traffic, then this could reveal engine troubles. Slow acceleration and a required warm-up time also tell you that your engine is slowing down. Once this happens, it’s time to have a mechanic fix it up. 

Remember the signs, so you can make sure your car gets the same amount of attention that it’s given you.

Posted in General | January 19, 2021 

When you plan for a long summer road trip with your family, the last thing you want to experience is your car faltering in the middle of nowhere. Your car’s major mechanical systems must work seamlessly if you want to make it to your destination. You can minimize the risk of car-system breakdowns by performing the following preventative maintenance inspections.

1. Air Conditioner

When outside temperatures reach heightened levels, your car’s air conditioner will need to work overtime to keep the interior comfortable. Air conditioners remove moisture in the air, bringing down temperatures. Excess humidity is not only uncomfortable but in extreme temperatures can lead to your body overheating. Have your car’s air conditioner serviced auto ac repair shop Fairfax VA before the trip.

2. Cooling System

When was the last time you had your engine’s cooling system checked? You need to address this often-overlooked maintenance task under any circumstance, but especially before a road trip. An inspection will ascertain the condition of your coolant in particular and the cooling system in general. A well-functioning cooling system both prevents engine overheating and helps keep essential engine parts lubricated.

3. Oil and Filter

The oil you add to your motor provides primary lubrication functions. Over time the oil breaks down such that it loses some of its lubrication properties. Change your oil and oil filter based on your car’s service manual’s mileage recommendation, especially if you will pass that mileage during the trip. In the month leading up to the trip, check your oil’s level weekly to ensure it is not dropping inadvertently.

4. Tires and Brakes

Your car’s tires and brakes work together to keep you both turning and stopping safely. Worn breaks will lose their stopping power gradually, while worn tires can fail quickly and catastrophically. A mechanic should inspect both tires and brakes at the same time.

On a long summer drive, your car needs to perform flawlessly. By maintaining its major systems prior to the trip, you can take comfort that the car will hold up its end of the travel bargain.