Automotive Blog: all you wanted to know about cars

Posted in General | February 20, 2021 

Your car’s suspension system is responsible for keeping the vehicle in control and smoothing out your ride. With every bump or pothole in the road, the suspension system takes the impact and absorbs it, so you hardly feel a thing.

If your suspension system goes bad, you will have a hard time controlling your car. Here are six signs that your suspension system might be failing, so it’s time to take your vehicle in for local auto repair West Palm Beach FL.

1. A Rough Ride

When you start to feel every bump and curve in the road, it could be a sign that your suspension needs repair. The struts and shocks are part of the system that should absorb the bumps in the road. If they don’t, it’s probably time to replace them.

2. Drifting or Pulling

Do you feel like your car wants to drift over the left or right? Trying to keep the steering wheel on a steady course can be challenging. The suspension system is supposed to keep the vehicle body stable at all times. If it’s pulling or drifting, then it needs repair.

3. Lurching Forward

If your car lurches forward and downward when you apply the brakes, it’s a sign that your shocks are worn out. This could affect your ability to stop, so you should have the car looked at as soon as possible.

4. Uneven Tires

Are your tires unevenly worn down? This could be caused by the suspension system breaking down to a point where it can no longer hold the vehicle even. A suspension system that is working correctly will put even amounts of pressure on all tires.

5. Oily Shocks

When inspecting the shocks and struts under your car, if they are oily, it could mean they are damaged and leaking.

6. The Bounce Test

There’s a simple test you can do to see if your suspension is going bad. While the car is in park, press down on the front with all your weight and “bounce” it. Do the same on the rear end of the car. If it continues to bounce after you release it, the suspension needs to be repaired.

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.

Posted in General | December 31, 2020 

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can sometimes be difficult to find the right opportunity to show your spouse how much you love and care about him or her. If you are looking for a small but meaningful way to convey your appreciation, read on for a few helpful ideas.

Have His or Her Car Cleaned

Cars can accumulate grime and crumbs quickly, especially if you have small children, commute daily or both. Next time your spouse is at an appointment, out of town or otherwise distracted from the daily grind, take his or her car to a detailer for a spotless car cleaning. Your spouse will be thrilled to drive a car that feels just like new!

Get a Surprise Gift

You may not necessarily want to go overboard and blow your previously agreed-upon budget on a lavish piece of jewelry or anything else excessively costly, but a small trinket goes a long way towards showing how much you care. “It’s the thought that counts” may be a cliché, but in this case, it rings true. A bouquet of flowers, a new coffee mug and a comfortable set of pajamas are all viable candidates.

Do Some Extra Chores

Another way to be a star spouse and show your husband or wife just how much he or she is appreciated is to take on some extra household duties. This could involve vacuuming every room, washing the dishes or doing a load or two of laundry. If possible, set your spouse up to relax while you tackle these tasks.

Successful, long-lasting marriages are formed on a basis of mutual respect and admiration. By doing small favors for your spouse on a regular basis, you will show him or her the depth of your love and commitment to your relationship.

Posted in General | December 22, 2020 

You are ready to sell your car, but you don’t want to waste time haggling with dealerships or car-buying services. If you are looking to sell your car on your own, here are three easy things you can do to make your sale a success.

Get It Detailed

If you want your car to appeal to buyers, you will need to ensure that it looks as good as possible. Buyers do understand that pre-owned cars may come with a few dents and scratches, but they won’t be happy if it is dirty. Find a company that performs auto detailing Laplace LA and let them work their magic. Your car may look so new that you may not even want to sell it!

Study the Market

You may have a desired profit in mind, but it is important that you are not asking too much or too little for your vehicle. Do your research online to find out what your car is truly worth so you can begin with a fair price that potential buyers are willing to pay.

Get an Inspection Done

Even if your car seems to be running fine, it is a good idea to get an official inspection done by a trusted mechanic who can look for any current or potential issues. You want to be able to present an accurate representation of the condition of the car to the buyer so there are no surprises for them down the road. If you are lucky enough to get a clean bill of health, this can be used as a major selling point. 

Selling your car on your own can help to cut back on costs and make the sale process a bit more simple. Ensure that your car is in tip-top shape and you’ll have a successful transaction.

Posted in General | December 18, 2020 

On average, over 100 million Americans travel for the holidays. If you are traveling to see friends and family members this holiday season, you need to take the time to prepare for this experience. Breaking down on the side of the road can be a very scary and frustrating experience.

Rather than hitting the road with no idea of how your car will do, you need to work on getting it ready. Are you trying to get your car ready for a trip this holiday season? If so, check out the helpful tips in this article.

Check Out Your Car’s Tires

One of the first things you need to do when trying to prepare your car for a road trip is to assess the condition of the tires. If the tires on your vehicle are worn or aren’t properly inflated, it can put you and your passengers at risk. Rather than dealing with this problem, you need to take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. By doing this, you can get a second opinion regarding whether or not to replace the tires.

Allowing tire services Normal IL to replace your tires is a wise move. These professionals will have the experience and the tools needed to get this work done quickly and correctly. Having new tires on your vehicle will allow you to get the proper amount of traction while driving. This makes a big difference if you have to drive in bad weather or come to a sudden stop.

Get Your Oil Changed If Needed

When trying to prepare your vehicle for a road trip, you also need to check your fluids. If you are due for an oil change, you definitely need to get it changed. Driving your engine with old and thick oil can damage the internal engine components.

Posted in General | December 18, 2020 

American car owners spend over $2,000 a year on repairs. When faced with car repair issues, your main goal needs to be getting them fixed in a timely manner. The longer you wait to get your car repair problems fixed, the harder it will be to avoid additional damage.

Most car owners don’t have the experience or tools needed to fix their broken vehicles. This is why using an experienced mechanic is your best course of action. Here are some of the signs you may notice when it is time to get your vehicle

Your Car Is Constantly Running Hot

The internal temperature of your car’s engine gets very high during operation. However, your car’s cooling system is designed to keep this temperature at acceptable levels. If you start to notice that your car’s temperature gauge is always redlining, it is time to take action. This problem can be caused by a number of different problems. Getting the underlying cause of this problem is only possible with the help of an experienced mechanic.

Finding the best auto shop North Vancouver will require some time and research. Looking at the reviews an auto repair shop has received in the past is a great way to figure out if they are the right fit. With their help, you can get your car back in good shape in no time.

Issues With Your Battery

Are you using jumper cables to get your car started on a daily basis? If so, it is probably time to get your charging system checked. Once a mechanic runs a few diagnostics, they can fix your charging system quickly. Ignoring these problems can result in your car becoming unreliable, which is never a good thing.

Taking the time to research the mechanics in your area is the only way to ensure the right hire is made.

Posted in General | December 11, 2020 

Getting into a car accident can be a scary thing. More than having to figure out what repair shop to call or where to find same day auto glass repair St. Louis, you may experience injuries and emotional trauma that are painful to move past. However, there are some things you can do to try and get your life back to normal after you’ve been in a major accident.

Get a Lawyer

Even if you are confident the insurance company will treat you fairly, you still need to consider hiring a personal injury attorney. It is going to be hard to put your life back together and go about life if you are worried about how the medical bills will be paid or what you are going to do about lost wages. An attorney increases the likelihood of getting a fair settlement out of the insurance companies.

Focus on Recovery

You will have a harder time trying to move past what happened if you are constantly in pain and struggle to recover. Though your accident may have left you with a lifelong disability, you must do what you can to seek treatments and options that give your body a chance. Always seek medical care after an accident, no matter how minor you may think the injuries may be.

Seek Therapy

Accidents can be a traumatic event. You may need to seek the care of a counselor or therapist in order to deal with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. These negative emotions can affect your mental health, making it harder to return to the life you remembered prior to the accident. Don’t be too embarrassed to seek help.

Life can return to normal post-accident if you are willing to push through your emotional and physical pain. It does take time, and you need to come to the point where you are comfortable accepting the new normal that may have been created.

Posted in General | December 10, 2020 

It is important to take good care of the things we own, especially our cars. Keeping up on maintenance, oil changes, and tire rotations is important. However, it is also important to keep the exterior paint looking fresh. 

There are a few ways to get the job done. Whether you are looking for a car detailer near you or a no brush car wash Florence AL, you know that a good exterior is important for maintaining the car’s value. Here are four important tips for maintaining a stellar exterior.

1) Wait Until the Car Is Cool

Washing a hot car can create deposits. The heat from the car can cause water and soap to dry too quickly. This will leave unwanted traces that may be difficult to remove.

2) Choose the Proper Soap

Don’t reach for the dish soap. It is best to use a car-dedicated soap that will be gentle on the paint and wax. Other soaps are too harsh and can strip the wax.

3) Pick the Proper Cleaning Tool

The proper cleaning tool is vital to keeping your paint looking great. A natural lambs-wool mitt or a soft natural sea sponge is ideal. If at any time the mitt or sponge falls on the ground, do not use it. It will quickly pick up debris that can harm your paint. Use separate cloths for cleaning the tires and wheels since these contain dirt and oily fragments.

4) Dry Your Car

If you are worried about water spots or deposits, do not air-dry your car. Choose a microfiber or chamois cloth. It is important to have several nearby. If they become too wet, they can leave streaks. A car blower is another option. 

The integrity of the paint is potentially jeopardized every time it is washed. Therefore, it is important to know the best ways to keep paint free of scratches and scuffs.

Posted in General | December 4, 2020 

Did you know it’s more common for businesses to contract out their transportation logistics when distributing goods? It’s true, even medium and large-sized companies often choose to use a third-party carrier to ship goods throughout their distribution networks, and many even use full-service logistics contractors for long-term warehousing and other infrastructure services. This allows the business to focus on what it does best, whether it’s building the next hot holiday toy or just distributing the produce of a successful family farm with a well-known brand name. So how do you pick the carrier who will handle your goods? That’s a quest faced by many successful businesses just before they take off.

Reputation Matters

Trucking companies are not all created equal. They have vastly different standards for timeliness, as well as widely differing ways of handling difficulties that arise professionally. You need to work with a company whose track record for problem-solving is above reproach. That’s the only way to be sure they’ll do everything to take care of your business, from powering through obstacles slowing you down to covering financial losses brought on by damage during the transportation and storage of your goods.

Build Relationships With Local Businesses

Even if you need to take your goods across the country, it helps if your contact for shipping is close enough to make a face to face meeting easy whenever you feel you need one. That lets you strategize around issues like extreme weather that can slow down commerce across the country, and it also helps you build a closer working relationship when you’re trying to device procedures for quality control while preparing your goods for transport. Look for nearby trucking companies Benicia CA to learn more about your options nearby.

Price Services Competitively

Don’t forget the bottom line when you’re making a choice about who carries your cargo. While it’s important to have peace of mind about how your goods are handled, you also need to be sure the cost of transportation is well-controlled. That’s why you should get a few quotes before making your decision.