Are you having recurring issues with your vehicle in Ferndale, Washington? Whatever the problem, don’t assume it’ll just magically go away. It’s imperative to talk to an auto mechanic ASAP because minor problems can evolve into more cost-prohibitive auto repairs. We suggest asking these auto repair questions before agreeing to services.

Have You Worked on My Car’s Make and Model Before?

What’s under the hood of a vehicle can differ drastically depending on the model and year. Inquire whether the mechanic has any direct experience working on your particular model and year. This is especially important if your vehicle is an older model or of a luxury brand.

Are You Affiliated With Any Auto Associations?

Membership in auto associations, such as AAA and the Automotive Service Association, lends credence to the shop. To acquire membership, shops must meet rigorous industry standards. While not mandatory to join, it certainly gives the shop some extra credibility. Continue Reading →

Are you having problems with your car in Lacey, Washington? You may require engine maintenance or repair. It can be tricky knowing when your car is due for a checkup at an auto shop. While it’s always ideal to get help from a licensed auto technician, the following symptoms can alert you of engine irregularities that require professional diagnosing.

Loud Noises

Your vehicle shouldn’t make loud sounds beyond the steady hum of your engine. If you hear what sounds like a metallic knocking during acceleration, then something is wrong with the engine.

Increased Exhaust

Some exhaust output is normal. If, however, your car starts to produce more and more exhaust, or there’s a change in the smoke’s color, you should bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop right away.

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Your car transmission is a pivotal part of your vehicle in Bellingham, Washington. Transmission repair and refinishing can be pricey, which is why you want to keep wear to a minimum. While your regional auto technician can diagnose issues as they arise, prevention is the best remedy. Be mindful of these tips to prolong your transmission’s longevity. 

Flush Your Transmission

Be sure to flush the transmission at regular intervals. While you don’t need to do this as often as an oil change, it’s certainly a maintenance aspect to remain privy to. This is a task an auto repair shop can perform on your behalf. Inquire about this auto service when getting your oil changed. 

Select Synthetic Fluids

Synthetic fluids are ideal for most auto transmissions. Whether your car is an automatic or manual, always ask the auto shop whether synthetic oils are better for your specific make and model. These may cost a bit more, but they have superior heat resistance, enabling smoother operation. Continue Reading →

Is your car due for general maintenance, or has an issue arose that requires professional repairs? Clearly, you need a reliable auto shop, but locating a trustworthy place to service your car isn’t always easy. You need auto services capable of completing multiple tasks on your vehicle, from tire checkups to transmission repairs. To simplify your search, look for these facets when seeking an auto shop you can trust and return to time and again.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Read reviews of customers who have used the auto service in the past. What are the general sentiments? Are customers mainly happy with the service, or are there multiple complaints regarding workmanship and customer service? Continue Reading →

As a car owner, you probably understand the importance of your car tires. Proper car tire maintenance doesn’t just keep you safe on the road, it also keeps your vehicle performing optimally on a consistent basis. Unfortunately, most motorists overlook their tires. While bringing your vehicle to an auto technician for routine car maintenance is essential, it shouldn’t end there. Here are some tire maintenance practices for you to follow.

Tires Need Attention Every Season

The temperature and passing seasons have a significant influence on your tires. In fact, even a temperature change of just 10 degrees is enough to cause a pressure fluctuation inside the tire. It’s a hazard to drive with under-inflated tires. As a preventive measure, bring your car to an auto shop for a tire check at the beginning of every season.

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Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just commute for work, it’s important to recognize when your car is due for an oil change. In general, you should bring your vehicle to an auto technician to have the oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles. There are high-performance oils that enable longer mileage between changes, but you have to specifically request these synthetic oils. Even with high-grade oils, you can’t eschew routine oil checks from a professional. The engine will suffer significantly and experience premature wear and tear.

Oil Keeps Your Engine Lubricated

Routine oil changes at an auto service center keep the engine lubricated so that it performs at its maximum capability. Engine components will grind against one another and quickly erode if the oil dries up and turns to sludge. Continue Reading →

Have you noticed the check engine light lighting up? Unfortunately, it can be difficult identifying the cause of this warning light without professional help. You’ll need to bring your car to an auto technician to determine why the light has all of a sudden come on. Don’t proceed to drive when this light remains on. The issue may be minor, but it could also be something more serious. Driving your car when there’s a hidden mechanical issue can exacerbate the problem, resulting in more costly repairs. While an auto repair specialist can perform an engine diagnostic to pinpoint the specific cause, here are a few reasons for the light turning on.

Damaged or Missing Gas Cap

One reason the check engine light might activate is that you have a broken gas cap or a cap that’s missing altogether. This is a relatively minor problem and can be easily fixed by stopping by at an auto service center. Continue Reading →

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the seemingly minor issues your car might have. You may think, “That’s strange,” and plan to have an auto technician perform an inspection, but completely forget about it when other errands come up. This happens to all of us on some level, so no need to fret. However, it’s of utmost importance that you make arrangements for required auto repairs right away. Holding off on general auto repair can exacerbate problems, leading to higher repair costs. Here are a few signs it’s time to call an auto repair shop to book an appointment with a technician.

Dashboard Warning Lights

Always pay heed to the dashboard warning lights. These alert you when a problem exists under the hood. If you see one of the lights flash on, schedule car maintenance without delay. Continue Reading →

Are you and the family traveling over the holidays? If you are, it’s important that you schedule a pre-trip inspection. Taking your car to an auto technician regularly should be routine practice, and doing so prior to a lengthy commute is highly recommended. Here are some car maintenance service items to have your auto repair specialist inspect before you head out.

Tires

If you’re traveling, inspecting your tires is paramount, particularly if you know you’ll be on the road for long stretches of time. Make tire inspections and possibly a rotation and an alignment check a part of the maintenance before you depart.

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You’re driving down the road on your way to work or to pick your kids up from school. That’s when you see the dreaded check engine light flash on your dashboard. There’s simply never a good time for car trouble. It’s vital, though, to have a mechanic diagnose your car as soon as the check engine light comes on. There are numerous possible issues the light may be warning you of. Some of them can lead to long-lasting damage to your car if you don’t address them ASAP. To prep you for discussing the situation with your auto repair specialist, here are several reasons the engine light may have activated.

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen sensors keep tabs of the oxygen level burned while your car is in operation. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor is a common car maintenance issue and one that requires immediate repairs. Continue Reading →