An overheating engine mid-commute can happen suddenly and be a distressing situation in Olympia, Washington. If smoke is blowing out of the hood, then the vehicle clearly needs attention from an auto technician. However, what do you do at the moment right as you begin noticing smoke? Learn how to properly respond when the engine gets too hot.

Turn the Car Off

The first thing to do is to pull over when safe to do so and turn off the car. Preferably, this should be at a parking spot, though you may have to settle for the side of the road. Some people may be tempted to locate the nearest auto service station. However, don’t do this if it means driving longer than necessary. Continue Reading →

Do you suspect your vehicle may have a worn transmission? Depending on the age of your vehicle, it may need an entire transmission replacement. Continuing to drive with a worn transmission can result in further damage, not to mention it’s a serious safety liability. Bring your vehicle in for auto repair near Ferndale, Washington, the minute you spot the signs of a failing transmission. Here are the signs to watch out for.

Slipping Clutch

If you own a vehicle with a manual transmission, then you’re familiar with operating the clutch and how it works. This mechanism is what enables drivers to change gears when picking up or decreasing speed. When the clutch fails, or “slips,” shifting gears won’t feel as smooth. In some instances, repairs are doable, though in other instances, the entire transmission needs to be replaced. Continue Reading →

Are you in the midst of purchasing a new vehicle in or near Blaine, Washington? Most drivers opt for automatic transmission over manual transmission. This makes sense given the former is far easier to handle without having to manually change gears. Here are a few additional reasons such transmissions are advantageous for the majority of commuters.

Easy Gear Transitions

Driving a manual transmission vehicle requires your full attention, not to mention both arms and both legs for shifting gears and applying the clutch. It’s just extra work most drivers would rather not have to deal with, especially in longer commutes. Continue Reading →

You’re cruising down the road when you abruptly notice the check engine light has activated on the dashboard. This is an indicator that something is not right with your vehicle. You’ll need to have a professional auto technician assess your automobile for check engine light diagnostics right away. The light comes on because it’s alerting you of a serious issue. Here are three common reasons the light flashes on.

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen sensors monitor the level of oxygen consumed while the car is in operation. A faulty oxygen sensor is a fairly typical car maintenance problem, and it should be addressed without delay. Continue Reading →

Has one of your car’s dashboard warning lights abruptly lit up near Lynden, Washington? The worst thing you can do is ignore this and continue to drive like everything is fine. You need to have the car looked at by a professional auto technician to determine what’s going on. Be mindful of the following and common warning lights and their implications.

Engine

If you see this dashboard warning light, in the shape of a car engine, it means there’s an issue with the engine. This light can be a warning of any number of problems. You’ll need to make arrangements for auto repairs ASAP to prevent existing problems from exacerbating.

Oil

You shouldn’t have any oil issues provided that you follow oil change intervals. Nevertheless, if this light comes on, then have the motor oil looked at right away. There may be an oil leak, or the oil may be eroding and turning into sludge. Continue Reading →

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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