Posted on 3/30/2023
When it comes to selecting tires for your everyday driving needs, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of vehicle you have, the climate you live in, and the driving conditions you typically encounter. Here are some tire recommendations for everyday driving: All-Season Tires All-season tires are a popular choice for everyday driving because they are designed to perform well in a wide range of weather conditions, including rain, light snow, and dry roads. They offer good traction and handling and are typically less expensive than specialized tires. Touring Tires Touring tires are designed to provide a comfortable and quiet ride, making them a good choice for long commutes or road trips. They also offer good handling and braking performance, making them suitable for everyday driving. Performance Tires Performance tires are designed to provide improved handling and grip, making them a good choice for drivers who enjoy ... read more
Posted on 2/20/2023
A windshield is an integral component of a vehicle, providing safety and protection to the driver and passengers. Even small damage to the windshield can compromise its structural integrity and compromise safety. It is crucial to repair windshield damage promptly to ensure safety on the road. Here are some reasons why it is essential to repair windshield damage:1 Safety: Windshields are designed to prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident. A damaged windshield may not be able to withstand the force of an impact, and it could break, causing the passengers to be thrown out of the car. A damaged windshield can also impair the driver's vision, leading to accidents. 2 Cost: Ignoring a small crack or chip in your windshield may seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to a much bigger problem. The longer you wait to repair the damage, the more likely it is to spread, leading to the need for a ... read more
Posted on 1/30/2023
If you suspect that your vehicle is running with a bad catalytic converter then you need to take it in an automotive repair shop as soon as possible. The catalytic converter, which converts pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides into harmless water and CO2 is vital to the clean operation of your vehicle. If it fails, consequences can include overheating, stalling of the engine, and a failure to pass a state clean emissions test. Signs That Your Catalytic Converter Is Failing Here are the major symptoms of a bad catalytic converter. A Sulfur Smell Don't ignore any sulfuric "rotten egg" smell that may be emanating from beyond your car dashboard. This means that the precious metals inside the converter are unable to clear the toxic gases from your engine into harmless substances. The Engine Light Turns On Any build up of gases in the catalytic converter is going to illuminate your engine light, alerting you to the problem. An automotive r ... read more
Posted on 12/22/2022
With winter just around the corner, now is the time to ensure that your car is ready for the cold weather. Taking the time to perform a few simple maintenance items can help to ensure that your vehicle is reliable and safe for the winter months. Here is a winter maintenance checklist for your vehicle: Change oil and filter: Having the oil and filter changed regularly helps to keep your engine clean and running smoothly. Check tire pressure and tread: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition. If the tread is worn, consider getting new tires before winter weather sets in. Check brakes: Be sure to have your brakes inspected and serviced if necessary. Check belts and hoses: Make sure your belts and hoses are in good condition and free of cracks or leaks. Replace windshield wipers: Make sure you have a clean view of the road ahead of you. Check lights and signals: Make sure all of your lights and signals are working properly. Check battery: A wea ... read more
Posted on 11/17/2022
At Autotrends, we understand how Thanksgiving is all about spending quality time with loved ones, especially the ones that are far away. Many of us will bring some road travel in the next week, the next couple of weeks as a matter of fact. With many people traveling at once, the road can be hectic and dangerous. Despite the busy holidays, we encourage you to keep safety first in mind and follow these road travel tips this Thanksgiving: Prep Your Vehicle for the Road The team at Autotrends wants you to come together with your family and friends, so we want to help you weatherproof and prepare your car for the road while we are driving. If you have maintenance due soon, take your vehicle to our auto repair shop for an oil change, tire inspection and rotation, and more. We can check your other fluids too, including the transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and more. Pack an Emergency Road Kit No one wants to think about dealing with a breakdown over the holid ... read more
Posted on 10/31/2022
Oil changes are the single most important thing you should have done for your vehicle. It is also a service that occurs the most frequently over all the other services. Nevertheless, it is a maintenance task that car owners delay or skip. And doing so can result in major backlash. The purpose of motor oil is to lubricate your engine parts to minimize friction and damage. When you have clean oil flowing through your engine, the components can work seamlessly without bumping against each other. Over time, oil loses its viscosity and effectiveness. If you do your duty of changing this fluid, it can wear down your engine parts quickly and cause corrosion and other failures. A common side effect of poor engine maintenance is oil leaks. If you notice a dark or greasy-looking puddle under your parked car, there’s a good chance your car is leaking oil. However, most cars nowadays are made with protection underneath to catch leaking oil. To make sure your not car i ... read more
Posted on 10/28/2022
The water pump in vehicles is a delicate part that needs replacement once damaged. It's a very reliable part that, if damaged, there will be an all-out engine failure. The water pump is what keeps a vehicle cool and keeps the cooling system running. But, sometimes, your vehicle's water pump may fail. If it get damaged, it's dangerous to your vehicle. There are various reasons can cause the water pump to fail. Here are common symptoms of a failing water pump. 1. Unhealthy circulation The water pump moves coolant through the radiator and the engine to dissipate heat build-up. Rapid movements cause the closely connected parts to generate a lot of friction, thus causing heat. The pump is pulley driven with either the accessory drive, serpentine, or timing belt. A broken belt results in inefficiency. The impeller, usually on the inside part of the system, keeps it circulating. However, the impeller can wear down because of contaminants in the coolant. In additi ... read more
Posted on 8/30/2022
Our vehicle’s check engine light is one of many ways that your car can tell you that something is wrong under the hood. While it may seem like a big deal for this yellow indicator to illuminate, you should not stress or panic about it. As long as you have your vehicle inspected and diagnosed, you will be okay. There are many explanations for why a check engine light may be on. Here are the four most popular reasons your check engine light is glowing. Loose or Damaged Gas Cap The gas lid is a small piece that keeps the fuel from leaking out of your fuel system. That way, toxic fumes don’t pollute the air and you don’t waste your money. A broken gas lid is one of the most common reasons for lit check engine lights. Luckily, it is an easy and inexpensive fix. Bad Catalytic Converter If the light is on for the catalytic converter, it is a rather serious issue. The catalytic converter is in charge of turning carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. To ensure ... read more
Posted on 7/26/2022
The best season to drive and enjoy with friends and family is the summer season. You feel like you have achieved your summer dreams when it's hot. However, the weather might be too hot when it's sunny, and you must put on your car A/C. If your A/C is blowing warm air, then that will be the beginning of a dull day. But why does your A/C blow warm air? Failing compressor A compressor is an essential component in your AC cooling system. It is responsible for pressurizing the refrigeration fluid throughout the system. Like in any other moving part in a machine, the compressor is vulnerable to tear and wear. A worn-out compressor will blow warm air and lead to engine overheating. If your AC blows warm air, contact your mechanic for a check-up. Low or leaking refrigerant Refrigerant is the fluid circulating through the cooling system and causes a cooling effect within your car as it expands and condenses. Since the fluid is an enclosed system, it cannot evaporate out of the syste ... read more
Posted on 6/27/2022
When you’re in a hurry, it is easy to stop by a drive-thru line for some food. You pull up, grab your food, and proceed to eat and drive. You may think the quick bite is harmless, but it can actually make your commute more dangerous. Eating and driving is a dangerous condition that is not talked about enough when it comes to driving distractions. While it may be harmless for the number of times you’ve gotten away with it, it takes one incident to see how bad it can really be. This is because eating and driving take your attention away from driving. Did you know that your reaction speed is lowered by 44% when you eat and drive? And drinking and driving slows it down by 22%? According to a survey by ExxonMobil, over 70% of drivers admit to eating behind the wheel on a regular basis. With accidents that occur due to this problem, it is shocking to see how many people still do it. Some cities have banned it, including Huron, South Dakota. You can be fine ... read more