Greensboro Auto Repair

The simple answer is yes. Before embarking on a long trip, you're obligated to ensure your car is in excellent shape to avoid breaking down midway through the journey. The best way to ascertain your vehicle is trip ready is to have your mechanic perform diagnostic and maintenance checks. Below are tips on things you should ask your mechanic to inspect. 1. Inspect Your Car Brakes The braking system is an important safety feature in your car as it is responsible for slowing it down and stopping. You need to ensure it operates at 100% capacity. If you've noticed any squealing, your braking system needs replacement. So before hitting the road, allow your mechanic to inspect your car brakes. If there is any problem with the brake fluid, braking pads, drums, hoses, or rotors, that is the perfect time to repair or replace any broken or worn-out parts. 2. Examine Your Tires One common problem you're likely to encounter during a long trip is a tire blowout. So, have your mechani ... read more

When spring comes around, it seems like our to-do lists are endless, especially when it comes to tidying things around. It's hard to balance it all, which is why car care often slips drivers' minds. Out of all the maintenance that you should be doing this season, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to have your cabin air filter changed. Here are 3 reasons why a new filter is a must-have for spring: Pollen Yep, we're talking about that yellow dust that makes some of us sneeze and have watery eyes. With pollen high this time of year, it's bound to get into your car, and you're going to need an effective filter to block it out. Let's kick off the season right and not let pollen get in the way. Clean Air to Breathe and Smell Pollen isn't the only disruptor that can get into your vents. Dust, mildew, and other allergens can collect on the filter over time. If you want fresh and clean air to breathe this spring, we recommend changing this filter ... read more

Nearly all automobiles on the road today have an advanced computer that keeps in contact with the various sensors and electronic devices built in your car. Whenever the computer detects an error within your vehicle, it will trigger the check engine light that comes on your dashboard.    This entire complex process is generally known as onboard diagnostics. A professional technician must run a diagnostics test to pinpoint why your check engine light may be on. To start, they will have to plug an OBD scanner into your car's computer to read and interpret the area codes. At Autotrends, we offer diagnostic services and have specialists who have years of experience in diagnostic codes and translations.    Our team will start off by locating and connecting to your OBD-II port, which many can find in mostly all vehicles today.    Whenever a diagnostic is run, you'll receive codes that look like these: "P0301" or "B-1402." These s ... read more

As you may know, your car’s engine and transmission have many moving parts, all made of metal. As a result, friction and heat are produced. To prevent your automotive parts from premature wear and tear, your car needs proper lubrication from motor oil and transmission fluid.   Getting fluids changed and flushed is an essential part of vehicle ownership. The less friction there is, the longer and smoother your automobile will run. Below are some fluids to help your car stay happy and hydrated: Engine oil – Motor oil should be replaced every 3,000 - 10,000 miles, depending on the recommended interval and type of oil you use. Each vehicle's interval can vary depending on make, model, and age. Fresh and clean oil should be amber in color and have a smooth consistency. With advancements in the automotive industry, motor oils can be engineered to withstand extremely high engine temperatures and friction. Some of them even have additives to help prevent corrosion, maki ... read more

One of the most significant issues for motorists is fuel consumption and cost, so it is worth knowing all the techniques that help save fuel. Ways Save Fuel Usage and Improve Efficiency Inflate Your Tires Correctly Paying attention to your tires by inflating them to correct pressure can save fuel usage. Always remember to check your tire pressure more frequently under-inflated tires burns more fuel and causes the tires to wear prematurely. Reduce the Weight of Your Vehicle Load Clean your car trunk and remove the roof track to lighten your car to avoid putting more stress on the car components like the engines and brakes to avoid burning more fuels. Say no to Idling Leaving your car engine idle for about an hour will consume approximately half a gallon to about a gallon of fuel and produce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is dangerous. So, always turn off the car engine when not in motion and restart it when you decide to move again for efficient fuel consumption. Clean ... read more

Once your car has ridden the various roads for a while, you might notice it won't perform as well as it used to. Multiple parts will wear out, especially your tires; this is why tire maintenance is key to your vehicle's health and safety.   One of the several tire maintenance you'll need is a tire alignment or wheel alignment. Vehicles come with a factory-set tire alignment, which allows the car to be driven in the right direction. Regular wear and tear, such as hitting potholes or curbs or flying over speed bumps, can ultimately shift your wheels out of their proper alignment. In order to regain confidence and control on the road, you're going to need to get a professional tire alignment.    If your vehicle is out of alignment and you put off the necessary service, your tires will suffer from uneven wear. For example, the center of the tire will not meet the road at the proper angle, causing it to wear away at the inner or outer edges of the tire. Co ... read more

Window tinting isn't just a cool, fashionable add-on to get; tinting has tremendous benefits that extend beyond that. Darker windows have proven to be both protective and functional. Here are several of the main advantages of tinted car windows: Security and Privacy Vandalism and theft are more common crimes that sometimes escape our minds. Depending on the depth of tint, it can stop sneaky people from snooping and prevent theft. With tinted windows, you'll feel a little bit safer, knowing that your valuables are tucked away and hidden from people that pass your car. Shield Harmful UV Rays The sun has very UV rays that can be both harmful to your car and your personal health. Tinted windows can filter out some of these ultraviolet waves that have been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer. If you drive every day or are concerned about your complexion, you should consider getting this application done at Autotrends.  Preserves Upholstery As mentioned earlier ... read more

Imagine this: you get into your vehicle in the morning to find it won't start. You start to feel stressed because you have somewhere to be and on time. Your first instincts may tell you to check your car battery. Luckily, there is a simple way to have your vehicle's battery tested to determine if it is the reason your car won't start.   Aside from a dead battery, a defective alternator can also cause the same issue of preventing your car from starting. The battery and alternator work hand in hand to start your vehicle, so any wires, circuits, fuses, or parts within the system can create start-up problems.   If you are concerned about your vehicle battery's health, Autotrends are here to help. We invite you to bring your vehicle into our shop in Greensboro, NC, where our expert team can test both your battery and alternator to pinpoint the issue firsthand. You also have the option to remove your car battery yourself and bring it here for testing.   I ... read more

When you have a braking issue, bringing your car to a complete stop can take more effort than it should. Spongy brakes—also referred to as soft, squishy, or mushy brakes—can cause significant trouble if not tend to immediately with a proper brake inspection and service. Unfortunately, several problems could lead to spongy brake pedals. Here are some of the most common causes that we've seen at Autotrends:   #1: Air in the Brake Lines Air in the brake lines is one of the most prevalent causes of abnormally soft brake pedals. Braking systems depend on evenly distributed hydraulic pressure to bring cars to a complete stopping point. Excess air in the lines will throw off the movement and result in additional time, distance, and/or effort for your car to stop. You may be thinking, "How does air even get in there anyway". And the answer is through leaks or too low brake fluid. Bleeding your brakes is a typical solution to get rid of the air and introduce cl ... read more

Your car's electrical system consists of the battery, starter, and alternator. The three parts collectively work to power your vehicle and its electrical components (radio, interior/exterior lights, power seats, etc.). If one of these parts is not working correctly, you're out of luck. Your car won't start or run. Here is some more information regarding the three essential parts of your electrical system:   Battery: The battery powers all your vehicle's electrical components. The battery provides the current required to start the engine and engage the fuel system.   Starter: Though the battery supplies power to the engine, the starter triggers the engine pistons to start working. Currents flow from the battery to the starter to move the crankshaft that starts the piston.   Alternator: The alternator recharges the battery every time your car is on. This piece ensures you get a sufficient power supply to the peripheral components of your vehicle.  ... read more