Auburn Auto Repair

Tires are an essential component of any vehicle, providing traction, stability, and safety on the road. You've probably noticed a series of numbers and letters imprinted on the sidewall of your tires, but have you ever wondered what they mean?  Deciphering Tire Numbers When you inspect the sidewall of your tires, you'll come across a sequence of alphanumeric characters that may look like a cryptic code at first glance.  However, each part of these tire numbers serves a specific purpose in conveying important information about the tire's size, construction, and capabilities. Understanding Tire Size When you see a set of numbers like "205/55R16" or "245/45ZR18" on your tire's sidewall, each component of this sequence holds vital information about the tire's dimensions and capabilities. Tire Width (205, 245) Th ... read more

Have you ever wondered what to do immediately after a car accident? It's a situation none of us want to face, yet it's crucial to be prepared. Knowing the right steps can make all the difference in the chaotic aftermath of a car crash. Safety First - Securing the Scene The first and foremost step post-accident is ensuring everyone's safety. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move vehicles to a safe spot, away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights and set up emergency cones or flares if available. This isn't just about safety; it’s also about preventing further accidents. Assessing InjuriesAfter securing the scene: Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Don't attempt to move an injured person unless there's a hazard requiring immediate action. Remember, your health ... read more

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the small booklet resting in your glove compartment – your car's owner's manual. However, this unassuming document holds a wealth of information that can save you money, extend the life of your vehicle, and make your time on the road smoother. Here's why reading your owner's manual is more important than you might think. Understanding Your Vehicle Your owner's manual is like a key to understanding your vehicle. It contains detailed information about your car's specific make and model, including: Maintenance Schedules Your manual outlines the recommended maintenance schedule for your car. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and other essential services. By following these guidelines, you can prevent major problems down the road. Technical Specifications From tire pressure to ... read more

Greetings, automobile enthusiasts, and welcome to a thorough examination of the fundamental components that give life to your vehicle. Today, we will take a deep dive into the intricate workings of the battery and starter, the dynamic duo responsible for igniting your car's engine. Through this exploration, we will analyze the complex network of connections between these components, identify their unique characteristics, and uncover the secrets of effective maintenance. Our journey promises to provide not only valuable mechanical insights but also a newfound appreciation for the vital components of your dependable automobile. The Connection Between Battery and Starter The battery and starter dance hand in hand, each relying on the other for a seamless performance. Picture this: your car is a dormant creature in a parking lot, the battery supplying the power needed for the st ... read more

Your vehicle's tires are vital for your daily drive, bearing the weight of your car and ensuring a smooth, safe journey. However, they aren't invincible. Tires wear unevenly due to various factors, and without proper care, you might find yourself facing uneven tread patterns, reduced performance, and a shorter tire lifespan.  It's time to unveil the secrets of keeping your wheels rolling smoothly, so keep on reading! What Are Tire Rotations? Tire rotations are a maintenance practice where your vehicle's tires are moved from one position to another. The goal is to ensure even wear across all tires, extending their life and enhancing performance. This process typically involves switching the front tires with the rear ones or moving them diagonally. But why does it matter? When Should I Consider Tire Rotations?Mileage Milestones As ... read more

Driving without brake lights is not just a bad idea - it's a safety hazard! Brake lights are your vehicle's way of communicating with other drivers on the road. They signal your intentions and help prevent accidents. So, what happens when these crucial lights decide to go MIA? 1. Burned-Out Bulbs: One of the most common reasons for brake light failure is simply a burned-out bulb. These bulbs have a limited lifespan, and when they reach the end of their journey, they go dark. Solution: Replacing the bulb is relatively straightforward. Refer to your vehicle's manual to locate and access the brake light bulb. Ensure you choose the correct replacement bulb, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to install it. 2. Faulty Brake Light Switch: The brake light switch, located near the brake pedal, is responsible for activating the brake lights when you press the brake pedal. Solution: If your b ... read more

There's something reassuring about the purr of a well-tuned engine, but when a high-pitched squeak interrupts the symphony under your car's hood, it's time to take action. That unsettling squeaking sound often points to a worn-out or misaligned belt. Before you rush to the auto repair shop, why not try your hand at fixing that pesky squeaking belt right at home? In this DIY guide, we'll walk you through the steps to silence the chirp and restore harmony to your engine bay. Step 1: Safety First Before you dive into any car repair task, it's essential to ensure your safety. Park your vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and pop the hood. Remember, always let the engine cool down before touching anything under the hood to avoid burns. Step 2: Diagnose the Culprit Start the engine and carefully listen to the source of the squeak. Most commonly, it's the serpentine belt or one of the accessory belts (like the alte ... read more

The heart of any vehicle engine lies in its internal combustion process, and at the core of this are the valves. Often overlooked but essential to engine performance, valves play a crucial role in controlling the flow of air and fuel into the combustion chambers and expelling exhaust gasses. If you want to learn about these simple, yet important components, make sure to join us in this article and we will go over everything you need to know! Intake and Exhaust Valves  There are two main types of valves - the intake and the exhaust. Intake valves are responsible for allowing the mixture of air and fuel to enter the engine's combustion chambers. When the engine's piston moves down on its intake stroke, a vacuum is created within the cylinder. The intake valve opens at precisely the right time, allowing the air-fuel mixture to be drawn in from the intake manifold. The timing and duration of the valve opening are meticulously controlled by the engine's c ... read more

For car repair enthusiasts, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial to tackling automotive projects with confidence and efficiency. Whether you're a DIYer or an aspiring mechanic, having a well-stocked toolbox can make all the difference in successfully completing repairs and maintenance tasks. Here are a few must-have items that you should put in your tool armory! 1. Socket Set Let's start with the obvious. A quality socket set is an essential component of any car repair enthusiast's toolkit. It includes a variety of sockets in different sizes to fit bolts and nuts of various dimensions. Look for a set that includes both metric and standard sizes to cover a wide range of applications. Additionally, a ratchet handle and a set of extensions will provide flexibility and ease of use. 2. Wrenches A set of combination wrenches is another fundamental tool for any car repair enthusiast. These wrenches have an open end on one side ... read more

Whether you're a seasoned DIY mechanic or someone who likes to handle basic car maintenance tasks, having a well-equipped car garage is essential. Even the smallest repair can last hours with the wrong tools. That's why we have compiled a short list of tools that will help you quite a lot in the garage. Car-Specific Tools: Spark plug tool - used specifically for spark plug removal/installation Torque wrench - a wrench that gives a signal when the desired torque is reached  Oil filter wrench - a wrench specifically designed to fit around an oil filter Jack/jack stand - used to lift a car safely Socket Set and Wrenches A complete socket set is a "must" of any car garage. It should include a range of metric and standard sizes to accommodate various nuts and bolts found in your vehicle. Additionally, invest in a set of combination wrenches for tasks that require more torque or when access is limited. Screwdrivers ... read more