Auburn Auto Repair

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

First of all, let's start with a simple explanation of what the cooling system does. As the name implies, its main job is to cool and keep parts from overheating. The parts we are talking about are all of the moving components in an engine - from the cylinders to the block itself. This is done by the constant circulation of a coolant liquid through a closed loop. We will take a look at the main components of a cooling system and what they exactly do, down below. Main components of the cooling system: Engine block Coolant Pipes Radiator Cooling fan Heater Sensors Thermostat Water pump The engine block serves as the foundation of the cooling system, allowing coolant to flow freely through its holes and crevasses. It is made of metal, allowing it to aid in heat dissipation, ensuring optimal cooling performance. The cooling system operates by circulating a liquid to collect and transfer heat. Typically, the coolant consists of filtered water with a small amo ... read more

The cooling system in your car keeps your engine from overheating and also helps it run more efficiently. You need to pay attention when something goes wrong with your cooling system. Whether it be a minor issue or something more serious. Here are some signs that there may be problems with your cooling system. Weakened Engine Performance One of the most obvious signs of a faulty cooling system is when your engine starts to run poorly. If you notice that your temperature gauge is higher than normal or if the engine is overheating and running rough, this could indicate that something is wrong with your car's coolant system. A Clanking Noise Under the Hood If you hear a clanking noise under the hood, it could be a sign of a failing water pump. The water pump circulates coolant through your engine and helps keep it at an ideal temperature. If this piece breaks or gets damaged, it will cause your engine to overheat. A Burning Smell From the E ... read more

If you want to know how to measure tire tread wear and depth in the easiest way possible, you are in the right place. Below, we'll give you three easy ways of checking tire tread and a couple of reasons why it's important. Tread Wear Indicator On Tire Almost all tires have a wear indicator molded into them, which can be used to quickly identify their condition. They are located at the end of the tire prints. When a tire is fresh, there is a visible difference between the indicator and the treads. But if both are flush, it means the tire should be changed.  Penny Test Another way of measuring the wear is by using coins. First, we will take a look at how it's done by using a penny. Insert the penny in the groove with Lincoln's head first and toward you. If his head is covered, that's good news because there is enough space for the coin to go in. But if you can see more than 90%, you are due for tire replacement. Quarter Test The other way to test this is by ... read more

The truth is that many drivers don't appreciate their vehicles enough. Most people rely on it every day as their reliable mode of transportation. But when the time comes for maintenance, we procrastinate to take care of it. To make sure your vehicle stays dependable, we urge you to show your car, SUV, or truck some love. Clean and refresh your vehicle for Valentine's Day! Wash and clean your car Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean you have a free pass for skipping your car washes. In fact, it's more important now to wash your car. With snow and road salt covering your vehicle, it can accelerate the wear and tear on your vehicle. You can go as far as having it detailed to make sure it is clean, inside and out.  Monitor your tire pressure  Tire pressure changes all the time, especially with changes in temperature. We recommend checking and adjust your psi as often on a monthly to weekly basis. You can find the rec ... read more

Batteries are necessary and important in a car. But, they are also very delicate, and therefore you must pay a lot of attention with them. Batteries of the cars tend to fail when exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Batteries can stop working at any moment, creating difficulties for the driver. What to do in that case? There are things you need to take into consideration. Next, I will give you explanations of what cold and heat temperatures can cause in batteries: • In Extreme Cold In times of extreme cold, lead acid batteries can reduce their capacity by 20 percent. But if the temperature drops to -22 degrees Fahrenheit, the duration is even shorter. Duration capacity is reduced to 5 percent. This percentage is based on relatively new or very new batteries. Now that, if the car battery is very old, that can be reduced even more. • In Extreme Heat Just as cold can be bad for batteries, so can extremely heat. Battery life can be reduced to 50 percent above 92 d ... read more

With November coming to a close, that means that Winter is soon here in Auburn, MA. In other words, that means saying hello to snow, ice, and many other road hazards. If you have concerns about your tires, you can find all the answers and solutions at Fuller Automotive. We can have your vehicle equipped with the right tires so that you can drive with confidence (snow or no snow). Many of our customers ask us whether they need winter/snow tires in Auburn. If you see yourself driving a lot this winter, the answer is YES. Winter tires are designed to be flexible to maximize traction. They are also made with durable materials that are intended to work best in temperatures below freezing. They also have tread patterns that are deep and great at funneling out snow. When you opt to keep your all-season tires on, you might notice a loss in tire traction as your tires get stiffer in the cold. When this occurs, it can wear down your tires quicker than normal. All in all, winter tires are grea ... read more

If you're lucky enough to enjoy the occasional maple donut (or, let's be honest, if you're like me and love them), then you know that there's nothing quite like the smell of fresh maple syrup. But you may not know that this sweet scent can be a warning sign for your car. If you notice a maple syrup-like smell coming from your car, it's most likely due to a coolant leak. Coolant is an important part of your car's engine and helps keep it running at the right temperature. When there's a leak, the coolant can mix with other fluids and produce a sweet scent. While a small leak might not seem like a big deal, getting it fixed as soon as possible is important. If left unrepaired, a coolant leak can lead to serious engine damage. If your car smells like maple syrup, this is a sign that the coolant is leaking. Other Smells to Watch Out If you notice an unusual smell coming from your car, it's important to take action immediately. The source of the smell could ... read more