Auburn Auto Repair

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, it can be difficult to keep track of all the different fluids you may need to change. But regular maintenance can save you a lot of money, and a lot of headaches, down the road. So what are the different fluids you need to change? Engine Oil Your engine's oil is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle. It keeps all the moving parts well lubricated and prevents excessive wear and tear. You should generally get it changed every 5000 miles, or every 6 months, whichever comes first. Although you'll want to monitor your oil levels at least once a month to check for leaks. Engine Coolant Your engine's coolant is designed to help keep an even temperature throughout your engine. Whether it's hot out, or cold out. You should generally check your levels twice a year, once before winter, and once before summer. When you get it changed will depend on two things, your vehicle, and the fluid you use. But a rule of thumb is about ever ... read more

Batteries provide power all throughout your car. Without it, your engine will not start, and all your electrical power functions will fail. Though car batteries are very durable, they can break down quicker in certain conditions like heat. To ensure your battery lasts you for years to come, there are certain things you can do to protect the life of your battery. Limit Short Car Rides A quick trip to the store may not be as good as you thought. Short rides prevent your battery from fully charging. As a result, it can negatively affect your battery's long-term performance. It is better for you to drive for longer periods of time and make sure you turn on the ignition every once in a while if you're not driving it for an extended period. Clean and Secure the Battery Regular at-home inspections of your battery are highly encouraged! At the very least, you should check to see if it has any signs of corrosion. If any white, blue, or green gunk is covering the connection points, p ... read more

Spark plugs play an integral role in the internal combustion process of your vehicle. Therefore, without them, your engine will not be able to produce power to move your car. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the combustion chamber where the air and fuel mixture sit. And similar to most of your other car parts, they require routine service and replacement over time. Your spark plugs should be clean and free of any damages to achieve smooth and seamless engine operation.   Dirty or faulty spark plugs can majorly impact your engine's running ability. An engine spark plug can go bad by getting covered with fuel, oil, and carbon. Spark plugs can also blister from exposure to high heat.   Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Spark Plugs Over time, your spark plugs will naturally wear out. Below are some of the common signs that indicate you need to replace them soon: Engine Misfire - Faulty spark plugs often lead to engine misfires as they cannot completely ignite the fue ... read more

When should you use the emergency brake? Both new and experienced drivers often have this same question. Today, we will set the record straight and explain how and when to use your e-brake properly.  The emergency brake, also known as a parking brake, e-brake, or handbrake, works separately from the brakes that often get serviced at the auto repair shop. It was intentionally made separate to serve as a backup brake if your primary/service brakes fail. Your service brakes are usually a hydraulic system. In contrast, the e-brake is engineered to hold your automobile in place. Therefore, it's recommended you use it when parking. When to Use the Emergency Brake Of course, you should always engage the emergency brake whenever your brakes fail. However, a misconception stems from the name 'emergency brake' because most people assume that you should only use it in emergencies. That is not the case; You should be using your emergency brake every time you park. It doesn ... read more

While shocks and struts are not expensive to replace, most drivers often ignore them, and the safety implications of this decision are often life-threatening. For instance, driving a car with worn shock and struts required an extended braking distance. The risk becomes evident on slippery and wet roads. The Purpose of Shocks and Struts in Vehicle The vehicle's shocks and struts are among the most essential parts that guarantee a smooth ride. Mostly, when you buy a new car, you may never feel bumps on the road until your vehicle gets old, thanks to the functioning shocks and struts. Their main function in a car is to stabilize your vehicle on uneven road surfaces. They also enhance your car movements when you either turn, accelerate, or brake your vehicle. Some cars use Shocks only while others have shocks and struts. The difference is that a shock is an independent component, while the strut is a single structural unit that combines the shock with other features to enhance the s ... read more

When it comes to today's automobiles, the catalytic converter is one of the most important parts of the exhaust system. The cat is responsible for converting harmful engine byproducts and fumes into safer gases. If it is not working properly, you can probably imagine how bad things can get. Your exhaust system will divert the fumes from your engine through a series of pipes that eventually make their way through the catalytic converter. After the toxic gases change to safer, breathable ones, it then gets spewed out of the exhaust pipe in the back of every vehicle. If there are any leaks in the vehicle's pipes or other exhaust parts (exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, or muffler), you can face harmful consequences. It will impact your vehicle's emissions and overall performance. In severe cases, carbon monoxide could get into the passenger cabin. Signs of a Faulty Catalytic Converter A few common signs may tell whether you have a catalytic converter (or another exhaust ... read more

The heater core is a vital part of your car's cooling system. It's essentially a counterpart to a radiator, and it circulates coolant and radiates heat into the cabin to keep you warm. Besides heating, it is also responsible for the functionality of your defrosters. Now that it is finally Fall, you're going to need those two things (heat and defroster) to work well in Auburn, MA. How Does the Heater Core Work? Your vehicle's engine warms up while it's running. The coolant absorbs the excess heat and circulates the air away from the engine and through the radiator. But when you turn on the heat, the air gets blown to the heater core to be warmed up. And it makes its way out through the cabin.  The coolant you add to your car contains anti-corrosive properties that coat the surfaces inside your cooling system, including the heater core. Over time, the coolant becomes less effective and can make your system corroded. If it is left for too long, it can cause a l ... read more

When it comes to your wheels, cupping is a horrible sign for them to exhibit. It typically indicates you have other problems with your car that are affecting your tire performance. The phrase "tire cupping" is unfamiliar to most drivers, but it's a problem that happens more often than you think. Cupping, also known as scalloping, refers to an unusual tread pattern on a car or truck's tire that moves from high to low in sporadic spots. Scalloped tires can be deceiving at certain angles, but it will look like your tires have hollow dips or craters. What Causes Tire Cupping? Tire cupping usually happens as a result of a poor suspension system. If your vehicle has been feeling bouncy lately due to worn shocks or struts, you should give your tires a look. If it's been happening for a while, the tread on your tire will wear out in uneven spots. The problem can worsen faster if you often run on bumpy roads or speed bumps. In rare cases, tire cupping can also be caused b ... read more