Reading Auto Repair

It's a hot day, you're stuck in traffic, and you notice the temperature gauge on your dashboard creeping up. This is a stressful situation for any driver, and it’s a common one because engines are more prone to overheating when your car isn’t moving. But why does this happen? And what can you do to prevent it? If your engine heats up during traffic but stays cool while cruising, you’re not alone. Here’s what’s happening and what to check if it keeps occurring. Less Airflow Means Less Cooling At highway speeds, your vehicle’s radiator gets cooled by the flow of outside air passing through the grille. But in traffic, with little or no movement, that airflow drops dramatically. This makes your cooling system rely almost entirely on the radiator fan to keep temperatures down. If your fan isn’t working properly, or if it cycles on for too long, the engine can overheat quickly while idling in place. In some cases, the fan ... read more

Hearing a squeak every time you press the brake pedal can be irritating—and it is often a sign that your brakes need attention. While some occasional brake noise can be harmless, persistent squeaking can indicate worn parts, a buildup of debris, or even more serious issues with your braking system. Knowing what causes brake squeaks and how to address them is key to keeping your vehicle safe and your braking system in good condition. Why Brakes Squeak Brakes work by pressing brake pads against rotors to slow the vehicle. This process naturally generates friction, and under certain conditions, it can also produce noise. A squeak happens when vibrations in the braking components create high-pitched sound waves. Sometimes the noise is caused by harmless conditions, such as a light coating of surface rust on the rotors after the car has been parked in damp conditions. But if the squeak happens every time you stop, there is likely a mechanical reason behind it ... read more

When it comes to your engine's timing system, you've probably heard about both timing belts and timing chains. While they serve the same basic purpose (synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft to ensure proper valve timing), they differ significantly in design and maintenance requirements. So, is a timing chain better than a timing belt? The answer depends on your priorities and the specific design of your vehicle. What Do Timing Belts and Chains Do Both timing belts and chains keep the engine's internal components working in precise harmony. If this synchronization fails, your engine can suffer severe damage. Timing belts are typically made of reinforced rubber with high-strength fibers, while timing chains are made of metal, resembling a heavy-duty bicycle chain. Each has advantages and drawbacks when it comes to durability, maintenance, and performance. Lifespan and Durability One of the biggest advantages of a timi ... read more

When it's time for an oil change, you might wonder if synthetic oil is really worth the extra cost. Many modern vehicles now recommend or even require synthetic oil, but drivers often have questions about what makes it different and whether it’s truly better for their engine. Synthetic oil is engineered to offer superior protection and performance compared to conventional oil, but whether it's the best choice for your car depends on your vehicle, driving habits, and maintenance goals. What Is The Synthetic Oil Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant designed to deliver consistent performance under a wide range of conditions. Unlike conventional oil, which is refined from crude petroleum, synthetic oil is chemically engineered in a lab. It’s built molecule by molecule, giving it a uniform structure that resists breakdown better than its traditional counterpart. There are two main types: full synthetic and synthetic blend. Full synthetic oils offer ... read more

Your mirrors are your best tools for staying aware of your surroundings on the road. However, many drivers never take the time to adjust them properly. In fact, most people set their side mirrors in a way that actually increases their blind spots rather than reducing them. If you’ve ever had a close call while changing lanes or backing out of a parking space, your mirror setup might be part of the problem. Correct mirror positioning can improve visibility, reduce stress behind the wheel, and help you react faster to vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists approaching from behind. Here’s how to set up your mirrors the right way for maximum awareness. Start With the Rearview Mirror The rearview mirror gives you a clear view of the road directly behind your vehicle. It should be centered so you can see as much of the back window as possible without needing to move your head. Sit in your normal driving position and make sure the mirror frames the entire rear win ... read more