Professional Maintenance to Keep You on the Road-Auto Repair

Technicians from a transmission and auto repair center that specialize in exhaust system maintenance services will keep hazardous fumes out of your car. The exhaust system's purpose is to muffle the sound that is produced by the engine, to control emissions, and to decrease the temperature of the exhaust. Vehicles produce hazardous gases during fuel combustion and the catalytic converter processes these gases into mainly harmless ones. Some of the more harmful gases controlled by the exhaust system include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, lead, phosphorus and more. To avoid these gases seeping into your car, allow a professional auto repair center to inspect your vehicle to ensure the exhaust system is working properly.
It is important to get an engine tune-up on your vehicle for every 30,000 miles you drive or every two years. Through a qualified auto technician's inspection of your vehicle and replacing any parts that are needed such as a distributor cap, plug wires, spark plugs, belts, fuel filter, ignition rotor and more, your vehicle can run more efficiently and smoothly. An engine tune-up will also help your vehicle to perform better, prevents breakdowns, difficulty starting, stalling, and rough idling.
There are many reasons to use the services of a professional transmission and auto repair center to get your brakes repaired. Many people opt to get a brake job done because they have difficulty stopping their vehicle. Other reasons for a brake job may include audible noises you hear coming from the brakes on your warning light coming on. These areas may not seem very serious but in the long run they can turn into very serious and costly problems. It is best to take your vehicle into experts in brake repair and maintenance services for an inspection at the slightest hint of a problem with your brakes. This will not only prevent expensive repairs in the future but will also ensure the safety of those riding in your vehicle.
If you are in need of auto repair or maintenance services for other auto related issues such as heating and cooling, transmission services, battery issues, and belts and hoses, take your vehicle in to experts in transmission and automobile repair. Through a complete evaluation of your vehicle, expert vehicle technicians can locate the problem if there is one and make recommendations to you that will be the best solutions for your problem. You can also inquire about their maintenance services that will help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. Ask about any store promotions and specials that may give you an opportunity to save.

How To Find Free Auto Repair Manuals Online

For the do-it-yourselfer, repairing your own vehicle can save you $100. But don't shell out $20 or $30 for a repair manual that you may only use once. You might be surprised to learn there are several sources where you can get free auto repair manuals.
Repair manuals online:
o One of the first places to try is AutoZone's website. The site has a very comprehensive free auto repair guides covering most makes and models of vehicles from 1950 to the present.
o Napa auto parts website provides tutorials on basic auto maintenance such as oil changes, checking fluid levels and replacing air filters.
o Automoting.com has tons of information, is very user friendly and as a bonus, even has guides for repairing small engines and household repairs.
Message boards and forums:
Another useful resource is the 2carpros.com website. Here you can post questions and get answers from real mechanics. You can also search through lots of topics on auto repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Edmunds web site also has a pretty good forum called car talk. It is peer based and has quite a few very knowledgeable members on board.
There are quite a few other forums and message boards available online, as well as peer based ones. Just type in auto repair forums or message boards in any search engine and you will see quite a few. Just watch out for ones that say they are free but try to sell you something, or say you can post questions, but must pay a fee to receive an answer. You will most likely find free auto repair guides and all the information that you need, so there is no need to pay for help.
Libraries:
Another often overlooked option for free auto repair manuals is your local library.
Most libraries have repair manuals in their reference sections, and although you can't check them out and take them with you, you are welcome to make photo copies of any pages you need from the manuals.
A lot of local libraries also subscribe to online auto repair manuals such as Chilton's or Haynes and offer free access if you have a library card.
Contact your local library and ask if this service is available.
If you really prefer to have a paper manual, check half.com, an eBay company that sells used books for a fraction of the price of new. Some of the manuals as low as $1.99. There are several other used book websites like Alibris books and Bookfinder.com to name a couple.
You can also check local used book stores.
And don't forget to ask friends and family, who knows, someone may have just the manual you need collecting dust in the garage!

How to Avoid Big Problems in Auto Repair

Have you ever been handed a large auto repair bill and wished there had been some way to avoid being in that predicament? Most people put a lot of wear and tear on their vehicles, expecting them to continue to run at optimal performance. There are a few things you can do to keep your automobile working smoothly, avoiding big problems.
1. Ensure Your Mechanics Are Professionals
Many people tinker with cars, calling themselves mechanics. Of course, there is a lot of value in having hands-on experience, working under the hood. But you also want someone who has the knowledge and the training that is specific to your vehicle. You want someone who has the right computer software to diagnose any issues you might have. You want someone who is up to date on the manufacturer's recalls, known problems and latest fixes. To find that kind of expertise, check out the service center of your dealership. There you will find Master Mechanics that specialize in keeping your type of car in tip-top shape.
When talking with the mechanic, you want to develop a positive relationship. You may wish to do some research on the issue so that you can converse on the topic with some sense of authority, while respecting the mechanic's opinion and expertise. Feel free to ask questions about areas you do not understand. The more you know about your car or truck, the better you can keep it running in optimal condition. By the way, it never hurts to ask for a cost breakdown as well, so that you can better understand what is going on.
2. Be Proactive With Routine Maintenance
There are guides to tell you when to do routine maintenance, but the most important one if changing your oil on a regular basis. You want to keep all the parts lubricated and moving smoothly. The amount of miles (or time) between these appointments will vary based on a variety of elements such as the type of car and the kind of oil you use.
Overall, you should plan to change your oil every 3,000 - 7,000 miles for standard oil. Premium oils go for even longer periods of time. One advantage of going in for this type of maintenance is that the mechanic will usually check the overall condition of your vehicle and make suggestions for any concerning service issues they may identify. This is an important safeguard for you, so that you will not be faced with major problems down the line.
3. Be Attentive to Your Vehicle
If you pay attention to how your vehicle runs. You listen to it. You notice sounds, shaking, inconsistencies. You want to identify warning signs and address them early. If you leave them go, you may be sorry later. If you hear a strange noise, vibration, etc. in your vehicle, keep track of it. Analyze it. Sometimes a vibration may happen at a certain speed and sometimes it may be constant. These conditions are usually fixable, but it is helpful to give all the details to your mechanic.This may shorten the diagnostic time and decrease your bill.

BOTTOM LINE? The more savvy you are about automobiles, the safer you will be and the more money you can save!

Getting Necessary Fixes-Auto Repair

The dreaded auto repair bill almost always arrives in the form of an unexpected expense and at an inopportune moment for a driver. Rarely is the cost for the repair equal to mere pocket change, and more often than not it involves an issue caused by normal wear and tear, rather than something that will be covered by warranty. This situation can cause great financial strain to an already stressed-out household. But the reality is, car maintenance is a necessity and if it goes unattended to it will lead to more costly repairs down the road. There is also the safety factor for the occupants of a vehicle that is in need of repair or new parts in order for it to operate at optimal performance.
There are innumerable auto repair shops, franchises, and outlets ready and able to perform the necessary procedures to a customer's vehicle. All of the technicians who are employed by these facilities have received extensive training and should be certified, bonded, and insured before they are entrusted to work on customer's cars, trucks, or SUVs.
When a potential customer enters an auto repair facility, the staff should greet them in a welcoming manner and an employee should be available to answer any questions they may have concerning their vehicle, the length of time the repair will take, and any applicable expenses for the work done. A menu of services offered by the business should be in clear view and all prices for both parts and labor should be stated alongside the service, including any policies regarding warranties and guarantees honored by this establishment. Many businesses have chosen to create an area where future clients can read surveys or testimonials submitted by previous customers expressing their satisfaction with the service provided by the business.
A technician will perform a series of diagnostic tests, as well as test drive the vehicle, in order to evaluate the problem the customer has been experiencing, then they will write up an estimate of any necessary repair work that will need to be done. This estimate will allow the technician to walk the customer through each step required to complete all of the repairs and an explanation will be given for each of the costs associated with the individual part and its corresponding labor charge.
While auto repair can be expensive and the cause of stress for many driver's, there is peace of mind to be felt with the knowledge the vehicle is now operating as it should be and that any safety issues have been addressed, handled and will no longer pose a risk to loved ones who rely upon the vehicle for transportation.

How to Repair Auto Engine Stalling

A properly running engine is perhaps one of the most common things we take for granted every day when we get in our car or truck to go to work. We just assume the battery is going to jump start the engine, the starter will fire, the engine will turn over, and will idle properly before we pull out of the garage. If your engine stalls when you put it into drive or first gear, there may be something small or large wrong with the vehicle that requires extra attention from an auto repair professional.

The first step to diagnose an engine idle problem is to determine exactly when the stall occurs. Does it occur while idling? Does it occur when driving? If the engine stall occurs while idling, check all hoses around the engine for any type of broken or cracked vacuum hoses and air intake boots. If there is someone there to help, have them lightly press on the gas pedal while it is in neutral to evaluate for any movement of noise or air leaks that you can hear while the engine slightly revs up.
If the engine stalls while driving, this can be a more complex procedure to evaluate and requires checking fuses and fuse holders as well as plugging in the engine to a computer to scan for trouble codes. A test light is a tool used to check fuse status and should be performed as the first step before anything else. If the fuses test okay, the next step will be to scan for trouble codes. A stalling engine can often trigger trouble codes that are not related to the original problem. In that case, it is important to fix the engine stalling problem first before going on to evaluate and treat other auto repair problems.

However, any auto repair professional will tell you that it is often worth your weight in gold to trust your vehicle with an accredited and acclaimed technician from the start. This will help ensure that the problem is diagnosed properly and that the perfect fix is executed with ease. Many individuals look at the auto repair business as an intimidating process in which they get taken advantage of financially. Instead, arm yourself with this information and get a reliable quote that will give you peace of mind for both the longevity of your vehicle and the status of your bank account.

It's Time For An Engine Check up with this 5 signs

Just as you need to take yourself off to the doctor from time to time when your body isn't running as well as it should, you need to take your car to an auto mechanic regularly, and especially if it's trying to tell you that it needs a checkup! 'But how?' I hear you ask. 'Cars can't talk!'. Perhaps not in human language, but make no mistake, your car can and will communicate with you when there's a problem, and your job is to be able to successfully interpret what it says. Here are five signs that your car may be feeling a little under the weather.
1. Leaking Carbon Monoxide
Because carbon monoxide is odourless it's especially difficult to detect a leak. This is a situation in which you need to listen to your own body as well as your car. Carbon monoxide is toxic to humans, and therefore may cause you to feel drowsy, nauseous, or develop a ringing sound in your ears it could mean you're suffering carbon-monoxide poisoning from a leak inside the car. You must stop immediately if this is the case, because aside from the fact that your car is clearly in trouble, so is your health.
2. Squealing Brakes
If you hear a high-pitched squealing or whistling sound when you apply the brakes, or if your break pedal feels 'spongey' or too soft or needs to be pushed almost to the floor in order to stop the car, this means that you need to get your brakes seen to immediately. The squealing noise is most likely due to water on the brake pads or the brake pads are dangerously low.
3. Rattling, Clunking or Clattering
Your car isn't a percussion instrument. If you hear an abnormal clunking, clattering or rattling coming from the engine (or really anywhere in the car, providing you're not transporting a box of empty bottles!) it could be an indication that you've blown the head gasket. You need to stop and have your car towed to a mechanic or service station ASAP.
4. Difficult Starting the Engine
If it takes you several tries to get your engine to start or you hear a click when you try to turn the key but no ignition, it could be an indication that your battery is running low or that there is a problem with your alternator. Either way, you should have it checked out as soon as possible by a service station.
5. Oil Light
This seems like a relatively simple one - how obviously can it be if your car flashes the oil light? You'd be surprised, dear readers, at how often this light is ignored or simply overlooked. If any of the lights on your dash light up the first thing to do is determine what they mean, and then have the problem seen to immediately.
Having a regular car service is vital to maintaining car health. Even if your car doesn't show any signs of needing one, prevention is better than a cure so make sure you stay on top of it to ensure a long and happy vehicular life!

How to Diagnose Auto Repair

The inevitable and dreaded event has occurred. Your car or truck is spewing smoke. Your van just won't start. The brakes on your SUV have started to squeal. Whatever the problem, your vehicle is no longer running like new and you are terrified of the amount of money that it might take to fix. There are a number of things you can do to arm yourself with information before heading to your local auto repair shop in order to ensure you get the best service at the best price.
When it comes to auto repair, the most terrifying thing for many drivers is the fact that they have to take the technician's word on diagnosis and cost of repairs. Sure, you can get a second opinion, but comparing quotes often isn't helpful if you still aren't sure what the exact problem is in the first place.
Diagnosis is a term often used in medical circles and defines a process in which the problem is defined. From there, several options for treatment or repair may be available, but without an accurate diagnosis, any treatment is bound to fail.
As such, the first steps of auto repair involve an in-depth process that evaluates all signs and symptoms in order to learn what is wrong. For many newer vehicles, diagnosis is very easy with the computer monitors that can be hooked up to diagnostic machines and have various tests run while the car sits idle. For older vehicles, the problem is often a little more complex and as wear and tear starts to show, may even involve multiple systems within the vehicle. Whatever the route, helping to find the exact problem is the most important step in finding the cheapest and best solution.
There are a number of online question tree tools that help car owners drive down to the root of the problem before seeking auto repair services at their local garage. By taking the time to learn a little more about accurate diagnosis and troubleshooting before heading over to your local auto repair shop, you can end up saving yourself a lot of time and money in the long run.
Technicians are happy to answer informed and knowledgeable questions and will be more eager to provide accurate estimates on parts and labor if you demonstrate a little vehicle know-how. A little work up front can save you a lot of money on the other end.

Using Strange Sound For Troubleshooting Needed Repairs

One of the most common symptoms of vehicular malfunction requiring auto repair is the recent onset of different types of noises. If you can hear a vehicle noise over the hum of the engine, it probably is pretty significant and should be evaluated and repaired by a professional. Some noises may come and go depending on the weather and how hot the engine is running or how long it has been running. Chirping is a common noise that may indicate a number of different problems and should be promptly evaluated by an auto repair specialist.
If the chirping noise only occurs while you are driving and you do not notice it while the engine is idling, then it may be difficult to figure out exactly where the sound is coming from. It may be helpful to ride along with a passenger that can help you determine at what point in the engine cycle it occurs or what you are doing to make it louder or softer.
Some of the most common causes of a chirping sound include brake pad wear and tear, cam angle sensor, serpentine belt, accessory bearings axle bearing, drive shaft u joint, or even the clutch.
There are a few simple things you can do to narrow down the problem and evaluate the fix that is needed. Brake pad wear is perhaps one of the most simple things to see and the quickest to diagnose. If the noise happens while the brakes are being applied, there is a very good chance that the problem is the braking system and that the pads need to be replaced. Serpentine and accessory bearings are a little less straightforward to work on, but if replacing the parts eliminates the noise, then you have your solution and have already done the fix.
As with all types of moderate to intensive auto repair, be sure to trust the experts and bring your vehicle in for a full diagnostic work up if you are unsure about the problem. Investing in a proficient and professional team of technicians is a good way to get more miles out of your vehicle and get more miles out of your fuel tank. Keep your car on the road longer even after you notice a chirping noise with the right auto repair professional team of technicians to take care of the problem and fix it properly the first time.

Warning Light Means Time to Repair Your Auto

the front brakes and find the pads are worn, then you can pretty accurately determine that the master cylinder will be low in fluid level. This is because less fluid is available to lubricate the system and so more wear and tear occurs.

Check the entire system for leaks in order to determine what sort of brake repair or auto repair you require. After you have replaced the worn pads, take time to flush and replace the fluid level. If necessary, empty the system completely to preserve and enhance overall integrity of the braking system. Other common causes of brake system warning light activation include leaks from the master cylinder, front or rear caliper brake seal failure, rusted or corroded wheel cylinder seals, flex hose failure at either the front or rear of the car. Check each of these in turn to determine the point of the problem and evaluate the best solution.

In the end however, it is best to trust professionals and ensure the job gets done right the first time. You can often do more damage and cause more expensive maintenance bills in the long run if you perform errors while trying to fix a problem yourself. Take your car into an authorized auto repair shop to get it fixed right the first time and consider the investment a long-term investment in your vehicle.

How To Find a Free Auto Repair Manual Online?

Repairing your car can get expensive so saving cost wherever you can will help you fix your car for less. Finding a free online repair manual is a good place to start. There are many resources where you can find a manual that you can download for free.

You want to use Google and search for free auto repair manuals. It is always best to use specific keywords so that you can narrow down your search to find a manual for your specific make and model. There are general manuals that can be useful if you are doing basic maintenance such as an oil change.

Setting aside time to find a site where you can down load a repair manual for free is crucial. In many cases you can spend as much as $100 for the same manual if you go into your local auto store and buy one. The time you spend finding a down loadable version will pay off in the saving you will get.

Repairing your car can get expensive so you need to do all you can to save money. Doing the repair your self is a way to save money on labor. You also need some knowledge about fixing your car and a manual can help you gain that knowledge. Use a free download to obtain a auto repair manual that will help you fix your car on the cheap.
If you do not know what is wrong with your car it might be a good idea to take it to a repair shop or dealer and get an estimate so that you can learn what the problem is. Next you can get a manual and do the repair yourself and save money on labor cost.
Remember that finding free auto repair manuals is not hard to do when you use the internet. You can save hundreds of dollars getting these manuals for free.