by Admin | Aug 26, 2018 | Auto Care Blog
Your transmission should last a good long time. However, it if is getting up there in years and miles then that funny sound might be a clue that the end is near. Here are some symptoms of a transmission gone wrong.
Transmission
Not every symptom means it is going to turn into a big deal, but if you ignore things eventually they will. So, treat symptoms as they crop up and you should be able to extend the life of your car.
Rough Shift
Rough shifting is that delay before the car switches gears or it shifts hard with a clunk. It leaves you concerned for a minute, wondering if it’ll ever shift. This needs to be fixed soon.
Slipping
Transmission slipping is a bizarre shifting into another gear without any reason. It’ll sometimes feel like it isn’t accelerating when you’re trying to go faster, the engine might be revving up and there are possibly whining sounds. Get to the mechanic as soon as possible.
Leaks
If you see leaks under your car that look like cherry flavored cough syrup, it is probably from the transmission. Although, power steering fluid might also be that color. If the car is having no symptoms, go to the mechanic when convenient, but within a few weeks. If it is shifting weird, go right away. Don’t attempt to add fluid yourself. Overfilling can cause bigger problems.
Transmission Repair Costs
Transmission repairs can be as little as $150 – $200. If your transmission needs to be overhauled or replaced, it could be in the thousands. It is important that you keep after every little issue, because those little issues are signs the end of its life is in your future. Keeping up with repairs will extend its life.
Stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair to let us check any weird noises or shifting issues your car is having. We’ll let you know how serious it is.
by Admin | Aug 15, 2018 | Auto Care Blog
Most people don’t have to replace their brakes very often. But those who like to drive with a foot on the brake pedal will feel that “when to replace brake shoes” seems to be all the time! Good driving practices will get more life out of your brake shoes or brake pads. Here are some tips.
When to Replace Brake Shoes
Drum brakes with brake shoes are an old school approach to the braking system for cars and trucks. It was the original braking system that was first installed in a car in the year 1900. Believe it or not, the system is still in use today in the less costly vehicles. Most cars use brake pads these days, at least on the front of the car. When to replace brake shoes, depends on your driving habits, but it is usually more often than brake pads.
But, how many miles do you think you can go before having to replace those shoes? They are built to last about 35,000 miles. But, like with many parts on a car, it depends on how you drive.
Here are some signs that the end is near for your brake shoes:
- Noisy back brakes when you are pushing the brake pedal to come to a stop.
- The emergency brake doesn’t work anymore.
- Shaking or vibrating when you come to a stop.
It is very important that as soon as you see the brake shoes are worn that you replace them. Letting things go will turn into a very expensive repair as parts start destroying each other in a chain reaction.
Good driving habits extend the life of brakes:
- Stop without slamming on the brakes.
- Keep the left foot off the brake always.
- Downshift to slow down if you have a manual transmission.
Get Your Shoes Checked
A1 Performance Auto Repair can inspect your brakes to let you know when to replace your brake shoes.
by Admin | Aug 4, 2018 | Auto Care Blog
We all have our little problems and Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House, seems to have more than his share now that his Suburban has been eaten by wild animals.
How Much Suburban Can a Woodchuck Chuck?
Apparently, Ryan left his Chevy Suburban over at his mom’s house for safe keeping, or so it could enjoy the wildlife? We don’t know. But mom went to Florida for the winter, as many Wisconsinites are apt to do. Upon her return, she let him know the car wouldn’t start.
So, being a dutiful son, Ryan had the car towed into the dealer to have a looksee. The mechanics discovered a family of woodchucks (also known as whistle pigs) had moved into the car and made many meals out of the vehicle’s wiring.
“And so, my car was eaten by animals, and it’s just dead,” he said (as reported by The Hill).
Ryan was storing the car at his mom’s house, because he’s not allowed to drive due to being on a security detail for the past 3 years. He can resume driving in January when he retires as Speaker of the House.
Whether or not the vehicle went back to his mom’s house to provide food and lodging for more wildlife isn’t known. Maybe his mom drives it now that the summer Florida weather is horrific enough to kill anything over 21 years old.
So, what is going to happen to the Suburban? The dealer refurbished it and it is all spiffy once again. Ryan plans to renew his driver’s license in January and buy a Ford F-150. The woodchuck family was not available for comment and have not been heard from since their discovery.
by Admin | Jul 5, 2018 | Auto Care Blog
The car hose that connects the radiator to the coolant system is vulnerable to the wear and tear of temperature, weather and other factors. If it comes loose or splits, you will have a disaster on your hands.
Car Hose
There are several car hoses in your car:
- Upper radiator hose
- Water pump bypass hose
- Outlet heater hose
Usually when people think of the hose in their engine it is the upper radiator hose, which happens to be the one that usually fails. When it fails you will lose your engine cooling system. Your engine could be damaged beyond repair if it overheats, but even if the engine comes out of the situation ok, there are many parts that could be damaged and need replacing.
This problem is easy to avoid. If you check your belts and hoses every season or at least once per year you’re likely to catch a problem before it becomes a very expensive situation. But, most car owners are not going to take the time to do the dirty work of checking hoses and belts.
Hose Checks
The best way to keep after good hose health is to use a mechanic like A1 Performance Auto Repair for your oil changes. You’ll need several oil changes per year and hose and belt checks are a part of the service at A1 Performance Auto Repair.
Of course, if your car starts to overheat, no matter the cause, you need to see a mechanic as soon as possible. Your car’s engine, radiator and other parts will be damaged when it overheats. It is not a good idea to drive it.
A1 Performance Auto Repair
Stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair when you need your next oil change. We’ll be happy to check your hoses and belts to see if they are still in great condition.
by Admin | Jun 15, 2018 | Auto Care Blog
It is a little known fact – you can get a cheap windshield replacement when it is cracked or broken. Actually, that’s not true. You can have it replaced for free!
Cheap Windshield Replacement
Forget about getting a cheap windshield replacement – get a free windshield replacement. It is pretty easy.
If your windshield is cracked, chipped or broken in some other way, you can get it repaired or replaced for free. Your insurance will pay for it. It is easy and there aren’t any hoops you have to jump through or awful forms to fill out. This is how is works.
The Catch
Yes, there is a catch – but not for most people. The catch is that you must have comprehensive insurance. If you have an auto loan, then you were required to buy it when you got the loan. So, chances are good you have it. Some people drop this insurance after they pay off the car to save money, but most people continue to carry it.
How to Get a Free Windshield Replacement
All you need to do is call the auto glass repair near you. Most auto glass companies will waive your insurance deductible, so your replacement costs you nothing.
In addition to the replacement being free for you, they will do the work anywhere. It only takes about an hour, so they’ll stop by your job and do it there in the parking lot. Or, go to the mall and shop away all that money you’re saving and you’ll have a brand new windshield when you return to the car. All for free.
Have a Safe Windshield
It is not safe to drive with a cracked windshield interfering with visibility. If you have a chip, get a cheap windshield replacement or free repair right away. Chips will spread quickly, so get the work done for free by calling a mobile auto glass company.
by Admin | Jun 5, 2018 | Auto Care Blog
Test your knowledge on owning, caring for and operating your car. Are you a grandpa car owner or a young whippersnapper? Only our quiz knows for sure. Test your knowledge of car ownership.
Car Maintenance Tips Quiz
Always Let Your Car Warm Up. True or False
False!
When cars had carburetors, they needed to warm up to get the right fuel mixture going, so everyone sat in their driveways for 15 minutes before moving an inch. Life was simpler then. Today there is fuel injection and that changed everything. Just put it in drive and go already.
Replace Your Shocks Every 50,000 Miles
True!
The average lifespan of auto shocks is 50,000 miles. So, depending on the condition of your roads and how you drive, you might start saving up for new shocks at around 40,000 miles. If you put off shock replacement then the tires, bushings and mounts start wearing away, driving up a bigger repair bill.
Keychains Wear Out Your Ignition Switch
True!
If your keychain has a bunch of keys on it and cute decorative items, it is far too heavy. Using a big old heavy keychain is putting too much weight on your ignition switch. Use a breakaway keychain to remove your car keys when it is time to drive or keep your car key off your beautifully decorated keychain that can open every door in town.
Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles Religiously
False!
While it is true that when your daily drive includes dirt roads, dust storms, lots of stopping and loads of debris on the road, you will need 3,000 mile oil changes, but the average driver does not. Your car manual will advise you on how often, but it is usually around 10,000 miles.
Car Maintenance
We hope you enjoyed our quiz on car maintenance tips and maybe you learned something, too. Remember to stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair for all your car maintenance and repair needs.
