by Admin | Aug 20, 2022 | Aston Martin, Uncategorized
The Aston Martin V8 model is the official bond vehicle, with bells and whistles.
While Aston no doubt oozes class and style, the vehicle will often encounter some issues, often too familiar with the model. Even 007 needs some time off to service his ‘Bond’s Mobil.’
Issue with Transmission
Transmission failure is the most prevalent issue with the V8 Vantage 2010-2013 models. The problem was so prevalent that the manufacturer issued a global recall.
The Vantage drivers would often experience frequent stalling, where the vehicle known for its impressive performance would lose power.
After troubleshooting, the culprit for the transmission issue was found to be the software update. In particular, it was mostly from technicians that hadn’t installed the update correctly to allow the proper reprogramming of the clutch. Aston Martin servicing requires experienced hands.
Even though the issue was resolved, the Sportshift is still a risk for contemporary drivers. For this reason, you should invest in a qualified professional service schedule such as A1 Performance.
What You Should do To Keep Your Vantage on the Road
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a capable vehicle if you give its transmission the necessary TLC. Follow the factory-scheduled maintenance and look out for signs of failure such as:
- Frequent stalling
- Random shifting
- Transmission fluid leaks
- Challenges getting the vehicle into gear
If you notice any of the above with your ‘Bonds Mobil,’ get it looked at by a professional. Keep in mind that your Aston needs frequent check-ups to keep it performing at the highest level.
A1 Performance are experts in European vehicles. We’ll service your Aston Martin, troubleshoot any problem, and repair it to keep it on the road. We know how much you need it on the road with you, and we’ll work to ensure that.
by Admin | Jun 20, 2022 | Auto Care Blog, Auto Mechanic, Uncategorized
Early discovery of transmission issues can save you big bucks in repair bills. Transmission failure is not hard to detect when you’re keen enough. Don’t wish the problem away when you notice something is amiss because it will not.
Visit your garage service when you notice any of the following symptoms.
Leaking Fluid
A pool of reddish fluid under your car is the most straightforward indicator of identifying a transmission problem. Let your mechanic know when the trouble starts, and they’ll check the transmission fluid level.
Burning Smell
A burning smell is a powerful indicator of something wrong with the transmission. The transmission may be overheating, or the transmission fluid may be burnt and old.
Dragging Clutch
A failure to disengage the clutch disc when you press the clutch pedal causes a clash of the gears. The leading cause of a dragging clutch is clutch misplacement and mechanical failure.
Difficulty in Switching Gears
When changing gears becomes a daily struggle, your transmission system is in the process of giving in. Sometimes, it could be you’re using the incorrect type of transmission fluid, or the transmission fluid is leaking somewhere.
Slipping Gears
A slipping transmission is dangerous and a telltale sign that the system is broken. A delay in acceleration and general harsh response when shifting gears and revving indicate slipping gears.
Sometimes, the gear change will be unresponsive when moving from park to drive.
Noises when You’re in Neutral
Weird noises when the vehicle is in neutral are not a good sign. At the minimum, it can mean the transmission fluid is overdue for a change, or the system needs a check by a professional.
Other strange noises such as humming, clunking and whining when driving are not good signs. Let a professional have their hands on it immediately.
A1 Performance Auto Repair can check your transmission and repair it if needed. We can also inspect for other problems and ensure your car is whole again for daily use.
by Admin | Apr 5, 2022 | Auto Mechanic, Diagnose Car Problems, Uncategorized
When a vehicle’s engine is running, it produces a lot of vibration. An engine mount reduces these vibrations to acceptable and comfortable levels for the vehicle occupants.
If you notice an unusual vibration when stopped at a stoplight, it could be that an engine mount is failing. This phenomenon isn’t a cause for alarm, but you have to take care of it as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue could result in higher expenses in the future.
Engine Mount Function
Engine mounts secure the engine and transmission to the car’s chassis. They comprise rubber-coated metal brackets or bolts. The rubber in some of them has fluid-filled chambers. They stabilize the engine and transmission unit while absorbing vibration and resisting torque.
How Can You Tell If Your Engine Mount Is Failing?
When you stop at a red light, the first symptom is a shake in the steering wheel. If you move into neutral and the vibration goes away, this is a sure sign of engine mount failure.
If you ignore the situation, it will only get worse. The engine or exhaust may hit the undercarriage of your vehicle.
Engine mounts failures are difficult to see. However, if you can get your eyes on one (which generally entails going underneath the car), you may discover symptoms of wear, such as cracks or splits in the rubber sections.
Engine mounts can last a long time. You shouldn’t have any issues for at least five years, and some vehicles can last much longer.
What Does It Take to Replace an Engine Mount?
You do this (usually) from the vehicle’s undercarriage. The most critical thing is to keep the engine and transmission supported and off the mounts.
Each mount secures to the vehicle’s chassis and subframe, as well as the engine. To replace an engine mount, undo all bolts and move it out of the way.
Install the new engine mount in the same position as the old one and torque the bolts to the appropriate torque. Remove the air conditioner compressor and starter to access the mount (if required).
On most vehicles, replacing an engine mount is a quick job with the appropriate hoist or lift, engine support, and other tools.
However, if you try to do it in your garage or driveway, it might take several hours and put your finger, hand, or arm in danger of being crushed between the engine and the chassis. Instead, get someone to do it for you. If you require a skilled expert to handle this for you, our professional staff at A1 Performance Repair can help. Phone us right now, and you’ll be glad you did.
by Admin | Mar 13, 2020 | Auto Care Blog, Uncategorized
High school popularity might be over in most of our lives, but let’s face it. It is still cool to hang with the popular kids, or in this instance, the most popular vehicle. Here is how 2019 panned out for vehicle popularity and it has a few surprises.
2019’s Most Popular Vehicles
Here are the vehicles that sold the most in the year 2019, starting with the big winner and counting down.
- Ford F-Series Sold 896,526
You might be expecting the vehicle with the most sales would look more like a passenger car and not a pickup truck, but here we are. The highest sales numbers goes to the Ford F-Series pickup trucks. People seem to like it for just driving around and running errands, as well as for the hobby farm.
- Ram Pickup Sold 633,694
The model 1500 is a very popular truck and a heavy-duty vehicle for towing, hauling and moving your brother-in-law’s junk into his own place. It’s Ram tough!
- Chevrolet Silverado Sold 575,600
You might be seeing a pattern here. Trucks are very popular, including this light to heavy-duty pickup truck that got surpassed by the Ram 1500.
- Toyota RAV4 Sold 448,071
It’s the 5th generation of the RAV and it’s is one popular SUV, the most popular as luck would have it. And hey, it isn’t a pickup truck! But it is very convenient for any home to have.
- Honda CR-V Sold 384,168
While it’s sales were higher in 2019 than in 2018, it lost its #1 SUV spot to the RAV4.
- Nissan Rogue and Rogue Sport Sold 350,447
This was a very popular SUV in 2018, but its sales numbers dropped by 15% in 2019. The odd thing is, it is still very high up on the charts.
Your Vehicle
So, how did you fare? Are you driving one of the most popular vehicles all the cool kids have now?
by Admin | Nov 11, 2017 | Uncategorized
Sometimes a car makes noise when braking and it is normal and other times it is trying to tell you something. It is important you know the difference, so you will have it checked out when a repair is needed.
Car Makes Noise When Braking
Whether or not the noise your car is making is something going wrong will depend on the type of noise.
Brake Grinding
If your car makes noise when braking and it is a grinding sound, it generally means something is wrong. Usually it means your brake pads are completely shot. You’re just grinding your rotors. You need to have your brakes inspected right away. It could be a simple fix, though. Maybe a little stone is stuck in there somewhere causing the noise. The mechanic can remove it and you’re fine. But that usually is not the case.
Brake Squeals
That high pitched squealing is one of those things than can drive drivers mad, much like fingernails on the chalkboard. Usually this is an indication that your brake pads are worn down enough to hit the wear indicator. The squeal is intentional. It lets you know you need new pads. Or, it can mean the calipers are sticking. It can also mean that the clips that hold the pads are broken. Any of these options mean you need to have a mechanic inspect the brakes.
If you just had your brake pads replaced, this sound is just a temporary problem. In a few days the pads will have broken in enough and that noise goes away.
Getting Brakes Inspected
A1 Performance Auto Repair does brake inspections and repairs. Stop by anytime to have us take a look at your brakes to see why your car makes noise when braking.
by Admin | Oct 3, 2017 | Uncategorized
Most people don’t need to know how to check their brakes. They just have the auto mechanic check them periodically. But, there are a few things you can do at home to check your brakes.
How to Check Your Brakes
If you’re concerned that it might be time to replace your brakes, you’re probably right. Most people don’t suddenly have a feeling their brakes are going bad without reason. You’ve probably picked up on a sign whether you consciously realize it or not. So, here are a few things you can do to get a good idea it is time to take your car into the mechanic to have a professional opinion on the subject.
To the Floor with the Pedal
If your brake pedal seems to go a lot closer to the floor than it used to then it is time to have the car brakes looked at by your mechanic. There could be several reasons it is doing this and all the reasons will require your mechanic. It could be a fluid leak or completely worn out brake rotors. You need to take the car in right away.
Squealing and Grinding
There can be a little rust built up on the rotors from driving on flooded roads. Over a few days the rust will be worn off by normal braking. That is nothing to worry about. However, if the sounds continue, take it in to your mechanic.
1/4” Rule
Look through the open parts of your wheel to see if there is ¼” of brake pad. If it is lower than that, take it into your mechanic soon, but when convenient. You’ll likely need a new set of pads.
A1 Performance Auto Repair
Stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair whenever you have concerns about the performance of your car. We’ll be happy to take a look at it.
