Fort Madison Auto Repair

If any part of the braking system is not functioning properly, it can have serious consequences. One of the most critical components is the brake rotor. They are large metal discs that the brake pads clamp down on in order to slow down or stop the car. Over time, brake rotors can become worn or damaged, or if maintained improperly, they can get bent and warped. If you want to avoid problems down the line, you should know a couple of warning signs they give off. Continue reading to find out exactly that. Vibration When Braking If you feel a vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal when you use the brakes, it could be a sign that your brake rotors are warped or worn out. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle if ignored, so make sure you check it out ASAP. Squeaking Or Squealing While some noise is normal when the brakes are engaging with the rotor, excessive or persistent squeaking or squealing can be a sign of bad rotors. This ... read more

Summer is only a few months away, which means it's about time for road trips! Whether you're going on a long-awaited family vacation or just taking a weekend getaway with your significant other, safety should be your top priority. Keep these safe driving tips in mind for your next road trip. Get Your Car Checked Before embarking on a long trip, it's crucial to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition. Schedule a maintenance checkup with your auto repair shop to inspect your brakes, tires, fluids, and all other important components. It's better to take care of any necessary repairs or maintenance items before your trip than to deal with them on the road. Plan Your Route Plan your route in advance to avoid unexpected detours and heavy traffic. Consider using GPS or a navigation app to help you navigate unfamiliar roads. It's also a good idea to learn about the traffic laws and regulations in the states you'll be driving through. Take Breaks Driving for ... read more

To better understand the benefits of a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), you need to know what they are. PPI is offered by shops to clients that might want to purchase a vehicle but aren't sure about its condition. A mechanic comes and thoroughly inspects all important parts/systems, making sure you won't be ripped off or fooled. The checklist consists of the following: Brake system Steering Transmission Wheels and Tires Drivetrain Suspension Electronics Undercarriage Oil levels Lights Interior These are the most important things to look at when buying a car. But people commonly forget about them, therefore needing help from a mechanic. After all, a skilled and professional hand is a better option than just guessing. You get countless benefits from a PPI, and we will list some of them below.  Lets You Know The Worth Of The Vehicle During a PPI, mechanics inform you of the actual state and condition of the vehicle. You get a biased opinion on the car and whether ... read more

Mufflers play an important role in the exhaust system of your vehicle, helping to limit both noise and pollution. But when they become damaged or worn out, it can be tough to decide whether to repair or replace them. In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the factors to consider when making this decision. First, it's important to understand the symptoms of a damaged muffler. Some common signs include: A loud or rumbling noise coming from the exhaust Reduced fuel efficiency Abnormal amount of exhaust emissions If you notice any of these red flags, it's important to have your muffler inspected as soon as possible. One of the main factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your muffler is the extent of the damage. If the muffler is only slightly damaged, a repair may be all that is needed. This could include patching a small hole or replacing a damaged component. However, if the muffler is heavily damaged or corroded, a replacement will likely be ... read more

Your car's water pump is an essential part of the engine. It draws in coolant and sends it to the radiator, where it must be boiled off as quickly as possible to prevent your vehicle from overheating. If you suspect a water pump problem, take your car to a mechanic immediately. Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump Leaky Coolant There are several gaskets on the water pump, and these might become harmed or worn out over time. Under the car in this scenario, coolant might seep out and drip. Check the water pump if you see coolant, often a green or red liquid, under the center front of your car. Heating Of the Engine A water pump's primary function throughout its lifespan is running coolant through an engine to cool it down. The engine may overheat if the water pump cannot do this. Engine overheating should not be resolved, regardless of its origin. Burnt pistons, broken cylinder heads, and damaged head gaskets are just a few issues that can be brought on by heat. Harmonic, High-P ... read more

A wheel alignment service is a procedure that involves adjusting the outward or inward tilt of your vehicle’s tires to reduce tire wear and ensure your car can drive straight. Wheel alignments should always be performed by professional auto technicians with the right skills and equipment. If you need help improving your vehicle’s handling, read on to learn more about wheel alignments. On a day-to-day basis, it can be easy to overlook the warning signs of misaligned wheels. When your wheels aren’t pointed in the right direction, you put your and many others’ lives at risk. Not only will your car not be able to drive in the direction you want it to, but your steering wheel will be difficult to manage, and tires will wear improperly.  How Can I Tell If My Vehicle’s Wheels Are Misaligned? Uneven tire wear Off-centered steering wheel  Steering wheel vibrations Constant pulling or drifting left or right How Are Wheel Alignments Performed? At our ... read more

The treads on your tires can reveal a lot about how your tires are holding up, and whether or not they, or another part of your vehicle needs servicing. Inspecting your tires once a week for irregular wear patterns can help you address any issues with your vehicle before they get much worse. 5 Tire Tread Patterns You Should Not Ignore Here are some of the most common tire wear patterns you should never ignore. 1. ''Toe" Wear" The toe of the tire is a mark on it's bottom that relays any tilting of the vehicle. The size and the direction it is pointed is used to compare the skew of the tire to the centerline of the vehicle. Wear and tear on the toe area of the tire to either the left or right means that your steering system needs realignment. If you have visible toe wear, and the car leans a bit to the side while in motion, you need to take it in to a shop. 2. Edge Wear A sure sign that you are driving around in a car with deflated tires is wear on the edges ... read more

When you don't know much about cars, it is possible to think that some parts do not wear out. While shocks have a long lifespan, it is easy to assume that they do not need to be replaced until its too late. So, how long should shocks last? Shock Absorbers: How Long Do They Last? The lifespan of shock absorbers is at least 4 to 5 years. But in reality, it is contingent on the state of the roads. If you usually travel on seamless road, the longevity may even increase to ten years. Similar to that, if you usually drive on uneven, cracked, and pothole-filled roads, it can be less than five years. Some specialists monitor the condition of shocks using mileage. Shocks typically have a lifespan of least 50,000 miles until needing to be replaced. However, when it pertains to the endurance of shocks, it is once again challenging to forecast a precise number. However, through observing certain symptoms, you can tell whether your shocks are worn out. For instance; Losing Control It is lik ... read more

There are certain smells that are considered normal for your vehicle, but some unusual smells usually indicate a bigger problem at hand. You might have air fresheners or sweaty gym clothes in your car, but when you smell gasoline, oil, or a burning odor, it is important to get down to the bottom of the problem quickly. Here are some strange car scents and what they can mean for your vehicle: Gasoline While this smell may be normal when you’re filling up at the gas station, it should not linger as you pull away from the pump. If you continue to catch these strong fumes while driving, please check around for a gas leak. Gasoline leaks are common with worn fuel tanks or injection components.    Exhaust Fumes You should never smell toxic fumes inside your car. If you do smell exhaust smoke, it is important to stop driving until you can get your car to an auto repair shop. Exhaust fumes, depending on how much they’ve been processed, can cause health issues and eve ... read more

The fundamentality of a car to a family is most times belittled if not disregarded. However, your vehicle is one of the essential things that ensure the functionality and safety of your family. From playdates, taking your kids to school, and going to work, it takes care of your family more than most other aspects. Therefore, it is essential to ensure its operation is top-notch through regular maintenance and checkups. Below are some of the regular maintenance your car needs apart from an oil change. Checking and Topping Off Fluids An oil change is one of the most known fluid changes that most people relate to regular maintenance. However, apart from oil, your car has several other fluids that need regular checking from time to time. For example, the coolant fluid helps your vehicle cool down even on long trips. Therefore, it is vital to check on it monthly to ensure it is of the required quality and quantity. On the other hand, the transmission fluid lubricates your car's transm ... read more