Charlotte Auto Repair

For most drivers, tires aren't the most exciting feature of a vehicle. But they are one of the most important parts of your car, and having a regular tire rotation done is a vital part of maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. In fact, there are many benefits to performing a regular tire rotation. 1. Rotating the tires make them last longer. Tires on the front of your vehicle wear down differently than rear tires. For example, if your vehicle has front-wheel-drive then the front tires will endure more wear due to braking, turning, and accelerating. Evening out the wear can increase your tire life by up to 20%. 2. Rotating the tires lowers the risk of tire failure by avoiding excessive wear. During bad road conditions such as heavy rain or snow, a worn-down tire could lose traction, resulting in sliding and loss of vehicle control. A tire that is too worn down could also result in an unexpected tire blow-out. 3. Rotating the tires improves your vehicle performanc ... read more

The brakes on your vehicle are one of the most important safety items in the car. You use them each and every time you drive. And, when you really need them to stop in order to avoid another vehicle, it's imperative that they work well. If your brakes are making noise, like a squealing, it's important not to ignore that. Your brakes should act in a silent, but efficient manner. When you start to hear a squeak when you touch the brakes, it could be an issue with some of the parts. The brake pads, for example, are the most common reason that the brakes will squeak. These pads are the first line of defense for the brakes. They are the first thing to wear out and they can give you indications that your brakes are on their way out. If you start to hear the noises, have them checked. Having the brake pads replaced doesn't cost nearly as much as damage to the rest of the brakes. Brake pads are going to wear out no matter how good you are to your vehicle, but they will wear out fa ... read more

If you've owned your vehicle for a while, it's likely that you've noticed the car's warning light indicators on the dashboard on at least one occasion. Sometimes, they flash at the most inconvenient times, and it may be tempting to ignore them, or even postpone a much-needed repair, due to a busy schedule or lack of time. There are vital reasons why your car's warning signals should never be disregarded, as they could increase safety or performance issues when you drive. Checking your Oil Pressure Your car's engine is one of the most important components, and ensuring it has just the right amount of oil will determine whether it runs properly or not. A light indicating oil pressure means you should check the levels immediately with a dipstick, then decide how to proceed next. Too little or too much oil can damage your vehicle's engine, which means keeping a constant eye on your levels will preserve your car's performance and help you avoid getting stuc ... read more

Winter is an exciting moment, especially for those who love the snow, but can be a real danger for drivers. Snowy conditions lead to a string of wrecks and accidents, making it a dangerous season for travelers. With shorter daylight hours and foggy weather reducing visibility, it is risky even for experienced drivers. Unless you are a snowboarding enthusiast, snowfall is only enjoyable while indoors. Also, avoid driving where possible; it is the best way to prevent the inherent danger of driving in winter. One important rule for winter driving is determining if it's necessary. If you must drive, arrive safely with these safety tips in the snow. Make sure you have good tires Traction is a defining factor of tire grip on the road. You can consider chains or snow tires but make sure they are correctly inflated because tire pressure fluctuates with temperature change. Seek professional advice for the right setup and tire balance for your vehicle. Experts recom ... read more

During wintertime, road conditions in most places around the country become wet, snowy, and even icy. It’s of utmost importance to have a proper assessment of your tires’ condition so you can feel secure and minimize the risk of an accident when driving during the winter months. Tire Maintenance Tips You don’t have to be an auto technician to inspect your tires’ condition and provide them with proper care. Tires are easy to inspect, unlike other mechanical parts of your car. You can check them wherever you are parked. Walk around your car and see if any tires are flat or low. Check if tire tread is worn more in some areas of the tire. Check for gashes, bulges, or other objects lodge in the tire. Check for other signs of wear, like worn, cracked, or cut sidewalls. Perform a penny test on your tires once a month. Take a penny and place it in a way that Lincoln’s head is positioned in the deepest part of the tread. On each tire, check s ... read more

The head gasket is a component within your vehicle that you have mostly likely heard of, but don't quite understand. The head gasket is the block that is located between the engine block and the cylinder head, as demonstrated in the image above. This part has a hard job because it is constantly put under high pressure and blistering temperatures. If your head gasket is blown, this is another way of saying that your head gasket is leaking. A blown head gasket means that it is allowing coolant to leak out of the engine or it could mean that coolant is getting into the cylinder. When you continue to drive with a blown head gasket, the coolant and exhaust gases are going to the wrong places which can cause engine metal and parts to warp and wear down significantly. Leaking coolant through a blown head gasket can cause a multitude of different issues, including causing low coolant levels which can cause engine overheating and warping, damage your spark plugs, cause ... read more

While driving on the road, typically you can enjoy a smooth ride because of your vehicle's suspension system. Within the suspension system lives the shock absorbers and the struts, which are both important integrally and to the overall comfort of your drive. Shocks and struts endure quite a bit of force and heat with every ride, which is why they do tend to wear down over time with regular use of your vehicle. When these parts are worn, damage can start occurring to your tires and you'll notice that your ride has become much bumpier than usual.  How long do shocks and struts typically last? The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the make and model of your vehicle and your own individual driving habits. However, they typically last around 30,000 to 50,000 miles. If it's been a while since you had your suspension system inspected, look out for the following symptoms:  Car bounces excessively when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces Vibrating o ... read more

When your car starts to make strange noises or vibrates heavily, it’s usually never a good sign. Your vehicle is a complex working system, and when it starts to work abnormally, it’s your car’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. Certain noises can indicate specific problems depending on where they are coming from. Vibrations can stem from a number of different areas, such as a brake system or suspension system problem.  Some common noises include: Squealing, screeching, or grinding when you brake Sputtering or rattling exhaust noises from under the car Chirping or squealing noise from under the hood Humming, growling or roaring noise when driving  Before you bring your vehicle into our shop, it is important that you note down exactly what you are experiencing, and when. Understanding when and why your vehicle is making a strange noise or vibration will help our experts figure out where the problem is stemming from. For example, if you ... read more

Modern oil changes can be confusing for some - you may be offered multiple types of oil, and maybe you aren't completely sure what the difference is between them. The main types offered include conventional oil, synthetic blend, and full synthetic. The full synthetic option tends to be the most expensive, while conventional oil is the cheapest. With full synthetic being the most expensive, the question becomes - is it worth the extra cost?  The first thing we should talk about is your vehicle's needs. If you have a newer vehicle, chances are your vehicle actually requires full synthetic oil. If you check your vehicle's owner's manual, it will tell you the type of oil that your vehicle requires. This is both for the purpose of keeping a valid warranty and ensuring that your vehicle's lifespan is extended.  In terms of cost, a full synthetic oil change can be between $20-$30 more expensive than a conventional oil change on average. However, the b ... read more

July 4th is a special day when it comes to celebrating our freedom here in the United States and gathering with loved ones for a good time. Many families will be coming together to BBQ, eat lavishly, and watch fireworks nearby. With the increase in vehicles on the road and the high amount of people out having a good time, it is important to remember a couple of ways in which we can stay safe during this holiday.  Here are some tips on how to remain safe while celebrating July 4th this year:  One important thing to remember is driving safety. With the increase of alcohol consumption on July 4th, be sure to have a safe ride to and from your destination. NEVER drink and drive, or allow an intoxicated person to drive you. Have a designated driver planned or get a ride from a rideshare app or taxi. If you can't find a way to drive without drinking, find a place nearby where you can safely walk to your destination. July 4th is one of the most dangerous days in the United Sta ... read more