Charlotte Auto Repair

A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that helps convert pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less harmful compounds. The converters work by using a catalyst, often platinum or palladium, to speed up a chemical reaction. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter: 1. Reduced Engine Power If your catalytic converter is starting to go bad, you may notice a decrease in engine power. This is because the catalytic converter is responsible for converting pollutants into less harmful compounds, and a clogged or damaged converter can't do its job as effectively. As a result, your engine has to work harder to produce the same amount of power, which can lead to reduced performance. 2. Increased fuel consumption Another symptom of a bad catalytic converter is increased fuel consumption. This is because your engine has to work harder to produce the same amount of power when the converter is damaged. As a result, you ... read more

Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring that your vehicle will last you for years to come. It also helps you avoid major repairs down the road, which will save you lots of time and money in the long run. Your safety is also important, and preventative maintenance is actually a huge factor in preventing accidents and breakdowns on the road. The following services are some key examples of preventative maintenance and a general idea of when they should be completed. However, it is important to always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the correct services and intervals that are suited for your vehicle. The oil filter should be changed regularly - every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. All fluids should be checked at least once a year, including brake, power steering, transmission, antifreeze, and windshield wiper solvent. Tires should always be inflated properly. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency and puts your tires at risk for a blowout. Most n ... read more

If there's one thing that many drivers dread, it is having to deal with a dead car battery (and seeing the notorious warning light on their dash). This warning light is usually red, indicating something is wrong with your electrical system. Read on to find out the reasons why this light may come on. Common reasons why the battery light may come on: The vehicle battery is drained or weak. The battery cables are loose. Your battery is leaking acid, and there is too much corrosion on the battery terminals. The alternator is not properly charging the battery. The battery is suffering from manufacturer defects. Car batteries can be complex and unpredictable, especially if you don't regularly test them. One of your electrical system components may slowly start to die off. You may experience a slow-to-start engine, dimming headlights, and malfunctioning electrical accessories. Most of the time, people weaken their battery by accidentally leaving their headlights on or leaving th ... read more

Most people are unaware that the helpful winter driving practices they swear by can actually be wasting your time and/or money. Today, we will go over some popular winter driving tips that may be doing more harm than good.   Myth #1: You need to "warm-up" your car before driving. Many drivers get in the habit of idling their vehicle to "warm it up" before driving. Unfortunately, most cars nowadays do not need to go through minutes of idling to get the heat kicking. Instead of leaving your vehicle on for minutes, you only need up to 30 seconds to get the engine going. Additionally, leaving your car running for an extended period can waste money/gas, increase emissions, and be unnecessary for your motor.   Myth #2: Leave your tire pressure alone as deflated tires improve traction. Another common misconception is that deflating tires will help your car attain better traction on snowy or icy roads since the tires cover more ground. However, this is a very ... read more

An oil change is a simple service with high importance for every vehicle owner. Oil change services are vital for the overall operation of your car because engine oil supports engine efficiency and performance. Low or dirty oil can ultimately lead to excess heat, corrosion, and metal-to-metal contact damage between different engine parts. Engine repairs can be expensive, so it is best to avoid engine damage as much as possible by staying on top of your oil change schedule.    Once you put clean engine oil in your car, it will circulate to lubricate engine parts and regulate heat. It also helps move any dirt or debris through the oil filter to prevent nasty build-up. Some notable signs indicate that your vehicle requires an oil change and filter replacement:  The dashboard check engine light or oil light is lit up Your engine makes grinding or knocking sounds You notice dark and dirty oil on the dipstick You smell oil around your vehicle There's dark exhaust sm ... read more

Besides oil changes, brake inspections and repairs are among the most common services that vehicle owners must get. After all, everyone needs their brakes to be working properly to get them safely from point a to point b! There is definitely more than one part at play when it comes to your brake system. Today, we will be discussing the different parts, especially the pads and rotors. Most vehicles on the road today have disc brake systems as opposed to the traditional drum brake. Disc brakes have three primary parts: caliper, brake pad, and brake rotor.   Brake Pads vs. Brake Rotors Brake pads are fastened to the calipers, which are clamp-like parts that close when you apply pressure on the brake pedal. The calipers and pads grab onto the brake rotors, which are the disc-like structures themselves. The rotors are in sync with the wheels, so when the calipers hold onto the rotors, your car will slow down.    When to Replace Brake Pads or Rotors Like any other vehic ... read more

If you weren't aware already, your engine produces an intense amount of heat. Even with your regular oil changes, it can produce enough heat to destroy itself, which is why it heavily relies on coolant. Without replacing and inspecting the cooling system, your engine can wreak havoc and break down. A radiator flush from Pete's Auto Service can ensure that your cooling system and the engine are in the best possible condition year-round.   The coolant system is comprised of many parts, including the head gaskets, water pump, heater core, head gaskets, radiator, and heater control valve. These pieces ensure the delivery of the antifreeze mixture (coolant) to the engine to help remove excess heat. The coolant is circulated through the engine through the water pump, stretching back to the radiator and heater core to disperse heat. The more you use your coolant, the less effective it becomes. Coolant fluid deteriorates over time, making the system susceptible to rust and corro ... read more

Your vehicle's exhaust system is one of the largest systems in your car, stretching from the engine all the way to the exhaust pipe. The nice thing about your exhaust system is that it can clue you into its condition fairly easily. For example, a roaring tailpipe could imply problems in your muffler. Odorous and dark exhaust fumes, on the other hand, can signify several issues in your car's engine or exhaust system.   A solid and healthy exhaust system is attributed to keeping your car running silently, maintaining fuel efficiency, and reducing the hazardous output of gases from your engine. Some states (and counties) even go as far as requiring vehicle owners to pass emission tests to ensure everyone's safety.   What Are the Symptoms of Exhaust System Problems? If part of the exhaust system is not functioning correctly, you will likely notice the following symptoms: Smell of Gasoline The exhaust system parts running under your car are subject to very high ... read more

Main beam headlights (also referred to as high beam headlights) can make your driving feel a lot safer in the right situations. However, main beam headlights can be a significant safety hazard when misused—knowing how and when you use your main beams is critical for every driver of every age.    What Are They Main beam headlights give you a choice to make your headlights brighter when you have difficulty seeing through your windshield. They can also be called high beam headlights, flashers, full beam, high beam, and blinders. Most vehicles' main beam is controlled by the stick on the left side of your steering wheel, which also controls your turn signals. When your high beams are on, you'll notice straight away that your headlights are brighter. They illuminate a larger surface area, allowing you to see more of the road ahead.   When To Use  Most of the time, your low beams are bright enough in the city, where there are plenty of streetlights. Ho ... read more

Imagine heading out, read to start your day, and your car refuses to reverse out of the garage. The average person would probably freak out. You rely on reverse gear to back out of a parking space is something we do and rely on every day. If your car doesn't follow this command, then the problem is likely stemming from your transmission. The transmission is your vehicle's gear shifter. Modern transmissions are usually made up of five to six gear sets that power your vehicle. Not only does a malfunctioning reverse function prevent you from going places, but it could mean your vehicle is in need of a significant repair. Your first step should be to ensure your parking brake is not active. Before attempting to back up again, we suggest that you let your car idle to warm up the transmission fluid. If those methods don't work, remain calm. Your next step is to phone a tow truck and wait. These problems listed below may be behind your stubborn car:   Low or Contaminated T ... read more