Easy Ways to Keep your Transmission Healthy
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Common Automotive Repair Questions and Answers
Below is a list of answers to the most common questions that our customers ask us about automotive repair. Everyone runs into car trouble from time to time. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with regular maintenance and be aware of how your car functions from day to day. Our professional advice will keep your car running smoothly so you can relax on the road.
Automotive Repair Q&A
Q: How often does a car need to be serviced?
A: Most factory-scheduled maintenance is prescribed at certain mileage milestones including 15K, 30K, 45K, 60K, 75K and 90K miles. Major automotive maintenance occurs at 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 90,000 miles, and so on. Between services, parts of your car may still wear out and require replacement or maintenance. It’s important to periodically check your brakes, tires, transmission fluid, battery, oil, and oil filter.
Q: What causes my engine to overheat?
A: If your engine is overheating, your dashboard light should turn on and there will likely be smoke coming from the hood of your car. Pull over immediately if this occurs while you are driving, then open up the windows and turn on the heat! This helps pull the heat out of the engine. There are several causes of an engine overheating. The most common culprits are cooling system leaks, radiator issues, broken water pumps, and blocked hoses from mineral buildup or general wear. Regular maintenance checks can help catch such problems before they cause your engine to overheat.
Q: How can I keep my car in good condition?
A: That’s easy! Follow your vehicle’s service manual requirements for regular maintenance checks. A car that is properly serviced and cared for will function smoothly and last for a long time!
Q: Why does my check engine light come on?
A: The check engine light might switch on for many reasons, but it’s not always because there’s a direct problem with your engine. Sometimes, improperly closing the gas cap can mess with the pressure in the fuel-delivery system and trigger the check engine warning. First, try aligning the gas cap correctly and closing it tightly. If the light is still on, it may indicate a more serious problem that a mechanic will best be able to diagnose.
Q: How often should I have my oil changed?
We recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. If you use synthetic oils, you will require a change every 10,000-15,000 miles or once a year, whichever milestone comes first. The owner’s manual of your car will also have an oil change guide based on how many miles you drive.
If you have a question that didn’t appear on this list, get in touch with us! Lafayette German Car Repair is here to help.
Give Us a Call for Automotive Repair
If you’re in need of professional automotive maintenance or repair, you can rely on us. Contact Lafayette German Car Repair by calling (925) 2284-3390. We offer great deals, excellent service, and long-lasting results!
6 Signs Your Auto Transmission Needs Repair
Your auto transmission is a complicated machine within itself. It senses when you accelerate and immediately changes to the right gear. But what happens if your vehicle transmission begins to fail while you’re driving? Here are some warning signs to watch out for so you’ll have time to schedule an automotive repair before it’s too late.
1) Check Engine Light
If your check engine light comes on, it could be a number of issues, including your auto transmission. The best thing to do is have it taken care of right away. Of course, the check engine light can indicate minor concerns, but there’s no way to know without taking your vehicle in for automotive maintenance. For your peace of mind and safety, be sure to have a skilled professional troubleshoot that check engine light.
2) Shifting Feels Rough
Grinding or shaking is a sign that your vehicle transmission needs some TLC. A sudden jump or hard shift when the gears change is also a serious warning sign you should have checked out right away. This isn’t the kind of automotive repair you can put off for later.
3) Slipping Between Gears
Have you ever felt that your car just isn’t responding well when you speed up or slow down? This is when gears shift. It’s dangerous for gears to slip, especially on the freeway when you’re driving at faster speeds. This is one of the more obvious signs that your vehicle transmission is failing rapidly.
4) Fluid Leaking Under the Car
Have you begun to notice fluid leaking under your car? You might not notice this right away, but leaking transmission fluid is red and has a sweet smell. If you spot little drips like this you really should have your auto transmission looked at as soon as possible.
5) A Burning Smell
Strange smells that come from your car can mean more than once thing. When you smell anything burning while you’re driving, it can mean that your auto transmission is getting too hot. It’s also sometimes an indication that transmission fluid is burning and needs to be replaced.
6) Strange Noises
Do you hear humming or clunking when you drive, especially when your car is in neutral? Unusual sounds are a strong sign that you need an automotive repair. If any weird noises happen while you’re driving, it’s time to schedule a car service ASAP.
Auto Transmission Repairs
If you’ve noticed any of these troubling signs, be sure to bring your vehicle in for a professional inspection. At Lafayette German Car Repair, we want to save you money. Check out our specials by clicking this link, or give us a call at (925) 284-3390.
Major Car Repair: Out-of-Pocket Payment or Insurance?
Auto insurance is specifically designed to help absorb the risk of driving, and to protect you from having to pay for everything out of pocket if a major car repair is necessary. In some cases, it’s more than obvious you’ll need to file an insurance claim. But when you make that decision, your monthly premium is going to be higher. If your car experiences major damage, you may be wondering if you should pay on your own for the repair or submit a claim.
There is no black and white answer to this question because, honestly, there are a lot of things you need to take into consideration before you make a final decision. In this article, we’ll do our best to help you with the choice by presenting the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Things to Consider
When you’re involved in a car accident and your car is damaged, it’s best to consider some things before instantly filing an insurance claim. Why? Because every situation is different, and you don’t need to immediately decide whether to pay out of pocket or submit a claim.
When to File an Insurance Claim
If the car accident involves other vehicles or other people, it is always wise to file a claim. Even if there is minimal damage or everyone seems unhurt, it is best to notify your insurance. Here’s why… When an accident first occurs, you simply don’t have all the facts about the damage in that moment. So, while it may not look bad at first glance, there could be a hidden car problem that shows up over time. Or, maybe you feel fine because of the rush of adrenaline, but develop a stiff neck later.
When to Pay Out of Pocket
If you experience minor damage from a single-vehicle accident, it may be in your best interest to pay for car repairs out of pocket to avoid raising your monthly insurance premium. Of course, this won’t be the case if a major car repair is obviously going to be needed.
Need a Major Car Repair?
When your car is in a wreck, the biggest priority is certainly getting it repaired, but it’s not always easy to decide if you should pay out of pocket or file a claim with your insurance company. Our ASE certified technicians can help you make that choice by accessing your car. Contact us today at (925) 284-3390, or request an appointment online by clicking here.
