It’s important that your vehicle in Tumwater receive regular engine maintenance so it will last longer. While performing regular oil changes and other general auto services is helpful, neglecting the maintenance your engine’s requirements will result in the need for extensive auto repair. Engine replacements and rebuilds are expensive and inconvenient, so attend to the following engine maintenance warning signs for your vehicle in Tumwater.

Abnormal Exhaust

Normal exhaust from your vehicle should be light and disappear quickly. If you find that your exhaust lingers or is a black or dark blue color, you may need engine maintenance. Improper ratios of fuel and oxygen can cause these exhaust issues. They should be handled by an auto technician immediately.

Uncommon Noises

Vehicles make noise all the time, but you can usually identify new or uncommon ones. Ticking, metal grinding, and tapping are all examples of sounds that indicate a need for engine maintenance. Your local auto repair shop can listen to your vehicle and determine the cause of the noises before extensive damage occurs. Continue Reading →

You may not be aware that your vehicle’s wheel alignment plays a key role in your driving safety in Lacey, Washington. Not only that, but improper wheel alignment can result in premature wear and tear for your suspension, as well as your vehicle’s tires. Your service representative may recommend a wheel alignment during a maintenance or auto repair visit, but how can you, as the driver, tell that you need one? These are a few factors that can indicate you need wheel alignment in Lacey.

1. It’s Been Awhile

Your vehicle’s wheel alignment is quite adjustable. Over time, these components will naturally begin to shift out of position. You should arrange for wheel alignments at least once a year, even under optimal driving conditions.

2. Aggressive Driving

Steering and suspension are both related to your wheel alignment. If you consistently take turns at high speeds, or engage in heavy stop-and-go driving, you need to arrange for a visit to your local auto repair shop in Lacey for a wheel alignment check. Continue Reading →

Springtime may be on the horizon, but the cold weather isn’t over yet! While it’s important that you take your vehicle to an auto technician for regular car maintenance year-round, winters can be particularly rough. There’s little that’s worse than an auto emergency during the middle of a snowstorm, in the freezing cold, with no auto service and repair center in sight. To avoid this scenario, take steps now to care for your vehicle. Here are several very important winter car maintenance tasks you should accomplish right away.

1. Check Your Lights

It’s not just colder during the winter; it’s darker too! You may find that your usually sunny morning and evening commute is consistently a nighttime drive. This is why it’s important to have your auto repair specialist check the lights as part of your winter car maintenance. Continue Reading →

Are you looking for a reliable auto shop in your area? If you’re having car trouble or need to take your vehicle in for a tune-up, it’s important to find an auto service and repair center you can trust. Not all auto technicians are made equal and you shouldn’t trust just anyone with your vehicle. Don’t take chances with your car; spend the time you need to find an auto shop you can depend on. But what makes a shop reliable? There are actually a number of key elements you should look for when selecting an auto shop.

1. Positive Reviews

Some of the first things you should take note of when looking for a reliable auto shop are previous customer reviews. These can often be found online. If not, however, it’s completely acceptable for you to call and request referrals. Continue Reading →

Are your car tires in good condition? Many car owners can’t say for sure. If you need help assessing them, head to your local auto service and repair center. A professional auto technician will be able to help. Additionally, did you know that there are several things you should do year round to ensure your tires function properly? Not only will you and your car be safer on the road, but your tires will last longer as well. Here are several car tire care tasks you should do regularly.

1. Examine Your Tires During Seasonal Changes

Temperature changes can impact your car tires. As the seasons changes, make sure you check your tire pressure. If it’s low, make sure you address this immediately to keep your car safer on the road. Continue Reading →

It’s easy to overlook small issues with your vehicle, especially when you’re busy with work and daily life activities. Postponing even minor general auto repair, however, can cause much larger issues down the road. If you know you need repairs, take your car to an auto technician right away. In some cases, though, it can be difficult to know if repairs are needed. Here are several signs it’s time to take your vehicle to an auto service and repair center as soon as possible.

1. Dashboard Warning Indicators

With so many warning lights, it can be hard to determine what they actually mean. If a warning light activates, get your car to an auto repair specialist right away. Continue Reading →

Everyone’s guilty of it every now and then; you get busy with work, the kids, or home improvement projects, so you accidently skip an oil change or two. To keep your vehicle running properly, you should have an auto technicianchange your oil once every 3000 miles driven. If you travel a lot, that may seem excessive. It will, however, keep your car on the road longer. Here are several reasons why you should regularly take your vehicle to an auto service and repair center for an oil change.

1. Your Engine Needs Oil to Stay Lubricated

Any auto repair specialist will tell you that a well-lubricated engine performs better and lasts longer. Regular oil changes ensure this incredibly important element functions properly. Without oil, engine parts can wear down.

2. Oiled Parts Resist Rusting Better

Finding rust on or inside your vehicle is never good. It can be extremely damaging. To avoid costly repairs and part replacements, you should have oil changes performed on a regular basis. Continue Reading →

Is your car’s check engine light on? There are a number of dashboard warnings that can cause concern and the engine light is definitely one of them. Unfortunately, there’s not a single reason your check engine light activates. There are actually over 100 possible causes. So it’s absolutely vital that you have your vehicle examined by a professional auto technician as soon as possible. To help better prepare you for your auto service and repairs appointment, here are some of the most common reasons your check engine light may be on.

1. Gas Cap

Before heading to see your local auto repair specialist, you should check your gas cap. Some check engine lights activate because the gas cap is either missing or damaged. While this isn’t as serious as some problems, it isn’t good for the environment. You should take care of right away. Continue Reading →

Car maintenance is always important, but taking proper care of your vehicle is imperative during the hot months of summer. Are you preparing for a big family road trip across the country or just commuting to work every day? Ensuring your car is functioning properly should be one of your top priorities. It’s important that you take your car in for any necessary auto service and repairs. To help ensure your vehicle continues running well, here are summer car maintenance tips.

1. Check Car Fluids

It’s important to have your local auto technician check your car fluids every summer. Liquid evaporates overtime and especially when exposed to heat. So you should always ask your auto specialist to top them off. Changing your oil change is also necessary. This will keep your engine better lubricated and decrease the chance of your car’s overheating. Continue Reading →

Whether you’ve recently been in a car accident, need auto repairs, or are simply seeking a tune-up, finding a reliable automotive and alignment center in your area can be daunting. With so many shops to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you and your vehicle. You shouldn’t entrust your vehicle to just anyone. Even seemingly minor adjustments, like wheel alignment, should be performed by a professionally certified auto technician. Here are a number of great tips to help ensure you find a highly qualified and reliable automotive and alignment center in your area.

1. Ask Family, Friends, and Neighbors

If you’re looking for a reliable automotive and alignment center, the first thing you should do is ask people you know if they have any recommendations. Family, friends, neighbors, and even co-workers can offer great insight, especially if they’ve lived in the area for a while. Take special note of any shops you hear mentioned more than once. Continue Reading →