Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.
Engine and Drivetrain Problems
Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at Automotive Specialists Inc..
Vibration While Driving
This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.
Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at Automotive Specialists Inc..
There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. Automotive Specialists Inc. has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.
What People Say About Us
I believe in keeping business in our community! This is the first time I needed auto repair and my vehicle left me highly concerned when it broke down. So highly pleased with all areas of Automotive Specialists that I will always return for all my needs. If your looking for quality, efficiency, and price, I HIGHLY recommend them for all your needs. I will refer anyone I know to them. I am also going to refer them to my neighbors for they too are looking for this kind of service.
My first visit due to my previous tech retiring and moving out of state. Auto Specialists inspected and got both our vehicles ready for winter in a VERY efficient and organized manner. These people are well organized, knowledgeable, and honest. Didn't try to pad the bill with unnecessary repairs or marketing practices. In fact, they found ways to save me costs while still doing top-notch work. I'm going to them from now on for all our vehicle maintenance and needs. I'm confident I'll have more high-rating reviews to share in the future.
I was driving from Kansas City to OKC, and had just had my brake pads replaced and rotors turned the day before. I pulled off for lunch and heard a terrible noise, apparently my caliper came loose. Luckily this place was less than a mile, so I limped it in. They were super friendly and helpful, even though they were short handed due to COVID. I was in and out in about 30 min even though they had other jobs. A++++
Above and beyond friendly service.
While my family was on a quick day trip out of town, our van broke down. We were able to locate the shop through AAA services. Mitch and his team were incredibly helpful and courteous. On what could have been a day being stranded away from home, we were in and out of there in just a couple hours. Our bill was even a pleasant surprise too! My family is very grateful and we appreciate all the help from Automotive Specialists of El Dorado. Our only regret is that we do not live closer to come back for all our vehicle maintenance.
Thanks again Mitch!
My daughter just moved in to her apartment at Butler Community College and she suddenly had driving issues with her SUV. She just happened to pull in to the parking lot on a Sunday early evening and even though they were closed, Mitch was there and helped her figure out the problem. He got it in for repair on Monday for a very reasonable price. I can't thank him enough for helping her out. I feel more confident now that if there are future issues while she is at school, he will be there to help!
