Posted on 6/20/2019
Having the oil changed is one of those things we often do for our cars without thinking about too much. But if you were to check out the oil shelf at your local mechanic or auto parts store, it may make you dizzy how many options there are. It's important to note how your vehicle runs after receiving an oil change to ensure that the technician didn't fill you up with oil that isn't providing proper protection. If you notice any of these symptoms of wrong oil in your car be sure to get to a reputable mechanic for proper diagnostics and repairs. Hard Starting While particularly true in cold temperatures, the wrong oil can make it hard to start your vehicle in all types of weather. This is due to the wrong viscosity causing the oil to be too thick to correctly lubricate moving parts, which results in excessive friction and resistance while trying to start the vehicle. Oil Leaks The incorrect oil can result in sudden oil leaks because of how different oil types flow through ... read more
Posted on 6/2/2019
All cars and trucks require routine auto maintenance to remain safe and reliable. Unfortunately, many of these services get overlooked until well past the date they should have been completed in the first place. Scheduled services help prevent breakdowns and other car troubles, so always be sure to provide your car with the services it needs, which is more than oil changes. The types of service required by your particular vehicle may vary by model, but it's necessary service schedule can be found in the owner's manual. Here are 5 often overlooked auto maintenance services most vehicles require to remain safe and reliable. Differential Service Particularly true for vehicles used for towing or hauling big loads, differential service ensures the gears and bearings in the differential don't suffer excessive wear and tear. This service entails draining the existing fluid and replacing it with fresh gear lube. Coolant Flush Nearly half of all engine failures are caused by cooling system rel ... read more
Posted on 5/30/2019
Alignment services are very important for vehicles as they ensure there is not tire wear that occurs exceedingly quick and alignments help maintain easy control of the vehicle. A car that is misaligned, which can occur due to an accident or hitting a curb or pothole, can be very difficult to keep moving in a straight line. A misalignment will cause one or more of the following issues to happen. If you run into any of these problems be sure to head to your local auto repair shop for a wheel alignment to return your car to a safe drivable condition. Hard Pulling Pulling is the term given when a vehicle tries to move left or right without any direction from the driver. There are two types, the first of which is hard pulling. This means you have to physically fight the steering wheel to keep the car moving straight. Soft Pulling The other type of pulling, soft pulling, is very subtle. If you have a loose grip on the steering wheel you may notice your vehicle begin to drift ... read more
Posted on 5/21/2019
Car trouble can be experienced in a variety of forms, and many times drivers are unsure if there is actually a problem on board or if they're just noticing something that is temporary or haven't paid attention to before. While not every odd occurrence that happens while driving will make you want to head for the auto shop there are some car issues that will likely make you ask yourself "Should I call the auto shop if..." My car is leaking fluid? Nothing should ever be dripping from your vehicle so be sure to contact your local auto shop if you notice a leak. The most common types of automotive fluid leaks include oil leaks, coolant leaks, brake fluid leaks, power steering fluid leaks and transmission fluid leaks. My car is making a strange noise? A consistent sound that suddenly arises in your car should usually be checked out by your local auto mechanic. A few common examples of car troubles that are diagnosed by sound include low brake pads, which resulting in a squea ... read more
Posted on 4/28/2019
So you've spotted something a small puddle under your car and it certainly isn't rain water. The little drip, drip, drip that's creating it may not seem like a big issue upon first glance, but you're going to want to do a double take. Chances are that little leak can lead to big trouble if not taken care of. Your car uses a variety of specialized fluids to operate and should they fall below their required levels numerous issues with safety and reliability can arise. Let's look at five common types of automotive fluid leaks to see what happens if they go unrepaired. Coolant Leak Your car's cooling system uses coolant, also known as antifreeze, to reduce the engine operating temperature. A coolant leak will surely lead to overheating which can result in a need for major engine repairs. Transmission Fluid Leak If you spot a reddish fluid leaking underneath the forward half of your car it is likely transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is hydraulic liquid designed to help shift gears, co ... read more
Posted on 4/6/2019
We rely on cars and trucks day in and day out to get us where we want to be, or more often, where we need to be (cough, cough, the office). Since it is so simple to jump in the driver's seat and go we often don't stop and consider what the car is comprised of or what it is capable of doing for us. The next time you're ready to go, think about these incredible facts about cars and you'll be thanking your car for all of the hard work it puts in for you! 50 - The number of organic compounds that make up that "new car smell."95 - The average vehicle spends 95 percent of its life parked.8 - In 1896 the first speeding ticket was issued to a driver traveling at 8 miles per hour in a 2 miles per hour zone.18 - The percent of American drivers capable of driving a manual transmission.6 - The number of months it would take to drive to the moon at 60 miles per hour.267 - The fastest production car ... read more
Posted on 3/30/2019
So you just turn the key or push the button, right? Not so fast. While it may seem easy to get your vehicle's engine up and running a complex series of events must occur. Understanding your car's starting system can help you figure out what may be going wrong if your car fails to start. The primary parts that must work together in order to get your engine spinning, which will allow it to suck in air and fuel and run on its own, include the battery, ignition switch, starter relay, battery cables and the starter motor. Here's what they do to get you moving. Battery The battery is what stores electrical power that is needed to get the other components of your vehicle moving. This power is created by the alternator, which also powers other components of the vehicle when the motor is running. If your battery dies your car won't be going anywhere. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is activated when the key is inserted into the ignition. The ignition switch has multiple positions, but turn ... read more
Posted on 3/8/2019
Let's face it, the engine is the heart of your car, and you wouldn't ignore your own heart if it was giving you trouble, would you? No! Keeping your heart pumping smoothly keeps you alive, which is why it is crucial to provide your car's engine with the love and attention it needs to keep beating mile after mile. While routine maintenance is the primary way to keep things running right, there may be times when you encounter issues you're unfamiliar with. By paying attention to how your engine is performing you can keep often tell if something is amiss. If you notice any of these signs of major engine trouble be sure to contact your favorite mechanic right away for proper diagnostics and repairs. Knocking Noises A knocking sound coming from under the hood often indicates worn engine bearings. These bearings are what support the motion of the engine's moving parts and should they seize due to wear or a lack of lubrication, the engine could fail completely. Always let a train ... read more
Posted on 2/27/2019
When it comes to getting auto repair it is important to research the characteristics of a shop to ensure that you're going to get great service. It is unfortunate, yet true, that there is a stigma that surrounds the auto repair industry that has to do with unnecessary upselling, erratic pricing and other issues. To avoid this and to ensure that the correct repairs needed by your vehicle are completed correctly seek out an auto shop that holds the following traits, such as Strande's Garage in Denton, TX, that way you can rest easy knowing your car or truck is in good hands. Years of Business Always use a shop that has been operating for numerous decades. The simple reason for this is that it shows they have become a reputable business in their community that is trusted by people in need of auto repair services. Strande's has been helping drivers since 1962! ASE Certified Technicians The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a national organization ... read more
Posted on 2/21/2019
March is upon on, which means the weather is getting warmer and summer is just a few months away. Now is the time families across the country start planning their route for that good ole American tradition -- the road trip. Summer is the perfect time for a road trip as the kids are often on break from school, the weather is warm and the water cool. As you prepare to head out this summer be sure to take your car's needs into consideration so you don't end up stuck on the side of the road or spending too much time at the gas station. Here's our tips on prepping your car for a road trip, and be sure to contact us before you head out for any of the following! Fluid Checks & Oil Change Your car uses a number of fluids to operate, including coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid and engine oil. If any are due for a flush do it now, and top off fluid levels as needed. If your trip is a long one, it's best to change the oil before you hit the highway. Wipers Summer ... read more