Category: Blog

Common Muffler and Exhaust Problems

Exhaust Repair in RosevilleIs there a deep or loud rumbling sound coming from underneath or the back of your vehicle? If so, you likely have an issue with your muffler or your exhaust system. If the byproducts of burning gasoline can’t escape the fuel system, you’re going to notice a dip in your miles per gallon, and bigger problems can arise if left untreated. Today, we’re going to look at some signs of exhaust problems, and how to fix them.

Car Exhaust Issues

As we mentioned above, one sign of a problem with your exhaust is a noticeable drop in MPG. This could also be a sign of another issue, like a clogged fuel line or improperly inflated tires, but your car won’t get the same gas mileage if it can’t correctly get rid of emissions. Three other ways to check for an exhaust issue involve using your ears, fingers and nose.

  • Loud, Rattling Sound: If your car is making more noise than normal, you’re probably dealing with a damaged muffler. Police can ticket you for disturbing the peace if your broken muffler is causing a lot of noise, so don’t just deal with the noise, get it fixed.
  • Vibrations: Weird vibrations in the steering wheel or when you press the gas pedal are another sign of an exhaust problem. A vibrating car can make it difficult to control the vehicle, so the problem shouldn’t be ignored.
  • Bad Smell:  As we mentioned in a previous blog post, there are several different smells that signal something is wrong with your vehicle, and same goes for your exhaust system. That foul odor could be caused by carbon monoxide, and if it’s leaking into your cabin, it can be fatal. Any prolonged smell should be an immediate red flag.

Fixing Exhaust Issues

The biggest hurdle of fixing your own exhaust problem is that there are so many different issues that could be causing it. Most of the time it’s either a clog or a leak that’s causing the issue, and it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. And even if you do locate the source of trouble, unless you’re well versed with a welder’s torch, you might not even be comfortable tackling the issue on your own.

In all, exhaust issues are typically best handled by trained mechanics. They have the tools to pinpoint the problem, and unless it’s an issue with your catalytic converter, most times the repair work isn’t going to be too expensive. Now, if you ignore the problem until your car breaks down, your bill will likely be much higher. As we always preach on the blog, taking care of small problems are the best way to avoid a huge repair bill down the road.

If you notice a weird smell coming from your car, or it’s loud and vibrating, contact a certified auto body shop today.

The Benefits of an Engine Flush

Engine FlushYour engine is the lifeblood of your vehicle, so it makes sense that you should take extra care of it. Considering all the tasks your engine is asked to preform, it’s no surprise that junk and debris can build up over time in your engine system. One way to get rid of that excess build up is to preform an engine flush. Today, we look at the engine flush and why it is beneficial for your car.

Flush Your Engine

Before we explain the benefits of flushing your engine, we’ll explain how the process works.

When you bring your car in for an engine flush, the mechanic will begin by draining your oil and pouring some chemicals into your engine. He’ll then start your car and let it idle for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the cleaning product to reach everywhere that oil would normally reach. Once the mechanic is satisfied that the cleaning agent has done its job, he’ll turn off your car and drain the chemicals. He’ll then pour the new oil back in your vehicle, and you’ll be all set.

Here are a few benefits of a full engine flush:

Remove Buildup – Stop and go driving takes a toll on your engine, and this type of driving can cause particle buildup inside your engine. These deposits inhibit normal oil flow, and can cause problems with your engine and other systems. The engine flush will help remove these particles.

Helps Keep Oil Clean – If you flush your engine, the oil you put in it right afterwards is going to go into a freshly cleaned compartment. This will obviously help keep the oil fresh and your engine running cleaner for longer periods.

Get The Small Stuff – Your oil filter is designed to sift out some troublesome particles. The filter removes particles bigger than 1/1,000th of an inch, but smaller particles exist in the engine component, and they too can cause problems. Flushing your engine can remove these microscopic particles that were missed by the oil filter.

Clean Engine Components – If the buildup in your engine gets too bad, other parts of your engine can get gummed up. The engine flush removes junk in all parts of the engine, which helps it run better as a collective unit. This can help your car’s power and fuel efficiency.

It should be noted, though, that some newer engines are designed in such a way that owners don’t need regular engine flushes. Consult your owner’s manual or do an online search if you are unsure if your newer model could benefit from an engine flush.

What is Leaking From My Car?

Car LeakingTo a car owner, there are few worse feelings than noticing a puddle of liquid underneath your car. Obviously something in your car is leaking, but just how big of a concern is the dripping fluid? Today, we take a look at some of the more common leaks that occur in your vehicle.

Common Car Leaks

Looking at the color of the puddle is one of the easiest ways to determine what’s leaking from your vehicle. Here are a couple of colors to look for.

Yellowish/Green – This is an indicator of a problem with your coolant or antifreeze. If your car can’t adequately stay cool, it could lead to major car problems down the road. This liquid could also be pink in color.

Light Brown/Black – This is a sign of an oil leak, and it may be coming from a variety of different places. It could be a sign of problems with your oil gasket, oil filter, oil coolant line or with your oil pressure.

Reddish Brown and Thin – This is a sign of a leak in your power steering, and time is your biggest enemy against a power steering leak. As cars age, you could spring a leak in your O-rings and seals. Simply replacing these seals can solve this problem.

Reddish Brown and Thick – A thick reddish stain is an indication that there’s a leak in your transmission. This is another issue that can cause serious problems if left untreated, so call a mechanic right away if you see a thick reddish substance under your vehicle.

Clear/Gray/Brown – This likely means their is a problem with your brake fluid, and can inhibit your ability to stop. Again, address this issue immediately.

Clear – A clear leak could also indicate that water is dripping from the radiator. If you just got back from a drive and you were running the air conditioner, the water could just be condensation from your radiator. If there’s a significant leak and you weren’t running your AC, you’ll want to swing into a mechanic.

Get Your Children Interested in Caring For Their Car

Kids Car RepairTaking care of your car can be a great hobby – after all, we love taking care of cars so much that we opened our own repair shop! It’s also a great hobby to share with your children. Not only is it practical, but it can be fun and rewarding as well. Today, we explain some ways you can help get your child interested in car care and repair.

Your Kid and Your Car

Start With The Basics – No matter how versed you are in car repair, the first thing you’ll want to do is show your kid the basic inner-workings of the vehicle. Point out the key parts underneath the hood, from the spark plugs to the engine and battery. If possible, do this on multiple vehicles, as the equipment won’t always be in the same place. Once you’ve looked under the hood of a few vehicles, ask your son or daughter to identify some common parts. They’ll enjoy correctly naming the parts and their functions.

Simple Maintenance – The next step in getting your children interested in car care is having them help you complete simple maintenance tasks. In fact, if you have a teenager who will be driving soon, you can even make it a requirement that they learn how to service some aspects of the car before they take their temps test. Start them off real easy by having them show you how to refill your car’s windshield wiper fluid. If they have any questions, have them reference your car’s owner’s manual.

Hands-On Maintenance – Once they’ve mastered that simple task, it’s time to move on to bigger maintenance tasks that will be very helpful down the road. There are three specific tasks that every car owner should know:

Walk them through each process. Show them how to do it, and then ask them to complete the task on their own. These are great maintenance tips to know, as they can get you out of a difficult situation, and they can save you money.

Explain Car Problems – Lastly, since you’re not going to be able to fix every issue with your car on your own, bring your child with you to the auto center when you need to have work done. They probably won’t be able to watch the service be preformed, but the mechanic can help explain what was causing the issue. This will help your child learn what is causing a certain problem at an early age. Warning signs and sounds will become more familiar, and your child will have a better idea of how to handle future issues because of the knowledge they gained at an early age.

Car repair is a great skill to know, so start teaching your kid at an early age. They’ll thank you for it down the road!

What Is Causing My Car To Smell Bad?

Car SmellMost people love the smell of a new car, but it doesn’t take long for that smell to fade. Nowadays, your car probably smells like old socks or stale cheetos, but today, we’re going to take a look at some car smells that signal there’s a problem with your car. Here are some common smells that indicate you should bring your car into a mechanic.

What’s That Smell?

A Sweet, Sugary Smell – Does your car smell like maple syrup after a few minutes or after you’ve turned the engine off? You might enjoy the smell, but odds are you’re leaking ethylene glycol. Generally the leak is located in the radiator or heater hose, but an issue with the intake manifold or cylinder head could also be causing the problem. If you can find the leak, you might be able to patch it on your own, otherwise you’ll be wise to bring it into the shop.

Smells Like Teen Socks – If your car smells like gym socks, but your car is clean, odds are the smell is coming from inside your AC system. Mold or mildew could be causing the ugly stentch, and you can try to air out the system by running the heat for a while, but odds are that’s only a short term fix. A mechanic should be able to clean out the system and rid your car of the locker room smell.

Rotten Eggs or Worse – Gym socks stink, but if the smell is rancid, or if it smells like rotten eggs, there are a few things that could be wrong with your car. Gear lube, which contains sulfur compounds, could be leaking, or you may be smelling hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust. If your catalytic converter isn’t working properly, the trace amounts of sulfur in your gasoline may not be turning into sulfur dioxide like they should. A catalytic converter isn’t something you should replace on your own, so give your local body shop a call.

Gasoline – If your car smells like gasoline, and you didn’t just spill a few drops on your jeans at the pump, you’re probably leaking gasoline from somewhere. Good places to check are your fuel injection line and your vent hose. If you know what you’re doing, you may be able to patch this leak on your own.

A Burnt Smell – If your car has a burnt smell to it, but it’s not emitting smoke, you probably have a problem with your brakes. The smell could be coming from worn brake pads or rotors, or a seized up brake caliber piston. Or, the problem could be even simpler – you may have left the parking brake engaged.

If you smell a funky smell inside your car or under your hood, give the mechanics at Affordable Auto Service a call today!

Common Reasons Your Car Overheats

Overheating EngineSummer is here, and that means the temperatures are on the rise, but hopefully the same isn’t said for your vehicle. An overheating car is a sign that something is wrong, and you can be in line for major repairs if you ignore the issue. Today, we look at some common reasons why you car overheats, and how you can fix the problem before it turns into a major bill.

Overheating Engine

Although there can be many different causes of an overheating issue, the reason your engine is overheating is because something inside the cooling system is preventing the absorption, transportation or release of heat. Here are some reasons why heat isn’t leaving your engine compartment:

Leak in the Cooling System – This is one of the main causes of engine overheating. If you get a leak in your radiator, water pump, hoses, head gasket or thermostat housing, your engine isn’t going to be able to cool properly. If you can find the leak, you may be able to seal it on your own, but you’ll probably benefit from bringing your car into a mechanic.

Coolant Issues – You can have problems with your coolant even if there isn’t a leak in the system. If you put the wrong coolant in your car, or if the coolant-to-water ratio is off, your engine my have problems staying cool. Try flushing the system and adding the proper mix as recommended by your owner’s manual.

Blocked Hoses  – If there’s no leak and the coolant has been installed properly, the next thing you’ll want to check is your coolant hose. Sometimes dirt or road sediment can get into your coolant department and block the flow of fluid through your hoses. Flushing the system and refilling your coolant tank is once again the preferred course of action.

Radiator Problems  – Another common cause of engine overheating is a problem with your radiator. Leaks, clogs or problems with the radiator fan all mean that heat can’t properly escape your vehicle, which will cause the temperature to rise. A mechanic will be able to diagnose exactly what’s wrong with your radiator and what needs to be done to correct the problem.

Broken Water Pump – The water pump, as the name implies, helps pump and propel engine coolant throughout your cooling system. Any issue associated with the water pump can lead to an overheating engine. Common water pump problems include leaks, shifting of the pump shaft, or eroded impeller vanes.

If you notice your car is overheating, turn the heat on in your car, as this will help move hot air out of the engine compartment, and bring it into a trusty mechanic right away. Ignoring the problem can cause your engine system to fail, which can mean thousands of dollars in repairs!

Why Is My Car Shaking?

Car ShakingIf your car is vibrating or shaking while driving, you’re not alone. Thousands of people deal with this issue on a daily basis. The shaking could be caused by numerous different issues, but luckily, a good mechanic pretty easily diagnose what’s causing your car to vibrate. Today we take a look at some reasons why your car is shaking.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Here are some of the more common reasons your car is shaking or vibrating:

1. Bent Axle – It doesn’t take a lot to bend one of your axles, and even the slightest bend can lead to shaking, especially at high speeds. If you got into a minor accident, hit a curb or strike a pothole, you may have bent an axle. These can be straightened or replaced rather easily by an experienced mechanic.

2. Brake Issues – If the shaking occurs while braking, you likely have an issue with your brake pads or rotors. The rotor helps your car slow down and stop, but it wears down over time due to repeated friction. Rotors with significant wear will cause vibrations when braking.

3. Wheel Problems – A wobbly wheel or loose tire can also cause your car to shake. This can occur if your improperly attempt to rotate your tires. If they aren’t secured properly, your car will shake, and you’ll want to pull over quickly as it can lead to an accident. If your tire is secured properly, it might be an issue with your wheel bearings. These bearings are designed to last for the life of your vehicle, but if you’ve driven your car for a long time, it’s possible that they’ve worn out.

4. Shocks or Struts – Worn or damaged shocks and struts can make tiny bumps in the road feel like huge holes. Drivers with worn shocks report a shaking or bouncing sensation while driving. Again, this problem can be easily diagnosed and fixed by a mechanic rather cheaply.

5. Ball Joints – Your ball joints play a pivotal role in your suspension and in steering. The ball joint acts as a pivot between your wheel and your suspension. Over time, these can wear down and cause problems with your steering and suspension, which in turn causes the car to shake.

If you are experiencing shaking while idling or driving, you should visit a trusted auto body shop. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and fix it before it turns into a larger issue.

5 Common Steering Problems

Steering WheelWe don’t need to tell you how important it is to be able to steer freely while you’re driving. If you are having difficulty steering, or your hear troubling noises while turning, you’ll want to find a safe place to park and address the issue. Attempting to drive with the problem can lead to accident and injury.

There are numerous reasons why your steering may be inhibited. Today, we look at five common causes of steering problems, and we discuss how you can fix the issue.

1. Low Power Steering Level – Just like the rest of your car’s fluids, your power steering fluid needs to be at the appropriate level for your car to run optimally. If you notice that it’s difficult to steer your car, the first thing you should check is your power steering level.

2. Power Steering Leak – This problem goes hand in hand with the above issue, as the biggest culprit of low power steering levels is a leak. Unlike oil, power steering levels aren’t always the same color. Power steering fluid typically comes in one of three colors, clear, red or pink, so if you notice a puddle of those shades underneath your car, check your power steering fluid levels.

3. Damaged Steering Rack Mount – If your steering wheel starts to feel uncontrollable, you might have an issue with your steering rack mount. Steering rack mounts are something you can fix on your own if you know what you’re doing, but they are best serviced by a certified mechanic. If you’re unsure, err on the safe side and bring you car into the shop.

4. Damaged Power Steering Belt – Your power steering belt drives the power steering hydraulic-fluid pump, which is turned by a pulley on the crankshaft. If the belt gets slack or wears down, the steering wheel may start to feel heavy or jerky. Typically the issue can be fixed by tightening the slack belt, or by replacing it altogether.

5. Bad Strut Bearings – If your wheel begins to wander or stray while you a driving, you might have a problem with your strut bearing or tie rods. This could be caused by a broken steering rack, so this is another issue your mechanic may inspect if you suspect your car’s wheel is damaged.

5 Common Reasons Cars Break Down

Car BreakdownsAlthough they may vary greatly in look, the majority of cars are pretty similar when you look at what makes up the actual vehicle. Because of this, most cars are affected by a lot of the same issues. Today, we take a look at five of the most common reasons your car breaks down.

1. Bad Battery – Batteries aren’t typically an issue during the warm summer months, but most Minnesotans have had troubles with their car’s battery at one point or another during the freezing winter months, especially if you have to park on the street. If your car won’t start, it may be a battery issue. Check out this post for more information on bad batteries.

2. Belt Blues – Belts are the muscles of your car, as they make the internal components move. Damaged or broken belts are akin to tearing your hamstring – it really hampers your ability to move normally. Unlike muscles, belts won’t get better with rest. Like a lot of mechanical issues, it is much preferred to prevent a broken serpentine belt than fix a broken one, especially since a broken belt can cause major engine issues.

3. Broken Brakes – Although you’ll still be able to drive with bad brakes, as you can imagine, it’s not recommended. Extremely worn brake pads or rotors can make it nearly impossible to stop, which can lead to injury and damage to property. If you hear squealing, rattling, shaking or have problems while braking, take your car into a repair shop immediately.

4. Shot Starter – If you put the key in your car, turn it and hear nothing (or a clicking sound), you may have a problem with your starter. If this happens, try to turn on your car’s interior lights or headlights, as it could be an issue with your battery. If your lights turn on, you know your battery is in good shape, and it’s likely a problem with the starter or relay.

5. Overworked Engine – If your car’s temperature gauge shoots up into the red, your engine may be at risk for overheating. If this happens, turn off the air conditioner and blast your heat. This will help move hot air away from the engine. Once you’re home, check your radiator to ensure it’s full of coolant. If your radiator or engine overheats and breaks down, you’ll have a hefty repair bill on your hands. Keep an eye on your engine’s health.

Why Is My Car’s Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?

Car Air ConditionerThe summer solstice is right around the corner, and that means temperatures will be creeping up into the 90s. If you haven’t already, it’s nearly time to turn your car’s system from winter heating to cold air conditioning for the summer.

Air conditioning is one of life’s great luxuries that can turn a drive into a miserable car ride if it’s not working properly. If your car’s air conditioning isn’t working, or the system is blowing warm/hot air when you try to turn down the temperature, you have a problem. Today we look at what might be causing those issues.

Car Won’t Get Cold

Here are a couple reasons why you might be having problems with your car’s cooling system:

Recharge Your System – The simplest fix is that your AC system simply needs to be recharged. You can recharge your system with a handful of helpful products. These products typically cost between $20-$35, so it’s a relativity cheap option to pursue if you want to try and fix the issue on your own. If it doesn’t work, you may have a leak.

Freon Leak – Freon is the chemical component that keeps your car cool. If there’s a leak in your system, your freon will eventually run out. There are a couple of products out there that allow the driver to refuel their freon levels on their own, but if your car’s cool air fades over a few days or weeks, you likely have a leak and will need to have it serviced by a mechanic.

Blend Door Issues – As we mentioned above, now is the time to turn your system from heat to cool. If your car is still blowing out hot air, you likely have an issue with your blend door. Your blend air door draws in cold car when you change the vent system from hot to cold, so if it’s still kicking out warm air, the system may be drawing in heat from the engine and blowing it out. This is a job that is best preformed by a qualified mechanic.