Mishawaka Auto Repair

“New Transmission or New Car” You get the news your transmission is bad. What next? Going forward, there are a few things to consider. You might just want to get a new car…let’s look at all the factors. You don’t want a large car payment. Will that transmission take care of all your problems? If that transmission is the major issue, once replaced. You’ll have a car, truck or SUV that drives like new again. If your vehicle is in poor shape, you might call it quits. What is the vehicle worth? Your car isn’t worth much with a bad transmission. Even if you traded it in, you will take a loss. If the car wouldn’t be worth much either way or the repair job costs more that the vehicle is worth. But if the body of the car is in good shape, replacing the transmission might be a good idea. Do you want to keep this vehicle? If knowing all the history and this has just been a reliable vehicle. If you need a second opinion because you just aren ... read more

       Your brake system is made of many components when working well,  your brakes seem to operate seamlessly. If one thing needs to be repaired, the whole system is compromised. Brake pads, rotors, hoses, calipers, and metal lines all play a part in stopping your car.      Our team is equipped to make sure all of those parts are in working order, so you can be safe on the road ahead.       It makes sense that brakes need to be serviced more often than other systems on your vehicle. If you think about it, it’s pretty incredible those 4 inch brake pads can stop the momentum of a ton of moving metal thousands of times with no issue. Given the amount of stress your brakes are under, when one component fails, it’ll lead to other failures if the issue isn’t addressed.      Bad pads lead to bad rotors, bad hoses lead to worn pads, etc...it’s much more cost effective to get a ... read more

 “When should I get another Car?” When you’ve got a problem with your vehicle’s engine, it could be any number of issues.  At Rick’s Auto Service, our expert Service Technicians will determine the problem. Explaining what needs to be done in clear terms. Allowing you to make an informed decision on how best to proceed.(to keep or to not keep your vehicle)  Our goal is keeping you and your family safe on the road. The key component in keeping your vehicle running well, is regular maintenance.   What are common engine problems? Overheating Check engine light is on(might just be loose gas cap) Low coolant Burnt out radiator. Clogged hoses or radiator Broken engine thermostat Loose or broken plugs Leaking coolant system Blown or cracked gasket   Conducting standard tune-ups are important (visual inspection of engine components, diagnostics, fuel pump, various filters, ignition module, emissions, tires, engine sensors, h ... read more

Mechanic Near Me Why is car maintenance important? Keeping up with the simple maintenance, will in the end pay off. Your vehicle will be less likely to serious problems in the future. Some simple things that even you can do:  check your tire pressure, checking other engine fluids.  if adventurous enough changing the oil. Some items that are considered regular maintenance: Checking your vehicles fluids: Oil, Transmission fluid, Radiator Fluid (ONLY CHECK WHEN COOL-BURNS WILL HAPPEN), Power Steering, Brake fluid, Air Conditioning operations, Getting your oil changed regularly. Checking tire pressure...not having the correct pressure can result in uneven wear or your tires wear quicker and loss of gas mileage. Here are some reasons as to why it is important: Saves you money. Your engine will run smoother It also affects all areas of your vehicle. Safety issue. Resale value. What would my schedule look like?  With an oil change at Ricks Au ... read more

  When to replace tires? Did you know that about 9%of vehicle crashes are tire related? This is a study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The only thing between you and the road are the four tires on your car. A very simple test you can do is with a penny! Put Lincolns Head down into the tread. If you see the top of the head of Lincoln. Your tires are in need of a change, try it in different areas of the tire. Does your vehicle track straight as an arrow? Are you drifting to the right or to the left? Is the air in your tires under or over inflated? Are there vibrations in your wheel (they are out of balance or bent-good ole potholes) or suspension is worn. Doesn’t mention in the vehicle manufactures guide. But if you are going straight as an arrow, no need for an alignment. Have it checked when you get the tires rotated. #tires #rotation #vibrations #drivability #safety

1. Dark puddles under my car. Always check to see if there are dark brown or yellow puddles where your car was sitting. (Pro-Tip: If you don’t have a dedicated parking space you can watch for spotting, lay down a piece of cardboard or a plastic plate underneath your vehicle when you park. (Pro-Tip: Keep a piece of cardboard or plastic to put under your car.) That way you can confirm the leak is coming from your car, not someone else’s.) If your oil pan has a leak, it will spill out directly onto the pavement. Oil leaks can cause issues with oil levels and pressure.   2. Smoke from the engine   3. The dashboard oil light is on   4. Engine overheating.   5. Smell of burning oil.     Keeping up on your vehicles maintenance, is the best way to keep up on any leaks. Your car’s manual will detail exactly how often this is. At Ricks Auto Service, every oil change service comes with a courtesy vehicle inspection. That can alert you to a ... read more

  Cars, Temperature and Pets. “Can a dog recover from Heat stroke?” Did you know that when the Temperature outside is 80 degrees that after 10 minutes the inside of your car is 89? If you leave your Pet in the car longer than 30 minutes it is 104 inside your car. Heat stroke is common in dogs, but rare in cats(please don’t leave any animal in your car). Heat Stroke can happen when your animal is in a small and confined environment, even with windows down, it is still hot in your vehicle.      Dogs with moderate heat stroke ( a body temperature of 104) can recover. Giving prompt first aid and veterinary care is crucial. When your dog’s body temperatures are over 106, that could be life-threatening. Your animal needs prompt medical care. Age of the animal can also be a factor of fatality for your dog

" What is routine maintenance on my car?" "How often should my vehicle be washed?" or does my vehicle really need to be washed regularly?  Keeping your car looking sharp. It also helps with the resale value. General Maintenance. I know I am always talking about maintenance, but it also allows you to fine any thing that might be loose and fix it (headlights, mirrors antennas etc). Outside finish. Dirt dulls the finish, check out older models, the clear finish is worn off. Keeping the car clean protects the car from possible rust. Outside elements: moisture/dust/dirt/ rude birds which their poo is highly acidic which can eat away the clear coat and paint. Washing is the only way to remove road salt. Salt is more corrosive then dirt or bugs. The salt if not removed accelerates rust on the frame of your vehicle. Impacts visibility. Even a layer can impact how ... read more

As the winter months are still with us, Let’s talk about a filter that can be overlooked. The Cabin Filter is the filter responsible for the filtering of air in your vehicles air conditioning and heating systems. As the transition from heat to cool takes place and pollen, dust and other foreign matter in the air gets into your vehicle. Those of us who suffer from allergies, changing the filter regularly is a must. #cabinfilter #Pollen #breathing #RicksAutoService #airconditioning

What function does a timing  belt play? The timing belt connects the camshaft to the crankshaft and keeps the engine valves opening and closing in time with the movement of the pistons….Ok stop right there what is a cam- shaft/crankshaft and pistons…I asked A camshaft—this may still be Greek to you and me so here goes!!! The #camshaft is critical to the basic function of an #engine.  It has two distinct parts: the #cams  and the #shaft, the camshaft is the element that enables #valves to open. As the shaft rotates, the egg-shaped cams (or “lobes”) push the valves open in sync with the crankshaft gear. A Crankshaft is a shaft which transmits the power developed by the engine to various parts of the vehicle. As one website put it: the major link between the input and output of the vehic ... read more