Mishawaka Auto Repair

What does Brake Shoes do? Brake Shoes are a component of Drum Brake Systems, specifically designed to slow or stop your car when the brakes are activated. They are typically curved and lined with friction materials that work together with the drums to provide braking force when the Brake Pedal is applied. The brake shoes press against a rotating brake drum, producing the required friction that consequently slows down or stops the car. How Do They Work? When you press the Brake Pedal, Hydraulic Fluid runs into the Brake Wheel Cylinder, which subsequently forces a brake shoe against the inner surface of the drum brake, slowing down the vehicle. The amount of friction between the brake shoe and the drum generates momentum, which causes the wheel to chalk in motion, slowing down the car. The brake shoes expand and contract due to the hydraulic pressure, providing the necessary braking power. How to Maintain Brake Shoes Like any other component of your car's braking system, the bra ... read more

Have you ever been driving down the road when suddenly your car completely shuts off and refuses to turn back on? When faced with a No-Start issue, you might assume the problem lies in your Battery or Starter. However, one often overlooked culprit could be the Serpentine Belt. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers of a bad serpentine belt, how to tell if it’s in need of replacement, and how it plays a crucial role in getting your car started. What is a Serpentine Belt?   Your car’s Serpentine Belt is responsible for driving multiple components of your Engine, including the Alternator, Power Steering Pump, and air conditioning compressor, to name a few. A serpentine belt is a long continuous belt that snakes around various pulleys. It’s made of durable rubber and has ribs on the underside that improve grip. When the Engine is running, the Serpentine Belt works hard, turning and providing power to all those important components ... read more

How do I know a Transmission is bad? Here are some of the signs that your Transmission may be bad:   Slipping Gears. This is when the Gears in your Transmission don't engage properly, and the car feels like it's slipping or hesitating when you accelerate. Rough shifting. This is when the gears in your transmission shift roughly or jerkily. Leaking Transmission Fluid. This is a sign that there is a problem with the Seals or Gaskets in your transmission.    Burning smell. This is a sign that the transmission is overheating. Check engine light. The Check Engine Light, may come on for a bad Transmission, get it checked out. A bad Transmission can cause serious damage to your car, and it's important to get it repaired before it's too late.   Here are some additional symptoms of a bad Transmission:   Noisy Transmission. A bad Transmission may make strange noises, such as grinding, whining, or clunking. Transmission fluid leaks. A bad ... read more

Is it worth replacing Transmission?      Transmission replacement is one of the most expensive and time-consuming repairs you can face as a car owner. There are a lot of moving parts involved, and every make and model have its own unique quirks that can affect the cost and timeline of replacement.      The first step in replacing a Transmission is determining if that's the problem in the first place. There are many other issues that can mimic transmission failure, so you'll want to bring your vehicle to a trusted Mechanic for a diagnosis. They'll perform a thorough inspection to determine if you need a replacement or if other repairs could solve the problem.        Unfortunately, transmission replacement is never cheap. Depending on your make and model, you could be looking at a cost anywhere from $1,800 to $6,000 or more. Labor and parts costs will be primary drivers of that price, so make sure you get ... read more

   Is it cheaper to replace an Engine or get a new car?      Your car Engine is the heart of your vehicle, powering all its movements and ensuring it runs smoothly. However, like all things, it can eventually fail, leaving you with the question of whether to replace it or just sell the car for a new one. A car engine replacement is a significant investment, so it's important to understand whether it's worth it. Here, we explore the pros and cons of replacing your car engine to help you make an informed decision. Benefits of Engine Replacement:      Replacing your engine has numerous benefits, including better Fuel efficiency, improved performance, and reduced Maintenance costs. Additionally, a new engine can add value to the vehicle, meaning you can sell it for a higher price when it comes time to upgrade. When you replace your engine, you also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing it's new, reliable, and won ... read more

Car owners know that there are a lot of moving parts in an engine and when any one of them breaks, it can affect the operation of the car. One part that is particularly important is the crankshaft pulley, as it connects two belts—the alternator belt and power steering belt—to the crankshaft and engine. If your crankshaft pulley breaks, you may experience a battery light on your dashboard, hard steering, and other symptoms. Let’s dive into what to do if this happens.   How do I know if my Crankshaft Pulley is bad?  The Crankshaft Pulley is an essential component of an Engine because it helps transfer power from the engine to multiple components via two Belts. The first Belt from the Alternator powers your car’s electrical system while the second belt powers the Power Steering System, making sure turning is easier. Without these belts connected to the Crankshaft pulley, your car won’t run properly or at all.   What Happens When It Breaks ... read more

Have you cleaned your Car lately? Spring Vehicle Maintenance, Spring Clean your Car, click the link if you need to make an appointment:  https://ricksautoservice.org/ 5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Vehicle As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, many of us start to feel the urge to declutter and deep clean our homes. But what about our Vehicles? Just like our homes, our cars and trucks could use a good spring cleaning. Here are 5 tips to help get your vehicle ready for spring: CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR Wash and wax the exterior. Vacuum and shampoo the interior. Not only will this help your vehicle look its best, but it will also protect the paint from dirt, road salt, and other elements. Vacuum and shampoo the interior. Get rid of all the dirt, dust, and crumbs that have accumulated over the winter months. Don’t forget to vacuum under the seats! Feels good to Spring Clean your Car ... read more

What You Need to Know About a Failing Fuel Pump Is your car not running as smoothly as it used to? Are you having trouble getting it to start? If so, your Fuel Pump may be going out. Here’s what you need to know about the signs, causes, and effects of a failing Fuel Pump. How does a car act when the Fuel Pump is going out? When your Fuel Pump starts to go bad, you may notice that your vehicle has difficulty starting up. This can be due to a lack of fuel pressure or an inability of the Fuel Pump to deliver enough gasoline. Other symptoms include the car stalling or sputtering while you drive and the Engine not reaching its normal operating temperature. You may also hear loud noises coming from the tank area or smell gasoline in or around the car when you get out of it. Finally, if your check engine light comes on, this could also be a sign that your fuel pump is failing. What Causes Fuel Pump Problems? There are several reasons why a Fuel Pump might be failing. One common ... read more

For many of us, our cars are a vital part of our lives. We use them to get to work, take the kids to school, and even take weekend road trips. But what is it that makes your car run? One of the key components is a spark Plug. Let’s explore what a spark plug does and why your car needs to have one. What does a Spark Plug do? A Spark Plug is an essential component in the internal combustion Engine of a car. Its purpose is to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders of an engine by producing an electric spark. This spark ignites the air/fuel mixture which then creates a combustion reaction that powers the engine. Without this reaction, your car wouldn't be able to function properly.  When selecting replacement Spark Plugs for your vehicle, there are several factors you need to consider such as thread size, heat range, gap size, and material type. The correct choice will depend on your specific make and model as well as how you use your vehicle (i.e., daily city driving ... read more

Understanding the Importance of Struts. The struts on your Vehicle are an essential part of its Suspension System. They provide support to the car’s frame and ensure a smooth, safe ride as you drive. Without properly functioning Struts, your car could be unsafe to drive and could even damage other Components of your vehicle. Let’s explore why struts are so important. What do Struts Do? The Struts on your Vehicle are one of the most important parts of its Suspension System. They provide structural support for the vehicle’s frame and act as Shock Absorbers to provide a smooth, safe ride when traveling over uneven terrain or bumpy roads. Without properly functioning Struts, your car could suffer from dangerous handling issues such as excessive bouncing, wheel shimmy, or poor cornering control. Why Should I Replace My Struts?   It is important to replace worn out or damaged ... read more