Mishawaka Auto Repair

We see this type of corrosion regularly and it can cause a slow leak. You can see the comparison where our Technician cleaned and buffed the area and where the corrosion is. Abrasive elements may intrude between the tire and wheel at the bead seat area. Due to relative motion between the tire and wheel, this motion may cause abrasive particles to wear the wheel surface. As the wear continues, corrosive media from the environment may cause corrosion of the wheel bead seat, resulting in tire pressure loss. With the TPMS warning light, you can catch the problem before the tire becomes completely flat. #FlatTire #Flat #TPMS #Corrosion #Maintenance #Michiana #StJoeCounty

#POTHOLES: We live with them whether we like them or not! Here is a check you can do when you hear that sickening thunk after hitting one full force. (Blew a tire doing that, didn’t even see it was full of water) #TIRES:  Since tires are the first to hit the hole, damage can happen like sidewall bulges, tread separation or flats. Don’t drive on a blown out tire it isn’t safe, and you may be able to patch the tire. #WHEELS: Sometimes you may hit the pothole at such an angel that the impact can bend chip or crack the rim where the metal meets the tire. (check out the Picture) #SUSPENSION: Your cars’ suspension is designed to absorb impacts providing you with a smooth ride. However, slamming against potholes can cause many different suspension problems. You may end of with an out of alignment(we can take care of that). If the car is doing any of the following give us a call: car pulls in on ... read more

Ignoring your cars’ maintenance needs is not good for your car. Your car needs it’s regular checkups, when you don’t it usually results in expensive repairs down the road. Here are some benefits that you and your car can experience with regular maintenance: Your vehicle will run more efficiently—When you bring your car in for it’s regular maintenance it gives our trained mechanics an opportunity to see where problems might be starting and repair those parts before they deteriorate. Improves your Fuel Efficiency: With the rise in gas prices this is an important priority for most drivers. When you allow your fuel system to become dirty it clogs air filters that can reduce your car’s fuel-efficiency. Keep Warranty Coverage: There are certain criteria’s that the manufacture needs documented to allow for the warranty claim. Some have been denied because of not having routine maintenance. More money when you sell: When trading your car the buyer ... read more

JUNE SPECIAL $25.00 off of brake pads till the end of June! Have you wondered about the different noises the brakes may make look at the chart below: NOISE POSSIBLE CAUSE Grinding Stop Driving! Usually caused by a lack of brake pad. Thumping from rear Hard to diagnose, but usually the rear drums. Squeaking Either cheap brake pads or break wear indicator is hitting rotor. Thumping or squealing If car is parked outdorrs, probably caused by rusted rotors. Scraping You may have picked up a rock, or the pads need to be changed.   

  To Wash or Not to Wash Your Car! "Do I need to wash my car?" I hate to be the one to tell but washing your car yourself is the safest. Cars can be scratched, or as did happen to one of ours, it got parked to close and the machine took out our mirror. That was not cheap. So what will you need to clean your car: Use a Liquid Soap, in the powdered stuff, some of the crystals may not fully dissolve thus causing scratches. Don’t use Dishwashing liquid, make sure it’s for automotive use. A bucket, you see the one I used, couldn’t find our regular bucket so I grabbed a garbage can(this was a clean bucket, if you are grabbing anyone make sure it wasn’t used for something else, such as drain oil or chemicals. Get a good quality sponge or wash mit, using a mit over a clothe is it less likely to hit the ground and have dirt or rocks on it. If you are like us, and we get stuck driving where there is tar: get a good bug and tar remover. Try different ... read more

It's starting to get warm, we've already had a customer call and say "Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?"  Don’t wait till the weather is unbearable , let us get you’re A/C Performance Checked today! The simplest solution is that your #A/C system needs to be serviced. Getting the system service about every 5 years or sooner if the summer has been brutal. With time condensation builds up inside the system, causing it to blow warm air instead of cool. To service your A/C: pulling out all of the refrigerant and storing it, then pressurizing the system making sure there are no leaks, then dry the system, and put the refrigerant back. Then you should get plenty of cold air. If we find leaks that could explain the warm air, because the refrigerant is slowly leaking out. Other times a part may fail, it could be the compressor, or the condenser, replacing the part should get you on your way. Give us a call so we can set an appointment and help you &l ... read more

Just an Oil Change? Not at Ricks Auto Service here in Mishawaka IN. While your car is in we do a 60+ check on your car.  We keep our customers informed, when we come across concerns that we see we prioritize the work and help our customers figure out how to get things done in a timely manner. Can’t wait, no problem we have free loaners. ASK ABOUT OUR LIFETIME OIL CHANGES (your lifetime not the cars) or our CarCareClub. #OilChange #Battery #Maintenance #FreeLoaners

Even though there is less traffic at night, there is a higher incident of accidents.I read that and wondered why, here are some of the answers: Fatigue: Not surprising to hear, especially  as Day Light Savings it doesn’t get dark till after 9pm. Darkness: Have you ever driven when it is pouring rain, yet the streets are so poorly marked that it is so hard to stay in your lane. Rush Hour Traffic: Between 4 and 7pm there are more cars on the road and less light. People want to get home and are not as alert as they should be. Impaired drivers: when you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases nighttime accidents. What should you do to combat darkness? Get your headlights position right. Make sure your Headlights are clean Dashboard should be dim Don’t look directly at oncoming cars Do you wear glasses? They have anti-reflective lenses When was the last time you cleaned your winds ... read more

What better way to "spring" into Spring, then to make sure your car is running smooth, and will be able to take you into the hot summer months..Yes, even though we will be seeing the white stuff for a while longer Spring is here which will be usher in Summer. April is National Car Care month, don't be one of those 35% who allow their car to get totally run down. Be proactive call us today, start with an Oil Change, we do a free Health Assessment of your Vehicle, breaking down the "Yesterday", "Today", and "Future" needs of your car. Allow us to give you Peace in your travels. #Spring #NationalCarCareMonth #CarCare #HealthAssessment 

Transmission Repair in Mishawaka, Granger Or South Bend, IN The Check Engine Light will be on, you may hear strange noises, unusual or burnt smells. Is there a delay in acceleration , is your vehicle switching gears when it’s not suppose to? Having trouble or not able to reverse? Here is a quick list of causes: Low fluid levels—most common Damaged fluid Leaks-can be another cause, do you see red fluid on your garage floor? Worn or broken transmission bands Clutch problems Worn out gears Solenoid problems Torque converter issues We never recommend driving with a slipping transmission, as it compromises the vehicle’s safety. #safety #TransmissionRepair #TransmissionMaintenance #Mechanic