Mishawaka Auto Repair

Going thru our Maintenance Schedule, here is what you need to get checked every 3 Months/3,000 miles (always double check your manual for their schedule) Check Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Dashboard Indicator Light On Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid  

So, it's 6,000 miles later and here are some items to get checked out for your vehicles safety(remember that you should double check what your owner manual says). Check Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles Automatic Transmission Fluid                       Battery and Cables Belts                                                                Chassis Lubrication Dashboard Indicator Light On                       Engine Air Filter Engine Oil   &nbs ... read more

Ever wonder with your car if you kept an eye on your Maintenance what that would look like? Well, over the next week, I will be blogging by mileage what your vehicle will need(always check your cars manual because some vehicles are different) Check Frequently Dashboard Indicator Lights On Lights Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid Engine Oil Level    

Being a severe driver. Whether it’s stop-and-go traffic, extreme weather, rough roads or heavy loads, it can sometimes be difficult to limit severe driving conditions. However, you can drive smart and improve fuel economy by observing the speed limit; avoiding aggressive driving, including quick starts and stops; not hauling unnecessary items; and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. Drive Smoothly: braking and accelerating hard, you use more fuel, it also can wear the tread on your tires faster. Take it easy when you accelerator and stop. Let your car warm up: especially on our cold mornings, when you go without warming up the car oil is thicker and that makes it more difficult to move around in your engine, putting a strain on the parts of your engine, it will wear quicker. Drive light: If you are carrying a heavier load it will consume more gas. Also if you have a load that is more than your car can handle, the engine runs out faster. What are your driving conditions? Whe ... read more

Keeping a dirty car. When you allow your vehicle to go to long without a wash, leads to buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, increases the chance for rust from road salt and can interfere with proper visibility needed for safe driving. (windows). OK A LITTLE OVER THE EDGE!!!!!!  

Not following a service schedule. Because many car parts and components wear out or become damaged over time, vehicles need to be routinely serviced in order to perform optimally. Routine inspections and timely repairs will help keep your car running efficiently and will help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road. The Key to keeping vehicles running well-today and down the road-is rountine maintenance. 25% of cars had low or dirty engine oil 13%had low or contaminated brake fluid 18% had dirty air filters 17% had inadequate cooling protection or low coolant levels 16% needed new windshield wiper and 27% had low or contaminated washer fluid 18% needed new belts Overall, 89% of vehicles were in need of a least one service or repair.  

Your vehicle’s tires should be checked frequently for inflation and tread depth. Underinflated tires can wear out more quickly, needing to be replaced sooner, and can negatively impact safety, gas mileage and performance. Didn’t realize there were so many steps in just checking the tire, don’t you just look at it?! Understandin the primary function of tread on a tire: it is to divert water to improve traction and avoid hydroplaning on wet roads. Look at tread pattern. All tires have “tread wear bars”. Small bridges that form between treads, when tread bars are even with tire’s tread, replace your tires. Check with “penny or quarter test”, depending on tire size. If you see top of presidents head replace tire immediately. If only hair showing on presidents head time to go shopping for tires. If you can’t see hair on top of had, tires do not need to be replaced. Use a tread depth indicator or guage Know legal re ... read more

FAILING TO CHANGE FLUIDS Here are the 5 fluids that need to be changed in your car: Engine Oil-recommended that you check your oil every time you get gas, most modern cars though say once a month. Depending on car, manufacturer and year change oil every 3,000 miles or every 6 months. Transmission Oil-check monthly, typically change between every 50,000 to 100,00 miles but it does vary from car to car and depends on transmission type. Coolant-check twice yearly: before summer & before winter, replace every 2-3 years, again depending on how hard you drive your car and where. Power Steering Fluid-Check once a month, replace between 50,000 miles or never most car manual recommend keeping the power steering fluid levels topped off. Brake Fluid-Check every time you change your oil, replace about every 2 years, or as needed in your driving conditions.    

  Ignoring Your Check Engine Light.      Ignoring this little light can result in serious engine trouble and costly repairs. This warning light could alert you to an engine problem that is a simple fix such as a loose or damaged gas cap. If the indicator light is blinking, the situation is usually serious, such as a severe misfiring of the engine slow the car down, find a safe place to stop and call us at Ricks Auto Service, here in MIshawka, IN.       A steady light is not an emergency situation, you can continue driving(not a whole lot though), you should schedule an appoint with us. We do have free  loaner cars, so you can get in out and on your way, we will call you before we do any service with your car once it is checked out.  

This List says it all, will go into depth on each one in the following blogs