Mishawaka Auto Repair

  What Does it Mean When You See Corrosion on the Positive Terminal of Your Battery? Have you ever noticed corrosion on the Positive Terminal of your Battery and wondered what it meant? The substance can be either greenish blue or white, depending on the type of metal of the terminal ends. If the substance is greenish blue, its copper sulfate. The copper from the terminal clamp reacts with the lead in the battery. If the clamps are aluminum, it’ll be whiter in color, creating aluminum sulfate. In either case, you may notice the battery quality start to degrade. What Causes Corrosion on Battery Terminals? There are a few things that can cause Corrosion on Battery Terminals:  - Overcharging: When you see corrosion on the Positive Terminal, this means the Battery may be overcharging. - Vibration: Automotive batteries are designed to withstand vibration, but too much vibration can still cause damage. - Environmental factors: Batteries are also susceptible to damage f ... read more

what do these Vehicles have in common? The Check engine light is on:  A Check Engine Light typically indicates that there's a problem with the vehicle. However, it could also mean that the Gas Cap is loose or that the car needs an Oil Change. Driving with the Check Engine Light on is never the best idea. Either way, it's best to take the car to a Mechanic to get it checked out. https://www.ricksautoservice.org/appointments   The Air Filter is dirty or clogged.   The Air Filter in my car is dirty or clogged. This can lead to reduced performance and fuel efficiency. It's important to replace the air filter regularly to keep your car running at its best. The Catalytic Converter isn't working properly. The Catalytic Converter is an important part of a car's Emissions system. Unfortunately, if it isn't working ... read more

  The Coolant Housing, also called the water outlet, is the connection point between the Engine and the upper Radiator Hose. The material used to make the coolant housing depends on the vehicle's manufacturer, but it is usually made of metal, plastic, or resin. The coolant housing serves an important function in keeping your Engine cool by circulating Coolant through the Radiator. The coolant housing is responsible for circulating coolant through the Radiator. As the coolant circulates, it absorbs heat from the engine and transfers it to the air passing through the radiator. This process keeps the Engine from overheating and ensures that it functions properly. When to Replace the Coolant Housing If your car starts to overheat, one of the first things you should check is the condition of your coolant housing. If the housing is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced. In some cases, you may be able to repair a cracked housing with epoxy. However, it is generally best ... read more

Your car's Headlights are one of the most important safety features. They allow you to see in the dark and help other drivers see you. However, over time, UV rays and road debris can cause your headlights to become faded and yellowed. This reduces their light output and makes them less effective at illuminating the road ahead. Additionally, it can make your car look old and rundown. In this blog post, we'll discuss the dangers of driving with faded headlights and how you can prevent them. which do You prefer? Faded or yellowed headlights can significantly reduce your visibility while driving, making it more difficult to see at night or in bad weather. This can lead to accidents or near-misses. Additionally, faded headlights can make your car less visible to other drivers, which increases the risk of being involved in a collision. To avoid these dangers, it's important to regularly clean and maintain your headlights. You should also have them professionally cleaned and po ... read more

The Dangers of Ignoring a Low-Pressure Tire Warning Sign Your car's Tires are its only point of contact with the road, so it's important to make sure they're in good condition. Unfortunately, many people ignore the Low-Pressure Tire Warning Sign, and this can lead to some serious problems. Here's a look at some of the potential damage that can be caused by ignoring a low-pressure tire warning sign. Tires are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure, and when that pressure drops below a certain level, it can cause the tire to deform. Low pressure can cause premature tire wear. This in turn can lead to a loss of traction, which can be extremely dangerous, especially if you're driving at high speeds. In addition, deformed tires are more likely to suffer from punctures, meaning you could end up stranded by the side of the road. Finally, driving with low pressure tires puts unnecessary stress on your car's suspension and steering component ... read more

Can you drive with bad Heater Core?Faulty heater cores can lead to overheating, and driving with one can be risky. Overheating can cause engine damage, so it's important to be careful if you're driving with a car that has a faulty heater core. What is a Heater Core?  The Heater Core is a part in the car that circulates hot Engine Coolant. This hot Coolant is then sent back to the Radiator. The air is then blown over the hot Coolant so it can warm up before it's sent through the vents in your car. Symptoms your Heater Core is going bad: ·Cold Air in the Cabin If the air coming out of the Vents is cold, this might mean that there's a leak in your Heater Core and all of the hot Coolant is escaping from the tubes. ·Fog Inside Your Car Without a functioning Heater Core, driving in cold weather can be miserable. A broken Heater Core can also cause your windows to fog up, makin ... read more

When Transmission goes bad:   You might need Transmission Service if your car is leaking Fluid, if it’s having trouble going into Gear, or if the gears are slipping. These are just a few signs—If you're not sure, bring your car in for an inspection to ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently. Our expert technicians will take a look and let you know what needs to be done. What will happen if I don’t get my transmission serviced? If you don’t get your transmission serviced when it’s due, you run the risk of damaging your transmission. This damage could lead to slipping gears, trouble shifting, and even complete engine failure.In short: it’s not w In orth putting off!    Choosing the team you can trust is key, Rick’s Auto Service with over 44 years performing auto repairs across Northern Indiana. W ... read more

What happen when Spark Plugs go bad? If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's a good idea to have your spark plugs checked and replaced if necessary: - Your Engine is misfiring - Your Vehicle is hard to start - Your Engine is running rough - Your Fuel Economy has decreased If you're having any trouble with your Spark Plugs, it's important to have them checked and replaced as soon as possible. Ignoring a problem with your Spark Plugs can lead to more serious Engine problems down the road.  

What causes Throttle Body problems? These are a few certainly not all of them: -Worn out Gaskets or Seals -Debris or carbon deposits on theThrottle Plate -Incorrect air/fuel mixture -Low Engine Vacuum The following are just a few of the reasons why you might want to get in touch with your Mechanic. 1. The Throttle Body is responsible for controlling the airflow into the Engine 2. When it becomes dirty, it can't do its job properly and your car will not accelerate as well as it should 3. You can clean the throttle body yourself or take it to a Mechanic to have them do it for you 4. Keeping your throttle body clean will help your car run more efficiently and save you money on gas in the long run. 5. Electrical Problems 6. Check Engine Light is on or flashing

Some additional Tips on keeping your Engine Happy 😊 1. Change your Engine Oil regularly. 2. Inspect your Engine Oil level frequently and keep it topped up. 3. Check your Engine for leaks, and fix any you find. 4. Use the right grade of engine oil for your Vehicle. 5. Make sure your Air Filter is clean and in good condition. 6. Keep your Coolant levels topped up (or change it regularly, if prescribed). 7. Inspect your Spark Plugs and replace them when needed. 8. Check your Brake Pads and Rotors regularly, and replace them when necessary. 9. Use a qualified Technician to carry out regular Maintenance on your car's engine. 10. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for scheduled Tune-Ups and replacements.   Choosing the team you can trust is key, Rick’s Auto Service with over 44 years performing auto repairs across Northern Indiana. We provide you with expert customer service and knowledgeable ASE Technicians who can diagnosis the problem for most makes an ... read more