Mishawaka Auto Repair

What does a Flex Plate do? A Flexplate is a metal disk that connects the Engine's output to a Transmission input, taking the place of a flywheel. It does this by storing rotational energy from turning Crankshafts and releasing it when needed for forward motion via gear teeth on its side that mesh with other components in an automatic system.    Flexplates are used in cars equipped with Automatic Transmissions, as well as manual transmissions that have levers connected directly instead of gears. They are usually made of steel or aluminum and come in a variety of sizes to fit different engines. Flexplates can also have cooling fins on them to help dissipate heat. If your car has an automatic transmission, it's important to make sure the flexplate is in good condition and isn't damaged. If it is damaged, it can cause problems with the Transmission and may need to be replaced. The entire Engine needs to be taken out of the Vehicle.  ... read more

What’s draining my Car Battery overnight?   If your Car Battery is dead, the first order of business is to find out why. A car battery can die for a variety of reasons, from a broken alternator to a dead cell. If you're lucky, the problem is easy to diagnose and fix; but if you're not so lucky, it can be more difficult to track down. A car battery might drain overnight because of a faulty alternator. A Car Battery might drain overnight because of a Faulty Starter. A Car Battery might drain overnight because of leaving the Headlights on. A Car Battery might drain overnight because of a faulty door light.  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 and models. Call 574-255-4724 or click here for an appointment ... read more

 How important are Bushings on a car? Bushings are an important part of a car's Suspension system. They are located between the Control Arm and the frame of the car, and their job is to absorb shock as the car moves over bumps in the road.   Without Bushings, the car would have a much rougher ride and would be less stable when cornering. In addition, Bushings help position the Control Arm properly during Suspension movement which is essential for maintaining good drivability.Over time, Bushings can wear out and become hardened, which can cause problems with the Suspension System. For this reason, it is important to check your Bushings on a regular basis and replace them if necessary.We provide you with expert customer service and knowledgeable ASE Technicians who can diagnosis the problem for most makes and models. ... read more

How do I prepare my Car for a Summer Road Trip? 1. Check your Fluids: Before you hit the road this summer, make sure all of your car's Fluids are at the proper levels. This includes Engine Oil, Coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. Checking and topping off these fluids will help keep your car running smoothly and prevent any unexpected breakdowns. 2. Inspect your Tires: Warm weather can cause Tires to lose pressure, so it's important to check them before embarking on any long drives. You should also take a close look at the tread to see if it needs to be replaced. Worn-out tires can lead to blowouts and accidents, so it's better to be safe than sorry. 3. Get a Tune-Up: A tune-up can help improve your car's gas mileage and performance. It's a good idea to get one before summer starts so you can enjoy worry-free driving all season long. 4. Clean and organize your car: A clean car is a happy car. Get rid of any unnecessary clutter and give your ride ... read more

Make an Appointment today:  https://www.ricksautoservice.org/appointments  What Does Fuel Pump do? There are 6 Components to your Vehicles Fuel System. Fuel Pump Fuel Tank Fuel Filter Fuel Injectors Carburetor-older models Fuel Line All of these Components work together to supply Fuel to the Engine, fuel mixes with air, the spark plugs ignite the mixture to create power moving the vehicle when it is in drive. Basically, the job the Fuel Pump does is pump Fuel into the Engine, if the Fuel Pump is in the Engine it is powered by car Battery, this Pump is not in the Fuel Tank. This Fuel Pump gets power from the Ignition Circuit, which includes the Ignition Switch. If there is a problem we check the Switch or the Circuit, possibly a wiring problem. #ricksautoservicein #mishawaka #southbend #brakes #Fuel Pump #Fuel System

Do I need Shocks and Struts? Shocks and struts play an important role in your car's suspension system, helping to smooth out the bumps and jolts of the road. Over time, however, they can weaken and wear out. If you're not sure whether it's time to replace your shocks or struts, there are a few things you can look for. First, take notice of the quality of your ride. If the ride has become noticeably rougher and bumpier, your shocks or struts are likely in need of replacement. Another sign that it may be time for new shocks or struts is if your car is starting to feel less stable when driving on uneven roads or making sharp turns. Suspension Repair before it becomes a Major job. Taking care of your Suspension Repairs before they become unsafe or turn into a major repair is key to keeping you on the road longer. Our whole team understands the importance of taking care of your investment and having a pleasant driving experience. We come to work every day because we enjoy in ... read more

Your AC compressor is essential for the proper functioning of your Air Conditioning, it is the center or heart of the AC. The Compressor circulates the refrigerant fluid thru the AC system in your vehicle. Symptoms your Air Conditioning Compressor is going out: it is hotter inside your cars cabin then it is outside, blowing hot air on you when you were hoping for the nice freezing air coming from your Air Conditioning. So, you are hearing weird noises like something squeaking coming on when you turn your cars Air Conditioning on. Noticing a green-ish fluid leaking, which could mean your cars Air Conditioning Compressor is close to failing, if it hasn’t already.  Picture shows our Technicians checking the Air Conditioning

Why Oil Change is important. Changing your Oil on a regular basis keeps dirt and debris from damaging your Engine, your Oil lubricates the engine, dirty Oil heats up and will wear down the Engine. One of our family members ignored getting their Oil Changed, went on a road trip, they were within 5 miles of their destination, the Engine blew. Literally, leaving a hole in their Engine and their Vehicle totaled, Oil changes are cheaper!! Reasons to get your Oil changed:  Engine Performance Reducing harmful Emissions Better Gas mileage Engine will last longer When doing an Oil Change we do a 50 point inspection Finding other small issues before they become big issues #ricksautoservicein #mishawaka #southbend #southbend   #Airconditioning repair near me #brakes #mechanic #autorepairshop #autorepair #brakepads #oilchanges #oilchange #engine #carrepair #tuneup #brakerepair #brakerepairs #Diagnostics #Diagnosticsnearme

  What does Cabin Air Filter do?  Great question! Have you noticed with summer coming up, we’ve had those hot days where you want to put your Air Conditioning to High, then you get this musty, moldy smell? It could be something as simple as changing your Cabin Air Filter, the filter itself is in your glove box, you could change it yourself. The air inside your vehicle, whether it’s from outside or it recirculates the inside air, goes through your Cabin Air Filter. The job of this filter is to trap those dust, mold, pollen, and other fine particles, this helps those who have asthma or other breathing problems to breathe a little bit healthier.  #ricksautoservicein #mishawaka #southbend #southbend #ACcondenser #ACrepairnearme #ACrepair #Airconditioning repair near me #brakes #mechanic #autorepairshop 

When Brakes make noise: What are some of the noises Brakes make? Different noises Brakes make: Squealing or squeaking Dirty Brakes Worn brake pad material Glazed brake rotor or drum Brakes need lubrication. Grinding Noise Worn Pads or shoe material Caliper might be sticking Rattling, vibrating when stepping on brakes Rotors warped Brakes incorrectly adjusted or missing pieces Calipers dirty      #ricksautoservicein #mishawaka #southbend #southbend #brakes #mechanic #autorepairshop #autorepair #brakepads #oilchanges #oilchange #suspension #maintenance #engine #toyota #carrepair #tuneup #autoalignm #brakerepair #brakerepairs #Diagnostics #Diagnosticsnearme