Mishawaka Auto Repair

Why is my car making a squeaking Noise when I drive? There are a number of items that can cause the squeaking noise. Today I will talk about Brakes: pads and rotors. Your brake pads are actually designed to make noise when they are worn to the point of replacement. (Don’t ignore odd noises your vehicle makes) So listen when you apply the brakes, not calling your mechanic (Ricks Auto Service in Mishawaka) you may end up damaging your rotors as well. The cost will be a lot more if you also have to replace both elements- pads & rotors. I If the brakes squeak or squeal first thing in the morning (be aware if it has rained or snowed) it could be just surface rust or moisture and dirt. However, if every time you brake you are hearing the squeal or squeak you have  problem. As the pads wear down, they have a safer feature, a small metal tab, contacts the rotor surface, letting you know it is time to change the pads. Thus you hear the squeak or squeal. If though, you are start ... read more

Not wanting to travel far from home? Here is a great beach to go to. Waco Beach in Bridgeman In. great for families. If you are a hiker there is lots of beach to check out. As you can see from the shop in Mishawaka it is only about an hour away. Sunscreen, reading material, hiking boots oh and don’t forget the bathing suit! From preventive maintenance to major repairs, Ricks Auto Service is proud to serve our local community since 1977, Located at : 405 W. Jefferson Blvd, 574.574.4724 .https://ricksautoservice.org/ #ricksautoservice #Mishawakamechanic #mishawaautorepair #covid #electricalissues

Thank you Sandy for your review. Getting your Nissan Cube in, we replaced your front rotors and pads. If you had noticed your alignment or steering of your Cube a little bit difficult, replacing the Sway Bar link and Strut assembly, will make driving so much smoother. Our 3-year 36,000 mile warranty ha you covered, so glad we were able to take care of your Nissans problem. 

Are you having an electrical issue with your vehicle? Whether you drive a Ford, Dodge, Honda or any make or model, with the complexity of modern vehicles ever increasing, finding the problem can take time. Our technicians here at Ricks Auto Service, are trained to track down and repair even the most evasive issues in your vehicle. From a dirty battery terminal to a single fried wire or blown capacitor (originally known as a condenser). One reason why electrical issues can be so tricky, they manifest themselves in unpredictable and when an electrical connection fails it can be anywhere. The wiring system is tremendously complex and electronic modules scattered throughout modern vehicles, sometimes repairing the issue seems hopeless. Our trained technicians will resolve where the connection is bad tracking down and replacing the component that is the culprit. With our high-end diagnostics equipment and our amazing Technicians we have a winning team!! From engine not cranking, battery ... read more

Since driving may be your mode of travel when you are considering your vacation this year. Keeping track of maintenance done on all your vehicles, trucks, van or SUV’s is one of the most important aspects of vehicle management. At, Ricks Auto Service here in Mishawaka, IN, we track maintenance and repairs for many reasons: Cost - How much it costs to keep a vehicle on the road is important. Keeping this in mind, helps determine the cost in fixing up the vehicle. Do you want to keep this vehicle? Or, just keep it running so you can start looking for another vehicle. It’s just a beater car that you do want to keep on the road for around town driving. Keeping you informed: An important aspect of keeping our great customers driving safe. We will let you know email or by text what service is due. Maintenance is the one key component in keeping your vehicle running well. Savings - If you keep track of everything, you’ll know wh ... read more

How do you know your brakes are bad? “Brake Light” is on: Call us as soon as possible, we will do a free brake inspection. Letting you know what needs to be done, to get you back on the road safely. Ugghh you are hearing the “grinding, squealing, squeaking noise”: indicates that your brake pads & shoes need to be inspected. Do you feel a “vibration or scraping” in the steering wheel? Don’t wait to long your rotors might be starting to warp, your want your rotors smooth and even. “Fluid is leaking”, if it is dark brown it could be aged motor oil, or brake fluid which has a dark brown appearance. “Spongy brake” or “soft brake” – Spongy brake hesitation when braking. Usually when you brake the pedal goes down easily. Could be air in the brake lines. “Pulling to one side when braking” the rotors are worn or warped. “Burning smell” sort of like the smell of burning hair(sti ... read more

Getting ready to go to the beach? Start your car, kick on the AC--NO cold air!!! Here are some warning signs that your vehicles A/C may be going out: You notice a difference in cooling-may not be obvious. Could be a simple fix if caught early. You hear loud noises when the A/C is turned on. You notice an oil leak. The problem could be: failing or failed A/C compressor, leaking refrigerant, electrical issues, faulty cooling fans or broken condenser. Call and schedule an appointment with our trained A/C Specialist. From preventive maintenance to major repairs, Ricks Auto Service, 405 W. Jefferson Blvd, 574.574.4724. https://ricksautoservice.org/ #ricksautoservice #Mishawakamechanic #mishawaautorepair Ricks Auto; oil change near me; transmission shops; battery service; free battery check; mechanics near me; auto repair near me;  alignment; Cold Weather; oil change service; car repair near me; oil change south bend; oil ... read more

Is your engine cranking slowly? Your battery not charging? Battery dashboard warning light is on? At Ricks Auto Service in Mishawaka we use the BG battery service it cleans battery, terminals and cables. Making sure the battery posts, terminals and case are sealed. Allows for a longer battery life and no battery terminal corrosion. The best way I can explain battery corrosion is: your vehicles battery is filled with sulfuric acid. Your battery heats and cools with your motor. Hydrogen gasses then released from the battery with vents in the battery. Gasses mix with other particulates around the battery. The mixing produces corrosion, which form on electrical connections. Corrosion on your car battery reflects normal wear and tear as your battery ages. But when in the summer months it can be worse. Ways to help prevent corrosion: spray battery protector, apply an anti-corrosion gel to terminals but is limited. Felt terminal protectors. Corrosion may be a sign of a more serious problem ... read more

Why should I change my oil? Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance!!! There is a definite reason we tell all our customers to have your oil changed. The oil is like life blood to your vehicle. The Oil lubricates the engine, it also cools your engines’ components (those moving parts need lubrication). The oil also removes those deadly particles and the sludge, (dirt is deadly to the engine, when dirt gets in it may cause the engine to work harder and decrease engine life). It may improve gas mileage, (when your oil is compromised it compromises the engine). Keeping the oil cleaned on a regular basis supports longevity for your vehicle.   From preventive maintenance to major repairs, Ricks Auto Service, 405 W. Jefferson Blvd, 574.574.4724. https://ricksautoservice.org/ #ricksautoservice #Mishawakamechanic #mishawaautorepair Ricks Auto; oil change near me; transmission shops; ricks auto; mechanics near me; auto repair ... read more

So once we are back to “New Fantastic” (after Covid-19) whatever that might look like. Let’s check out  your vehicle. If you haven’t driven it at all the battery might be dead. Jumper cables are one of those must have in the car items! Get a neighbor to jump the car for you (black cable on black/red on red). Or if it is totally dead you may need to replace it. Other areas to double check: Tires- if kept in one spot to long could develop flat spots.  Have the tires inflated to the recommended tire pressure. If left in the garage, don’t forge about those little critters that love to nest in your car. Rodents can eat thru rubber and ruin filters. Spreading moth balls or cotton balls dipped in peppermint. If you do decide to put mouse traps, don’t forget to check periodically, otherwise you might have a stink! Better yet start the car every 3-4 days.  Driving it up and down the street could take care of a lot of the above problems. Need ... read more