Mishawaka Auto Repair

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

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