Mishawaka Auto Repair

What is a Heater Core Box? Where is it located?  How does a heater box work? The Heater Core is in some ways similar to the Radiator, the Heater is used to warm the inside of your Vehicle, taking the heat from the coolant. While the Radiator cools the coolant in the Motor. As your Engine starts warming up, the Coolant absorbs the heat with the aide of the Water Pump it passes through the main Radiator cools below boiling point.  The whole system is kept at a constant temperature by the Thermostat. So, when our customer turned on his heater all that blew threw was cold air, instead of the warm air which was created by a valve that opened so your hot coolant can flow to the Heater Core then comes thru the car with the coolant close to 200 degrees, which is great for keeping feet warm and clearing a foggy windshield. Some vehicles have dual controls (which is truly awesome), where the driver and front seat passenger can each enjoy the temperature to their need real hot or a co ... read more

In power brake systems, which are found on virtually all vehicles, the brake booster is a component that multiplies the force the driver applies to the brake pedal. If the booster fails, excessive pedal force will be required to achieve adequate braking. Most brake boosters run on a vacuum produced by the engine. The cause of booster failure can be as simple as a loose vacuum hose or a ruptured diaphragm that requires component replacement. Can you drive with a Bad Brake Booster? The Car is not safe to drive with a Bad Brake Booster, the Brakes will eventually fail altogether.  The customer called in complaining when stepping on the brake she would hear a loud hissing noise, the Vacuum Booster for the brakes was leaking internally, giving poor Brake performance. What are the symptoms of a Bad Brake Booster?  Some other symptoms of Bad  Brake Booster: Warning lights come on High Brake Pedal position Fluid Leakage-light yellow to brownish color His ... read more

Is it bad to have low gas in cold weather? Gasoline freezes if the weather is -100 degrees, it actual is water vapor that freezes in the lines, keeping your vehicles gasoline levels above half a tank or fuller will solve your problems. If the lines freeze, try adding 3 gallons to the tank, I realize this may be hard since your vehicle has a frozen line, adding fuel line anti-freeze may help. Getting your vehicle towed to a garage and bringing the vehicle inside will also do the trick. From preventive maintenance to major repairs, Ricks’s Auto Service at 405 W. Jefferson Blvd. Call 574-255-4724, or visit online: https://ricksautoservice.org/ #ricksautoservicein #Mishawakamechanic #mishawaautorepair #Brakes #AutoRepairNearMe #Engine #transmission

Is Cold bad for cars? The cold as we know cold, can make us sluggish, imagine what our harsh winters do for our Vehicles fluids. We do have additives to your fluids to keep them from freezing. It is still difficult for Oil  in it’s thicken state to be forced thru the engine, warm up your car for a few minutes.  Battery – The cold is hard on your Battery, in really extreme cold, the Battery may not start. Carrying Jumper Cables is always a great idea, if your Battery is over 3 years old, consider buying a new one. FLUIDS – With the weather cold as it is the Oil will get thicker too, which can cause wear on your Engines Oil Pump. A few suggestions, switch to Low-Viscosity Oil in winter, with Synthetic Oils they do help out some, helping with the Engine Startup.  Tires – In the cold weather, check tire pressure more often. Running the Tire Pressure low may cause uneven and possibly unsaf ... read more

What should be in a Winter Survival Kit? Here are some items, although you may want more or less depending on passengers, to keep in your Vehicle. Warm down or wool blend clothes, boots sturdy weather ones. Blankets again wool or wool blend, flashlight (make sure you check the flashlight every season, if you’ve left them in the car during the hot weather (they may not be any good) extra batteries. Water bottles, candy bars or high protein bars are really good, First Aid kit along with sanitation & hygiene.  Make sure your cell phone is charged, leaving extra travel plans with family or friends could be helpful. The bottom line is BE PREPARED, know where you are going, check out the routes and more importantly find out the weather forcast.