Mishawaka Auto Repair

What is a Timing Belt? The purpose of a timing belt is to synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft in an internal combustion engine. With the Valves opening and closing at the right time, your Engin can be more efficient. You should not drive your car with a bad timing belt. If the timing belt breaks, the valves and pistons can collide, causing severe engine damage. This can be a very expensive repair, and in some cases, the engine may need to be replaced entirely. Here are some signs that your timing belt may be bad: Engine misfires Decreased engine performance Strange noises coming from the engine Oil leaking from the timing belt cover A ticking or rattling noise from the engine If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have your timing belt inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. How often should I replace my timing belt? The recommended interval for timing belt replacement varies depending on th ... read more

   Is it cheaper to replace an Engine or get a new car?      Your car Engine is the heart of your vehicle, powering all its movements and ensuring it runs smoothly. However, like all things, it can eventually fail, leaving you with the question of whether to replace it or just sell the car for a new one. A car engine replacement is a significant investment, so it's important to understand whether it's worth it. Here, we explore the pros and cons of replacing your car engine to help you make an informed decision. Benefits of Engine Replacement:      Replacing your engine has numerous benefits, including better Fuel efficiency, improved performance, and reduced Maintenance costs. Additionally, a new engine can add value to the vehicle, meaning you can sell it for a higher price when it comes time to upgrade. When you replace your engine, you also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing it's new, reliable, and won ... read more

Have you cleaned your Car lately? Spring Vehicle Maintenance, Spring Clean your Car, click the link if you need to make an appointment:  https://ricksautoservice.org/ 5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Vehicle As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, many of us start to feel the urge to declutter and deep clean our homes. But what about our Vehicles? Just like our homes, our cars and trucks could use a good spring cleaning. Here are 5 tips to help get your vehicle ready for spring: CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR Wash and wax the exterior. Vacuum and shampoo the interior. Not only will this help your vehicle look its best, but it will also protect the paint from dirt, road salt, and other elements. Vacuum and shampoo the interior. Get rid of all the dirt, dust, and crumbs that have accumulated over the winter months. Don’t forget to vacuum under the seats! Feels good to Spring Clean your Car ... read more

What You Need to Know About a Failing Fuel Pump Is your car not running as smoothly as it used to? Are you having trouble getting it to start? If so, your Fuel Pump may be going out. Here’s what you need to know about the signs, causes, and effects of a failing Fuel Pump. How does a car act when the Fuel Pump is going out? When your Fuel Pump starts to go bad, you may notice that your vehicle has difficulty starting up. This can be due to a lack of fuel pressure or an inability of the Fuel Pump to deliver enough gasoline. Other symptoms include the car stalling or sputtering while you drive and the Engine not reaching its normal operating temperature. You may also hear loud noises coming from the tank area or smell gasoline in or around the car when you get out of it. Finally, if your check engine light comes on, this could also be a sign that your fuel pump is failing. What Causes Fuel Pump Problems? There are several reasons why a Fuel Pump might be failing. One common ... read more

Is it ok to drive without a Muffler? What does a Muffler do? And other thoughts on Mufflers!!! Have you ever been next to a Vehicle that doesn’t have a Muffler? The noise can be deafening. Some other reasons to get your Muffler fixed: Driving without a Muffler can be Toxic, the Exhaust Fumes may leak within your Vehicle. The Carbon Monoxide over time may cause dizziness, headaches and nausea. The Smell itself it terrible. I mentioned earlier about the noise, which most people find offensive. The Muffler if broken over a period of time can effect your Autos Engines’ performance. Last but not least, you are polluting the air we breathe. The word “Muffler” was used as early as 1530 it is a wrap or scarf for the lower part of the face. To cover or wrap or protect something. In the 1890’s referring specifically to an automobile, it was an Exhaust System Silencer!!!  So, in common person slang, it is any device used to deaden sound. The “Muffler&rdquo ... read more

How do I know if my Wheel Bearing needs replacing? Great question!!  Can you drive a car with a bad Wheel Bearing? It is not safe to drive with a bad Wheel Bearing. When you drive if one of the bearings are worn out it could cause the wheel to stop while driving. The Wheel of your Vehicle is not a simple part. For the Hub, Tire and assemblies to work well the Wheel Bearings are an integral part to the whole. The Wheel Bearing is a set of steel balls held in place by a metal ring. Which then fits into a Hub, fitting tightly inside, and ride on a metal Axle Shaft. The most common symptom is an audible one: you may hear a grinding or grating noise coming from your tire or wheel. The noise gets louder when you accelerate. The other symptom is a loose feeling r less responsive action from the steering. Another aspect with the Steering is that you may notice a pulling or veering to the right or left, not always the Wheel Bearing but a good possibility. Your Tires should be rotated regu ... read more

Can you drive with worn Brakes? There are a many components in the Braking System. The Brake Pads rub against the Brake Drums or Brake Rotors, if you hear a grinding or loud noise time to change the Pads. The Brake Rotors or Drums create the friction to stop your Vehicle. You are probably more familiar with the Brake Pedal which is activate by your foot. Starting the whole Braking process. The Pedal starts the Brake Fluid to flow and put pressure on the Brake Pads. The Master Cylinder, holds the Brake Fluid, and is also activated when you press the Brake Pedal. The Brake Pads are connected to the Wheel Cylinders and squeeze the Brake Drums when the fluid flows on them. Brake Lines carry the Brake Fluid from the Master Cylinder reservoir when the pressure on the Brake Pedal is applied. These are some of the Warning Signs – Please don’t ignore them: Your Brake Light comes on Squeal, Squeak or Grinding Noises Wobbling, Vibration or Scraping when you Brake Fluid is leaking ... read more

The U-Joint or Universal Joint connects the Driveshaft to the Differential. It is a cross shaped piece, with bearings at each end. It allows for varying angles of the Driveshaft. If you hear a clunking noise when shifting into drive or reverse or even a banking noise when putting in gear. You may also hear a squeaking noise which can happen when the U-Joint loses lubrication. Huge problem is when your Vehicle goes in gear but won’t move you will need to have your Vehicle towed. #UJoint #drivetrain #wontstart #ricksautoservicein #Mishawaka

Can I drive with a Coolant Leak? Sometimes this question is asked to late, driving with a Coolant Leak that is left unattended will cause major damage to the Engine. On this particular Vehicle the Coolant was left to almost run out. When this happens your Vehicle can not properly cool your engine to a normal running Temperature. When your Engine overheats, damage can occur to the Block and Heads of the Engine. The Gaskets were blown. When this happens further damage can occur. There was a deep crack in the Head, we had to replace the Engine. #Engine Repair #Engine Replacement  

What does a Water Pump do? When your Engine can reach Temperatures of 195 to over 200 on a regular day. Imagine what our severe Indiana Temperatures can do to the water in your Radiator. The Coolant and Anti-Freeze in your Vehicle circulates through your Engine. This coolant is controlled by your Water Pump. Ensuring that the Coolant keeps moving through you Engine Block and Radiator. The Coolant also passes thru Hoses keeping the proper temperature to operate your Vehicle