Margate City Auto Repair

Most people worry about driving too much—but what about driving too little? It might seem like low mileage is always a good thing, but the truth is, cars are built to be driven regularly. If your vehicle sits for days or weeks at a time, it could quietly develop issues that don’t become obvious until it’s too late. Whether you work from home, take public transportation, or only use your car on weekends, occasional driving can have unintended consequences. And if your vehicle spends more time parked than in motion, it might be time to reconsider your maintenance routine. What Happens When a Car Sits Too Long Cars are machines meant for regular use. When they sit unused, fluids settle, seals dry out, and batteries lose charge. It doesn’t take months of neglect—sometimes just a couple of weeks of inactivity can begin to cause problems. Oil and other fluids that typically lubricate and protect internal components can start to break down or ... read more

What are GDI (or engine purge) services? GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) services for your vehicle refer to maintenance procedures designed to clean and optimize the performance of the fuel injection system. GDI engines inject fuel directly into the combustion chamber under high pressure, which can lead to carbon buildup on intake valves, fuel injectors, and other engine components over time. Common GDI Services:Intake Valve & Combustion Chamber Cleaning – Removes carbon deposits that accumulate on the intake valves and combustion chamber, which can reduce engine efficiency and performance. Fuel Injector Cleaning – Cleans the injectors to restore proper fuel atomization, improving fuel economy and engine response. Throttle Body Cleaning – Ensures smooth airflow by removing buildup that can affect throttle response. PCV System Check & Cleaning – He ... read more

Struts and shocks (shock absorbers) are components of a vehicle's suspension system that play crucial roles in ensuring a smooth ride and maintaining control over the vehicle.  Struts: - Function: Struts provide structural support to the vehicle's suspension and are a part of the overall suspension system. They help absorb shocks, support the vehicle's weight, and assist in steering and alignment. - Design: A strut combines the functions of a shock absorber with other structural components like a spring, making it a critical part of the suspension system. They usually connect the wheel assembly to the body of the vehicle and are found in the front suspension of many vehicles and some rear suspensions.   Shocks (Shock Absorbers): - Function: Shocks are designed primarily to absorb and dampen the impact of bumps in the road, preventing excessive motion of the vehicle's body. - Design: Unlike struts, which serve a structur ... read more

What is a Transmission service? A transmission service for your vehicle involves maintaining and cleaning the transmission system to ensure it functions properly. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to change speeds. Regular maintenance of the transmission helps prevent problems that could lead to costly repairs down the road. Why You Need a Transmission Service:Prevent Wear and Tear: Over time, the transmission fluid can break down and become dirty, which can cause the transmission to overheat and wear out. A transmission service typically includes draining the old fluid, replacing the filter, and refilling with new fluid to keep it running smoothly. Improved Performance: Regular transmission service helps the vehicle shift smoothly and maintain power, making driving more efficient. It can prevent jerking, slipping, or difficu ... read more

Wheel alignment isn’t something most drivers think about until there’s a problem, but it affects everything from handling to tire wear. Even minor bumps—like hitting a pothole or brushing a curb—can throw things off, leading to uneven tires and a car that pulls to one side. If left unchecked, poor alignment can cost you more in fuel and repairs. So how can you tell when it’s time to get it checked? Improved Handling and Steering A properly aligned vehicle responds better to steering inputs, making driving more predictable and comfortable. If your car pulls to one side or you constantly have to adjust the steering to stay straight, it’s likely a sign of misalignment. A wheel alignment ensures that your tires point in the right direction, improving control and making driving feel smoother. Even Tire Wear and Longer Tire Life Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear, which shortens the lifespan of your tires. If you ... read more

Driving on wet roads can be stressful, especially when you consider the risk of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water, causing a loss of traction. This dangerous situation can make steering and braking nearly impossible. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of hydroplaning and keep yourself safe. Let’s explore seven practical tips to help you stay in control when the rain starts pouring. 1. Maintain Proper Tire Tread Depth Your tires are your vehicle’s first line of defense against hydroplaning. Worn-out tires with shallow tread cannot effectively channel water away from the road surface, increasing the risk of losing traction. Regularly check your tire tread depth and replace your tires when necessary. A quick way to do this is by using the penny test—if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head when placing a penny into the tread grooves, it’s time ... read more

Why is my car whistling? When you have car problems, it’s usually easier to tell the mechanic what sound its' making as there are just so many moving parts. Sound is usually what first alerts you that there is a problem. A whistling sound coming from your car can be caused by several factors. Here are some common reasons:   1. **Air Leaks**: Worn or damaged weather stripping around doors or windows can allow air to enter the cabin and create a whistling sound. You can also feel a draft when having this issue.   2. **Tires**: If your tires are unevenly worn, it can cause a whistling noise. Additionally, if they are under-inflated, it may create an unusual sound while driving.   3. **Wind Noise**: At higher speeds, normal airflow around your vehicle might create a whistling sound if there's a gap or misalignment in body panels.   4. **Engine Issues**: A vacuum leak in the intake system or a problem with the exhaust system can ca ... read more

Driving is already a demanding task that requires your full attention. Now, add eating into the mix, and things can quickly spiral into unsafe territory. Many drivers underestimate how distracting a quick snack can be while behind the wheel. But is eating while driving truly dangerous, or is it just a minor inconvenience? Let’s look into the facts and the risks to see why this habit could be putting you and others at serious risk. The Distractions of Eating Behind the Wheel When you’re eating while driving, your focus is divided into three parts: your hands, your eyes, and your mind. Think about it: one hand is on your burger, the other might be wiping off sauce, and your eyes glance down to grab your drink. That’s two out of three critical driving elements compromised. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), eating and drinking behind the wheel can increase the chances of an accident by up to 80%. It’s not ju ... read more

Feeling your car vibrate while driving can be disturbing, right? It’s not just annoying—it’s often a sign that something’s not quite right with your vehicle. Whether it happens when you’re accelerating, idling, or braking, these vibrations point to underlying issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s take a closer look at some common culprits behind strange car vibrations and what you can do to address them. Tire Problems Tires are one of the most common sources of car vibrations. If they’re out of balance or worn unevenly, your car may start shaking, especially at higher speeds. Have you ever hit a pothole or curb? Such impacts can cause a misalignment or even damage the tire itself, leading to vibrations. Low tire pressure can also be a factor. Uneven inflation makes the tires roll inconsistently, creating an unsteady ride. It’s a good idea to check your tires regularly for wear, pressure, and balance to rule out ... read more

Car theft is an unfortunate reality that no vehicle owner wants to experience, yet it happens more often than many realize. With cars becoming more advanced, so have the methods used by thieves to steal them. Whether it's a break-in to steal belongings or the vehicle itself, no one is immune to this risk. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to protect your car from theft. Keeping your vehicle safe is within your control, from simple habits to advanced security measures. Locking and Securing Your Vehicle It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people leave their car doors unlocked or windows slightly open. Thieves often look for easy targets, and an unlocked vehicle is like an open invitation. Always make sure that all doors are locked, even if you’re just stepping away for a moment. Similarly, windows should be rolled up completely, and sunroofs should be closed. This simple step can make all the difference between a car t ... read more