Margate City Auto Repair

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and it's essential to be prepared for unexpected emergencies on the road. So here are some important items to carry in your trunk this winter: Shovel: A shovel can be a lifesaver if you get stuck in the snow. It can help you dig your car out of a snowbank or create a path for your tires to get better traction. Ice scraper: An ice scraper is an essential tool for clearing ice and frost from your windows and windshield. Make sure to keep one in your trunk so you can see clearly while driving. Jumper cables: A dead battery is a common cause of car problems, especially in the winter. Keep a set of jumper cables in your trunk in case you need to jump-start your battery or help someone else with their vehicle. Tow strap: If you get stuck in the snow and can't get your car out on your own, a tow strap can be a helpful tool. Keep one in your trunk so you can call for help or us ... read more

Kinds of key fobs There are quite a few types of key fobs in the market today. The most common today is the switchblade or flip-style key fob, this one gives you the ability to hide the key when it is not in use. Key fobs range from aftermarket fobs to key fobs to ones that link directly to the Vin of your car, to the keyless fob. Key Fobs are getting more technologically advanced as time goes on. Some have remote start; some can summon your car and even park it! How often do the batteries need to be changed? For most key fobs the batteries last 3-4 years. Sometimes key fobs die without warning but usually, they start with not locking or unlocking the car with a single push of the button and build to it taking multiple tries to open or lock your car. Depending on the type of key fob you have you may be able to change the battery on your own with the battery size for your fob and a small screwdriver and the help of YouTube. If that sounds tedious t ... read more

Modern cars no longer have glass coverings on their headlights. Nowadays, automobile light bulbs are protected by polycarbonate plastic coverings, which is a durable plastic made to be resistant to harsh road conditions. They are also not as dangerous as glass if shattered in a collision or accident.  After an extended period of exposure to the sun’s UV rays, dirt, debris, chemicals (like road salt), and other harmful pollutants, the lens is likely to oxidize. When this happens, the clear top cover may appear hazy and even turn yellow. As a result, your headlights may look significantly dull, even if your light bulbs work fine.  That is why not all foggy headlights need to be replaced. With the work of the experienced team at Sunny Service Center, we can restore your headlights to look brand new again. We offer amazing headlight restoration services to ensure your car lights are always running in tip-top shape. How to Prevent Headlight Oxidation Regular vehicle was ... read more

It is a rubber loop that has ridges carved into it. It keeps them in synchronization by going around the teeth of the crankshaft, which connects to the pistons, and the camshaft, which regulates the valves. In other words, it controls the timing of the pistons' up-and-down movement to open and close valves. Most engines' valves and pistons are literally headed for collision if a belt isn't performing its job. Additionally, something may go wrong in an instant due to the engine's high rate of rotation. The worst-hit parts are the valves, which typically bend when the piston hits. However, the cylinder walls and piston may also be harmed. It entails severe engine damage and pricey repairs. Thankfully, it can also be prevented. On the side of the road, a gray car is parked, and someone is peering under the hood. For the manufacturer's advice on when to change your belt, consult your owner's manual. The majority of mechanics advise changing it between 60,000 and ... read more

It is important to check the fluids under your hood regularly. Sometimes it can be confusing under there and it is important to get the fluids into the right place. Colin and Pooh Bear walk you through what to look for in this video to take all the guesswork out of figuring out what fluid goes where.  https://youtu.be/S_towp5Q0WM The fluids you should be checking at least once a month are:  Oil Windshield wiper fluid Power steering fluid Brake Fluid Coolant Transmission Fluid- This may or may not be in your car. Some cars have an electric transmission, which does not need fluid.  The reason for the monthly check is to catch a leak and to check the color and quality of the fluids. For warned is forearmed and catching things early can not only help your car but your wallet as well. 

What is Power Steering? The Power Steering system of your car makes turning your car easy. If you have ever driven a classic car without power steering, you understand how hard it use to be. Also, without power steering, you use to have to accelerate to turn, like a Jet ski. Where is Power Steering located? The Power steering system is a part of a larger system, it goes from your steering wheel all the way to your tires. Long story short, that means to look under the front of your car for leaking. Sometimes there is a warning light that will go on if you are having an issue, but not always. These are signs that your power steering is going bad or is bad: Low on power steering fluid- this shows when turning gets harder to do. Also, it may start whining. Power steering pump or motor went bad- this is evident when you strain to turn your steering wheel or sound like high-pitched screaming Serpentine belt broken- The car may stall ( ... read more

How do you know if your transmission is bad?What is a transmission and where is it located? The nuts and bolts of it is that the transmission translates the power your engine makes to the wheels of our car. It manages the stop, go, and how fast your car moves. Where the transmission is depends on the make and model of the car, but it is usually in the front-middle of the car. So that is where to look for fluid leaking or where the sounds will usually be coming from. Transmissions usually need service around 60-90K. We take the guess work and the need to track these services off your plate and let you know when it’s time for such maintenances. What are signs that my Transmission is going?Sound: If you hear grinding, or like something is not catching when you change speeds, slow down, or come to a stop. Whining, humming, and clunking sounds are also indicators. Sight: Fluids ... read more

Regardless of how clean and pure your gasoline or diesel is, your fuel system will get dirty with the use of your automobile over time. The fuel system has the tendency to become clogged with air and gasoline impurities. When this build-up increases, it can decrease engine output and lower fuel efficiency. In serious cases, it can stop your engine from operating altogether. To avoid this trouble, please be sure to get your fuel system cleaned! Signs That Indicate You’re Due for a Fuel System Cleaning Poor Fuel Mileage - When your engine doesn’t receive the proper amount of fuel, your motor won’t have a balanced air/fuel ratio. It may seem counterintuitive as clogged injectors have less fuel going through them. When an engine lacks fuel, it will use up more fuel. Starting Issues - If you’re having trouble starting and you smell gasoline, there is a good chance that the fuel pump is jammed. In contrast, a jerky running car simply means that your car is not rece ... read more

Do you keep catching an unusual or off-putting smell every time you come near your car? Typically, a one-time occasion is enough for drivers to shrug off. But if a smell is lingering, you should have a professional mechanic check it out.    Certain car odors can be indicative of a major issue from within your vehicle. Here are some of the most concerning vehicle smells and what they mean for your car: Rotten Eggs If you catch the rancid smell of rotten eggs, there's a good chance that it is coming from your catalytic converter. If your cat goes bad, it means your emissions system is struggling to transform and transport gasses out of your vehicle.  Gasoline While it is normal to smell gasoline at the pump, it is not normal to smell it any other time while you're driving. If you catch this scent, please be on the lookout for potential gas leaks. These leaks can occur anywhere between the fuel injector line or gas tank. Not only are gas leaks costly, but they ... read more

Factory schedule maintenance or 30/60/90K vehicle maintenance is a prescribed maintenance schedule for every vehicle by its manufacturer. This means that the car is required to have an inspection after covering 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The scheduled car maintenance is often overlooked by many car owners. Here are some benefits of 30/60/90K maintenance. Why is 30/60/90K Maintenance Important Car Warranty. Before you dismiss this scheduled maintenance, you should know that your car's warranty may entirely depend on this. Failure to go for this scheduled maintenance can nullify your car warranty. Retention of your Car's Value. If it happens that you decide to sell your car after using it, regular maintenance will make a good argument for you to get a better resale price for the car. Prevention of Major Problems. Taking your car for 30/60/90K maintenance can identify minor problems in your vehicle before they turn into big issues. Lengthens your car's life span ... read more