Margate City Auto Repair

No matter how fast the modern car changes and evolves, some things still stay the same. What we are referring to is your dashboard warning lights. These are universally known signals that can pop up on your dashboard when something goes wrong. When one of these illuminates on your dashboard, your best bet is to take your car to a trusted automotive technician. Below are 5 maintenance/warning lights you should pay attention to: Tire Pressure Light The tire pressure warning can look different from vehicle to vehicle. In most cars, it is simply depicted as a tire. In some vehicles, you may see an exclamation point or the phrase "low tire pressure" appearing with it. Your tires have pressure sensors. When one or more of your tires have lost a significant amount of air, it will trigger this warning lightly. Low tire pressure can drastically affect your gas mileage, safety, handling, tire health, and more. Check Engine Light This yellow engine block symbol is often feared by ma ... read more

     What to do if my Car Rims are Bent Driving over potholes is uncomfortable and jarring for not only you but your car. If you notice your car driving differently after going over one you might have some damage like you can see in two of the photos. Unfortunately, not all damage to rims can be seen easily, some damage can be hidden by the tire and the car itself. Damage to your rims, no matter how minor, can have expensive long-term consequences. The following damage can be caused by damaged Rims (these are not always immediate; some issues happen over time due to the uneven way the tire now sits on the wheel): Flat tires Alignment issues Decreased gas efficiency Axle issues Drive shaft issues What causes bent rims Damage can happen for other reasons than potholes. Damage can also occur from hitting curbs, car accidents, and driving off-road (among other reasons). If you have minor bent damage, getting that fixed as soon as ... read more

Driving in the warm, summer months in Margate, NJ can put a lot of stress on your vehicle. The increase in temperature can add wear and tear to your vehicle. To protect your investment, follow these helpful tips for the summer.   Check your coolant levels – Too low of coolant can quickly result in engine overheating. If it is low, be sure to also check for leaks. We may recommend a coolant flush to ensure your engine gets the fluid it needs to stay at a stable temperature.   Test your car air conditioning – A/C is a must for drivers in the Margate in the summertime. Our technicians can test your temperature to determine if you need a recharge.   Test your battery charge – This will let us know how much juice is left in your battery. Plus, it may be wise to replace your battery as the heat can cause your battery fluid to leak quicker. If it has been a while, it’s safe to change it.   Get an oil change – It’s always good to ... read more

Any car owner knows that a healthy engine is a secret to long and smooth service from your car. However, even with optimum care for your vehicle, there is still a possibility that your engine might develop problems. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain regular visits to the mechanic for maintenance to reduce the risk of engine problems. The advantage is that before a total engine failure, your car will first give you signs that you should not ignore. Some of these signs include: The Check Engine Light Once the check engine light illuminates, something is not functioning correctly. Although this might be as simple as a lid that needs tightening, it's essential to visit your mechanic and get a diagnostic test done as soon as possible. Swift action could prevent further damage and prevent you from being stranded on the roadside. Suspicious Noises Once you are used to your car, you will be conversant with the noises that it usually makes and it will be easier for you to notice w ... read more

What does Condensation in Headlights mean?What you need to know about condensation in your headlights.   There are multiple types of car headlights, what is true for one may not be true for all. If you are unsure, please ask your mechanic. Below is a guide of generalized advice on what to look for and what are some red flags. First, let us talk about the components of a headlight. There is the headlight housing, which holds the bulb and electrical components. There is also the headlight lens, which protects the housing, bulb, and electrical elements from the weather. Holding the housing and the lens together is typically a silicone sealant. Water usually finds its way into the headlights thru the vents, cracks, and worn rubber seals.  What is ok: Some condensation will occur naturally. Bulbs heat up and to cool them down most headlight housings have vents to prevent them from overheating. The way that headlights are de ... read more

Chevrolet Equinox Windshield - Worn versus New windshield wipers   Windshield Wipers: Being able to see while driving in all conditions is important. Streaking windshield wipers can be dangerous, especially on a dark and rainy night. Like most things, preparedness is best. If you notice that your windshield wipers are leaving streaks, it is important to get them replaced soon. Damaged/worn/ and mis-installed windshield wipers can damage your windshield with scratches. Scratches cause weakness in your windshield. They also obscure your view which is dangerous. Taking care of simple repairs can help cut the time between bigger repairs. If you notice the following replace your windshield wipers soon: Time- Wipers should be replaced every six months to a year. This depends also on your climate and rate of use. Streaks- When cleaning your windshield from rain/dirt/debris/bird droppings you notice streaks Sound- I ... read more

As mechanics, we’ve seen many people mistreat their cars. And it can be quite disheartening because it can all be prevented with proper car care. Sometimes drivers don’t even realize what they’re doing wrong that’s hurting their car.    If you want your vehicle to last you a long time here is a list of things to avoid: Ignoring dashboard warning lights Some dashboard warning lights are more serious than others, you should never wait for them to turn off by themselves. If you need help diagnosing a light, please Bring your car to our auto repair shop for assistance. Overfilling your tires While it is good to top off your tires with air, you have to be careful not to fill them too much. Overinflated tires can cause premature wear. You should always follow the PSI that your automaker recommends. Using household soap to wash your car Household cleaning items have very harsh chemicals in them. They’re usually made to break down grease and grim ... read more

Depending on when you learned how to drive and who taught you, you may have learned different ways to hold the steering wheel. Nowadays, the NHTSA and most driver's ed classes will claim that having your hands in the 9 and 3 positions is correct. Is that correct?  Yes, the proper way to hold the steering wheel is at the 9 & 3 positions. While some people like to hold the bottom of the steering wheel or prefer the 10 and 2 position, it is not ideal. Even if you may have been taught to practice the 10 and 12 many years ago, studies have demonstrated that it is not the safest option. If you improperly hold the steering wheel during airbag deployment, your airbag could push your hands and injure your body. In contrast, the 9 and 3 position has been proven to give drivers optimal maneuverability and the quickest reaction time. For instance, the 9 and 3 allow you to do 180-degree movements in a matter of seconds. Why might my steering wheel be hard to turn? Even if you perfo ... read more

There are various factors that affect your intervals for fluid changes, especially when it comes to fluid changes. To determine if and when your vehicle needs a transmission fluid change or flush, you should do the following steps mentioned below:   First and foremost, you should physically check the fluid. You will need to see if your car model comes with a fluid dipstick designated for the transmission. Some modern cars do not come with this traditional tool. If this is the case for you, you should bring your car to a trusted mechanic, where they can check it using a dipstick or oiling plug.    Next, you should always refer to your owner's manual for recommended intervals for your transmission fluid changes. These checkpoints may also vary depending on how you drive your car (do you carry heavy loads? do you tow? etc.)   Sometimes, manufacturers will not mention transmission fluid maintenance whatsoever. In that case, many vehicle owners will doubt wheth ... read more

Car Batteries and the Cold It is cold outside. Winter is here and it is the time of year that batteries start showing their age. There are multiple reasons as to why your battery is losing charge. Batteries are only expected to last 3-5 years, and that is with a good alternator. There are other factors that can lessen your battery life. Driving Habits Sometimes not taking the scenic route will cost you. If you only drive short trips that can lessen your battery life. Your alternator will not be able to recharge your battery usage. A short trip is considered a half-hour or less. Freezing weather Fully charged batteries will only freeze at around -75 degrees, but if it less than full it can freeze at around 32 degrees. Therefore, when it gets cold outside people often find that their car battery will not start in the morning. Which is frustrating and inconvenient. Idling Idling for prolong times ... read more