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As vehicles become more advanced, engine diagnostics can become more expensive and time-consuming. So, when is an engine diagnostic necessary? Typically, it’s needed when your Check Engine Light is illuminated or flashing. Your vehicle operates like a complex computer, with its onboard system monitoring everything.

Here are some signs that you may require an engine diagnosis:

• Your Check Engine Light is on.
• Your Check Engine Light is flashing.
• Your fuel economy has decreased.
• Your vehicle is running roughly.
• Your vehicle is making unusual noises.
• You notice unfamiliar odors.
• Your vehicle lacks the power it once had.
• Your gauges are reading abnormally.
• Your vehicle is not performing as expected.

Diagnosing an engine needs special, expensive computer tools that link to your vehicle. This process can take hours or even days, based on how complex the issue is. The first step is to retrieve trouble codes. These codes don’t tell the exact problem but give a general idea of which systems may be failing. Mechanics usually spend time test-driving the vehicle with the tools connected. They use scanner feedback to help find the issue.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out to our auto repair shop for assistance. We offer free loaner cars to help make this process more convenient for you.

Summer has arrived in Greenville, SC, bringing the heat! As temperatures rise, it’s vital to care for your vehicle. Here are five simple tips to keep your car happy and healthy this summer.

1. Cooling System: Your Cooling System is key on hot days. Check for leaks and monitor your coolant levels. Low coolant can cause overheating, which might leave you stranded. If your temperature gauge shows “H” or you smell something odd, visit a trusted auto repair shop in Greenville immediately.
2. Tire Pressure: Check your tire pressure at least once a month. A quick look at all four tires can help. Driving on low tires can cause them to heat up and even blow out. Keep them properly inflated for safety.
3. A/C System: Comfort is important while driving. If your A/C isn’t blowing cold air, contact an Auto Repair Shop in Greenville for an A/C diagnostic check. A well-functioning A/C ensures a pleasant ride.
4. Battery: Extreme temperatures can stress your battery. Batteries usually last about 3 to 5 years, so get a simple battery test at an Auto Repair Shop in Greenville. Catching issues early can save you from trouble later.
5. Engine Oil: Checking your Engine Oil is vital. It lubricates the engine and helps maintain a safe temperature. Low oil can lead to overheating and damage, so keep it topped up.

We are here to support your vehicle needs in Greenville!

Take charge of your vehicle maintenance today. Find us on Google and click the blue “BOOK ONLINE” button!

Hearing noise while driving your car, truck, or SUV may mean there’s a problem. You know your vehicle far better than any repair shop. When strange sounds occur, don’t ignore them.  They may signal an issue. We often diagnose noise problems. From squeaks and grinds to clicks and pops, we’re here to help. Below are the five most common noises we see at our Auto Repair Shop in Greenville.

1. Squealing or Grinding When Braking: This is a common noise. A high-pitched squeal when you brake may mean your brake pads are worn. Some manufacturers add a sensor to the brake pads that squeal when the brakes are applied. If you hear this, it might be time for new brakes. A grinding noise suggests the pads are worn down to the metal. This is serious and needs immediate attention.
2. Squealing or Chirping from the Engine Area: A squeal or chirp from the engine area may indicate a worn or dirty drive belt. These belts power many components, like the power steering pump, AC compressor, and alternator. If you hear a squealing or chirping noise, it’s likely due to a failing drive belt.
3. Clicking Noise When Making Tight Turns: If you hear a loud clicking noise from the front during tight turns, it’s likely from the CV axles. These axles help propel the vehicle forward. Over time, the bearings can wear out, especially if the protective boots are old and damaged. This can lead to grease loss. Without enough grease, the CV joints wear and make loud clicking noises when turning.
4. Popping or Rattling Over Bumps: Hearing a popping or rattling noise on uneven roads may indicate worn suspension or chassis parts. Examples of these components are Struts, Shocks, Tie Rods, Ball Joints and Control Arms. As your vehicle ages, these can wear down. If you notice this noise, have a qualified mechanic check it out.
5. Roaring or Groaning Noise While Driving at High Speed: A roaring or groaning noise at high speeds may suggest a tire or wheel bearing issue. This noise usually gets louder as you speed up and may change as you slow down. If you hear this, contact your Auto Repair Shop for an inspection.

In summer, our auto repair shop in Greenville, SC, sees many AC issues. One common question is, “Why does my car air conditioning stop working when I stop driving?” Here are a few explanations based on our experience.

1. Low Freon Charge: A frequent cause of AC problems is low refrigerant. If Freon levels are low, cooling will suffer. This often leads to warm air at the vents when you stop. Customers frequently report warm air while in drive-throughs or school pick-up lines.
2. Engine Performance Issues: Major engine problems can impact your AC. The engine’s computer may turn off certain systems to prevent stalling. The air conditioning system is one of these. You might notice the AC stops working when you aren’t driving.
3. Electric Cooling Fan Problems: A common reason for warm air when stationary is a faulty electric cooling fan motor. When you’re stopped, the air can become warm. The AC system needs airflow through the front of the car to cool the AC condenser. The electric cooling fan motor is responsible for drawing air in when the car is still. If this motor fails, the AC will stop working when you’re not driving.

What Can I Do If This Happens?

If you notice warm air from your vents, there’s a problem. We can help! Contact our auto repair shop on Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greenville and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced mechanics. You can easily book your appointment online. Just click the BLUE BOOK ONLINE button to take control of your air conditioning repair.

Now that summer is here, Cold A/C is most import.  The driver compartment can become very hot and uncomfortable if Cold Air is not coming out of the vents.  There are many things that can cause your Air Conditioning to not Blow Cold.  Let’s go over some common reasons for this.

1. Low Freon: The most common reason for Air Conditioning not blowing cold is low Freon Charge.  As our vehicle ages, O-ring seals and rubber hoses can start leaking.  When enough freon leaks out of the A/C system, the A/C compressor will turn off and warm air will come out of your vents.  The leaks must be fixed and new freon added or a new freon charge will just leak back out again.
2. An overheating engine: If the cooling system is faulty, the A/C System will stop working.
3. Electrical Issues: Your car is one big Computer System.  Electrical issues occur for many reasons. Loose or worn connectors, damaged or melted wire harnesses can be a problem. Faulty relays, switches or fuses can cause the problem. Also, computer modules, faulty control heads, and faulty PCM computers can also rob you of cold air.
4. Mechanical Failures: As your car gets older, Mechanical failures can occur.  Common failures that we see at our Auto Repair Shop are A/C Compressors, and Pressure Switches. A/C Condensers, Expansion Valves, Receiver Dryers, and Evaporator Cores can cause an A/C to shut down.  Cooling Fan Motors and Blower Motors are also components that can shut down your A/C System.

As you can see, Car Air Conditioning problems can occur at any time.  If you ever notice that your Car Air Conditioning is not blowing cold.  Give us a call.  We can help.  Find us on Google Business or our website cobbtire.com and set your own appointment.  Just hit the Blue Book Online button and take control of your Vehicle Maintenance.

When your vehicle is in the shop for a routine Brake Repair, do your Brake Calipers need to be replaced?  The short answer is NO.  Brake Calipers will last up to 100,000 + miles.  We have seen Brake Calipers last even longer. 

A normal Brake service will consist of new Brake Pads, New Disc Rotors, and Brake Hardware.  When Brake Calipers are faulty, the driver or the shop will notice performance issues.

Excessive Heat and smoke.  If you are noticing smoke coming from the wheel area while driving, your Brake Caliper may be faulty.  When a Brake Caliper is faulty, the brake system will continue to brake after you let off the brake pedal.  This is a Brake Drag.

Brake Pull.  When your vehicle is pulling or taking off to the left or right when it is braking, your Brake Caliper may be faulty. 

Uneven Brake Pad Wear.  If the passenger side brake pads are worn and the driver side brake pads are ok, your brake caliper may be faulty.  Also, if the outer brake pad is good but the inner brake pad on the same side is worn out, a Brake Caliper may be bad.

The best practice is to contact your Brake Repair Shop if your brakes are not performing the way you are used too.  The Brake System is the most important safety feature on your vehicle.  At Cobb Tire and Auto Repair, we do not charge for a Brake Inspection.  If you feel like your brakes are faulty, please contact our team and we will help you get to the bottom of the issue.    

At Cobb Tire and Auto Repair, we see and repair a lot of brake systems that are faulty.  Your Brakes are the most important safety item on your vehicle.  We are asked a lot, “Do My Brake Rotors Need Replacing?”  The answer to this question is YES. This is why. 

Lowering the weight of vehicles is very important to auto manufacturers.  Vehicles are much lighter than they were 30 years ago.   Brake system weight has decreased tremendously.  Brake Rotors are not as heavy and as thick as they were in the past. 

Brake Pads and Brake Rotors wear together.  The New Brake Pads require a new and straight brake rotor surface to meet.  We highly recommend NOT installing new brake pads onto old worn Brake Rotors.  We see stopping power decreased, and problems with vibration and noise.

Including new Brake Rotors will also help maintain a strong warranty.  Our best-in-town 3 Year / Unlimited mileage warranty will protect you if a brake problem arises in the future. 

I hope this helps answer any questions about why it is important to include new Disc Brake Rotors.

One thing you never want is to hop into your car and take off driving, only to see the Brake Warning Light Come on.  If this occurs, you will want to find out why and fix this as soon as possible.  A Brake Light Coming on while you’re driving can indicate a few potential issues. Here are some common reasons:

1. Engaged Parking Brake: If your parking brake isn’t fully released, the brake light may be on.  Double check to ensure it’s completely disengaged.  This is done by releasing the Parking Brake Handle or by pushing down the Parking Brake Pedal.
2. Low Brake Fluid: Low Brake Fluid can trigger the brake warning light. This is checked by looking at the Brake Reservoir.  There is a full mark on the plastic reservoir.  If the Brake Fluid is below the mark, fill it until it is full.  This could be due to a leak in the Brake System or Brake Pads being worn down.
3. Worn Brake Pads: Some vehicles have sensors at the Brake Pads that detect when they are worn out. If the Brake Pads are too thin, the Brake Pad Sensor will trigger the light on.
4. Faulty Brake Light Switch: A malfunctioning brake light switch (located near the brake pedal) can cause the light to stay on.
5. Electrical Issues: A short circuit, a wire problem, or a faulty fuse could cause the light to stay on.

If you’re unsure of the reason, it’s best to have your vehicle checked out. Any Auto Repair Shop can help with this issue. A skilled Mechanic can ensure your brakes are functioning safe and proper.  The Brake System is the most important safety feature on your car.  Anytime a Brake Warning Light is on, have it checked out as soon as possible.

The Cooling System keeps the engine running at a comfortable safe temperature. As hot Coolant leaves the Engine, it travels to the Radiator where it is cooled. It then returns to the hot engine and lowers the temperature. Keeping the Engine at a safe manageable temperature will prolong life. Here are some reasons why you should pay attention to Anti-Freeze and your Cooling System.

• The Cooling System Prevents Overheating: Anti-Freeze helps regulate the engine’s temperature by absorbing heat and returning it to the Radiator. In the summer, higher temperatures can put extra stress on your engine. If the Coolant isn’t at the proper level or it has degraded, your engine is at risk of overheating. This could lead to serious damage like a warped Cylinder Head or a failed Head Gasket.
• Preserves Engine Health: Coolant also protects your engine from corrosion and rust. It does this by preventing the metal components from contacting moisture. Over time, Anti-Freeze loses its effectiveness. It is important to ensure that it is fresh and clean to protect your engine from wear, especially in hot weather.

Avoids Expensive Repairs: If you don’t maintain your Cooling System, your vehicle may suffer from more severe issues. If the engine overheats and the problem is left untreated, it could lead to a costly repair. By maintaining your Cooling System, you reduce the risk of major breakdowns. This can cost a lot more than a simple coolant flush or replacement.

• Coolant Condition: Over time, coolant can break down and become contaminated with debris or rust. A Cooling System Fluid Exchange before summer will keep the system working effectively.
• Hoses and Radiator: Check for leaks, cracks, or bulges in the hoses that carry Anti-Freeze. Also, ensure that the radiator is in good condition to efficiently transfer heat. A trusted Auto Repair Shop can help with this.

The “Maintenance Required” light in your car is a friendly reminder that it’s time for a check-up.  It’s time to call your trusted Auto Repair Shop!

Here’s what it generally means:

• Scheduled Maintenance: This light usually indicates that your vehicle has reached the mileage interval for routine maintenance tasks.
• Common Maintenance Needs: These tasks often include:
  • Oil Change: One of the most frequent maintenance needs.
  • Oil Filter Replacement: Typically done alongside an Oil Change.
  • Tire Rotation: Helps ensure even Tire wear and improves handling.
  • Fluid Checks: Checking levels of fluids like Coolant, Brake Fluid, and Power Steering Fluid.

Important Notes:

• Manufacturers’ Recommendations: Always refer to your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for the specific Maintenance Schedule and talk to your Mechanic about recommendations.
• Don’t Ignore It: While it’s not always an immediate emergency, it’s crucial to address the maintenance needs promptly to prevent potential engine damage or other issues.

Resetting the Light:

• After Maintenance: Once the necessary maintenance has been performed, your mechanic will reset the “Maintenance Required” light.

Methods Vary: The method for resetting the light can differ depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Your trusted Auto Repair shop and their qualified mechanics will know the correct procedure.