The Value of Auto Repair Services

Working as I do, in an Auto Repair Facility, I have learned the true value of service.  I never questioned my trusted Mechanics growing up.  My father taught me how to work on cars, so if I couldn’t do it, someone else had to.  However, I never knew the true depth of the work until now.

Inflation is at an all-time high, the cost of vehicles, even used inventory, is incredible.  Maintaining the vehicle you have is the most effective solution to that dilemma.  Having a trusted Auto Repair Shop is a priceless commodity.  Knowing the price of eggs is equal to a gallon of milk now, one should know vehicle repair is going to be higher than it was 3 years ago.  That being said, the value is in the value.

Does your Auto Repair Shop provide a warranty?  What is the warranty and what does it cover?

Do they provide you with a Free Courtesy Loaner Vehicle?  Transparency?  And Digital Vehicle Inspections?

True value lies in the Warranty, transparency, convenience, and perks therein. In my experience, Auto Repairs can take time.  Parts availability, difficulty of job, having a Courtesy Loaner Vehicle is worth everything!  Not having to worry about how to get to work while my Mechanic makes magic is worth more on the bottom line to me.

So, if you have a trusted Auto Repair Shop and they take good care of you and your car, give you the extras and cost more than some.  Be glad to pay for it, there is a huge amount of security in that.

Why is my Car Air Conditioning not working?

There are several reasons why your Car Air Conditioning might not be working. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Low Refrigerant Level: This is a frequent cause. Your car’s AC needs Refrigerant to function. If there’s a leak in the system, the refrigerant level can drop, making the Air Conditioner blow warm air.

Failing Compressor:  The AC Compressor is the heart of the AC System. It compresses the Refrigerant pumping it through different AC components. The circulation of Refrigerant causes it to change state. The Refrigerant changes from a high temperature vapor to a high temperature liquid. Then it changes to a low temperature liquid. Finally, the Refrigerant changes to a low temperature vapor and returns to the AC Compressor.  This system must be working properly to have cold air at the AC Vents.  A failing compressor can lead to warm air at the vents.

Electrical Issues:  A bad fuse or faulty wiring can be a problem. A faulty control module can also interrupt the power supply to the AC system. This can render the AC System inoperable.

Clogged Cabin Air Filter:  A clogged cabin air filter can restrict the airflow. This makes the AC less effective. A simple fix would be to replace the clogged filter with a new one. Quality Auto Repair Shops will perform a Digital Vehicle Inspection. If during the inspection, the Mechanic finds a clogged filter, The Shop will recommend a new one. Take their recommendation and have it replaced.

Other Issues:  Less frequent causes include problems with other AC Components. The AC Condenser Fan Motor, the Evaporator Core, or the Blower Motor might be faulty.

Diagnosing the exact cause of your car AC malfunction can be tricky. It’s best to take your car to a trusted Auto Repair Shop and have your Mechanic diagnose and repair it.  So, keep cool this summer and have your vehicle’s AC system serviced!

Why My Tire Light is on and why is it blinking?

A blinking Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light typically indicates an issue with the system itself, rather than just low Tire pressure. Here are some reasons why your TPMS light might be blinking:

  • Malfunctioning sensor: One or more of the TPMS sensors in your Tires could be faulty, damaged or have a dead battery.
  • Communication issue: The sensors might not be communicating properly with your car’s computer system.
  • Missing sensor: A sensor could be missing from one of your tires.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Check your Tire pressure: It’s always a good idea to check your Tire pressure manually, regardless of the TPMS light. You can find the recommended tire pressure for your car on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
  • Consult your car’s manual: Your manual might have specific information about troubleshooting a blinking TPMS light.
  • Take your car to a mechanic: A Mechanic can diagnose the problem with the TPMS system and fix it accordingly.

Ignoring a blinking TPMS light is not recommended. A functioning TPMS system is important for safety, as it can help you avoid blowouts and uneven Tire Wear.

Why Does My Tire Have a Bump

Have you ever walked around your Car and while kicking the tires, notice one of your tires has one or several bumps?  Why Does My Tire Have a Bump?  There are two types of Bumps that occur on a tire.  The first bump is the Sidewall Splice.  This is normal in the construction of the tire.  The internal workings of the tire are constructed to overlap and be spliced down.  This appears as a small indentation in the sidewall.  The Sidewall Splice is normal.

The second bump is damage that occurs to the sidewall of the Tire called a Pinch Break or Impact Break. 

This type of Tire Damage is a critical safety issue.  This occurs when the Tire and Rim assembly impacts with a pothole or debris on the road.  If the impact is hard enough, the tire will flatten out and the rim will pinch down on the sidewall of the tire. This will cause internal damage to the fabric.  The internal fabric of the tire will become torn.  The inner and outer layer of rubber stretches but the damaged fabric inside will cause the bump.  At this point, the only thing keeping the tire from blowing out is the thin layer of rubber.  This situation is a Ticking Time Bomb.

It is always a good idea to walk around your car before travelling.  Walk around and kick the tires.  Look to see if there are any Bumps on the Tires.  If you do happen to see a bump, get to a Tire Shop Near You and have your tire inspected by a knowledgeable Mechanic.

Why is it Important to Maintain Your Transmission

It is very important to maintain the Fluid in your Transmission.  We all want our transmissions to work well and last a long time.  It is as important as changing the oil in your engine. Here are some key reasons why Transmission Fluid Maintenance is so important:

  1. Proper lubrication reduces friction.  It also reduces wear and heat among moving parts.
  2. Cooling the Unit – Fluid circulates through the transmission. Moving parts create heat due to friction and it helps keep the Transmission cool. Overheating can cause premature wear on all the working components.  A cool running Transmission is important for longevity.
  3. Contamination Prevention – Over time, fluid becomes dirty. The fluid becomes contaminated with metal shavings, carbon, and debris from wear and tear. Regular fluid changes remove contamination.
  4. Neglect Causes Failures – Neglecting fluid changes can lead to faster wear. It causes sludge, build-up, and eventually failure.

We recommend Keeping your vehicle on a regular schedule of fluid exchanges for all your fluid systems.  This includes the Engine, Transmission, Power Steering, the Differentials, the Transfer Case, Brakes, Fuel System, and the Cooling System.

Why is Alignment so Important?

Why is Alignment so Important?

In the world of cars, Alignment refers to how your Wheels are positioned in relation to each other and the road.  Imagine your Tires are like your feet. If they’re not pointed straight ahead, you’re going to have a tough time walking in a straight line!  Car Alignment is similar.

Here’s why it’s important:

Safer driving: Proper alignment means your car tracks straight and corners predictably.  This is crucial for safe handling, especially at higher speeds or on slippery roads.
Smoother ride: Misaligned wheels can cause a bumpy ride or the car to pull to one side.  Good alignment makes for a more comfortable and controlled driving experience.
Even tire wear: When your wheels are misaligned, the tires wear unevenly. This can shorten their lifespan and cost you more money on replacements.

Annual or bi-annual alignments are important for both safety and to save money on tires in the long run. Call your trusted Auto Repair Shop and schedule your car for Alignment if you are experiencing any of these issues.  And remember, keep your car’s feet happy and healthy!

Why Do My Tires Keep Losing Air

We have a lot of clients asking us, “Why Do My Tires Keep Losing Air”.  There are several reasons for this.

1)    The Tire has a puncture.  Tire Punctures range from nails, screws, bolts, metal shards and broken glass. When debris is found to be causing a leaking tire, we remove the tire and Patch Repair the tire internally.

2)   The Tire Leak is from the Bead Seal.  As Tires become older, the Tire Bead that seals to the rim can begin to leak.  We see this a lot from vehicles up north that are driven in the Rust Belt.  Corrosion builds up between the Tire Bead area and the Rim Seat.  To fix this, the tire needs to be removed from the rim and thoroughly cleaned.  The rim may need to be sanded and cleaned.

3)   The Tire dissipates through the rubber side wall.  Rubber is porous.  Air pressure will leak down over time.  This is a normal occurrence.  This is why it is important to check the tire pressure once every month.

Most newer cars have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.  If ever the Low Tire Warning Light comes on, have this checked out immediately.  Don’t ever drive your vehicle with a low tire.

Selecting Tires: GOOD – BETTER – BEST

There are a lot of Tire Brands to choose from when purchasing a set of tires.  We prefer to quote Tires on 3 levels.  Our 3 Tire levels are Good, Better, and Best.  There are 3 things that differentiate the levels.

  1. Mileage Rating: A better quality tire will have a higher mileage rating and will last a lot longer.  This is where you will get more, “Bang or your Buck”.  The Mileage rating is stamped on the tire and can easily be explained by the Tire Shop that is providing you with a tire quote.
  2. Trusted Brand: A trusted Tire Brand that has stood the test of time, is a good way of knowing the tire will perform well and last a long time.  If a Tire Shop has had great performance from a Tire Brand, they will recommend the tire as a Better or Best
  3. Balancing the tires:  By far, the best method that I use in deciding if a tire ranks as Good, Better or Best, is how well the tire balances on a Balance Machine.  A tire that consistently spins perfectly round and requires a very small Wheel Weight, means everything to me.  This is a tire that will roll smoothly, feel great at highway speeds, and last a long time.  Of all the tires that we have installed over the last 40 years, Michelin performs the best on the balancer.

Why Won’t My Car Start?

There are many reasons why your car might not be starting. It is difficult to diagnose the exact issue without more information. However, I can give you some general possibilities:

Battery: This is the most common culprit, especially during colder months like January. Cold weather can drain batteries faster. A weak or dead battery might not have enough power to start the engine. You might hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, or the lights might be dim.

Starter motor: The Starter Motor cranks the Engine over when you turn the key. If it’s faulty, you might hear a grinding noise when you try to start it and the Engine will not crank.

Fuel system: Issues like a clogged fuel filter, empty fuel tank, or faulty fuel pump can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. This will prevent the engine from starting.

Ignition system: A problem with the ignition switch or spark plugs is a common reason for a No Start. Other ignition components like the Direct Ignition Coil, Ignition Wires, and Timing Sensors can also prevent the engine from sparking and starting.

Additional information that would be helpful for diagnosing the problem:

What sounds do you hear when you try to start the car? (Clicking, grinding, etc.)

Do the lights turn on when you turn the key?

Has the car been sitting for a long time?

Have you had any recent car repairs or maintenance?

Here are some things you can try:

Check the battery voltage: If the voltage is below 12.4 volts, the battery is likely dead and needs a jump start or replacement.

Listen for any unusual sounds: Grinding or clicking noises can indicate starter motor problems.

Check the fuel gauge: Make sure you haven’t run out of gas.

Try turning the key off and on a few times: Sometimes a loose connection can be the culprit.

It’s best to call your Mechanic or trusted Auto Repair Shop. They can diagnose the problem and get your car started again!!

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake

Brakes in Greenville Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Cobb Tire And Auto Repair

We know our cars very well. We spend such a large amount of time in them daily that we profess a keen ability to know when something is wrong. One common issue that we see allot of is the feeling of a vibration from the vehicle when hitting the brakes. You will be traveling at a high rate of speed on the express way. As you come up to your exit you hit the brakes to begin slowing down and feel the steering wheel shake back and forth. You may also feel the entire car shake and shutter.
Because this is only happening when braking, there is a very good chance that the issue is with the disc rotors. The disc rotor is the round steel plate that the brake pads clamp down on to stop the car. The disc rotor, like the tire, turns at a high rate of speed when traveling. A new disc rotor is designed and machined to a perfect zero specification. If it ever warps or becomes out of round due to extreme temperature, a vibration will be felt when the pads clamp down. The more warped the disc rotor is, the more vibration will be felt when braking.
In most cases, the correct fix is to replace the warped disc rotors with new ones. I also suggest renewing the disc pads with the new rotors. Machine resurfacing the warped disc rotor can also help but is not recommended. The resurfacing process removes more metal from the disc rotor. In today’s times, disc rotors are less heavy, and less thick than rotors of the past.