​​Most car owners know that they need to take their car in for regular maintenance, but many don't realize there are different preventative care types. Some car repairs are more important than others, and neglecting even minor repairs can lead to significant problems down the road. Here's a look at some of the different types of preventative maintenance that every car owner should be aware of.

The Benefits of Regular Auto Maintenance

​Oil changes are perhaps the most essential type of preventative maintenance for cars. Engine oil lubricates all the moving parts in the engine, and over time it breaks down and becomes less effective. That's why it's essential to change your car's oil regularly, according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Neglecting to do so can lead to significant engine problems. ​Synthetic oil – Is it right for my car?

​Tire rotations are another vital type of preventative maintenance. Over time, tires wear down unevenly, with the front tires typically wearing out faster than the rear tires. To prevent this, it's important to rotate your tires regularly. This ensures that all four tires wear evenly, which extends their lifespan and helps ensure a smooth ride.

​Another important car repair is brake service. Your car's brakes are one of its most important safety features, so it's crucial to ensure they're always in good working order. That means having them inspected and serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic. Neglecting brake service can lead to serious safety issues, so it's best not to take any chances. When to Replace Your Brake Pads.
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These are just a few preventative maintenance types that car owners need to be aware of. By keeping up with these simple repairs, you can avoid major problems down the road and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Driving in Massachusetts can be tough without air conditioning, then you know how important it is to have a working car air conditioner. Not only is it uncomfortable to drive in a car that's not cooled down, but the heat can actually be dangerous. That's why it's essential to have your car's air conditioner regularly serviced by a qualified mechanic. This will ensure that it's constantly blowing cold air and that you and your passengers stay comfortable all summer long.

Car air conditioning maintenance is typically pretty straightforward. The most important thing is to make sure the system is properly charged with refrigerant. If it's low, then the air conditioner won't work as well and may even stop working. Find a local car A/C shop near you.

​Your car's transmission is one of its most essential components, and keeping it in good working order is crucial. That means having it regularly serviced by a qualified mechanic. Transmission maintenance typically involves replacing the fluid and filters and checking for leaks. If you don't keep up with transmission maintenance, your car may eventually start having trouble shifting gears, and ultimately, the transmission could fail altogether. Find a local transmission repair and service shop for proper maintenance.

​The frequency of preventative maintenance will vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as how often you drive it. However, most carmakers recommend having specific major maintenance performed every 30,000 miles. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake service. If you don't drive your car very often, you may be able to extend the interval between maintenance appointments. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and have your car serviced more frequently if you're not sure.

There are several benefits to keeping up with preventative maintenance for your car. First, it can help avoid major, expensive repairs down the road. Additionally, regularly serviced vehicles tend to run more smoothly and efficiently, saving you money on things like gas. Finally, well-maintained cars retain their value better over time, so if you ever decide to sell your vehicle, you'll likely get more for it.

Every car owner should be aware that preventive maintenance is essential to car ownership. By keeping up with simple repairs and scheduled maintenance appointments, you can avoid significant problems and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.  Find a Massachusetts Auto Repair Shop near your home or work.

Summer is here, and it's time to get your car ready for summer! Here are some tips on how to keep your vehicle running smoothly this summer.

• Check the air pressure in all tires and inflate if necessary.
• Make sure the coolant levels are topped off.
• Top off fluids like engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Check the battery and make sure it has a full charge before you start driving this season.

An oil change is a service performed on an automobile that involves changing the motor oil and replacing the filter. The frequency of an oil change depends on various factors such as the type of engine, number of miles driven, and climate conditions.

Having your vehicle serviced regularly is essential, so you don’t have to worry about any issues with your car later. Knowing when it's time for an oil change is also a good idea to plan ahead for it. The best time for an oil change will depend on your vehicle's engine and how often you drive it.

A coolant flush is a procedure done on a vehicle radiator and engine cooling system. This procedure aims to remove the sediment, debris, and corrosion that has built up over time. This can be done by using a chemical solution or flushing the system with water.

The importance of flushing:

• It removes dirt, debris, sludge, and other contaminants from the cooling system
• It helps maintain your car's cooling system in

Changing coolant regularly and checking for leaks. This can be done by checking the coolant level with a dipstick and adding it if needed. If there are leaks, they should be fixed as soon as possible. Leaks can lead to overheating and other severe problems with your engine.

Engine tune-ups are one of the most essential maintenance services that you can provide for your car. Not only does it save gas, but it also extends the life of your engine. 

During summer, you should have your local mechanic inspect all hoses, belts, and spark plugs for any signs of damage or wear. If they find any problems with these parts, they should replace them before they cause more serious issues down the line.

Your local auto repair shop can inspect your exhaust system, including the muffler and catalytic converter. If you neglect these components, you will face many problems with your car. The exhaust system is responsible for getting the fumes out of the engine. The catalytic converter is responsible for converting the pollutants in the exhaust into less harmful emissions.

If you notice a strange smell coming from your car, this might indicate that something is wrong with your exhaust system or muffler. If you have been hearing any unusual noise from your engine, this might also suggest that something is wrong with either one of these systems.

In the summer, scheduling car maintenance appointments with a certified technician is essential. You should also ensure that you get your oil changed and other necessary services on time. This will help you avoid any potential issues or problems with your car before they happen.

The tips provided above are from local Massachusetts auto repair shops shown below.
​Hub Starters & Alternators in Malden, MA
Elis Service Station in Arlington, MA
Tremont Street Garage in Melrose, MA

​The car is a big investment and it is important to take care of it. There are many things that you can do to keep your car running smoothly.

• Keep the tires inflated and balanced.
• Have the oil changed regularly.
• Check the air filter regularly.
• Check the coolant level regularly.
• Check for leaks in the engine, transmission, and other parts of the car.
• Get your brakes checked regularly by a mechanic or at a service station.

Automobile Maintenance Can Save You Money in the Long Run

Oil Change
The best way to maintain a car is to change the oil every 3,000 miles. This will help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent any major problems from happening. Is synthetic oil right for my car?

Tires
It is also important to have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles. This will help ensure that you are getting the most out of your tires and they are not wearing unevenly. Read about proper tire tread depth.

Brakes
Finally, it is important to have your brakes checked every time you get an oil change. This will help ensure that you are not driving around with faulty brakes and risking an accident.

The Most Common Problems with Cars
Common car problems are usually related to the engine, transmission, and brakes. The engine is the part of the car that converts fuel into motion. The transmission is what transmits power from the engine to the wheels. Brakes are what stop a car when it needs to stop.

Find Mass Auto Repair Shops

There are so many road hazards that can cause damage to your tires. Anything from a pothole to a nail to a sharp stone or other road debris can puncture a tire.  Driving on a flat tire or underinflated tire is dangerous and, if not looked at, can make the tire unrepairable, ultimately costing more money to replace the tire rather than repairing the tire.  The faster you can bring your damaged tire to a repair shop, the better your chances of saving the tire.

After an inspection of your damaged tire, we can evaluate whether or not the tire can be repaired or if it needs replacement. According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), tires can usually be repaired if the puncture is a ¼ inch or less and is located on the tire's tread, not the tire's sidewall.

Get Your Tire Repair Services Near You

​Massachusetts Minimum Tire Tread Depth 

​Below are the five main sounds you will hear coming from internal combustion engines and why they occurred.

1) Knocking Noises

You will hear knocking noises whenever you accelerate your vehicle or change gears. The knocking will come from the inside of the engine. The sound signifies a problem with the timing of the air and fuel mixture’s ignition within the engine's cylinders. If the ignition happens too early, you will hear these knocking sounds. The timing of the ignition is crucial because it determines whether the proper amount of power will be produced. 

A simple engine tune-up for your vehicle might fix the problem. If the sounds remain, your engine could have a worn-out component that needs to be replaced or repaired, or worse, you may require your engine replacement! Anytime you need work done on the engine, hiring a mechanic for such a task will cost a lot of money. Before you do this, see if your car has a knock sensor that manages these sounds. If it does, then replacing the knock sensor might be all you need to do to eliminate the sounds. 

Also, check the engine oil level and verify that it is correct. 

2) Cold Start Rattling Noises

It is natural for some of the newer car engines to rattle a bit during a cold start. The rattle comes from the timing chain that is used with the engine. As the years go by, the engine will start to rattle as it ages. If you hear these rattling noises, then it likely means your timing chain is wearing out. If you already know that your engine has a timing chain, then you should get it inspected by a mechanic. They have the proper diagnostic equipment to check on it correctly. Otherwise, the worn-out timing chain could end up damaging your engine. 

3) Tapping / Clicking Noises

When your engine runs, do you hear constant tapping or clicking noises? If so, this could be the upper valve train that manages the opening and closing of the exhaust valves and air intake valves. You can determine whether the upper valve train is responsible for the noises by removing the engine head and evaluating it. You’ll see the camshaft moving the tappets and the springs, returning them into their original positions. If the engine has reduced oil pressure or worn-out springs, these tapping and clicking noises may be heard. Also, check the oil dipstick to check how much oil is in the engine.  Maintenance tip: Get regular oil changes!

4) Shrieking / Squealing Noises

Most people hear squealing and shrieking noises from their engine after a while. The belts are actually the parts that generate these noises. The belts connected to the engine are also used to run the AC compressor, power steering pulley, and timing. The newer belts are made from rubber instead of chains. A cold-started engine will cause the noises to grow louder. The noises will gradually disappear as you start driving and accelerating your vehicle. The belts may slip away from the pulley, which would cause you to hear this noise. Worn-out or loose belts often due slip away from their pulleys like this. That is why you need to replace your belts if they appear worn out. Either that or tighten the serpentine belt and test to see if you continue to hear the noises. 

5) Grinding Sounds

It is a transmission issue if you shift gears in a manual transmission vehicle and hear grinding sounds. The gears in the transmission are probably grinding aggressively against one another. A lot of the older manual cars have this problem. Don’t assume the transmission is bad, though, because the transmission may not be able to be disengaged from the engine by the clutch. Either that or the clutch is not being depressed right away before shifting. Get transmission service!

When someone learns how to operate a stick shift for the first time, it is common for them to encounter this problem. In some cases, the clutch mechanism may be too old and worn out rather than the driver’s actions being the cause of the sounds. If you have a worn-out clutch system, then it should be replaced. 

​WATCH - A new video from the Car Care Council, entitled “Auto Care Goes a Long Way,” shows how vehicle owners can save money with some simple preventative maintenance.

Many people ignore the little check engine light right under their noses.  That is a BAD IDEA!  If you like spending money on car repairs, then keep driving with that annoying light glowing right in front of you.  But it's best to get it checked!  It could be that you didn’t tighten the gas cap, but it could also be more serious. Learn more about check engine light diagnostics.
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When the check engine light goes on, you may not notice any trouble as you drive over time. But if you ignore it, you may see the car not performing up to its potential, or you may experience poor gas mileage.  The more you drive your vehicle with a problem usually ends up costs more money in the end!   So get that check engine light diagnosed at a local auto repair shop!

Posted by: Teele Square Auto in Somerville, MA. June  27, 2018

Why do I need the cooling system flushed?
Cooling system flush is part of ongoing preventative maintenance for any vehicle. The cooling system in your car prevents your car from overheating.  Your system circulates a mixture of coolant and water throughout your engine.  Unfortunately, the coolant mix becomes contaminated over time with rust and scale, which could cause clogs and damage to the coolant system parts and prevent proper cooling of your engine, causing it to overheat.


How your cooling system is flushed:
Our mechanics drain the old coolant mix, flush the system with a coolant cleaner, then flush the remaining coolant with water.  After the system is flushed and cleaned, we fill it with the proper mixture of coolant and water, bring the engine up to its running temperature, and test the system for leaks and that all other coolant components are working correctly.

Your service manual should have recommendations of when to get it. It’s a good idea to change the coolant.  For quick reverence, though, every 40,000 to 50,000 miles or whenever the low coolant level light is on, or the check engine light is on is a good idea to check or replace the coolant on your car.  Additionally, if your vehicle is overheating, it may be time for the coolant to be replaced.

Visit Teele Square Auto for your Cooling System Flush:
Teele Sq Auto
1284 Broadway
Somerville, MA
(617) 623-9067

​On the corner of Beach and Salem Street in Malden is an auto repair shop that was once a thriving repair shop and gas station called Amato's Auto Repair and then Gary’s Auto Services.

Recently the property at 12 Beach St was purchased by Eli,  the owner of Teele Sq Auto in Somerville, who also owns Eli’s Service Station in Arlington. This is a good thing for the Linden neighborhood of Malden.  I have seen the transformation of the above-mentioned auto repair shops by Eli.

The improvements will be good for the neighborhood as Eli plans big things for the Malden location, including a complete makeover of the exterior of the building, a repaving of the large lot, new signage, and new lights to properly illuminate the property.

The shop's new name, Eli's Garage, Eli's Garage, will provide complete auto repair and maintenance services on all foreign and domestic cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. In addition to car repair, Malden residents will be able to get their vehicles inspected as soon as they become a Mass Inspection Station.

If you live or work in the Malden area, you won’t be disappointed with the auto repair services you will find at Eli's Garage.

Eli's Garage
​12 Beach Street
Malden, MA 02148
(781) 321-0880

There are many things to consider when looking for an auto repair shop from reputation to car repair estimates to certified auto repair shops.  Learn more from about "how to find a good auto repair shop"

I recently moved to Malden, MA, a few months ago.  After finally unpacking and getting organized, I searched for a car repair shop that could handle maintenance and repairs on my car.  I drove around to several repair shops; there are a lot of shops in Malden, and stopped in on a couple shops to chat with the mechanic or owner.  The only shop that piqued my interest was Hub Starters on Broadway in Malden.  My first reaction was, why is this place named Hub Starters?  Well, as it turns out, the name fits as the business model from over 35 years ago was to be the hub of automobile and truck starter repair and rebuilding that morphed into a complete auto repair shop.

With so many choices for car repair shops in Malden, here are the top 3 things I liked about Hub Starters:

• They are the only AAA repair shop in Malden, MA
• Over 35 years in business
• Mass State inspection station

Since moving into Malden, I used Hub Starters two times, the first for an inspection sticker and an oil change, then a couple months later for a brake job.

​Anyone new to the Malden area looking for an auto repair shop should look no further than Hub Starters.

Even though synthetic oil is more expensive it has its advantages.  Synthetic oil takes longer to breakdown so lasts longer than conventional motor oil.  Eli of Teele Square Auto in Somerville, MA says “customers that once changed their oil every 3,500 miles now go 7,000 miles between oil changes using synthetic oil"

Some car-makers require owners to use synthetic oil so be sure to check your owner’s manual.  Harry Janice of West Lynn Auto in Lynn, MA warns owners to be sure to comply with your warranty to avoid from voiding it if you don’t comply.

For older cars, synthetic motor oil has a resistance to breaking down which will help prolong the life of an older engine.  Additionally, older engines using conventional oil can began to get sludge buildup from conventional oil breaking down. Using synthetic oil for on older engines would be less likely to breaking down.  In a nut shell using synthetic oil is will prolong the life of your engine and require less oil changes says, Steve of Waverly Square Auto in Belmont MA.

Melrose, MA - LBJ Honda/Accura Specialists, located in Melrose, has served Honda and Acura owners in Middlesex County for over30 years.

Personalized service is the backbone of our operation. Unlike most auto repair shops, we welcome you into our service bays. Our expert staff will be glad to walk you through the diagnosis of your car’s problem and explain the necessary repairs.

At LBJ, factory-trained technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and the right attitude add to quality service at a reasonable price.

 In 1973 a young man with a degree in mechanical engineering found himself looking for employment. Jobs in his field were scarce, so he started working as a Volvo/Honda auto dealership mechanic.

At some point, everyone experiences a life-changing moment. This was his. Barry Innerfield (for that was the young man’s name) fell passionately in love with the little Honda Civic. (We still have one here!)

The course of true love never runs smoothly. After Barry left the auto dealer, he spent several years trying other jobs in mechanical engineering and auto repair. But he never forgot his dream of having a Honda repair shop of his own. In 1986 Barry located space in Melrose, Massachusetts, and opened LBJ. (The initials were for his family members, Liuda, Barry, and Jerry.)

"The factory-trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment are only part of the LBJ difference. Our true pride is providing personalized service, with the right attitude, to make sure your experience at LBJ Honda is always a positive one."

To schedule an appointment please call us at (781) 662-5300
Or visit us online at www.lbjhonda.com
​Your vehicle will thank you!

Good information regarding tire tread depth in Massachusetts. Read Massachusetts Minimum Tire Tread Depth by Teele Sq Auto Somerville, MA.

 Published by Teele Square Auto in Somerville, MA​