Mass Auto Repair Shops
  • Repair Shops
  • Types of Repair Shops
    • AC Repair
    • Auto Body Shops
    • Auto Detailing Shops
    • Auto Glass Shops
    • BMW Repair Shops
    • Engine Rebuilding Shops
    • Inspection Stations
    • Muffler and Exhaust Shops
    • Radiator Shops
    • Towing
    • Transmission Shops
    • Used Auto Parts | Junk Yards
    • Volkswagen Repair Shops
  • Deals
  • Blog

How to Maintain Your BMW and Keep it Running Smoothly

10/1/2022

0 Comments

 

Maintaining Your BMW


​You've made a significant investment in your BMW, and you want to make sure that it runs smoothly for years to come. The best way to do that is to keep up with regular maintenance and repair. Here are some tips on how to keep your BMW in top shape.
  1. Check your oil regularly. BMWs require synthetic oil, so make sure you use the correct oil type. It's also important to check your oil level often and top it off as needed. 
  2. Get regular tune-ups. Like any other car, BMWs need regular tune-ups to keep running well. Be sure to take your BMW in for a tune-up every 30,000 miles o
  3. Stay on top of repairs. If you notice something isn't working correctly with your BMW, don't wait to get it repaired. The sooner you take care of the problem, the less likely it is to turn into a more significant issue later. 
  4. Wax and wash regularly. Keeping your BMW clean both inside and out will help it look its best and protect its paint job from premature wear and tear. 
  5. Store your BMW properly during the winter months. If you live in an area that gets cold and snowy in the winter, it's essential to take steps to protect your BMW from the elements when you're not using it. Store it in a garage if possible, and if you can't do that, invest in a good car cover to keep it clean and dry when it's not in use. 

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your beloved BMW will stay in great shape for many years. Regular maintenance is key to keeping any car running well, so don't neglect your ride! Find a local independent BMW repair shop.
0 Comments

Got Engine Knock?

9/27/2022

0 Comments

 

What Causes Engine Knock?


​Engine knock is a knocking or pinging sound that can occur when engine operation. It is usually caused by engine combustion problems or engine mechanical problems. 
Engine - What Causes Engine Knock?

Most engine knock is caused by one of three things:

  1. Detonation: This happens when the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders ignites too early. When this happens, the flame front travels across the cylinder much faster than it should. The result is a knocking noise as the pressure wave hits the piston. 
  2. Pre-ignition: This occurs when the air/fuel mixture ignites before it should. This can be due to hot spots in the engine, deposits on spark plug electrodes, or other factors. Pre-ignition will cause engine knock as well. 
  3. Engine mechanical problems: In some cases, engine knock can be caused by mechanical problems. This could be due to worn engine bearings or other engine parts not functioning properly. If you suspect engine knock might be caused by a mechanical problem, it's best to take it to a local auto repair shop for diagnosis and repair.  
​Learn about the noises a car makes.
​In most cases, engine knock is caused by one of the three things mentioned above. However, there are other causes of engine knock as well. These include using lower quality fuel, deposits on spark plug electrodes, and hot spots in the engine. If you hear engine knock, it's best to take it to a local auto repair shop for diagnosis and repair. 

Prevent Engine Knock

Preventing engine knock is all about preventative maintenance. Checking your spark plugs and wires regularly and ensuring they're in good condition is the best way to prevent engine knock. 

If you start to hear engine knock, it's crucial to take action immediately. The first thing you should do is check your oil level and quality. If it's low or dirty, top it off or change it completely. 

Next, check your fuel filter and air filter. These can get clogged over time and prevent the engine from getting the clean air and fuel it needs to run properly. Clean or replace them as needed.

Finally, if you're still hearing engine knock, take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out. It could be a sign of a more serious problem that needs to be fixed.
0 Comments

Maintaining Your Car is Essential

9/2/2022

0 Comments

 

The Benefits of Regular Auto Maintenance


​Maintaining your car is essential to keeping it running properly and extending its lifespan. Unfortunately, many drivers wait until something goes wrong with their car before taking it in for repairs or maintenance, which can end up being much more expensive in the long run. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the benefits of regular auto maintenance.

​Saves Money in the Long Run

The most obvious benefit of regularly maintaining your car is that it can save you money in the long run. Many people think they can save money by skipping regular oil changes or tune-ups, but this is not the case. When you don't maintain your car according to the manufacturer's recommendations, you're more likely to experience a breakdown that will cost you a lot more than if you had just taken care of the minor maintenance issues along the way. 

​Prevents Breakdowns and Extends Lifespan

Another benefit of regularly maintaining your car is that it prevents breakdowns and extends the lifespan of your vehicle. According to a study conducted by CarMD, vehicles that are properly maintained can last up to 200,000 miles, whereas vehicles that are not maintained often only last for about 100,000 miles. 

​Improves Safety

Another important benefit of regularly maintaining your car is that it can improve safety. For example, one of the most important things you can do to maintain your car is to keep the tires properly inflated. This may not seem like a big deal, but driving on underinflated tires can actually be very dangerous. Underinflated tires are more likely to blowout, which could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and get into an accident. 
Conclusion: 
As you can see, there are many benefits to regularly maintaining your car. If you want to save money and keep your vehicle running properly for as long as possible, be sure to take it in for regular oil changes, tune-ups, and other required maintenance services.
0 Comments

Brake Pad Replacement

8/30/2022

0 Comments

 

When to Replace Your Brake Pads

When it comes to your car, many things need to be kept in good working order if you want to keep it on the road. One of those things is your brakes. You should always ensure that you have plenty of brake fluid and that your brake pads are in good condition. If you're unsure whether it's time to replace your brake pads, read on for some tips.
When to Replace Your Brake Pads
There are a few tell-tale signs that it might be time to replace your brake pads: if you notice that your car is pulling to one side when you brake, if your brake pedal feels "spongy" when you step on it, or if your brakes are making a grinding or squealing noise, it's time for new brake pads.

If you're unsure whether your brake pads need to be replaced, it's always a good idea to take your car in for a brake inspection and have a local auto mechanic look. They can give you an accurate estimate of how much life is left in your current brake pads and whether they need to be replaced.

Replacing your brake pads can be a bit of a hassle, but keeping your car safe on the road is worth doing. Make sure to budget for new brake pads when setting your car maintenance budget, and remember to replace them regularly - typically every 50,000 miles or so.
0 Comments

Preventative Maintenance Tips

7/19/2022

0 Comments

 

Automobile Preventative Maintenance

Automobile Preventative Maintenance
​​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

Regular Oil Changes

​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?

Keep Your Tires Rotated

​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.

Brake Maintenance

​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.
​
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.

Car Air Conditioning Maintenance

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.

Transmission Maintenance

​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.

When Should Maintenances be Performed?

​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.

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

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.
0 Comments

Automobile Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

1/21/2022

 

Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smooth

Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smooth
​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

Five Sounds From Your engine, What are they?

3/16/2020

 

Sounds A Car Can Make

Sounds A Car Can Make
​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. 

A Little Car Care Goes a Long Way - Video

2/23/2020

 
​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.

A Little Car Care Goes a Long Way


    Contributions from Mass Auto Repair Shops

    Archives

    March 2023
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    January 2022
    May 2021
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    June 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    March 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015

    Categories

    All
    Acura
    Auto Repair Shops
    BMW Repairs
    Brakes
    Car Care Tips
    Car Noises
    Catalytic Converters
    Cooling System Flush
    Honda
    Oil Change
    Preventative Maintenance
    Tire Repair
    Tire Tread Depth
    Transmission Problems

    RSS Feed

Add Your Business to MassAutoRepairShops.com
Auto Repair Shop Marketing
Mass Auto Repair Blog

Privacy Policy
About
Copyright © 2019 - 2023