Auto Repair In Crown Point

Engines are a true marvel of engineering. While their history dates back around 200 years, the engines we know today are nothing like the ones before. Engines function by compressing air and fuel, then igniting it to produce power. While this is a simple concept, the parts that make the engine work aren't. If you want to know more about how engines are made, make sure to continue reading! The main components of an engine include: Engine block Oil pan Cylinders and pistons Auxiliary or timing belts/chains Gaskets and seals Crankshafts Ignition system Engine Block The main component of any vehicle is the engine block. It is a big metal component that usually makes the bulk of the engine. Its main job is to contain the explosions and provide a proper environment for them to happen. One other characteristic it has is that it helps with overall cooling and heat dissipation. Oil Pan Usually, located under the engine block the ... read more

Repairing your vehicle will surely make it perform better and make it last that much longer. But when it comes to things you can do to maintain it, there are quite a few. Here are five of the most important maintenance steps you can take. 1. Change Your Oil Regularly Regular oil changes are recommended by every mechanic, and it's for a good reason. When constantly supplied with fresh oil, your engine runs much smoother, and friction between parts is minimized. Make sure to schedule regular oil changes at the given intervals by the manufacturer. 2. Check-Your Brakes Regular brake system inspections are vital for the car's maintenance and safety. The brake pads are one of the most used-up parts of your car, making them important to be checked. Also, make sure to check the rotors because they tend to warp and wear out over time. 3. Use The Gas Pedal Properly Whether you are driving a manual or automatic, using the gas pedal ... read more

As a new driver or a teen driver, it can be exciting and daunting to get behind the wheel of a car. It's important to remember that driving is a privilege and comes with a lot of responsibility. To keep you grounded, here are some tips that can help you become a safe and confident driver. Take Driving Lessons Before hitting the road, consider taking a driving course to learn the basics of driving. It can be done through a professional driving school or through a program offered by your state's DMV. A driving course can help you learn the rules of the road, build confidence, and improve your driving skills. Practice, Practice, Practice Driving is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Make sure to practice driving in various conditions, such as different weather and traffic conditions. It's also important to practice defensive driving techniques, such as scanning the road ahead, keeping a safe following distance, and anticipating the actions of other drivers ... read more

Winter weather can be harsh on vehicles, leading to a variety of problems that require repair. From batteries to brakes, there are several common winter car problems that drivers need to be aware of. Below, we will discuss some of the most common winter car issues and what drivers can do to prevent or fix them. Dead Battery: Cold weather can be tough on car batteries, especially if the battery is already weak or close to the end of its life. If your car won't start or if you notice that the battery is slow to recharge, it may be time to replace it. Flat Tires: Winter weather can cause tires to lose pressure, making it more difficult to maintain traction on the road. It's important to check tire pressure regularly and to keep an eye out for any leaks or other problems that might be affecting your tires. Brake Issues: Brakes can also be affected by cold weather, leading to issues with braking performance and sta ... read more

Power steering systems are critical in cars today. Aided steering systems have been around for many years. Some are hydraulic while some are electronically powered. The traditional hydraulic steering system requires maintenance as it is run by a power steering fluid. On the other hand, the latter requires little to no maintenance. Over time, your power steering system may require repairs. To keep you and your loved ones safe, it is essential for you to know what signs to look for when your steering components are worn. Here are the top signs that indicate you need power steering repairs: 1. Unusual Sounds After Starting the Vehicle If you hear a screech after starting up your car, it can mean that the help associated with your steering system is loose, slipping, or failing in some way. The screeching or groaning may linger and be more pronounced when you make turns. 2. Unresponsiveness If your wheels have a laggy or slow response to your movements on the steering wheel ... read more

Like your brakes, it is easy to tell when your clutch is giving out. An aging clutch will make your vehicle a lot harder to handle, and you may notice your pedals "sticking" and other troubling signs. Most drivers should know that a clutch doesn't last the entire lifespan of a car. Instead, it needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles to 50,000 miles, give or take. Below are some signs that indicate your clutch is failing: Weird Sounds When Pressing Down Pressing down on the clutch pedal should be a silent driving task. If you hear unsettling noises or catch weird smells from your clutch, it's time to take your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop. Your tech will likely need to adjust, repair, or replace your clutch. Trouble Shifting Gears  Troubles changing gears can be frightening. If you hear a grinding sound arising when attempting to drive, it means the power transfer between the engine and the transmission is incomplete. Considering the clutch is respon ... read more

Why can’t my vehicle drive straight? If you’re asking this question, you’ve come to the right place. We understand how frustrating it can be to drive a car that keeps veering left or right when you need it to go in the right direction. When a vehicle feels like it is no longer in your control, it can be quite dangerous. And the problem we are talking about today is: wheel alignment.  You probably hit a pothole or a curb poorly and simply suffering the consequences. In some cases, people can experience this phenomenon from neglecting tire maintenance. Whatever the reason may be, we’re here to help you spot the signs of wheel misalignment.  Off centered steering wheel Shakiness  Loose vehicle handling Pulling to one side of the road Premature and/or uneven tire wear  A wheel alignment service is a simple maintenance service that involves adjusting the angles of your tires and wheels so that they can point in the direction you need them t ... read more

The muffler and exhaust are two car parts that people often confuse as the same. Although they have similarities, there are some differences between them. Learn the difference between mufflers and exhaust and how they work together to make your car run smoothly. What is Muffler? A muffler is a device that reduces the noise level of an internal combustion engine. It is also known as a silencer. The term muffler comes from the fact that it muffles or reduces the sound of an engine, although it does not eliminate all sounds. The main function of a muffler is to slow down and cool exhaust gases before they leave the engine and to produce less sound during their exit phase by trapping them in cavities inside the muffler assembly, so they can't spread out into the atmosphere quickly. What is Exhaust? The exhaust system is a series of pipes carrying exhaust gases from the engine to the outside of the vehicle. It includes everything from where it leaves your engine and all its compone ... read more

Windshield wipers are the most helpful, yet overlooked, tools in our cars. Without them, your chances of an accident would skyrocket whenever it rains or snows or gets foggy. To make sure you are safe this fall, check on your windshield wipers’ condition as a part of your fall maintenance.   The weather in Indiana can go through waves, bringing breezes, sun, and rain during the Autumn. To ensure you and your passengers’ safety on the road, having a good, effective set of windshield wiper blades on your vehicle can make a world of difference.    Drivers often neglect wipers, yet they are on the outside of our cars, experiencing rigorous wear and tear. That is why most drivers don’t change their wipers until it is too late. Fortunately, replacing windshield wipers is easy and inexpensive.   Most mechanics and manufacturers recommend swapping out windshield wiper blades every six months to a year. The timing depends on how often you use them and ... read more

Depending on where you reside and the kind of vehicle you drive, smog checks are required in certain parts of Indiana. Some drivers often have their concerns when it comes to having an emissions test. To make sure your vehicle is running clean and passes the smog test, be sure to follow these helpful tips below! Repair Check Engine Light - Most people go into emissions tests blind. And if your check engine light is on your dash, it will result in an immediate failure. Therefore, it is crucial for you to fix and reset any dashboard warning lights before taking the test. Oil Change - Clean oil makes your engine and other related components run smoother and more efficiently. When your engine runs seamlessly, your car will release fewer emissions. Adjust Tire Pressure - You might be wondering, “what do my tires have to do with my vehicle emissions”. During smog checks, your car may be positioned on rollers to run at higher speeds to get an accurate reading. If your tires are ... read more