The Significance Of Routine Car Service

Having a car regularly serviced not only reduces the chances of a breakdown but will also provide long-term maintenance and check-ups. This article will provide information on the significance of car servicing.

#1: Checking The Engine And Associated Features

The heart of all vehicles is the engine. Needless to say, if the engine fails, the car will become useless. This is one of the reasons why you need to have your car’s engine checked regularly by experienced and qualified professionals. Services by professionals’ help detect any new issues to the engine and retaining the vehicle’s ability to perform consistently at peak intervals.

#2: The Oil Check

Checking the oil in a motor vehicle’s engine is essential to see if there needs to be a change. If you want the car to perform optimally, then it is recommended you use oil of the same viscosity as recommended by the manufacturer. It is also essential that you change the engine oil at regular intervals, as indicated in the owner manual.

#3: Checking The Coolant

The coolant or anti-freeze is almost as significant as the engine oil. If coolant is not kept at a suitable level of quality, particularly during warm months, it can result in the engine overheating and being damaged. Overheated engines lead to internal damage to the car, such as a damaged cylinder head, a blown head gasket or problems with the engine block.

#4: The Brakes

Following the car engine, the brakes are the second most significant system in the vehicle. Brakes need to be checked regularly and well-maintained. Ranging from the brake pads and brake disks to the brake shoes, all parts of the braking system must be inspected and serviced by professionals in the automotive industry.

#5: The Tires

As a final note, the tires of a car should be regularly inspected and maintained. Continuous tire rotations are essential to extend the life of the tires. Once tires become worn out, they need to be replaced. All tires have a specific service life, and once this period has expired, it is time for replacements, check Leahy’s Auto for us. Even if the old tires have a remaining tread, professionals agree that inspection for tread separation and cracking rubber is essential.

The points above are merely aspects of routine car service. Call a service that can reduce expenses for replacement or repairs and help you avoid dangerous driving situations.

Paintless Dent Repair

Small dents on your car’s bodywork can be very frustrating to say the least. Just the thought of you having to contact your insurance company and taking your car to an auto shop for repair is enough to make you go crazy because you are only dealing with small dents.

What Is Paintless Dent Repair?

When it comes to fixing dents on your car’s, the first thing that will come to your mind is cost. However, you should never have to worry about incurring huge costs when there are cheap solutions such as PDR or Paintless Dent Repair. PDR is commonly used to fix tiny dents caused by hailstorms, but it’s also effective at fixing small and even large dents on your car’s bodywork. PDR is effective because it leaves the paintwork on your car as is meaning you don’t have to worry about your car having different shades of paint on its panels. The process keeps the original paint intact. No additional paint is needed during the repair process which makes the cost of repair very minimal. The resale value of your car is also maintained as well.

Paintless Dent Repair involves accessing the back or unexposed sections of damaged panels and then pressing them gently with specialized rods to put them into proper shape. PDR is extremely fast when compared to conventional dent repair techniques such as body fillers and sanding.

Applications of Paintless Dent Repair

PDR is effective in fixing the following problems:

– Small and large car dents
– Dents on newers cars (vehicles made from 1990 and onwards)
– Dents with no broken or cracked paint
– Dents that are not close to panel edges
– Fixing panels that haven’t had any previous repair

PDR is also commonly used in fixing hail damage. Insurance companies typically expedite the assessment and repair processes for hail damage cases.

Benefits of Paintless Dent Repair

PDR offers some of the following benefits:

– A car’s original paint stays intact
– No risk of color mismatching on paint job
– No chance of paint overspray onto other parts of the car
– Fast repair process
– Very affordable when compared to conventional body work repair techniques
– No body filler or repainting needed

It’s a well-known fact that car with an original paint job fetches more than a vehicle that has been repainted. Regardless of the location of the dent, it’s always advisable to maintain your car’s original paint job.

Contact Your Insurance Company After Getting Your Hail Damage Repair Quote

Your first order of business after observing damage on your car’s body work should be to call your insurance company and auto repair shop. Your auto repair shop will help you determine the best repair option for the damage you sustained. On the other hand, your insurance company look into how the damage occured and proceed to cover for repairs if your claim is approved.

How Do I Find An Auto Repair Shop That Offers PDR?

If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to fix the small and large dents on your car, then you should look for a quality auto body shop that offers paintless dent repair. A simple search of auto repair shops near you should give you an idea of where to go and who to call.

Car Repairs That You Can Handle Yourself

Car troubles can make your day feel long and stressful, especially when they take place when you are on the road. Some seem to pop up in the worst of times when you have other pressing matters that you need to address, and your vehicle is the last thing you would want on your list. Ideally, it is wise to leave the repairs to the professionals, more so when it comes to auto collisions.

In as much as, the guys at your local automobile repair shop can work their magic on your vehicle; there are things that you handle. Below are a few such car repairs that may fit under the DIY categories. Let’s explore how you can manage.

• Fixing A Flat Tire

A flat tire is not as hard to fix as you may think. Many drivers dread it mostly because it is stressful at that moment. But why should you call and wait for roadside assistance to help you with the flat tire problem when you have the necessary tools for the job?

If you have your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you can go over it to see what entails removing and replacing the tire. It is always wise to always travel with an inflated spare tire in your car; it can be a doughnut tire. The idea is to have something that will get you out of your roadside emergency. Make sure you park the vehicle at a secure spot before proceeding to replace the flat tire.

• Replacing Your Lights

Your car lights may stop working. It could be a burnt brake light or a headlight that ceased. Driving with faulty or missing lights places you and other road users in danger. Moreover, you face the risk of getting fine a significant sum. Therefore, you need to take this problem seriously and have it fixed as quickly as possible.

Your local mechanic does not have to fix the faulty or burnt lights. You can handle it if you have the necessary tools; you will need a screwdriver and a clip detacher. You also need to check the owner’s manual to know the bulbs you will need and how to install them and ensure they are seated securely and functioning correctly. Replacing the bulbs of your car is relatively one of the easy repairs you can handle.

Not interested in doing it yourself? An auto body repair shop can do it for you. Call Leahy’s Auto for your car body repairs.

Auto Body Repair Shop – The Top Questions You Should Ask

If by bad luck you get involved in an auto collision, your top priority is likely going to be ways to get your vehicle back on the road quickly. Well, this is an understandable fact. After all, we depend on our vehicles every day and getting into an auto accident is a terrible inconvenience. Therefore, to get the best auto body repair shop is paramount. Below are a few questions to ask;

Do They Offer Auto Body Repair Work Warranty?

It is always a good idea to ask an unto body repair shop if they offer any kind of warranty. If the answer is YES Know its grace period and what they cover. They may have a policy that will help you avoid further problems, inconveniences and frequent returns to the shop for repeated issues.

Are They Insured?

Be sure to find out if the repair shop is insured against fire and auto theft before you leave your vehicle there. The question is important, and many car owners forget to ask, due to one reason or the other. A good and reliable auto body repair shop should be in a position to walk you through their insurance coverage. They should have a cover that protects your vehicle against theft or burglary, while it is at their hand.

Is The Paint Going To Match The Rest Of The Vehicle?

A majority of vehicles have a paint code either under the trunk, door, or hood. An experienced repair mechanic should be in a position to match the paint on the car with the area being repaired.

Will They Include Everything In Writing?

It is always wise to ask everything in written form before agreeing. It should include the estimated price, the items used and billed, payment policy, and any other thing. You should be prepared every time when dealing with a collision repair shop.

How Long Will The Repairs Take?

A majority of the time, the number one question on many people’s mind is usually how long will the repairs take. However, when it comes to car body repair, there isn’t always a clear answer. It always depends on the extent of the damage, your insurance company, and how busy the shop is. But when it comes to a reputable repair shop, be assured that your car is in the right hands, call us if you need repairs done today.

Why Does My Car Not Start?

If your engine does not start, your car will not move. Therefore, it is the most fundamental car problem. The starter is a specific part in the engine provides cranking power allowing it to start.

It’s popularly known as the starter motor or cranking motor. It works by cranking or rotating when you press the ignition key or button that sends an electrical signal to the starter. That’s how you start up the engine.

Your engine will fail to start if the battery that supplies the electrical charge to the starter is dead or if the starter doesn’t work at all. If the engine doesn’t start yet the starter is working, there is an issue with the spark, a compression issue or the fuel supply.

Depending on the exact issue, the engine will have a different reaction when you are attempting to start. Here is what you need to know about the various issues.

If The Engine Doesn’t Crank

Here, you could have some of the following problems.

1. Battery Issues – Here, the engine will not crank if the battery isn’t supplying enough or any power to the starter system. You will turn the key or push the start button but the electrical signal will not be transmitted.

2. The Key Won’t Turn – Here, the steering might be locked with the ignition lock. Also, there could be an issue with the ignition system or the key itself.

3. Starter Motor Problems – When the starter motor has failed the starter solenoid is the problem. It is used to transfer an electrical current to the starter motor when the ignition switch transfers the signal. The starter solenoid can fail completely or be damaged.

4. Ignition System Issues – Here, you are likely to experience a few failure points any of which can result in a problem with your engine. For instance, if you turn the key yet the engine doesn’t crank and have checked and confirmed that the battery is functioning properly, there might be an issue with your ignition system.

If The Engine Cranks But Won’t Start

Here are some of the problems that could cause this.

1. If The Engine Cranks Very Weakly – First, check the battery because if it is weak, it’s likely to cause a weak engine crank. On the other hand, the connections from the battery to the starter motor could have become loose or damaged.

2. If The Engine Becomes Flooded – It refers to when the engine cracks quite briefly and stalls then refuses to start again.

3. Lack Of Fuel – Your vehicle might not have enough gas.

4. Fuel Pump Problems – Here, the fuel pump itself might have some problems and so does the engine computer or the fuel pump relay. The fuel pump might be damaged too.

5. Mass Airflow Sensor Problem – If there is a breakdown in the mass airflow sensor, the engine will start briefly and stall immediately.

6. Engine Computer Problem – If there is a problem with the engine computer, the engine is likely going to crank but fail to start.

7. Engine Compression Problems – Here, the engine will start overheating. These problems might also be caused by a chain skipping or timing belt.

In conclusion, check any of these problems to identify why your car will not start and fix them immediately or have Leahy’s Auto check them for you. Call us for a quote.

6 Reasons Why Your Car Keeps Shaking Or Vibrating

When your car shakes or vibrates when you are on the roads can be annoying and a distraction. But most importantly, it is a sign of an underlying problem that needs fixing. At times, the issue can be minor and easy to correct. In another instance, the problem may be significant.

Many of the glitches that occur in your vehicle will lead to the shaking or vibration. Identifying where the problem is at can be hard for the layperson. In such an instance, the best thing is to take the car to licensed and experienced professionals. The auto technicians will assess the vehicle and fix the underlying issues that are causing the vibration.

1. Tires

Tires are one of the top reasons for the shaking that you may be experiencing when driving. We have found that the problem could be due to unbalanced tires or they are worn out. We always recommend that the tires be the first place to check when your car starts to vibrate when you are on the road.

2. Wheel Alignment

It may not be what you are thinking, but it is worth looking into when you have a car that is shaking. We are not saying that the wheel alignment may be the reason for the vibration. However, it may trigger other issues that may be causing the shaking. For instance, you may find that your tires are worn unevenly. Such uneven wear may be due to wheel misalignment.

3. Brakes

The brakes could also be the cause of the trembling you are experiencing with your vehicle. It is most evident when you apply the brakes that the car starts to shake. Such a thing is a dead giveaway that you need to check the brakes. We mostly will begin with inspecting the brake rotors or discs on which the brake pads lock onto when slowing down the car.

4. Axle

The axle will endure a lot of beating that often goes unaddressed. Everything from hitting the curbs to large potholes, bumps, and even minor accidents; all these things can damage the axle. While the damage may not be apparent, it starts manifesting over time. And one of the indicative things that suggest you have a problem with your axle is when your vehicle begins to vibrate, the issue getting more intense as you speed up.

5. Motor Mounts

They are what holds up the vehicle’s engine. Motor mounts, also called engine mounts, are made of both metal and rubber and affix the engine to the car’s frame. The mounts are also subject to wear, just like other parts of your vehicle. The wear will cause the metal part to weaken, thus offering weak support. Subsequently, the wear will cause the rubber to provide inadequate cushioning for the vibrations the roaring engine generates hence the shaking you are experiencing in your car.

6. Engine

The engine is considered the heart of the vehicle. Given the extensive work it does of generating motion for the car, it is bound to have some issues. The fixes for some of the problems with the engine may also be the reason for the vibration. The most significant sign that the issue is the definite cause the engine is when the shaking is uneven, and occasionally happening at certain times.

If your car is vibrating, take it to your nearest Leahy’s Auto. A call to your local auto repair shop can have you good as new.

Four Types Of Major Car Repairs That Are Best Handled By A Trained Mechanic

Repairing Head Gaskets

Although head gasket repair is technically something that you can do on your own, it is usually best left to the pros. Not only is it quite challenging but it also can wind up costing a lot of money. Making sure that the repairs are done correctly is important, whether you do them yourself or have them done by a professional mechanic. This article outlines some of the key things that you should keep an eye out for.

Fixing Radiators

Radiator repair is a lot more complicated than you might think – especially today since modern-day radiators are no longer made entirely of metal. In the past, fixing a radiator usually involved little more than soldering. Today, however, things are a lot different. Since radiators have undergone some significant changes, you also need to be willing to make changes to the way that you repair them.

Repairing Air Conditioners

People often mistakenly believe that air conditioner repair is something that they can do themselves. After all, they sell refill kits at stores like Walmart. Most of the time, however, problems with your air conditioner should be handled by a qualified professional. Taking your car to a mechanic that has the right equipment can make a big difference in the quality of the repairs. This article takes a closer look at why a professional repair is so important when it comes to air conditioners.

Fixing Airbags

Although you probably can fix your airbags on your own, you should consider having a professional do it instead. Any errors that are made during the repair process can interfere with the function of the airbags. There are also a lot of problems that can occur while making repairs. If you decide to go through with it, check out some of these suggestions on how to stay safe while working on your airbags.

Additional Repairs That Usually Require A Professional

– Replacing the axles

– Adjusting the alignment

– Making any major repairs to the engine

– Replacing the wheel bearings

Thanks to the Internet, it is now possible to get advice directly from a qualified mechanic. If you want an expert to answer your question. After paying a relatively inexpensive fee, you can ask a question and have it answered by a professional mechanic.

When it comes to the cost of repairs, there are certain situations where you may wind up saving money by having them done by a professional. For instance, if you want to change the wheel bearings in some types of cars, you have to invest in costly tools.

For a mechanic who already has a shop press, however, this is a relatively simple task that can be completed quickly.

Anytime you are struggling with an issue related to your vehicle, the best course of action is usually to take it to a mechanic. At the shop, a trained technician can determine what the problem is. This is usually a far better option than trying to find the problem on your own. If you misdiagnose what is going on, you could wind up wasting a lot of money and time on unnecessary repairs. You don’t have to worry about that when you take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop. Get in touch, call us today we will take care of all your vehicle repairs.

A Guide to Maintaining and Repairing Brakes

Checking Brake Pads

This is a guide that can help you to determine the easiest and best way for you to check the brake pads on your vehicle so that you can know whether they need replacement or can still function efficiently. The need for new brakes can be a worry, so if you read through this guide, you will know how you can carry out the necessary checks yourself.

Changing Brake Pads

This is a job that people with some mechanical ability can easily undertake themselves. You will need the supplies and tools that are shown here and will need to follow the tricks and tips given to do the job correctly. This brake repair guide contains two parts, 1 and 2.

Changing Rotors

When brake pads need to be replaced it is more than likely that you will need to change the rotors as well. Once the brake caliper is removed, replacing the rotor is no problem at all. In this guide, you can learn the best way to change rotors along with some tricks and tips.

Checking Brake Fluid

The braking system of your vehicle is highly dependent on the brake fluid. That is why the checking of the fluid has to be carried out periodically. In this guide, you will be told the correct way of checking the brake fluid.

Low Brake Fluid

Low brake fluid can lead to a very serious and dangerous problem. Brakes that are low on fluid will not be capable of stopping your vehicle. In this guide, you will learn about the usual reasons for low brake fluid, and what you need to do if your vehicle has developed this problem.

Brake Fluid Color

A check of your brake fluid may indicate that it has the darkness of engine oil that has been used. That is the time when you need to change the brake fluid. In this guide, you will learn what brake fluid must not look like, and what you need to do when it does.

Adding Brake Fluid

This is something that every driver of a truck or car must know. You may never be called on to do it, but if you know this, you can ensure that your vehicle will never lose its braking ability. Low brake fluid will hamper your ability to stop your vehicle.

Brake Repair Scams

Many dishonest repair shops use a lot of shady tactics to get their customers to pay for repair and parts that are really not needed. If you have been an unfortunate victim of these scams, we tell you here about the action you can take.

These are the main area for maintaining and repairing brakes. We will do an in-depth review on each of these repairs, so you can know what to do step by step. You can also consider taking your car to a professional auto repair shop in the meantime call us today we will take care of all your vehicle repairs.

The Types of Auto Repair/Replacement Parts

New Orginal Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts

When you take your vehicle to a dealership, they will use new OEM parts for the repair of your car and nothing else. This is the primary reason why auto dealership repairs are costly. OEM parts are generally more expensive than used or aftermarket parts. More often than not, you do not need to spend the additional money on this kind of auto replacement parts, but there are times where you do.

New Aftermarket Parts

If you decide to take your vehicle to an independent repair shop, chances are they are going to utilize aftermarket parts, unless you as them to only use OEM ones. In some situations, it’s better to use OEM parts as they are of higher quality, but there will be no substantial difference. The most imperative thing is to ensure they are covered under the auto repair shop warranty.

Used Parts

If you’re purchasing a big-ticket part that does not need to be new and no one will ever see, such as the transmission or a PCM, then the second hand is a viable option.

However, before you jump the gun, there are some things you need to keep in mind to ensure you get the best-used parts for your vehicle:

What’s Your Best Option?

The best option comes down to what kind of auto part you are looking for and what it’s used for?

If you’re purchasing a commonly used part such as brake parts, it’s advisable to purchase aftermarket parts, but if you are on the search for a more specialized item, then you can get it from a junkyard or a dealer.

However, there are some parts that you’ll want to purchase from the dealer even if the aftermarket ones are available. Some individuals, for instance, purchase ‘universal’ oxygen sensors and the problem is that even if they’re advertised as compatible with ay vehicle, more often than not, that is not the case.

If you’re trying to save some money, then you should go for used and aftermarket parts. Whether you purchase used or new replacement parts for your car, it’s imperative to pick quality parts or those in good condition. This will help ascertain fewer issues and fewer repairs.

These are the types of auto repair parts. Use the advice in this read to ensure you get the best part for your money.

You can also consider taking your car to a professional auto repair shop. Get in touch, call us today we will take care of all your vehicle repairs.

Tips For Better Gas Mileage

Most people get less gas mileage than they should. Many of these often fall for scams promising them of better mileage with a few tweaks such as special magnets, fuel additives, and magic fuel mileage boosters. Many of the products claiming to improve your gas mileage hardly work or even make your fuel consumption even worse.

The key to getting better mileage on your car lies with how well you use the car, your driving habits, and taking proper care of your vehicle. It’s also worth noting that no device will make your car consume less fuel than it was made to. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to improve your car/truck’s fuel efficiency.

1. Avoid Hard Braking And Acceleration

The harder you press the gas pedal, the more fuel the car will demand/consume. If looking to improve fuel efficiency, you should then go slow on the car and avoid hard acceleration. Let the car pick up speed without straining the engine. The same applies to hard braking. Speeding then breaking hard at the next red light, or a bump also puts lots of fuel at the waste. Avoid this to see your consumption drop a bit.

2. Slow Down

Unless you are in a hurry, learn to drive at speeds below 60MPH. Speeds higher than this will only lead to increased fuel consumption putting a massive dent to your gas tank and your wallet. Make it a habit of driving at 60MPH and learn to stick to the same speed for better fuel economy.

3. Avoid Idling The Engine For Too Long

Do not leave the car idling for more than 5 minutes unless you have to. The car continues to use fuel when idling, one of the reasons you should consider turning it off. This is particularly recommended if you wish to leave the car for a few moments.

4. Service Your Vehicle Regularly

Always have your car or truck serviced regularly, and as per the manufacturer’s specification. It is by having the vehicle serviced that any broken or malfunctioning parts can be replaced or repaired. This ensures the vehicle is running smoothly hence better fuel economy. It wouldn’t, however, be advisable to over-service the car, as this will only translate to increased costs.

Have the air filter, engine oil, and other components changed when necessary but not all the time. Sticking to the servicing schedules as per the manufacturer’s manual would be a wise idea.

You can also consider taking your car to a professional auto repair shop. Get in touch, call us today we will take care of all your vehicle maintenance.