Wondering what Are The Signs of Engine Problems?

Has your vehicle lost power and you don’t know what’s wrong?  How do you know if your engine is having issues?  The “Check Engine” light is your first warning signal.  When this light comes on, don’t panic!  Head to your auto repair shop for a diagnostic service that will indicate what, and where, something is happening under the hood.  

What are the signs of engine problems?  Here are the most common signs that drivers should be aware of:  

1. Check Engine Light Illuminates -- This warning light illuminates when detecting engine problems stemming from the loss of power. 
2. Loss of Power -- This could mean there is an issue in the combustion process. 
3. Diminished Fuel Efficiency -- This could be an indication that there is a problem in the compression stroke of your engine. 
4. Noisy Engine -- Knocking, backfiring, hissing, spitting and popping during the ignition process can occur when there is an issue with the combustion process.
5. Engine Stalling -- This is typically due to the intake stroke not receiving the right spark or air/fuel mixture. 
6. Odors -- The exhaust stroke of the internal combustion engine is starting to fail, giving off a noxious odor from the exhaust. 
7. Rough Running Engine -- This is usually caused by clogs in the system, old spark plugs, an incorrect octane level in the gasoline, or a low battery.

Taking care of recommended engine service will help find engine issues early before they get bigger and result in a costly engine repair. 

Are you looking for quality engine service?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for more information about the signs of engine problems and to Make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.

What Happens When the Radiator Leaks?

Well, your vehicle has made it through winter.  That means your radiator has been on the job keeping your engine cool!  As we head into summer, take time to schedule a radiator service to make sure you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road with an overheating engine.  

The coolant mixture removes heat from the engine by transferring the heat through a series of coils. The cooled air flows back into the engine to prevent it from overheating. If it is overheating, don’t drive your vehicle but have it inspected as soon as possible by your mechanic.  If your radiator is leaking, coolant will be lost and may need a radiator replacement as your car will be prone to overheating. 

If you believe you have a leaking radiator, have your vehicle inspected as soon as potential.  What happens when the radiator leaks?

• If you see coolant on the garage floor underneath of your vehicle, you may have a radiator leak. In addition, you may notice a sweet smell.
• If the coolant level drops too low because of a leak, a low coolant light will come on and you will see the temperature gauge rising, indicating that your engine is overheating.
• Radiator leaks are serious and should be repaired by a certified mechanic. Depending on the severity of the leak, the area can either be sealed, or the entire radiator may want to be replaced. 

Driving with a radiator leak is risky, as it will very likely cause your engine to overheat, causing even further damage. If you are driving down the road and notice your engine is overheating, pull over instantly and let the vehicle cool down.  It would be wise to call a tow truck to get your car to your auto shop.

Remember:  For your vehicle to remain a reliable source of transportation, have the radiator checked periodically for leaking.  Don’t neglect a wanted radiator replacement!

Are you wondering what happens when the radiator leaks?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for more information about a radiator replacement service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.

When brakes need to be replaced?

Are you worried about when brakes need to be replaced?  There is really no stated schedule for replacing the various components in the braking system.  Though, if you notice that it’s taking longer to come to a stop at a red light, it’s time for a brake replacement service.  

There are six major warning signs that you should be aware of:

• Noisy brakes – A lot of cars have built-in wear sensors that scrape against the brake disc when the pads need to be replaced.  This creates an annoying squeaking sound.  If you hear metal-on-metal grinding, the brake pads are possibly complete worn down. 
• Vibrating – If the brake pedal pulsates under moderate braking, it could mean a warped disc.
• Burnt smell – A burning smell while driving could mean brake fluid is leaking onto the hot motor.
• Longer stopping distances – If you are pushing the brake pedal down to the floor to stop your car, it also means it is taking a long distance to come to a stop. Because brake linings wear gradually, it could reach the hazardous stage before you notice it.
• Steering issues -- If the steering wheel tugs or the car pulls to one side or the other while braking, the front brake pads are worn down too far.
• Warning light – Some cars have electronic wear indicators that alert the driver if the pads wear down to a specified measurement.  Though, it is still best to rely on regular brake service.

Tip to remember:  To keep driving as safe as possible, include a full brake inspection at every tire rotation service!

Do you know when brakes need to be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for more information about a brake replacement service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.

Do you know what are the signs of a bad starter?

When you turn your key in the ignition do you just hear clicking sounds instead of the engine coming to life?  Are you wondering what’s wrong with your vehicle? If this is your situation, you may be wondering, “What are the signs of a bad starter?”  Of course, another thought is that the alternator may be starting to go bad--or maybe it’s the battery.

There are some symptoms that can indicate a bad starter—many of which can also be caused by the alternator or the battery.  Your auto mechanic can run a simple test to determine the issue.  Although the starter system is meant to be durable--designed for repeated use under a variety of weather and road conditions, the wear and tear of daily use, extreme conditions, and poor maintenance can all create issues.  

Six signs of a bad starter:

1. Slow and intermittent starting.  It could be an issue with the starter’s motor, loose or dirty wiring, or a damaged electrical component that is failing to work.
2. Your vehicle won’t start.  You turn the key but the engine doesn’t crank. You may hear no sound at all or there may be a clicking or clunking noise.
3. The interior lights dim when starting.  It can be a sign of a short circuit in the starter motor’s internal wiring, causing the starter motor to draw excess current, leaving less for the vehicle’s other systems. If you warn a chugging sound along with the darkening lights, the bearings in the motor may be failing.
4. You hear a grinding noise at starting.  Grinding sounds indicate a mechanical issue.  The gears in the starter motor may be worn or not engaging properly; they may not be disengaging after the engine starts, or the starter motor may be loose on its mountings.
5. A burning smell or smoke. Malfunctions in the starter system often combine electrical issues with overheated metal components that are lubricated with grease.  When these components heat up, it will give off a scorching smell.
6. The starter is soaked with oil. The starter system sits near the bottommost of the engine and gets very hot.  If engine oil leaks into the starter motor or other components, there may be permanent damage to the starter. 

Need to know more about what are the signs of a bad starter?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for information about the battery, alternator, and starter, and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.

Do you know What Does a Car Diagnostic Test Tell You?

Has your vehicle seemed more sluggish than usual, such as lacking power when passing a slower vehicle or when trying to go up a hill? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why?  With winter here to stay for a while, it would be smart to schedule a car tune-up, which should include a diagnostic test.

So what does a car diagnostic test tell you?  Today's modern vehicles have computer processors, microchips and sensors so if you need to know what is really going on inside your vehicle, a diagnostics test can reveal issues related with the engine and transmission, oil and gas tanks, exhaust system, and other systems.

With the use of a specialized computer linked to your vehicle, your mechanic can pinpoint exactly where an issue may exist, producing the fault codes which are stored in the vehicle’s memory system. It is probably to identify the cause of an issue speedily so that the right repair can be made before the issue gets bigger.

A typical tune-up checklist includes both preventative and restorative engine assessments, such as:

• Spark plugs--Spark plugs should have light tan or gray insulator firing noses so that it is correctly igniting the fuel?  The wires should not be hard or cracked.
• Fuel pump and filter--make sure the filter isn’t clogged so the pump will function correctly.
• Fuel injectors--make sure there is no buildup of dirt or other deposits restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine.
• Timing--The timing and idle may want to be adjusted.
• PCV valve--it should be free of debris and no drips.
• Points and condenser--they should be kept clean so they operate correctly.

To learn more about what does car diagnostic test tell you, call our ASE Certified technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for more information about a car tune up and to Make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.

Wondering How Often Do You Really Need an Oil Change?

The basic oil change is relatively simple and inexpensive compared to other types of car service.  Though, regular oil changes significantly help extend your engine’s longevity, enhance its overall operating performance, and prevent excessive engine wear and tear. 

Over time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness. Once this starts, your car may start to exhibit one or more of the five warning signs below:

1. Dark and Dirty Oil -- Clean oil is an amber color, but after a while, it darkens and gets dirty from the particles it collects from the engine.  If the oil on the dip stick looks thick and dark, it’s time for an oil change.
2. Noisy Engine -- When the oil starts to break down, it doesn’t lubricate parts as well.  Thus, you will start to hear louder engine noises, such as knocking, rumbling, and even roaring.
3. Oil Change Warning Light -- An illuminated oil change light on the instrument panel indicates that there’s too little oil in the system. Inspect your oil level and it it’s too low, you may get by with adding a quart or two of oil as needed.  However, if the oil looks dark, schedule an oil change service as soon as possible.  
4. Exhaust Smoke -- It’s common to see translucent vapor coming from the tailpipe in cold temperatures. If you notice smoke, however, there could be an oil leak or faulty parts in the engine.  Ask your mechanic to run a diagnostics to pinpoint the issue.
5. Oil Smell -- If the smell of oil is strong inside your car, it means there’s a leak. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas, it indicates that your vehicle is overheating and oil is scorching in the exhaust area.  An overheating engine can cause serious damage to your vehicle and even ignite a fire. 

If you are noticing any of the warning signs above, it is possibly past the mileage interval for an oil change.  Although oil changes can be fairly inexpensive, many auto shops offer oil change coupons to help customers keep up with the needed oil changes.

Wondering how often do you really need an oil change?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for information about our oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.

What are the Most Important Car Maintenance Items?

There is still plenty of cold weather to derive.  It’s vital that your car is up to the challenge of hazardous winter driving conditions!  Preventative vehicle maintenance is vital in any season, but your winter car maintenance checklist requires extra attention.  Ask your Auto mechanic what are the most important car maintenance items for winter.

7 Important car maintenance items for winter driving:  

1. Winter wipers – These wipers are equipped with rubber that keeps ice from gathering on them.  Replace them in the spring to prevent scorching out the motor as they are heavier than regular wipers.
2. Winter/snow tires – If you drive a lot in snow, it may be wise to install winter tires.  These tires use special composites engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, providing improved traction.  Keep cables in the trunk as well and know how to install them.  
3. Keep washer fluid reservoir full – When driving in snow and ice, you will use a lot of windshield washer fluid.  Keep a spare bottle in the trunk.
4. Winter safety kit – Include an ice scraper, bag of sand and a shovel, cell phone and charger, flares, extra antifreeze, flashlight and batteries, tool kit, jumper cables, jack and lug wrench,  blankets and extra warm clothing and boots, plus non-perishable food and water.
5. Regular vehicle maintenance – Take care of that needed oil change, new battery, and radiator inspection, making sure you have the correct antifreeze to water ratio.  Also make sure all the hoses and belts, spark plugs, wires, and cables are in good condition.
6. Full fuel tank – A full fuel tank can help prevent gas line freeze-ups. If you get beached, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.
7. Rear-window defroster – Make sure your rear-window defroster is working properly.  Being incapable to see behind you could create risky driving conditions. 

A Word to the Wise:  Don’t danger an accident!  If the roads are too hazardous, stay home if at all possible.

Worried about what are the most important car maintenance items for winter?  Contact our ASE Certified Auto technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for more information about vehicle maintenance and to Make an appointment. Our ASE Certified auto shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.