Longview Auto Repair

There are several causes of engine overheating. In most cases, this occurs when an issue with the cooling system blocks heat from leaving the engine compartment. The issue could be brought on by a coolant leak, a broken pump, a defective radiator fan, or a clogged coolant pipe. Although most modern engines are made to last, when a vehicle's motor generates heat that is significantly higher than its normal operating temperature the cooling mechanisms may start to malfunction, which could lead to permanent damage to both the gaskets and the engine, hoses, and seals that are intended to keep the engine running. You don't want to let an overheating engine persist, regardless of the cause of the issue. You run the risk of significant, even irreparable, engine damage. Symptoms of an Overheating Engine You may lessen the possibility of permanent engine damage if you can take action to cooling your engine before it heats up to the point of failure. However, you must first become awa ... read more

A tire rotation is a process of regularly repositioning your car's tires in different patterns from front to back or side to side. It is highly encouraged that you do this because it is a vital element of tire maintenance and safety. Additionally, rotating your tires may also be a requirement to keep your tires covered under warranty.  As mentioned before, tire rotation means periodically swapping the position of each of the tires on your car. Your vehicle's manufacturer sets the interval you should rotate your tires. However, the industry standard is every 5,000 miles. For many of you, that means you should get it done every time you get an oil change. Frequently getting your tires rotated also gives you an open opportunity to check their air pressure, have them balanced to minimize vibrations, and measure their tread depth. Why Are Regular Tire Rotations So Important? There are many benefits to a tire rotation. It is such an essential element of your car maintenance ... read more

Windshield wipers are essential components of your car that you might overlook. The stress of driving in a heavy downpour with sluggish wipers will give you a reason to make a repair shop your next port of call. Besides the inconveniences of driving with faulty wipers, the fault can lead to costlier problems like damage to your windshield glass. Unlike changing your car's engine oil, windshield wipers do not have expiry dates, and you cannot as well use your car's mileage to determine their longevity. However, the following are the tale-tell signs which will give you a hint that you need to change your car's windshield wipers: Squeaking noises: the wiper blades are made in a way that they should glide smoothly across a wet windscreen. However, with time, they will wear out, and instead of a smooth glide, they will develop a squeaking noise. The noise indicates damaged rubbers and the need to replace them as soon as possible. Vibration and chatter ... read more

The oil pressure light doesn’t often make an appearance on your dash, but you should know why and what to do when it does. There are various issues that can cause your vehicle’s oil light to illuminate. But first, you should always turn off your engine and stop driving until the problem is fixed. In some cases, it can cause irreparable damage to your engine if you continue driving.    As mentioned before, there are various problems that can trigger this dashboard warning light. Here are some potential reasons: Low or Ineffective Oil One of the most common reasons for an oil light to come on is if you have an oil leak. When you are overdue on oil changes, your engine will not maintain proper lubrication. Thus, leaks can develop. We invite you to Longview Auto & Tire for an inspection and oil change if we find this to be the issue.  Reduced Oil Pressure From Faulty Oil Pump If the oil pump has gone bad, it can cause a drop in oil pressure. You should ... read more

The age-old questions that most mechanics get are the ones relating to the dreadful check engine light. This yellow dashboard engine light is feared by most people because it’s difficult to tell what it means. Unless you have a scan tool and certain mechanical knowledge, you’re going to need to make a trip to a professional auto repair shop to diagnose and repair the issue.   Simply put, the check engine light is a symbol indicating that something is wrong with the engine, its computer, or any part relating to the engine's combustion process. It can come on for a number of reasons including loose gas caps, worn spark plugs, faulty sensors, failing thermostats, and more.   However, it is important to note that a flashing check engine light usually means it is a more serious problem. Your engine is most likely misfiring, which can quickly overheat the catalytic converter. In some cases, it can even cause a fire.    If your check engine light is f ... read more