Longview Auto Repair

Winter’s unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your car. But quitting driving until the end of winter isn’t an option. Instead, let’s take a look at four of the most common cold-weather problems and some simple solutions to help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Low Tire Pressure If, after a bit of cold weather, your low tire pressure light blinks on or you notice your tires look deflated – that temperature drop is very likely the culprit. Don’t worry; your tire’s air isn’t escaping through a leak or faulty valve. It just means that the air inside the tire condenses when it’s cold, taking up less space. Tire pressure decreases about 1 PSI (pound per square inch) every 10 degrees the temperature falls. Signs of low tire pressure: The tire looks deflated or the sidewall is bulging The steering and tread feel off or uneven The car’s fuel economy reduces When the temperatures outside start dropping, check your ... read more

You’re driving your kids home from school while they talk and bubble with laughter in the backseat. Suddenly, a car whips out right in front of you. You slam on the brakes and skid to a halt, avoiding the car by mere inches. Whew! Everyone’s gone quiet, and you silently thank your lucky stars that you just got your brakes replaced last month. Many of us don’t think about our vehicle’s brakes often. It’s usually only after an incident like this, that we stop to consider how important it is to have brakes that are in top-notch condition. So how do you know if you’re due for a brake repair? Here are some typical warning signs that it’s time for a brake replacement. HIGH PITCHED SCREECHING SOUND The indicator – a small metal shim – is the component responsible for this sound. If you hear it, then you know your brake pads are due to be replaced. YOUR BRAKES DON'T SEEM AS RESPONSIVE AS THEY SHOULD BE. This is a definitely a red fla ... read more

Jump-starting a car is a pretty simple procedure, but it’s an important one to know! Whether you’re helping out a friend or jumping your own vehicle, it’s a skill that’ll come in handy often. Jump-starting can seem intimidating if you don’t know the first thing about it, but by the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to take it on. STEP 1: TRY TO DETERMINE WHY YOUR CAR BATTERY DIED. The most common reason why batteries die is from lights that are left on overnight, so check that first. Other common causes include an interior light that won’t shut off because of a faulty door latch or trunk switch, a bad alternator, or maybe even a subwoofer, poorly installed stereo system, or car alarm leeching power due to a short circuit. If you’re unable to find the cause and your car battery dies often, it’s worth bringing your car in to have a professional mechanic diagnose the problem. It can be dangerous to ignore this problem - especially ... read more

Knowing how to change a flat tire is a necessary skill for all drivers. These days we rely on our cell phones for many things. However, there’s always the chance that you left your phone at home, your phone’s battery is dead, or the flat occurs while you’re in a dead zone with no cell service. Be prepared for these possibilities! Changing a flat tire is actually quite simple, and by learning this skill now, you’ll be ready for anything on the road. First off, make sure you have the proper tools. Some of these tools should come with your vehicle, and others are additional tools you can keep in your trunk that will make changing a flat tire a breeze. TOOLS YOU NEED TO FIX A FLAT TIRE These tools should have come with your vehicle Jack Lug Wrench Fully inflated spare tire Vehicle Owner’s manual Check the tools you have on hand in your car to make sure you’re prepared. If you’ve misplac ... read more

Owning a car can get pretty expensive, but it’s almost a necessity in this day and age. There are quite a few common mistakes people make that tend to wear down their car over time and result in them spending more money on repairs. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be expensive! Once you’re aware of these mistakes, you’ll be able to stop yourself from doing them and save yourself a lot of money in the long run. NOT CORRECTLY USING THE PARKING BRAKE Even when you park on flat ground, it’s a good idea to use your parking brake. Why? Because when you don’t engage the parking brake (especially on hills), you’re resting the entire weight of your vehicle on a small piece of metal in the transmission called the parking pawl. Because this piece is about the size of your finger, it’ll wear out, and it could eventually break from holding all that weight. Be sure to use your parking brake to keep that transmission component in good condition. LETTI ... read more