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October 2021

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

Preserving your Engine

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We liken your car’s engine to the powerhouse of your entire vehicle. Without a properly functioning engine, you risk either overheating, having your car die while on a busy road, and much more. Bottom line is, if you’ve got a bad engine, you’re not only putting your own life at risk but the lives of everyone else on the road as well. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do as a responsible driver that can save you a lot of trouble and hassle. Check out our suggestions below and inquire about auto repair in Philadelphia, PA.

Clean, Clean, Clean

With your car’s engine functioning as the very heart of your vehicle, it’s best to ensure that it is as clean and spotless as possible. When checking and cleaning your engine, be sure to remove any unsightly debris, dust, and grease. This step is very important because an engine covered in grease can cause it to overheat, which is no good. The filter in your engine can actually become clogged if you neglect any necessary cleaning. Additionally, the windy conditions of winter can cause leaves and bugs to fly under your vehicle’s hood, so it’s important to be proactive. When cleaning your engine, we recommend using a degreaser; and if you need to remove any pesky debris then you can absolutely use a vacuum tool. Be sure to be aware of any strange smells or smoke, as this can indicate trouble with your engine.

Spark Plug Maintenance

It is vital that you keep dirt and grime out of your vehicle’s combustion chamber with regular cleanings. This is a simple step, but if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about tackling this task yourself, then do not hesitate in taking your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Lubrication

With all of the moving and shifting parts inside of your vehicle, it only makes sense that you should ensure proper lubrication so that things aren’t grinding harshly against one another. Otherwise, the friction that can result can do extreme damage to your car in the long run. Also, this damage can end up costing you major bills in repair, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

auto repair in Philadelphia, PAOil Change

This is one of the simplest steps that you can take to be sure that your engine is running at its absolute best. It’s so simple, in fact, that you can do it all yourself. Typically, every 6 months your oil should be either checked or changed. Whether you realize it or not, the oil in your car makes all of the difference when it comes to the overall performance of your vehicle, so be sure you do not omit this important step!

Hopefully, you’ve taken away a lot of important information about just why it is so important that you maintain the health of your vehicle’s engine. Look into auto repair in Philadelphia, PA as soon as possible! We are more than happy to help because, after all, we want to get you back on the road safely!

auto repair in Philadelphia

Winter Auto Maintenance Tips

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With wintertime almost upon us, it can easily be forgotten that along with your home and yourself, your car also has specific needs. Every car owner knows the feeling of car trouble in the winter. No fun, right? Fortunately, there are many things that you can do that can prevent unnecessary hassles this season. A lot of our tips are so simple that you can get them done yourself and without the help of a mechanic, which means more money in your pocket! When looking for auto repair in Philadelphia, PA we are more than happy to get you on the right track!

Oil is Key

This is a really simple and easy preventative step to ensuring that your car runs as smoothly as possible this winter season. During the colder months, the oil in your car becomes thicker and it can affect how the oil flows throughout your car. Be sure to get an oil change before it begins to get cold out. Changing your oil to a thinner viscosity will also help your car run with fewer issues.

Check your Battery

It is important that you make certain that the contacts on your car battery are as clean as possible and free of any corrosion. Nobody wants to be left out in the cold in the middle of winter because of a faulty battery. If your car battery is more than four years old, then we highly recommend replacing it. Be sure to stop by an auto repair shop to have the health of your battery tested!

Inspect your Hoses and Belts

Colder weather means that the rubber on your hoses and belts is more prone to cracks, stretching, soft spots, bulges, and loose connections. Replace them if you find any issues and be sure to continue to inspect them throughout the season.

Replace Wiper Blades/Fluid

This is a very important step both for the well-being of your vehicle and also for your safety as a driver. Since rain and snow can easily impair your visibility when driving, it’s extremely essential that you make sure your wiper blades are not old or worn down. Ensure that you have an ample amount of wiper fluid and replace them yourself. This is a step that all car owners can easily tackle.

auto repair in Philadelphia, PACheck Tire Tread

Having old and worn tires in snowy and icy conditions poses a serious hazard for both you and other drivers on the road. Tires in need of replacement begin to lose their tread even more so in the winter elements, so you definitely want to ensure that your tires have enough traction to keep you safe. We recommend replacing your tires with all-weather tires or snow tires if you plan on spending a lot of time in a mountainous region.

Our main goal is to ensure the absolute safety of you and your loved ones this wintertime season. When you are looking for auto repair in Philadelphia, PA we are here to help guide you through any and all seasons. Reach out today!

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

Safe Driving Tips

By | Auto Repair | No Comments

When you get in your car, you want to get somewhere, but you want to do so safely. Auto repair in Philadelphia, PA is part of the process and the people who work at auto repair shops are there to help you with maintenance as well as safe driving tips. Today, so many motorists are distracted. Even if you aren’t one of them, you need to find ways to stay safe around those who might not be paying close attention. Here are a few tips to help to keep yourself safe on the road.

Drive As An Example

You might hate the fact that you see so many people on their phones, putting on makeup, eating, and doing other things as they are driving. But, you might admit (even just to yourself) that you do a few of those things on occasion, too. Instead of getting mad at others when you see those things, try to drive as a good example. Don’t do anything but concentrate on your driving and you are setting a good example for others (especially your children if they are in the car with you). Plus, if someone swerves your way, you are a lot more likely to notice and be able to avoid a crash when others are distracted.

Buckle Up Without Question

It doesn’t matter if you are driving across the city or if you just have to go a few blocks up the street, put your seatbelt on as a habit. You don’t want to hear the car dinging at you to put it on and you really don’t want to have an accident where you need it and not have it. Wearing a seatbelt is just something you should do each and every time you are in a vehicle, whether you are driving or not.

auto repair in Philadelphia, PAKeep The Car In Tune

It’s a good idea to keep your car in good shape so if you have to brake suddenly or drive defensively in other ways, you need the car to be in good condition so it can do as you ask, when you ask it to do so. Have regular oil changes, allow the technicians to check things over, and fix little things before they become larger issues. While maintenance is important for the longevity of your car, it can also help you to stay safe as you drive to your destinations on a daily basis.

If you want to drive the safest, most reliable vehicle possible, auto repair in Philadelphia, PA should be a part of your regular routine. The professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center are honest about their work. We won’t tell you something is wrong with your vehicle unless we would fix it on our own car. We will show you exactly what we mean, too, so you can see it with your own eyes. We want you to be as safe as possible on the road each and every day and we’ll help you maintain your vehicle so you have every safety element possible.

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

Loud Engine Sounds And Auto Repair

By | Auto Repair | No Comments

It’s never a good thing when you are driving your vehicle and you hear a loud noise. When you hear it a second time and even a third, you might worry that something is really wrong and that you need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA. Driving in high levels of traffic is hard enough, but it’s downright stressful when you have places to do, and you have a noise in your vehicle, and you don’t know why. It’s best to get the problem checked out before it gets worse, so you aren’t worried about things getting worse. Here are some sounds you might hear and what you may want to do about them.

The Knocking Engine

If you hear your engine knocking, you want to answer the door, so to speak. Engines don’t knock for no reason and it’s important to figure out what’s going on. There are lots of things that could cause this noise. When the engine rotates, it drives a belt on pulleys to provide power. There are all sorts of things that can go wrong and cause vibration and knocking noise. IF the pulley is cracked damaged, it might vibrate, for example. The engine may make even more noise as the vehicle accelerates.

Fast Knocking

There is an accessory belt that could cause an even faster-knocking noise than a damaged pulley. If you hear something squeaky, harsh, loud, and high in pitch, it might be that accessory. If the engine is cold the noise might be even more pronounced and it could fade as you warm things up, which might cause you to ignore the issue. Don’t ever ignore engine sounds as they aren’t going to get better on their own.

auto repair in Philadelphia, PAPopping Noises

The fuel in the cylinder can explode before other fueling items and when the engine is running well, the spark plug controls that explosion. But if there is damage to those plugs, you might have premature detonation and that can cause a popping sound in the engine. It can sound like a very scary sound, but it doesn’t mean your car is in danger of exploding on its own. What it does mean is that you need to have an auto repair done as soon as possible so damage isn’t more extensive, which is what can happen if you ignore things.

There are lots of reasons to go in for auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, like getting a simple oil change or tire rotation. But when you hear a noise in your engine, you definitely want to get in as soon as you can. The problem won’t go away on its own and the sooner you get it fixed, the less likely it is that the problem will become a bigger, more expensive issue. The professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center are here to help you diagnose any engine noises you might hear. We can then fix things up and put you back on the road in a safe, efficient manner that will give you confidence in your ride.

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