November 2021

We’ve all been there, driving without a care in the world only for it to come to a screeching halt because of the appearance of a pesky warning light. When your car flashes a warning light, this is not something to be ignored. While it may be an inconvenience to have to change your plans in order to take your car to the nearest mechanic, it is absolutely essential that you take quick action. If in need of auto repair in Philadelphia, PA do not hesitate to bring your vehicle in so that we can check it out. If warning lights on your dashboard cause you to panic, read on so that you are able to better understand the needs of your vehicle whenever they may arise!

Engine Light

This is one of the most common dashboard warning lights other than a fuel light. Unfortunately, unlike other dashboard warning lights that usually point to a single issue, an engine light is different in that it can signify a plethora of varying issues. The check engine light usually indicates that a crucial component in your engine is failing or already damaged. The color of your check engine light can also reveal more details about the severity of the issue. If the light is flashing, this signifies a severe issue which will need to be fixed immediately. If you find yourself in a situation such as this, be sure to pull over and shut off your car. Allow your car to cool down some before checking your engine for any visible damage or loose parts. Be sure not to simply ignore the issue, as this can lead to costs all the way up to thousands of dollars.

Brake Light

Similar to an engine light, the brake lights can also point to a number of different issues with your vehicle. One such issue could be that your emergency brake is still on as you are attempting to drive either forward or backwards. So be sure to check for this issue first if you are seeing this warning light. Another much more serious issue this light could be indicating is that your brake pads are worn. If you have worn brake pads, then this can lead to exposed brake sensors. If this is the issue that you are encountering, then we recommend replacing your brake pads immediately.

Oil

Your oil warning light usually means that you have either low oil pressure, low oil, or oil that is too hot. If you see this light be sure to pull over and look at your oil levels. If they seem low, refill it until appropriate. It is very important that you do not ignore your oil light, as driving around with low oil pressure or oil levels can result in damage to your engine.

It is vital that we are able to understand the critical needs of our vehicles, especially when we are out on the road. Your car, like yourself, has a lot of varying needs, and if not properly cared for can lead to extensive and unwanted damage. We make accessing auto repair in Philadelphia, PA as easy as possible. Do not hesitate to reach out!

The debate on whether to switch out your all season tires for winter ones is the never-ending argument with no clear answer. Plainly, it really does depend on where and how you drive. If you are someone who frequently drives out in the harsh elements, then we’d probably suggest that you make the switch, but for others, they may have a little more flexibility. The bottom line is that we all want to be safe and avoid any accidents, which is why we offer auto repair in Philadelphia, PA. Read on for more information about which choice you should go with this season!

All Season Tires

A lot of cars these days come off the lot already equipped with all season tires. This is typical as all-weather tires are largely reliable and able to keep drivers safe and on the road during most of the seasons. All season tires perform well in wet conditions, light to moderate snow, and during the summertime. However, like most things, there is a catch. In order for this magical, all-in-one tire to be able to perform impressively all year-long, there are some sacrifices that have to be made. Unfortunately, all season tires just aren’t able to provide the grip that is needed during the summer months and more so in the winter. It just isn’t possible to absolutely marry all of the qualities necessary for all seasons without any flaws. Some of the benefits of all season tires include traction and grip in snowy and wet conditions, traction in a variety of weather conditions, longer tread life than tires made for a particular season, low rolling resistance, and they are typically more comfortable and quieter than others.

Winter Tires

If you are a driver who is constantly out in the elements no matter how harsh, then we highly suggest that you look into winter tires. Winter tires are made from unique rubber compounds that are able to provide increased grip and traction when the temperatures dip below 45 degrees. Typically, these tires have a deeper tread pattern and contain grooves that are able to grip the snow and ice with ease. The benefits of putting winter tires on your car this season include enhanced braking performance in winter’s hazardous conditions, performs with ease in all conditions during wintertime, specially formulated tread rubber that remains flexible when the temperature drops, reduced snow buildup and a sturdier grip.

Again, these two options can go either way and each provide their own unique benefits over the other. Be sure to keep the type of vehicle you own in mind, as well as how often you are out braving extreme elements. If you are someone who frequently vacations to mountains with the family, then the decision leans more toward snow tires, however, if you live in a place where extreme winter conditions are rare and more unlikely, then you may lean toward all of the benefits of an all season tire. Auto repair in Philadelphia, PA is made easy with us!

While winter looms as the leading threat to our vehicles, potholes are a close second. There is nothing worse than carelessly driving in the city and stumbling into a dreaded pothole. Auto repairs in Philadelphia, PA can fix any and all pothole issues you may have, but we want to make sure that you are equipped with the tools to avoid them in the first place. If your car encounters a serious pothole, this can easily result in the need for new tire replacements and destroyed suspension, which if you ask us, sounds like a nightmare.

How do Potholes Form?

While potholes can be found almost anywhere, they can increase and become more frequent during the winter months. This is because the constant cycles of freezing and thawing allow more moisture to enter the road’s surface, which then results in the road crumbling. Potholes vary in shape and size, so some potholes may be more hazardous than others. While you can encounter potholes in the winter, it’s important to remember that potholes occur and are prevalent in all seasons. There is no season you should let your guard down; in fact, we encourage you to use these tips throughout all of the months of the year so that you are as protected as possible.

Preventative Steps

The first preventative step that you can take is driving on roads and routes that you know well. We suggest this because if you are more familiar with how a road is laid out this makes you more likely to notice when something is off or in the road. Usually, when drivers find themselves running into potholes, oftentimes, it is because they were on an unfamiliar road. If you find yourself driving at night be sure that the roads that you are traveling on are well-lit so that you are able to spot any potholes ahead of time. If you do find that you’ve hit a pothole, do not panic, simply inspect your tire and wheels for any possible damage. Also, if you notice a road with a lot of potholes, do not hesitate in contacting your local government’s transportation department and reporting it!

Will Car Insurance Cover the Cost?

Fortunately, if your car does sustain any damage from a pothole beyond tire damage, there is a chance that you can be covered by collision coverage. While you may, in fact, be covered when you find yourself with damage from a pothole, there still may be deductibles that apply. Be sure to check with your insurance company before you file for any damage you’ve had.

We offer incredible and affordable auto repair in Philadelphia, PA. Potholes are a nuisance every day in the city, but especially in winter. With winter right around the corner, we wanted to be sure that you had all of the necessary knowledge to avoid and prevent unwanted damage to your vehicle. While potholes cannot always be avoided, be sure to properly inspect your tires and wheels for damage that may be apparent. If you find yourself with any extensive damage, do not hesitate to contact us. We want to help you safely navigate the roads this wintertime season, and your safety is our top priority!

Let’s face it, many people are completely unaware of the powers of a good tune up. After all, what exactly is a tune up? Is it even necessary? Actually, a tune-up is a lot more crucial than you might realize! Essentially, a tune-up is a kind of all-in-one preventative maintenance procedure that your mechanic performs on all of the various systems in your car that deal with its combustion. Tune ups are great at targeting specific problem areas in your vehicle and resolving small issues before they have the chance to snowball into a crisis. Auto repair in Philadelphia, PA is readily available from us, so be sure to inquire!

Improved Mileage

If you’ve noticed your wallet getting a little skinny because of the constant need to shell out for gas, then a tune-up can be your next saving grace. If your mechanic discovers that your brakes have been sticking, for example, this catch can end up saving you money. Typically, during a tune-up your brakes will be inspected. Another reason why you may be spending more money on gas can be due to your tires not being aligned properly. Again, usually, a tune up will cover this by giving your car a much-needed tire rotation and alignment.

Improve your Car’s Ride

Sadly, you may notice that as your car begins to age the ride doesn’t feel as smooth as it once used to. Whether you are dealing with a shaking vehicle or a car that struggles to start, these issues can be diagnosed with a simple tune up. When dealing with these issues, your mechanic will perform both a power and energy check to help diagnose the exact source of your trouble. Realistically, there are a plethora of reasons why your car may be having these issues, so your best bet is, you guessed it, a proper tune up.

The Dreaded Glowing Lights

We’ve all been there; you’re cruising along without a care in the world and then your dashboard glows with an issue. If you are unsure what the glowing symbol is trying to tell you then it’s best to take it in to the closest mechanic so that they may perform a tune up and get you back on the road safely. It’s best not to ignore these issues because when we do that, it’s likely that the issue will only grow more serious.

A Meticulous Check Up

It’s important that you care for the health of your vehicle just as you would the health of yourself or a loved one. If you choose to neglect or push off taking your vehicle in for a proper tune up, it could end up costing you hundreds of dollars. Even if you don’t see any issues with your car, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are a lot of factors that go into maintaining the health of your vehicle, so leave it to a professional the next time you need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA. Give us a call today!