auto repair

Brakes are the most important safety feature on your car. When they work properly your car stops smoothly, quietly and without pulling your vehicle to the right or left. In emergencies, they stop quickly without locking up, skidding and sending your vehicle out of control. Here are some typical problems with brakes. Noise Brake noise varies from a low groan at slow speeds (0-2 mph), to squeaks or squeals, to a rattle or grinding sound. A low speed groan on disc brakes suggests metal to metal contact or “glazed” brake pads and contact surfaces. A high pitched squeal at driving speeds means brake pad vibration. This can be a dirt contamination problem or a worn braking surface. A rattling noise indicates loose brake parts. Normally this is caused by worn springs...

You have heard the horror stories. You paid to have the auto repair shop fix the problem, but your car still does not run right. You take it back – they find something else – and the car still does not work. We recently saw a Honda CRV that was barely running. The owner experienced overheating problems and had taken it to a nearby mechanic. A thermostat was replaced. A week later the radiator cracked and it was replaced. The car continued to run hot until the engine began losing power. The mechanic could not find the cause. So the owner brought the car to us. Our diagnosis?  A burnt valve requiring a major repair to the engine. The repair bill – over $2,500. The sad part about this story is the cause. Both of the vehicle’s electric radiator fans had...