Margate City Auto Repair

Repair Shop:
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tag Archives: #mechanic

How to Check Fluids in Car.

It is important to check the fluids under your hood regularly. Sometimes it can be confusing under there and it is important to get the fluids into the right place. Colin and Pooh Bear walk you through what to look for in this video to take all the guesswork out of figuring out what fluid goes where.  https://youtu.be/S_towp5Q0WM The fluids you should be checking at least once a month are:  Oil Windshield wiper fluid Power steering fluid Brake Fluid Coolant Transmission Fluid- This may or may not be in your car. Some cars have an electric transmission, which does not need fluid.  The reason for the monthly check is to catch a leak and to check the color and quality of the fluids. For warned is forearmed and catching things early can not only help your car but your wallet as well. 

Categories:

Maintenance

Why Is my Power Steering not working?

What is Power Steering? The Power Steering system of your car makes turning your car easy. If you have ever driven a classic car without power steering, you understand how hard it use to be. Also, without power steering, you use to have to accelerate to turn, like a Jet ski. Where is Power Steering located? The Power steering system is a part of a larger system, it goes from your steering wheel all the way to your tires. Long story short, that means to look under the front of your car for leaking. Sometimes there is a warning light that will go on if you are having an issue, but not always. These are signs that your power steering is going bad or is bad: Low on power steering fluid- this shows when turning gets harder to do. Also, it may start whining. Power steering pump or motor went bad- this is evident when you strain to turn your steering wheel or sound like high-pitched screaming Serpentine belt broken- The car may stall ( ... read more

What to do if my car rims are bent

What to do if my car rims are bent

     What to do if my Car Rims are Bent Driving over potholes is uncomfortable and jarring for not only you but your car. If you notice your car driving differently after going over one you might have some damage like you can see in two of the photos. Unfortunately, not all damage to rims can be seen easily, some damage can be hidden by the tire and the car itself. Damage to your rims, no matter how minor, can have expensive long-term consequences. The following damage can be caused by damaged Rims (these are not always immediate; some issues happen over time due to the uneven way the tire now sits on the wheel): Flat tires Alignment issues Decreased gas efficiency Axle issues Drive shaft issues What causes bent rims Damage can happen for other reasons than potholes. Damage can also occur from hitting curbs, car accidents, and driving off-road (among other reasons). If you have minor bent damage, getting that fixed as soon as ... read more

Car Batteries and The Cold

Car Batteries and The Cold

Car Batteries and the Cold It is cold outside. Winter is here and it is the time of year that batteries start showing their age. There are multiple reasons as to why your battery is losing charge. Batteries are only expected to last 3-5 years, and that is with a good alternator. There are other factors that can lessen your battery life. Driving Habits Sometimes not taking the scenic route will cost you. If you only drive short trips that can lessen your battery life. Your alternator will not be able to recharge your battery usage. A short trip is considered a half-hour or less. Freezing weather Fully charged batteries will only freeze at around -75 degrees, but if it less than full it can freeze at around 32 degrees. Therefore, when it gets cold outside people often find that their car battery will not start in the morning. Which is frustrating and inconvenient. Idling Idling for prolong times ... read more

Categories:

Car Batteries

Season of Potholes

The Season of Pot holes is upon us! Winter is hard on everyone and everything, yes that means on your roads and cars as well. That is why April is Car care Aware month. Its time to freshen up for the Spring. The biggest threat to your car right now is pot holes and neglect of maintenance. Pot holes meh, am I right? They come back every spring like flowers. They are caused by water seeping into the cracks of the pavement, then freezing and thawing, and then being driven on causes the pavement to weaken and eventually give.  If you lucky your city is on them like white on rice. Either way they are a danger to your car. Alignments, Tires, Hubs, your exhaust, your under carriage and depending on how deep it is anything within its evil grasp. It can cause leaks, dents and compromise the integrity of parts and sometimes clips can come off and parts can start to drag.   Is there any way to avoid them? Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee, that’s because your car can ... read more

Categories:

Advice

Rotors. Important facts about stopping.

Rotors. Important facts about stopping.

Rotors   What are they? Rotors, with assistance from the brake pads and calipers, cause your car to slow down and/or stop. They are the circular metal part that the brake pads rub against to cause the wheels to stop spinning. They are as important as brake pads for stopping.   Why do they go bad? Heat isn’t a friend of metal parts. Heat from friction can cause warping and wear. For those of you that remember LP records, think of records that were left in the sun.   Signs you need new rotors. Squeaking, rough stopping, vibrating when slowing, When your rotors go bad you will hear it and feel it. Make it over to your mechanic as soon as possible.   Helpful Info Rotors should be replaced every 30-70 thousand miles. And when you change the rotors you should change your brake pads too. Since the rotors and brake pads rub together the brake pads are ‘mated&rsquo ... read more

Categories:

Car Parts

Car Thermostats: Some general information

Thermostat: What is it? Every car has a thermostat. The thermostat in you car regulates the engine coolant temperature to cool off your engine. Thermostats don’t have an average lifespan. So there is no real recommended time to replace them. That is why it is important to get your check engine light read as soon as you can when it pops up or know what to do if it suddenly goes bad. How does it work? As the car heats up to 200 degrees, the thermostat opens (heat causes things to expand) and opens to allow circulation of the coolant thru the coolant system (which is a series of pipes that are housed around/ thru the engine) when the engine cools down enough (cold causes things to contract) it closes. When the thermostat goes bad it gets stuck, or doesn’t open which causes your car to overheat, or if it gets stuck in the open position it causes the car to be too cool which causes bad emissions, and bad efficiency, and accelerates wear. What are signs I need to get mine fixed ... read more

Categories:

Car Parts

Overheating: What it means and what you should do.

Overheating: What it means and what you should do.

Overheating What does it mean when your car is overheating? Ruh roh, your gauge is climbing to the dreaded red H. What is causing it and what can you do to fix it before it destroys your engine or causes some very expensive bill? Cars start to over heat as they reach 250 degrees. (Cars usually run at 195-220 degrees. Just to give you an idea.) Now keep in mind that the boiling point for your coolant is 250–260 degrees. Not much wiggle room, is there? Why is it important? Cooling your engine is very important. As it is with most machines, like your computer, keeping things cool as they do their job keeps every thing from breaking down due to heat and friction. Here are some things that happen to your car as the temperature climbs. Lowers your fuel combustion efficiency Causes corrosion Starts to heat and warp the metal in and around your engine. Causes the viscosity of the liquid in your engine to change to gunk (oil, Co ... read more

Categories:

Safety

Air Filters and your car.

Air Filters and your car.

Air Filters Cars can have one or two air filters. One is for your engine and new models have one for your breathing air. Your cabin air filter is located usually behind your dash on the passenger side of the car. Your air filter for your engine is located at the top of your engine in its own housing. Why do air filters matter to you? Air filters prevent debris from getting into your engine and damaging it. It also helps your car to run. Cars work on a combustion system. You need a spark and you need oxygen. Having clean filters also increases fuel economy. Cabin air filters protect the breathing air from pollen and dirt. Signs something is wrong: You’ve notice a drop-in fuel efficacy Your car sounds funny Your car has a check engine light Reduction of horsepower Your car is misfiring Smell of gasoline Black smoke and/or flames coming out of the exhaust Below are examples of clean and dirty engine air filters

Categories:

Maintenance

Long Term Maintenance for your motorized carriage. (car, I mean car)

So, you’ve been with your car a little over a year now. Your mind is beginning to wonder about what’s in store for you down the road. Your thinking about what could go wrong, and if you’re going to make it thru the rough times ahead. If you are anything like me you’re going to want to know what to expect. Usually if you do your routine maintenance you shouldn't have many problems (aside from a flat tire here and there, that darn nail!) Important flushes: Brake fluid Flush- 30k or every 2 years Coolant Flush- 30k or every 5 years Transmission Flush= CVT every 2 years (type of fluid) or 15 k for Honda and Acura Power steering Flush- 75-100k Rear differential- 30k-60k Induction Cleaning- 30k (15k with a lot of city driving) Important parts replacements: Timing Belts-60k-105k Shocks-4-5 years Water pump- 100k if you have a good one, a cheap one can go at 30k, also should be changed with timing belt if its driven by timing belt ... read more

Categories:

Maintenance
12
Sunny Service Center is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Sunny Service Center (609) 823-1133 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.