COLUMBUS AUTO REPAIR

You went to start your car, getting ready to leave to go to work, thinking everything is fine. But when you start your vehicle, there's a problem! Your car won't start, and white exhaust fumes are filling your driveway. This is not a good sign and a horrible way to start your day. Now you have to call the tow truck to take it to the auto repair shop. After having an auto repairman look at your car, he tells you, a blown engine is the problem. You scratch your head while rolling your eyes, picturing your bank account dwelling due to the price tag of fixing this. Another question pops into your head, "Can a blown engine be fixed?" In this blog post, you will learn two of the leading causes of a blown engine and whether it can be repaired. One of the reasons a blown engine happens is due to its head gaskets. In the engine, a head gasket seals the internal combustion process by allowing coolant and oil to flow throughout it to cool and lubricate it. Signs you have a ... read more

You may experience some shaking when bringing your car to a stop. The vibration may be coming from the car's brake pedal or steering wheel. This is called a brake shudder and occurs when there are issues with the disc braking system. Such a problem soon escalates and becomes dangerous. The source of the vibration is the best pointer to whether the front or the rear brakes are causing the issue. If you feel the shaking on the steering wheel, the issue may be on the front braking discs. Rear wheels cause vibrations on the pedal. Here are some of the causes of the problem. Brake Pads in Poor Condition If the brake pads are damaged, warped, or worn, they may cause some vibration that is accompanied by a squeaking sound, which indicates that you should replace them. Sometimes the brake pads are soiled with dirt particles that make it hard for them to grasp the rotors, and this causes vibrations in the process. Brake Rotors are Uneven The brake pads ... read more

Most modern vehicles have excellent cooling systems and heat sensors that keep the engine running in most weather conditions. However, some cars are always overheating despite these sophisticated cooling and heating systems. Different factors trigger engine overheating. Understanding why the overheating happens can help calm your nerves before you get the issue fixed by a mechanic. Some reasons for overheating include; Cooling systems leak Faulty radiator fan Broken water pump Defective gas gasket Faulty CTS sensor Getting the overheating fixed requires a thorough investigation by a certified mechanic. The broken component can then be repaired or replaced as per the mechanic's recommendation. You should always schedule regular service as per the manufacturer's advice to get your car heater components checked for any repairs. However, if you detect any issue before the recommended miles for service, get the car checked to void costly and avoidable repairs. What if the Engi ... read more

Most drivers fail to appreciate windscreen blades and underestimate their importance until they are caught in a rainstorm, snowstorm or dust storm. It has probably been a while since you replaced your windshield. They are a simple car component but very critical in maintaining visibility on the road. One responsibility of the driver is to ensure every car component gets the recommended servicing according to the manufacturer to ensure the car maintains safety and optimum functionality on the road. What Makes the Wipers Faulty? Windscreen wipers are always exposed to heat and other harsh environments since they are not protected under the hood. The blades tend to wear out, making them dry out and get stuck each time. Regular usage of the windshield wipers will make them wear out as well. The hard windscreen glass wears out with time and reduces their ability to work properly each time. It is mostly suggested to get windshield wipers replaced after every six months, and some manufact ... read more

Your vehicle has several different fluids that need to be drained and replaced regularly. Some of the most common fluids are motor oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and radiator fluid. One fluid that typically is forgotten about is the powering steering fluid. Power steering fluid uses the principles of hydraulics to allow the steering wheel to turn and completely rotate. Over time it can accumulate rubber and metal particles that can wear the gear and pumps. A power steering flush combats this by flushing the old fluid out and replacing it with new fluid. Below are a few signs that it’s time for a power steering flush.  Unusual Sounds If the power steering fluid is low, the steering wheel will start to whine or squeal when you turn it. In some severe cases, this may occur due to a failing power steering pump. If your steering is squealing, bring your vehicle in for an inspection.   Difficulty Steering A com ... read more

No matter how new your vehicle is, eventually, it will need a tune-up. While vehicle maintenance tasks may seem like additional time and hassle, it’s a responsible decision to save you from headaches in the future. A tune-up is a preventative maintenance that includes a thorough inspection to see where your vehicle is excelling and where it may need some extra love. As a rule of thumb, most drivers should get a tune-up at least once a year. However, depending on driving conditions, you may need to schedule an additional one to keep performance efficient.  What is included during a tune-up at Luke’s Auto Service?  Our ASE Certified experts customize your tune-up based on your vehicle’s specific needs.  A general tune-up consists of:  A comprehensive bumper-to-bumper inspection.  A fluid-top off or fluid flush in severe cases.  Replacing all filters, if needed.  Inspecting the battery.  Changing the spark plugs.  Ch ... read more

After driving our vehicle for several years, we're bound to get pretty attached to it. Cars take a lot of time and resources to maintain. A vehicle is considered high mileage once it begins to push past the 60k mile mark. High mileage vehicles need consistent maintenance to keep it lasting for as long as possible. Fall is the perfect time to give your car a little extra TLC. Below are five fall maintenance tips to keep your high mileage vehicle thriving through the winter.  Check the Transmission Fluid Most vehicles will need their transmission fluid changed every 60k to 100k miles depending on their driving habits. Healthy transmission fluid is essential because it serves as a lubricator for the transmission. The transmission has several fast-moving parts; keeping them lubricated allows them to move freely and effectively.  Check the Spark Plugs Spark plugs supply the infamous spark that ignites the fuel to help the engine produce energy. If you ... read more

When you're in between tune-ups, regularly checking your vehicle's fluids is the best way to keep it running at optimal performance. A vehicle's owner manual recommends where fluid levels should be and at what intervals they should be topped off or changed. When fluid levels are properly filled, you’ll notice an increase in efficiency and an improvement on how the vehicle handles. Staying aware helps prevent significant engine damage. Below is an outline of essential fluids that should be flushed or refilled to improve vehicle efficiency.  Engine Oil Engine oil acts as a lubricant for the engine's internal components. Clean engine oil reduces friction and prevents corrosion. By reducing the amount of friction, heat is spread evenly throughout the engine. Working hand in hand with the coolant, engine oil keeps the temperature of the engine stabilized. It's important to check the oil because clean oil adequately powers the engine. Dirty oil furt ... read more

During the lifetime of your vehicle, different parts will have to be repaired or replaced. Brake pads get worn the more you drive. Your engine oil will eventually get dirty and need to be changed. If too much time passes, your car battery may even lose its charge. Batteries will typically need to be replaced every two to five years. However, the extreme summer heat can quickly reduce its lifespan, burning out a battery’s major components. Needing to replace a battery is expected, so it’s helpful to be informed on how to dispose of them safely. Since old batteries are wasteful, it’s a good idea to recycle them. Below are the top reasons you should recycle your car battery.   Car Batteries Are Mostly Recyclable Material Car batteries are primarily plastic. A battery’s outer container, lid, and handle are all constructed from a plastic material. The plastic material can be recycled, melted down, and reused to create new batteries or mat ... read more

A sudden decrease in fuel efficiency can be alarming, especially if your heart is set on a planned road trip. While a reduction in fuel efficiency can be a result of some minor issues, sometimes it can be an indicator of a more severe problem. If ignored, you can expect to deal with some mechanical issues that develop into costly repairs. While many factors can lead to an increase in fuel consumption, below are some of the most common factors:  Oxygen Sensor Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor measures exactly how rich or lean your exhaust gases are when they leave the combustion chamber. A dirty or failing oxygen sensor can lead to a significant drop-in mile per gallon by up to 20 percent. A faulty oxygen sensor can also lead to your vehicle idling rough and a failed emission test.  Weight If your vehicle carries a lot of weight, it can lead to an increase in fuel consumption. The weight can consist of too many passengers, items, or roof ... read more