COLUMBUS AUTO REPAIR

Buying a pre-owned car can be a great way to save money and get a reliable vehicle, but it's important to do your research before making a purchase. Here are five things to do before buying a pre-owned car to make sure you get the best deal: Do your research: Before you decide on a car, you need to make sure you have all the facts. That means checking out the car's history, getting a professional inspection, and researching the current market value of the car. Knowing the car is important because it can tell you if the car has been in any accidents, if it has a clean title, and if any major repairs have been done. Research the car you're considering: Learn about the make and model of car you're considering, as well as the model year and any potential problems. Check online reviews and customer ratings to get a sense of the car's overall performance. Get a pre-purchase inspection: Have a qualified mechanic check the car for any potential issues, including any nec ... read more

With the holidays finally here, you may consider bringing the entire family on the road, including your fur babies. Whether you’re riding across town or the country, there are some things to keep in mind to ensure your pets are secured and safe. Luke’s Auto Service is happy to offer these tips to ensure your travels are hassle-free and fun! Always keep them in the backseat - The front seat is no place for a pet to be. In case of an accident, the airbags can be too rough on your cat or dog. Instead, make sure they are secured in the back. Secure them in one place - We know how much you love cuddling with your pets, but it is essential for them to be contained throughout the journey. For longer car rides especially, we recommend crating them or using a harness to keep them from going crazy. Your pet may be resistant to it at first, but it should settle down shortly after. Keep your windows up - We’ve seen it in movies and occasionally on the road, but you should keep ... read more

Have you been noticing that your ride has been bumpier? If so, you may want to take a look at your shock absorbers. Shock absorbers are made up of a piston, piston rod, and cylinder. The piston rod is attached to the chassis of your vehicle, while the cylinder is filled with fluid (typically nitrogen gas). When you hit a bump in the road, this causes the piston rod to move up and down within its cylinder. The movement of this piston creates pressure on both sides of it, which causes compression on one side of it (pressurized) while rarefying air on the other (less pressured). This compression/rarefaction process allows for energy absorption when driving over bumps in the road, you feel less jolting! How Long Do Shock Absorbers Last? Shock absorbers for vehicles tend to last about 50,000 miles before needing to be replaced. The reason shock absorbers have a lifespan is that they're subject to a lot of wear and tear. They have to absorb bumps in the road, so they get worn down f ... read more

A catalytic converter is in charge of converting toxic chemicals, created by our vehicle’s engine into harmless gasses. In other words, it plays a major role in limiting emissions. Even though catalytic converters are made of durable metals that are intended to last a very long time doesn’t mean your car is resistant to problems. A common problem with old cars and catalytic converters is clogging.    Over a long period, the catalytic converter is exposed to an abundance of gasses. It can collect build-up and clog up the cat, causing it to falter. When your catalytic converter stops functioning, it can release harmful fumes into the air. Beyond the negative environmental impacts, the leaked fumes can harm your engine’s performance and spread damage to surrounding components.   When it comes to the exhaust system, you can use many of your senses to detect trouble. Dark exhaust smoke may be an indication that your converter is clogged and expelling hig ... read more

Fuel and air are indispensable when it comes to gas and diesel-powered engines. Both variables are equally important and should be balanced to successfully carry out the combustion process. Read on to learn more about the classic carburetor and modern fuel injection systems.    To ensure your engine gets a good flow of clean air, the engine air filter blocks all the dust and debris. This is why it is imperative for drivers to have their air filters inspected during maintenance service. Otherwise, leaving a dirty filter go unnoticed can negatively impact the overall performance of your engine. Second of all, you need a mechanism that controls the air intake and allows the precise amount of air (and fuel) into the engine at the perfect time. Every car has a carburetor or a fuel injection system to achieve this goal.  Carburetors Carburetors are a part of the classic engine design, and they are still found in older vehicles on the road today. They are located in the eng ... read more

While the time and mileage between service intervals varies between manufacturers, all vehicles driving on the roadways will need "tuning-up" at some point. How Often Does My Car Need a Tune-Up? Cars and trucks with fuel injection systems may go for longer intervals between tune-ups. Automotive experts say the majority of older vehicles will need a tune-up around every 10,000 - 12,000 miles. Getting a tune-up for your car or truck is like getting a regular wellness exam from your medical provider. Certified automotive mechanics complete a visual inspection of key engine components like fuel filters and fuel injectors to check for clogs and damage. They also check spark plugs, PVC valves, ignition timing and coolant levels for performance or wear and tear. If the results of the visual inspection are satisfactory, your mechanic will let you know what (if any) additional services they recommend. A less than satisfactory tune-up inspection requires repair or replacement of ... read more

Rotten eggs have a very unpleasant smell. Imagine smelling that in your vehicle. You've done everything you can to remove that smell, but somehow it still lingers. You should know that lingering smells of sulfur in the car often show a serious issue. Here are 3 reasons your vehicle may smell like rotten eggs. 1. Catalytic Converter Breaks Down The catalytic converter is a part of the vehicle's emission system. This means when the gas reaches the catalytic converter, the converter transforms trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide into odorless sulfur dioxide. However, if the catalytic converter is broken or jammed, it can emit sulfur like gases that smell like rotten eggs. If it is the reason for the smell, you need to get your catalytic converter replaced. 2. Fuel Pressure Sensor Failed or Worn Out Fuel Filter The purpose of the fuel filter is that it regulates the use of fuel in a car. If it fails, it will clog up the catalytic converter with more oil than it can handle. Too mu ... read more

Have you noticed that your car seems to have lost some of its power? When you step on the gas, do you have to wait longer than usual before it actually responds? If so, then your transmission might be in need of repair. Transmission rebuilds are sometimes more cost-effective than replacement transmissions, especially if your transmission only needs minor repairs rather than an entirely new transmission unit. Here's what transmission rebuilds entail and how you can benefit from it! What Is a Transmission Rebuild? A transmission rebuild involves taking the transmission apart and replacing any damaged parts with new ones; the end result is a perfectly good, fully functioning transmission! When replacing a transmission, the entire unit is replaced with an entirely new unit. This is great if your transmission has gone out completely or if you want to upgrade its performance. However, in many cases there's still plenty of life left in a transmission. Rather than shelling out thousa ... read more

What is a Gasket? To prevent oil leaks and keep oil out of areas it shouldn't be, you need the oil pan gasket, which is what the description states. Material of the oil pan influences the type of gasket in your car. An aluminum pan's gasket is made of some sort of liquid silicone, while the gasket of a pressed steel pan is made of a formed rubber gasket. In order to keep the oil from spilling out, an oil pan gasket seals off the oil pan from the engine block. Expansion and contraction are accommodated due to temperature changes in the gasket seal. Vibrations from the engine are dampened by the gasket, preventing damage. Gasket Types The head gasket and valve gasket are among the gaskets included with your car. Valve covers, like the oil pan, require gaskets to seal correctly. Valve covering gaskets are produced from a substance that conforms the valve cover edges at the cylinder head. As the oil travels through the camshaft, valves, and other parts, this gasket acts as a se ... read more

Proper seasonal maintenance of an automobile can extend its life, increase its resale value, and in some cases, may be required to maintain its warranty status. Essential, easy-to-follow spring checks and maintenance will repeatedly reward owners down the road when conscientiously followed. Under-The-Vehicle Essentials Leaks of motor oil, transmission, brake, and power steering fluids, gasoline, and coolant, as well as unknown leaks, should be addressed. Properly functioning shocks and struts are necessary for the safe handling of any vehicle and need to be inspected each season. A car's entire braking system, including drums, rotors, and brake pads, should be inspected and repaired as needed each spring. Exterior Essentials Safe tires with sufficient tread might be the most important part of any spring maintenance program. Check that tires are properly inflated and show no deformities. Tread depths can be inspected using readily available gauges. Wiper blades should be repla ... read more