Pequannock Auto Repair

Most drivers know when it's time to get their oil changed, but they are left with uncertainty regarding their power steering fluid. Swapping out the power steering fluid is essential to preserving the health of a vehicle. It doesn't burn off with time like motor oil does, but it can get very filthy. With usage, pollutants and contaminants accumulate and build up in the reservoir. When the power steering fluid becomes corrupted, it immediately puts extra pressure and strain on the steering wheel. In severe cases, significant damage can occur to your steering system. Here are several ways to determine whether you need power steering service on your vehicle: Check Your Vehicle's Owner's Manual Don't disregard your vehicle's owner manual, as it offers extensive information. Check the manual for advice on when to replace your power steering fluid and the best liquid to use for your vehicle.  Inspect the Power Steering Fluid After running your car for a cou ... read more

November is here, and that means winter is right around the corner. With the cool and cold air coming through New Jersey, we should do our best to keep our vehicles in the best shape. After all, it has to get us through the ice, rain, or snow that we may see in the upcoming months. Our cars, SUVs, and trucks work harder during the winter months to keep us comfortable and safe. And oftentimes, this can lead to car problems. Today, we will go over the top 5 areas of your vehicle that require the most attention during this time of year.  #1: Battery There’s no doubt that car batteries die more often in the winter than any time of the year. Usually, this is because they’ve had a rough summer. When the cold weather is introduced, the battery would have already been too weak and the chemicals would slow down. Therefore, weak and dead batteries are a common problem drivers deal with in the winter. We can test your battery at our shop and let you know if it can still hold ... read more

If you don't know already, radiators keep your engine cool. But radiators need to be flushed regularly. Don't know what that is? Read on to learn what it is and why it needs to be done every so often. What is flushing the radiator? Radiators need to be flushed because it keeps your engine running and at a temperature that's acceptable. If it's clogged, there can be problems. Flushing the radiator is a process that is done by a mechanic to ensure that the radiator works properly again. Here's how the process goes: Your engine is cooling down before the flush happens. It can't be done with a hot engine. The car gets jacked up so the mechanic can get access to the radiator. The radiator gets inspected and cleaned out. The mechanic will also inspect the radiator hoses for any issues. There will be a drainage pan placed underneath the radiator's valve and remove the radiator's drain valve cap if necessary. The mechanic will then remove the petcock an ... read more

If you’ve been a long-time car owner, you probably know the importance of seasonal maintenance. As seasons come and go, it is important to make adjustments and prioritize auto care as it can go a long way toward extending your vehicle’s lifespan. Plus, it can enhance the safety and performance of your car.    As the temperatures cool off here in Pequannock, NJ, it is important to consider our cars. Most cars have to work harder in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. To avoid straining your vehicle, please consider checking off these 10 components: CAR FLUIDS. Your vehicle contains many liquids, including engine oil, power steering, brake, antifreeze/coolant, and transmission fluid. They should be clean and topped off to ensure optimal performance. Have a mechanic check for leaks if necessary. BELTS AND HOSES. These components, timing belt and serpentine belt, should be inspected for signs of wear and tear. If they are frayed, cracked, or damaged in an ... read more

A part of preventative maintenance is the regular inspection of your vehicle’s belts. The timing belt is a belt next to the engine that needs to be maintained in good condition to keep your car running smoothly. You should always replace this belt before it breaks.    The timing belt has a toothed texture. In some cars, it is in a chain form. Both timing belts and timing chains allow the perfect synchronization of the crankshaft and camshaft. The timing belt times the opening and closing of engine valves and prevents the piston from striking the valves.    Rubber belts and chains aren’t resistant to breaking forever. Over time, they can become worn, loose, and eventually break. If you fail to replace the timing belt before it breaks, the engine can fail completely. And your car will not run without a timing belt.    When the timing belt breaks, you may hear the piston and valves striking each other. Depending on how severe the damages are ... read more