Alma, Gaylord & Mount Pleasant Auto Repair

It is distressing when you leave your driveway or parking lot, and there is some puddle of vehicle fluid where your car was. It is definitely some fluid leaking. Does this indicate a serious problem? Here is a look at some common vehicle fluid leaks. Oil Leak Easily identified by many folks, it appears as black or brown. The oil leak is due to degraded engine gasket, valves of oil pans, or seals in the engine. The color may change from amber to black or brown. The color change is due to aging, usage, and presence of foreign elements such as dust, worn-out pieces of small particles. Coolant Leak Mostly, it is green, but there are various colors from blue, purple, orange depending on the inhibitor technology used. A coolant leak is alarming and calls for immediate remedy. A coolant protects your car from grinding and overheating; thus, a deprivation of such a fluid is catastrophic. Water Leak Perfectly harmless and least concerning to look into. The clear and odorless puddle is a r ... read more

Your vehicle needs a checkup now and then just like you do! Taking your car in for routine maintenance keeps you safe and can save you money in the future. Parts of Your Vehicle That Need a Routine Check Oil Your mechanic will look at the color and consistency of the oil. If it's very dark or the texture is inconsistent, it's in need of a change. If it's low, it needs a refill. Check your oil at least once a month. Tires Every six months, check that the tire has an optimal amount of air, rotate the tires to ensure proper balance and traction, and change any tires that look worn down or smooth. Brakes Have your brake pads checked every six months. It's convenient to have them checked at the same time as your tires. But if you notice any noises from your brake pedal while you're on the road, get them checked ASAP. Fluids Once a month, your mechanic will see if you're low on transmission fluid, washer fluid, coolant/antifreeze, power-steering fluid, and br ... read more

Do you need new tires? There are situations to consider before deciding to buy a new set like how long between sets should you buy new tires? Well, for most people, the answer depends on many factors. However, according to the Federal Highway Administration, the average driver accumulates only 13,000 miles per year, give or take a few thousand miles. Someone who drives less could have 10-year-old tires with sufficient tread. Most folks want to know how many miles are tires good for. A new set of new tires should last up to 75,000 miles or as long as five years. However, several factors would reduce the life of your new tires. Let's take a look. Who's the Manufacturer? Buyers should not have to pay a lot to get quality tires. There is something to be said for the manufacturer. Shoppers associate confidence with a brand name, so they look for that trademark. While some manufacturers make tires to last 30,000 miles, others may extend the wheels by an additional 30,000 miles for ... read more

If you've ever seen a blue light ignite on your dashboard, you might wonder: what does this light signal, and what should I do about it? What Does The Blue Light Mean? Coolant, or antifreeze, is a fluid that prevents the water situated in your car's radiator from freezing in cold weather and overheating in warm weather. It can also help lubricate the water pump, shift gears and facilitate automatic transmissions. When your blue engine coolant temperature light goes on, that means the coolant is at a low temperature and won't work efficiently. There are three main reasons why this could happen: The engine is cold The thermostat is broken Coolant leak You might be able to address the issue on your own, depending on the cause. What Do I Do? The coolant in your car's radiator tends to be cold when you start your car. This is because your car's engine is cold. The coolant will warm up as the car runs, but it's important not to push the vehicle too much. Accel ... read more