Alma, Gaylord & Mount Pleasant Auto Repair

Radiators are not as glamorous as other parts of your vehicle, but they're also one of the most important when it comes to maintaining a long-lasting car. This article will teach you everything you need to know about radiator maintenance, including: what causes radiators to fail, how often you need to flush your radiator, and the best practices to keep your radiator clean and in good working order. When Does Your Radiator Need to be Flushed? If you're like most people, you probably don't think about your car's radiator very often. But did you know that it's important to flush your radiator regularly? Here's a look at how often your car radiator should be flushed and why it's so important. Most mechanics recommend flushing your car's radiator every 30,000 miles or so. This helps to remove any build-up of sediment or rust that can clog the radiator and cause problems. Signs That Your Car Radiator Needs to be Flushed If you notice any of the following ... read more

While it is always great to be mindful of your nonrenewable energy consumption and emissions, it is even better to save money in the process. The increase in prices of gasoline has made many drivers think twice about how their vehicles consume gas. Whatever reason you have to come here, read on to learn some of these fuel-saving tips. Monitor tires. Underinflated tires or overall poor tire maintenance can cause your engine to work harder than it needs to. Furthermore, it can force you to replace your tires sooner than later (so even more money out the door). If you want to save money on gas over time, we recommend monitoring your tire pressure as often as possible and filling them to their recommended psi. Remove excess weight. We advise you to get rid of any unnecessary items that could be weighing your car down. Less weight removes any stress on the engine. Avoid idling. Shut off the engine whenever possible. If you’re waiting in a drive-thru line or a family member or frien ... read more

Your tires are an important part of your vehicle safety; however, tires wear down and need regular replacement. There are a number of factors that can cause tires to wear out before the average life span. Knowing what to do and look for is key in getting the most out of your tires. What Causes Premature Wear on Tires There are four main reasons your tires may be wearing out prematurely. Air Pressure If the air pressure in your tires shows they are over or under inflated, your tires will wear out more quickly than properly inflated ones. Under inflated tires break down the outside edges of the tread quicker than properly inflated ones. Over inflated tires tend to deteriorate the middle section of the tire more quickly. Properly inflated tires evenly distribute the amount of pressure making tread wear more uniform across the entire surface. Not Rotating Tires Depending on whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive, one section of the vehicle wi ... read more

The exhaust system is an underappreciated part of the vehicle. It is responsible for handling all the engine byproducts and moving them out of your vehicle. Over time, you may experience problems with your vehicle’s exhaust system. Regular maintenance and checkups are the best way to protect you from costly automotive repairs down the line. Read on to learn more about some common exhaust issues. Common Signs of Exhaust System Issues Broken Gaskets and Seals - Faulty gaskets and seals are responsible for keeping things in and out of your exhaust. These things can include toxic fumes. If you notice hissing or knocking sounds coming from your engine, you should have a professional check out your engine and exhaust system. Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor - Failing O2 sensors are also another common problem when you have an older engine and exhaust system. When this sensor goes out, it can't perform the essential job of regulating the air and gas mixture in your car, SUV, or truck ... read more

When driving around, you might hear some noises coming from different parts of your car. Some might be perfectly normal, but others might be warning signs that you need to visit a repair auto shop as soon as possible. Here are some strange car noises that might be warning signs of impending problems: Rattling Noises from the Wheels, Especially When Accelerating at Low Speeds A rattling sound from the wheels might mean many things, but if it sounds like a coin eddying in a clothes dryer, which goes away at high speeds, then it could be there's a loose lug nut allowing free movement in a hup-cap. This usually happens when the wheel wasn't tightened properly during previous repairs. If this happens to your car, don't ignore the sound—plan for a visit to a mechanic as soon as possible. Chirping Engine If you are having a worn-out or loose serpentine belt under the hood, then there will be intermittent birds-like sounds coming from the engine. The ser ... read more