Merritt Island Auto Repair

To keep your vehicle and its engine performing well, it is imperative to take it to a trusted auto repair shop for regular tune-ups. Engine tune-ups are a form of preventative maintenance that is a necessity. It can prevent catastrophic accidents and events from happening as well as keep your repair costs low down the line. Additionally, tune-ups can help you or your mechanic spot potential problems early on before they can become fatal. So, What Is A Tune-Up? An engine tune-up is a procedure of rejuvenating your vehicle's engine by cleaning, adjusting, and replacing several key components. The steps may vary from car to car but usually include: Inspecting the condition and level of vehicle fluids and performing an oil change if necessary. Checking the serpentine belt and hoses for signs of aging and damage. Cleaning the engine's fuel-system components to ensure nothing is clogged. Replace the fuel filter, and check the fuel pump or fuel injector for any signs of damage ... read more

Typically, when you notice a bad smell from inside your vehicle, it can be traced back to the vehicle’s A/c system. However, it can also be the engine or another component under the hood that can cause the smell to escape into the cabin. Plus, you don’t want cool air mixed together with something smelly. Common Reasons for Air Conditioning Smells Gas Leak – If the odor coming from your A/C smells like gasoline, you might have a leak.  A gas leak can happen in various places, so it is best that you have a professional look for it. Antifreeze Leak – If you catch a sweet smell, it is not a good sign. A sweet smell is coming from your cooling system, and if left unnoticed it can be very harmful. We recommend that you have your cooling system checked out to find and repair the damage or leak. Bacteria or Mold – Over time, bacteria and mold can grow inside your air vents. As the nasty stuff spreads, it can produce a foul smell whenever you turn on the A ... read more

An overheating engine can be stressful, but you don't need to panic. Vehicles can overheat for many reasons, but so long as you act quickly, it needn't be a disaster. The Warning Signs The sooner you respond the better, so familiarize yourself with the most common signs of an overheating engine. These include: Steam or 'smoke' from under the hood The temperature gauge moving into the red zone or to 'H' Unusual odors – if you can smell a sweetish scent coming from the front of your car it may be leaking coolant, while a burnt odor may indicate an oil leak If Your Engine Overheats Here are the best steps you can take to stay safe and give your vehicle a great chance of recovery. Crank up the Heating It might seem counter-intuitive, but the best immediate action is to turn your heater on. This draws heat from the engine, giving you time to find a safe place to pull over. And if the AC is on, you should immediately turn it off to give the engine a brea ... read more

Besides the obvious flat tire or blowout, how are you supposed to tell when you need new tires? Well, you need to look at its tread depth. Tire treads are the grooves or ridges in car tires that support their grip on the road. Over time, these smoothen out and can bring down your vehicle's performance and safety.    You might be wondering, "at what point is it too thin or dangerous" You can tell by doing this easy test called the penny test. More About the Penny Test The US Dept. of Transportation claims that you should not let your tread fall below 2/32". Once it reaches 2/32", you likely won't pass your vehicle inspection. Furthermore, your driving can become dangerous as early as having 4/32" of the tread.  With a measure that small, it's hard to tell with your eye alone. And most people don't have fancy tread measuring tools. Thankfully, you can trust the penny test! Steps Using the penny, place the coin with the head u ... read more

Most people only see the battery as the power source in your car, but the truth is the alternator is just as important. The alternator generates voltage and powers your battery and the rest of your car's electrical components. If it fails, you can count on not starting your car, truck, or SUV. You may be experiencing the following signs below with a failing alternator: Unusual Light Behavior Your car's headlights, taillights, and interior lights will dim or flicker as your alternator struggles to charge your battery. You may also notice other glitches in your power accessories like your windows or seat adjustments.  Dashboard Warning Light Even when all your lights are going faint, one prominent light on the dashboard may come on: your electrical system warning light. Usually, this light is depicted as a battery symbol, so don't be thrown off. Other cars may even have a specific light or message display for the alternator. Battery Problems If you're experienc ... read more