Mishawaka Auto Repair

Is it worth it to replace a Timing Chain? Your vehicle’s engine is a complex system made up of various Parts that work together to keep your car running. The Timing Chain is one such part, it controls the timing of your Engine’s Valves. Responsible for opening and closing the valves at the right time, ensuring that the air-fuel mixture is delivered at the proper time and in the correct amount. Over time, however, the timing chain can wear out and eventually fail, If the chain stretches too much, it can become loose and cause the timing of your engine’s valves to be off. This can cause your engine to run poorly and even lead to serious engine damage if left unchecked. What are the Symptoms of a bad Timing Chain? Some of the signs that your timing chain needs to be replaced include engine misfires, reduced performance, and strange engine noises. I can lead to serious Engine damage and even complete engine failure. In this blog post, we will discuss why your timing ch ... read more

What is a does a Water Pump do?  A Water Pump is a small yet crucial part that is in charge of circulating Coolant throughout the engine's cooling system. The Coolant absorbs the heat generated by the Engine and releases it through the radiator. Keeping the Coolant flowing through the Engine, which, in turn, prevents overheating. What are the Signs of a Bad Water Pump? The Water Pump is strong and it can last up to 100,000 miles if you take care of it. However, like other car parts, the Water Pump can fail and malfunction. Signs that your water pump is bad include: • Strange noises coming from the Engine area. • The Engine Temperature Gauge reading high. • Dripping Coolant under your vehicle. • The engine making a grinding noise. Can You Drive with a Bad Water Pump? The water pump is important for the car's engine. If it breaks, the engine can get too hot. It ca ... read more

Our team is The Socket Wrenches and our goal is to raise 100k pairs of socks as a team! All new socks collected at Ricks Auto Service will go to the local Veterans and the Homeless Center. Socktember was started in 2020 in Washington state by the DJOJO to collect socks for local charities. Each year, it has grown to include more teams across more states, even spreading into Canada. The premise was simple; most local community services need socks. It is one of the highest demand items. For the month of September, we will collect new socks in our lobby. How can you get involved? By donating NEW socks! Now through the end of September, Rick’s Auto Service will be collecting new sock donations. Want to donate online? Scan our Amazon wish list  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SX1FMDH84FJV/ref=nav_wishlist_lists to send socks directly to us or drop them off to ... read more

Starting Problems? It can be frustrating when your car simply will not start. You turn the key in the ignition, but it does not even crank. There are so many reasons for a No-Start read on:  Dead Battery: The most common reason your car will not start is a dead battery. When you turn the key, it could be the battery or a problem with the starter. If you have an older Battery, it could die at any time. You can try jump-starting the car or replacing the battery if it is too old.   Starter Motor: If the battery is good but the car still refuses to start, then the starter motor could be the issue. If the Starter Motor is the culprit, the car won’t start.  You can try tapping on the starter or checking the connections to see if this helps. Fuel System: If the starter motor is fine, the next possible cause is the fuel system. The Fuel Pump is going bad or the Fuel Line is clogged, the car may not start. One that m ... read more

What does Brake Shoes do? Brake Shoes are a component of Drum Brake Systems, specifically designed to slow or stop your car when the brakes are activated. They are typically curved and lined with friction materials that work together with the drums to provide braking force when the Brake Pedal is applied. The brake shoes press against a rotating brake drum, producing the required friction that consequently slows down or stops the car. How Do They Work? When you press the Brake Pedal, Hydraulic Fluid runs into the Brake Wheel Cylinder, which subsequently forces a brake shoe against the inner surface of the drum brake, slowing down the vehicle. The amount of friction between the brake shoe and the drum generates momentum, which causes the wheel to chalk in motion, slowing down the car. The brake shoes expand and contract due to the hydraulic pressure, providing the necessary braking power. How to Maintain Brake Shoes Like any other component of your car's braking system, the bra ... read more

Have you ever been driving down the road when suddenly your car completely shuts off and refuses to turn back on? When faced with a No-Start issue, you might assume the problem lies in your Battery or Starter. However, one often overlooked culprit could be the Serpentine Belt. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers of a bad serpentine belt, how to tell if it’s in need of replacement, and how it plays a crucial role in getting your car started. What is a Serpentine Belt?   Your car’s Serpentine Belt is responsible for driving multiple components of your Engine, including the Alternator, Power Steering Pump, and air conditioning compressor, to name a few. A serpentine belt is a long continuous belt that snakes around various pulleys. It’s made of durable rubber and has ribs on the underside that improve grip. When the Engine is running, the Serpentine Belt works hard, turning and providing power to all those important components ... read more

How do I know a Transmission is bad? Here are some of the signs that your Transmission may be bad:   Slipping Gears. This is when the Gears in your Transmission don't engage properly, and the car feels like it's slipping or hesitating when you accelerate. Rough shifting. This is when the gears in your transmission shift roughly or jerkily. Leaking Transmission Fluid. This is a sign that there is a problem with the Seals or Gaskets in your transmission.    Burning smell. This is a sign that the transmission is overheating. Check engine light. The Check Engine Light, may come on for a bad Transmission, get it checked out. A bad Transmission can cause serious damage to your car, and it's important to get it repaired before it's too late.   Here are some additional symptoms of a bad Transmission:   Noisy Transmission. A bad Transmission may make strange noises, such as grinding, whining, or clunking. Transmission fluid leaks. A bad ... read more

Is it worth replacing Transmission?      Transmission replacement is one of the most expensive and time-consuming repairs you can face as a car owner. There are a lot of moving parts involved, and every make and model have its own unique quirks that can affect the cost and timeline of replacement.      The first step in replacing a Transmission is determining if that's the problem in the first place. There are many other issues that can mimic transmission failure, so you'll want to bring your vehicle to a trusted Mechanic for a diagnosis. They'll perform a thorough inspection to determine if you need a replacement or if other repairs could solve the problem.        Unfortunately, transmission replacement is never cheap. Depending on your make and model, you could be looking at a cost anywhere from $1,800 to $6,000 or more. Labor and parts costs will be primary drivers of that price, so make sure you get ... read more

   Is it cheaper to replace an Engine or get a new car?      Your car Engine is the heart of your vehicle, powering all its movements and ensuring it runs smoothly. However, like all things, it can eventually fail, leaving you with the question of whether to replace it or just sell the car for a new one. A car engine replacement is a significant investment, so it's important to understand whether it's worth it. Here, we explore the pros and cons of replacing your car engine to help you make an informed decision. Benefits of Engine Replacement:      Replacing your engine has numerous benefits, including better Fuel efficiency, improved performance, and reduced Maintenance costs. Additionally, a new engine can add value to the vehicle, meaning you can sell it for a higher price when it comes time to upgrade. When you replace your engine, you also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing it's new, reliable, and won ... read more

Car owners know that there are a lot of moving parts in an engine and when any one of them breaks, it can affect the operation of the car. One part that is particularly important is the crankshaft pulley, as it connects two belts—the alternator belt and power steering belt—to the crankshaft and engine. If your crankshaft pulley breaks, you may experience a battery light on your dashboard, hard steering, and other symptoms. Let’s dive into what to do if this happens.   How do I know if my Crankshaft Pulley is bad?  The Crankshaft Pulley is an essential component of an Engine because it helps transfer power from the engine to multiple components via two Belts. The first Belt from the Alternator powers your car’s electrical system while the second belt powers the Power Steering System, making sure turning is easier. Without these belts connected to the Crankshaft pulley, your car won’t run properly or at all.   What Happens When It Breaks ... read more