Monthly Archives: August 2022

What causes Throttle Body problems?

What causes Throttle Body problems?

What causes Throttle Body problems? These are a few certainly not all of them: -Worn out Gaskets or Seals -Debris or carbon deposits on theThrottle Plate -Incorrect air/fuel mixture -Low Engine Vacuum The following are just a few of the reasons why you might want to get in touch with your Mechanic. 1. The Throttle Body is responsible for controlling the airflow into the Engine 2. When it becomes dirty, it can't do its job properly and your car will not accelerate as well as it should 3. You can clean the throttle body yourself or take it to a Mechanic to have them do it for you 4. Keeping your throttle body clean will help your car run more efficiently and save you money on gas in the long run. 5. Electrical Problems 6. Check Engine Light is on or flashing

What is the most important Maintenance for an Engine?

What is the most important Maintenance for an Engine?

Some additional Tips on keeping your Engine Happy 😊 1. Change your Engine Oil regularly. 2. Inspect your Engine Oil level frequently and keep it topped up. 3. Check your Engine for leaks, and fix any you find. 4. Use the right grade of engine oil for your Vehicle. 5. Make sure your Air Filter is clean and in good condition. 6. Keep your Coolant levels topped up (or change it regularly, if prescribed). 7. Inspect your Spark Plugs and replace them when needed. 8. Check your Brake Pads and Rotors regularly, and replace them when necessary. 9. Use a qualified Technician to carry out regular Maintenance on your car's engine. 10. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for scheduled Tune-Ups and replacements.   Choosing the team you can trust is key, Rick’s Auto Service with over 44 years performing auto repairs across Northern Indiana. We provide you with expert customer service and knowledgeable ASE Technicians who can diagnosis the problem for most makes an ... read more

What does a Flex Plate do?

What does a Flex Plate do?

What does a Flex Plate do? A Flexplate is a metal disk that connects the Engine's output to a Transmission input, taking the place of a flywheel. It does this by storing rotational energy from turning Crankshafts and releasing it when needed for forward motion via gear teeth on its side that mesh with other components in an automatic system.    Flexplates are used in cars equipped with Automatic Transmissions, as well as manual transmissions that have levers connected directly instead of gears. They are usually made of steel or aluminum and come in a variety of sizes to fit different engines. Flexplates can also have cooling fins on them to help dissipate heat. If your car has an automatic transmission, it's important to make sure the flexplate is in good condition and isn't damaged. If it is damaged, it can cause problems with the Transmission and may need to be replaced. The entire Engine needs to be taken out of the Vehicle.  ... read more

What is draining my Car Battery overnight?

What is draining my Car Battery overnight?

What’s draining my Car Battery overnight?   If your Car Battery is dead, the first order of business is to find out why. A car battery can die for a variety of reasons, from a broken alternator to a dead cell. If you're lucky, the problem is easy to diagnose and fix; but if you're not so lucky, it can be more difficult to track down. A car battery might drain overnight because of a faulty alternator. A Car Battery might drain overnight because of a Faulty Starter. A Car Battery might drain overnight because of leaving the Headlights on. A Car Battery might drain overnight because of a faulty door light.  Choosing the team you can trust is key, Rick’s Auto Service with over 44 years performing auto repairs across Northern Indiana. We provide you with expert customer service and knowledgeable ASE Technicians who can diagnosis the problem for most makes and models. Call 574-255-4724 or click here for an appointment ... read more

How important are Bushings on a car?

How important are Bushings on a car?

 How important are Bushings on a car? Bushings are an important part of a car's Suspension system. They are located between the Control Arm and the frame of the car, and their job is to absorb shock as the car moves over bumps in the road.   Without Bushings, the car would have a much rougher ride and would be less stable when cornering. In addition, Bushings help position the Control Arm properly during Suspension movement which is essential for maintaining good drivability.Over time, Bushings can wear out and become hardened, which can cause problems with the Suspension System. For this reason, it is important to check your Bushings on a regular basis and replace them if necessary.We provide you with expert customer service and knowledgeable ASE Technicians who can diagnosis the problem for most makes and models. ... read more

How do I prepare my Car for a Summer Road Trip?

How do I prepare my Car for a Summer Road Trip?

How do I prepare my Car for a Summer Road Trip? 1. Check your Fluids: Before you hit the road this summer, make sure all of your car's Fluids are at the proper levels. This includes Engine Oil, Coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. Checking and topping off these fluids will help keep your car running smoothly and prevent any unexpected breakdowns. 2. Inspect your Tires: Warm weather can cause Tires to lose pressure, so it's important to check them before embarking on any long drives. You should also take a close look at the tread to see if it needs to be replaced. Worn-out tires can lead to blowouts and accidents, so it's better to be safe than sorry. 3. Get a Tune-Up: A tune-up can help improve your car's gas mileage and performance. It's a good idea to get one before summer starts so you can enjoy worry-free driving all season long. 4. Clean and organize your car: A clean car is a happy car. Get rid of any unnecessary clutter and give your ride ... read more

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