Laurel Auto Repair

Is It Safe to Drive A Car That Is Overheating? The short answer is no. If your car is overheating, you could damage the engine by continuing to drive. Cars use coolant or antifreeze to control engine temperatures. Parts like the water pump push coolant through the cooling system. In the front of your car, cooling fans blow air over the engine compartment. The radiator also sits at the front of your car. It has an inlet where antifreeze or coolant enters the radiator. The radiator works like a heat exchanger. It helps cool down the fluid before it makes its way back to the engine again. The thermostat watches the engine temperature. It opens or closes based on the temperature and signals when the fan should switch on and off. Modern cars have coolant temperature sensors and coolant level sensors. These sensors track and adjust engine control systems. The engine is not designed to operate outside of a safe operating temperature. Modern car modules, computers and parts need to be protecte ... read more

Why won’t my car start but I have power? There are a few things your car needs to start. Your car needs a good battery. A car battery only lasts between 3 and 5 years. Good battery maintenance includes keeping the terminals clean and tight. Battery corrosion or loose terminals causes poor contact. There may be enough power for the lights to come on but not enough to start the car. Your car also needs a good starter to crank the engine. It is not uncommon for a starter to burn out from repeated cranking. Especially when there is a hard-start. The last part of the starting and charging system is the alternator. The alternator keeps the battery charged. It also sends power to the electrical system while the car is running. What happens if the starting and charging system is okay? Our mechanics may need to check your fuel, ignition and air system. Your car engine needs good fuel pressure from the fuel pump to run. Your spark plugs need to have a dry and clear gap for the spark to ig ... read more

For Maryland Cars, there are two different types of Car Inspections. To register your car, you will need a Maryland State Inspection. You can find this auto service at any repair shop that has a certified Maryland State Inspector. The mechanic will need your car for about two hours as they look over many different safety points. Unlike other states, the Maryland State Inspection happens one time. Once your car passes, mechanics like ours help keep your car in great shape. In fact, our inspections come with pictures so you can see what we see. If you are looking for a Maryland State Inspection, visit us on google https://posts.gle/WBcNH6

What Is Winterizing a Car? It is a good idea to prepare your car for the cold weather. Or, as mechanics like to call it, winterize your car. Our mechanics have a few great tips for you and your car. Change your engine oil and oil filter. Our Winterization Service includes an Engine Oil Treatment. This engine additive enhances and protects your engine from cold weather starts. Check your tires. Changing temperatures will affect the tire pressure. Make sure you have the right type of tire for your car and the road conditions this season. There is a difference between All Terrain, All Season, and Highway Tread. Road debris from de-icing, rain and snow make visibility hard. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. Wiper blades that streak and chatter or torn wiper blades that will not help you at all in poor weather. At our auto repair shop, the mechanics will check all your fluids. Your coolant, or anti-freeze, should be at the correct level and be in good condition too. Our Wi ... read more

If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise when you start your car, you might have a loose or glazed belt. A serpentine or drive belt goes around several pulleys and held tight by a tensioner. The serpentine belt routes the alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. Sometimes, the belt will slip and give a chirp or squeak noise. Signs of a worn belt would be cracks in the ribs of the belt, frayed edges, or the back side may come discolored and glazed. Other common problems are the bearings inside the belt pulleys. As the bearings wear, the pulleys may wobble. The worn pulley may also cause a noise as well as cause premature belt wear. If you are hearing a squeal noise from under your hood, have one of our mechanics check out your car today. Visit us on Google: https://posts.gle/1C7Zp5