Laurel Auto Repair

Why Is My Car Heat Not Working? As we head into winter, a malfunctioning car heater is an uncomfortable drive. If you're wondering why your car heat isn't working, here are some common causes. Check your car coolant level. If your car does not have enough coolant or anti-freeze, you will have a chilly ride. Addressing leaks promptly also keeps your engine running smoothly. A bad thermostat can also cause a lack of heat. Replace a stuck thermostat to allow proper coolant flow. It is an easy fix that keeps your car's heating system efficient. Your car also has a heater core. The heater core looks like a radiator. A clogged or leaking heater core reduces heat output. If you notice a sweet smell, it could be a sign of a bad heater core. Air pockets in the cooling system also disrupt heat circulation. Bleeding the cooling system eliminates air pockets and corrects circulation. The blower motor in your car moves air efficiently. A blown fuse, faulty resistor, or worn-out blower ... read more

Maintaining your car tires is important for safety and performance. Here are some quick tips on when you should consider changing your car tires. Look at your car tire tread depth. You can use a tire tread depth gauge. Another easy way to check your tire tread wear is to feel the wear indicators. The tire tread wear indicators are little bars or nubs inside the tread valleys. When the wear indicators and the tread are even, it is time to change your tires. If your tire tread is nearing the wear indicators, you should consider changing them soon. Tire age is often overlooked. You can find out your tires' ages by looking for the date of manufacture. The date stamp is in an oval found after the DOT number. It is a four-digit number that represents the two-digit week and two-digit year. Different tire manufacturers recommend different life expectancies. However, if your tires are more than 5 years old, our mechanics recommend you change your tires soon. Check your car tires for visible ... read more

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