La Pine Auto Repair

An unstable and bumpy car ride is never a good one. No one really wants to take their car out when that is happening. If you notice your car is bouncing up and down as you are riding you surely want to find out exactly what is causing this to happen and get it fixed expeditiously. Recognizing there is an issue is the first step; in this instance, that's easy for you to do. Next, you need to find out what is causing this bouncing motion. There are a few things that may cause your car to bounce while you're driving, braking, or going over a bump in the road. Tires Your tires are an essential part of your vehicle - without them, you'd go nowhere fast. Knowing that they could be a big reason as to why your car is bouncing. There are a few things that could cause your tires to make your car bounce: not being properly secured, having them overinflated, or if they aren't aligned correctly. Steering The steering system is what allows the car to be controlled. This sys ... read more

As one of the top safety features of your vehicle, it's important to take good care of brakes. But how do you know whether or not your brakes need servicing? How Brakes Work When we refer to the "brakes" in our cars, it's common to just envision a single pedal. In reality, brakes include a full system. When you put your foot on the pedal, fluid is pushed through tubes that connect to the tires. When this happens, the brake pads are pushed against the rotors or metal discs connected to the wheels. This creates friction that causes the car to slow down. Some rear tires may use drum brakes instead of rotors. If the quality of the brake pads, rotors, and drums are not maintained, the brake system may not be effective. Signs to Look Out For If your brakes are in need of repair or maintenance, they will usually tell you. Many cars come with warning lights that will go off if an issue is detected. However, this mechanism is not 100% reliable. You should get your brakes ... read more

The five words no vehicle owner ever wants to hear: "You have a transmission problem." Repairs to a transmission are costly. However, knowing how to identify a transmission fluid leak can help you catch transmission problems before they become major issues. What does transmission fluid look like? Transmission fluid is shiny like oil. If the fluid is new, it's generally thin with a distinct bright red or green color. Older fluid turns brown, and it's thicker. The purpose of the fluid is to lubricate the transmission for optimal performance. It also conditions your car's gaskets and seals to make them last longer. Finding a transmission fluid leak While it's difficult to pop the hood and identify a transmission fluid leak, there is a simple solution. You just need to check for stains underneath your vehicle. Find a clean and level place where no previous stains will interfere with your inspection. Lay down a clean drop clo ... read more

Chilly winter weather may have us turning on the heater a lot more often now. When you turn on the vents, you expect to warm up, not be blasted with cold air. If your heater feels more like a freezer, there may be an issue. A heater problem can fly under your radar during the summer, catching you by surprise during the winter. Similar to a home heater, your vehicle's heater can be struggling with a variety of problems. Below are a few common reasons your heater may not be hot enough.   Faulty Thermostat The thermostat is critical because it helps the engine maintain an optimal temperature. If the thermostat isn't working, you may notice it points to "C" throughout the drive, despite the engine already being warm. If the thermostat is stuck open, coolant will not adequately flow through it, leading it to stay cold. As a result, the heating system will also blow cold air. In comparison, If the thermostat is stuck closed, the engine ... read more

While oil changes are a common maintenance task, most drivers haven’t gotten into the habit of having the rest of their vehicle’s essential parts maintained. Over time, as your car collects miles, a tune-up will be necessary to keep it running optimally. A tune-up is an opportunity for your auto specialist to perform preventative tasks such as replacing all filters, spark plugs, and oxygen sensors. All of the fluids are topped off or changed, and the battery is checked. The tune-up is similar to a check-up at the doctor’s office. All of your vehicle’s major components are thoroughly inspected to ensure their top performance for as long as possible. Below are five key signs that indicate it’s time to schedule a tune.  Your vehicle is struggling to start. The moment you turn the ignition, your engine should turn over seamlessly. If your vehicle is struggling to start, it can indicate a wide range of issues, such as an ignition problem ... read more