Are you having car troubles? At Dakota Ridge Automotive in Littleton, we handle the most common car repair work that every car needs, as well as a variety of more complex issues. We do it all. So, whether your brakes are squealing or your check engine light comes on, simply stop by the shop and let us technicians give your car the VIP treatment.
Here is some of the most common car repair work you’ll likely deal with.
Brake Replacement
If you hear your brakes squeaking, you should bring your car in to have them checked. It is a high-pitched grinding sound that happens every time you pump the brakes. Brakes are so important to your safety. If you bring it in right away you may only need the brake pads replaced, avoiding the more expensive disc and drum repairs.
Fuel Cap
If your fuel cap is missing, not screwed on tight enough or has lost its seal, it may trigger the check engine light. Older fuel caps often lose their seal due to age and need to be replaced. Once you get a new one, the light will go off.
Electrical Issues
Your car has integrated electrical systems that could occasionally fail, particularly the ones with the touch screen GPS interface consoles. Sometimes the electrical systems need an upgrade.
Coolant Leaks
If you see something leaking from your car on the driveway, it could be a coolant leak. To avoid this most common car repair work from becoming a big problem, we can add radiator and cooling system flushes to your maintenance checklist.
Fuel Filter
You need to check your fuel filter because if it clogs, then the fuel can’t get to your engine, and your engine stalls or doesn’t start.
AC and Heat
Your air conditioning and heating systems are so important to the comfort of you and your passengers but sometimes they break. This most common car repair work is important to repair especially in the winter in case your car breaks down.
Belts
Belts are important because they run things like the alternator, water pump, power steering and air conditioning. If the car’s belts are broken or worn out, these systems won’t work.
Belt Tensioner and Idler Pulley
If the belt tensioner or idler pulley can cause undue wear and tear on the belt. If you hear your engine squeaking when you drive, the pulley may be about to fail. When your tensioner or idler pulley seizes up, you will have to replace it.
Battery Replacement
With today’s engine diagnostics, we can easily find out how much life your battery has left it. You should have your battery checked when you bring your car in for other maintenance or other most common car repair work. It’s a quick check and it can save you time and a tow.
Fuel Pump
The fuel pump can get clogged, especially in cars that are driven around with less than a quarter tank of gas. You should replace your fuel filters or it can damage your fuel pump.
Transmission
Most dreaded on our list of most common car repair work is your transmission. No one wants to hear they need transmission repairs because it can be expensive but it is something you can expect over the life of your car.
Exhaust System
To get your car registered you will need to pass an emissions test every couple of years. If your car doesn’t pass you will need your exhaust system repaired.
Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF)
The mass airflow (MAF sensor ) monitors the amount of air that goes into the engine intake. This allows the car’s computer to calculate the engine load and adjust the fuel/air mixture as needed. If your car has a failing MAF sensor, it can cause the car to run rich or lean, idle roughly or even stall out if the computer doesn’t detect enough airflow.
EGR Valve
The exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) takes the exhaust and recalculates it back into the engine in small amounts. The exhaust doesn’t burn, so it lowers the harmful smog-producing emissions that are a part of the internal combustion engine. If the EGR valve stops working, both the engine performance and emissions are affected. When this happens, the check engine light will turn on.
Oxygen Sensor
Your O2 sensor which is the oxygen sensor is in your exhaust system and monitors the amount of oxygen in your car’s exhaust. Depending on the size of your engine, there will be two to four sensors attached to the exhaust pipes. If the sensor detects too much oxygen in your exhaust, your check engine light will come on. If you have a bad sensor, it can affect your car’s efficiency and gas mileage. They are easy to replace, so bring your car in as soon as your car engine light goes on.
Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs or ignition coils aren’t firing at the right time, the engine will shudder and run roughly. If you have a V8 engine, even one cylinder firing wrong can be a big problem.
Thermostat
Your thermostat is comprised of a spring, a valve, and some wax or other material. It keeps the coolant from flowing into the engine until it is at the optimum temperature. Here’s how it works. The wax in the thermostat melts when the engine reaches the right temperature. If the thermostat gets stuck open, then your engine won’t come to temperature. On the other hand, if it’s stuck closed, your engine can get overheated.
Intake Manifold Gasket
The intake manifold directs the fuel and air mixture into the right cylinder. If the gasket between the engine and the manifold begins to leak, the engine won’t fire because of too much air in the combustion chamber. A failing gasket can leak coolant into the engine, which mixes with the oil and contaminates it.
Tire Replacement
Tires wear out and tires get damaged. You should have your tires checked regularly for tread as well as inflation and alignment.
At Dakota Ridge Automotive in Littleton we can take care of any repair or maintenance your car needs, including the most common car repair work that every car, truck or SUV needs to keep it in good working order. You depend on your car and we help keep it dependable. Come see us for all your vehicle care.
