Gainesville Auto Repair

Have you ever wondered what FWD, RWD, or AWD means in the description and specs of a vehicle? It could be found in the description of a used car or a dealership spec list. Whatever the case may be, we will give you an answer for all three below. FWD - Front Wheel Drive The most commonly seen out of the three is FWD, meaning front-wheel drive. Now you might ask, " What is front-wheel drive" and we will explain. This means that the engine and transmission provide power to the two front wheels. Usually, this is done to make the car safer and easier to drive. Turning the steering wheel feels more responsive and instant, making it perfect for everyday driving.  RWD - Rear Wheel Drive On the opposite side, RWD means rear-wheel drive. The engine and transmission power the drive shaft, which connects to the differential and wheels. This way, the car is more stable in corners and does not lose traction. RWD is most common in sports cars, but it's rare. It also makes the c ... read more

Any vehicle with a friction-based braking system is vulnerable to a condition known as brake fade. The term simply means that your brakes are wearing out, whether it be due to friction, a mechanical issue or a lack of brake fluid. How Do Drivers Experience Brake Fade? If you notice, over time, that your brakes fail to stop even after repeated or sustained pressure on the pedal, the issue might be brake fade. You may be unable to make a hard stop or have to pump the brake repeatedly while driving downhill. If the brake fails to stop as expected when applied the usual pressure then there is a chance that your brakes could suddenly fail and cause an accident. What Causes Brake Fade? The general cause of brake fade is a build up of heat from gases that causes a pressurized resistance between brake components. The brake's drum or disc can't make contact with the braking pads. Without friction between braking components, the vehicle is unable to stop. A build-up of heat in the ... read more

Vehicles have an inbuilt computer diagnostic system that alerts drivers of potential problems. While the warning light signals vary, the most dreaded is the check engine light. It signals engine and emission problems. Can You Drive with the Engine Light On? The check engine light turns on for varied reasons. When it illuminates, remain calm and assess the problem. If the light is on but not flashing and no other operational issues, you can keep driving to the nearest auto repair shop. However, if the light keeps flashing for more than six seconds, it's a major problem. Pull over to a safe place and determine if driving is safe by, Checking if the issue needs immediate attention Check if there are other lights on. If yes, turn off the engine. Generally, a yellow light engine indicates further investigation, while red means you should stop immediately. You may also use a diagnostic app and fix the issue or call a mechanic. Lowering the Speed and Load Reduce yo ... read more

Shock absorbers and struts are responsible for minimizing impact and that jarring feeling you may experience when you hit a bump on the road. In other words, they play a significant role in supporting vehicle handling and safety. For older automobiles, shock absorbers are used in both rear and front wheels, while modern vehicles use a combination of both. Your shocks are always being used—whether your vehicle is in motion or not. Eventually, they will endure enough wear and tear to fail. Your suspension system requires maintenance just like the rest. So, you should always check on your shocks and struts during service and replace them when necessary.  Shocks and struts are expected to last at least 50,000 miles, and up to 100,000 miles, before needing a replacement. Depending on your driving conditions, such as the frequency of off-roading, the suspension parts may wear out more quickly.  When your shocks and struts wear out, you won’t have a hard time finding ... read more

Vehicle maintenance goes far beyond just oil changes! Just as with engine oil, other significant parts of your vehicle can deteriorate without maintenance. Just to mention a few other parts that require maintenance: Brake Fluid Tire Maintenance Windshield Wiper Replacement Transmission Fluid Brake Fluid A car with malfunctioning brakes is a dangerous one, this is why it is very important to have regular brake maintenance. There are a couple of warning signs that can tell you when there is a need for brake fluid replacement. These signs include: Soft brake pads ABS dashboard light Weak braking action Weird brake noises and smells Tire Maintenance Proper tire maintenance involves checking many aspects of tires such as that they are, firstly, the proper tire for your vehicle, they are inflated, they are wearing properly and that they are not too old. Tires are a very significant part of a vehicle, they are the only contact the vehicle has with the road. So, tire maintenance is ... read more

It may come as a surprise, but most drivers have never heard of a catalytic converter, let alone what it does. This huge component in your vehicle’s exhaust system is in charge of a very important task – it helps minimize harmful emissions created by your engine. A bad catalytic converter poses major safety risks for the environment, your health, and the overall performance and efficiency of your ride.   Let’s take a step back to understand how the “cat” works. Many chemical reactions occur within the catalytic converter, and its metals act as catalysts for the job. This part is responsible for converting harmful gasses, like carbon monoxide, to safer, breathable gasses.    Catalytic converters are made to last for a very long time unless a leak develops or someone steals it. Many thieves like to steal this car component because of the precious metals it is made of. Even though the catalytic converter is in a hard-to-reach spot under you ... read more

As your car, SUV, or truck puts on more and more miles, it’s likely that many of its components will experience wear and tear. One of these components includes the timing belt. As a responsible vehicle owner, you should keep up with your timing belt’s condition and replace it before it can break or snap. Otherwise, it can cost you a lot of money in engine repairs that could be avoided.   A timing belt is a rubber belt that connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, and it has even grooves that help time when the valves open and close. These belts are made to last a long time, but they definitely don’t last forever. If a timing belt breaks, the pistons can strike the valves and immediately harm the engine.   Your vehicle’s automaker will have a set mile interval to which they recommend a timing belt replacement. Typically, it is recommended every 70,000 to 100,000 miles. When you look at the bigger picture, timing belt replacements are less expensive ... read more

If you are a car owner, windshield wipers are among the easiest-to-understand parts because we use them daily. Although understanding how windshield wipers work is one thing, it significantly helps you learn about when to change them, which is another thing. You save money, prevent windshield glass damage, and keep yourself safer. So, How Frequently Should You Replace Windshield Wipers? Replacing your windshield wipers has everything to do with changing the wiper blades. According to most windshield wiper manufacturers, you should replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months. But some recommend changing these parts every two to three years. Some mechanics will inspect your wiper blades' condition when changing the vehicle's oil, and you can monitor them this way. However, the frequency depends on where you live, blade material, and multiple other factors, which begs the question, what symptoms can indicate your wipers need to be replaced? Symptoms of Bad Windshield ... read more

You can cool down and get a chore done this summer with an at-home car wash. Washing your vehicle at home may seem as easy as grabbing a soap, bucket, and rag, but there are some things you should know beforehand. Read on to learn how you can nail your at-home car wash. Pick the right soap - The old-school method of car washes is grabbing dish soap. However, most people don’t know that dish detergent can damage your car paint. Instead, we recommend ditching the strong chemicals and opting for a car soap that is safe on car paint. Use a microfiber cloth - Using a household towel or old t-shirt may seem fine, but some materials can be overly abrasive. Microfiber cloths are softer and more absorbent, which will make the cleaning job easier. Don’t forget the inside - An effective car wash isn’t complete if you don’t clean out the inside. Make sure you get rid of the junk and vacuum the carpet and seats. Grab two buckets - The two bucket method has proven to be e ... read more

The reality is that car batteries do not last forever. Just like your phone battery or computer battery, your vehicle’s battery will lose power over time. It should be replaced every several years. If you continue driving with a weak battery, you risk electrical failure and a vehicle breakdown. Therefore, it's best to swap out your old battery early on. Below are some of the common signs of a bad battery: Sign #1: Slow engine crank and turnover If your car takes forever to start, then your battery may be nearing its death soon. The engine will crank slowly. As soon as you notice these typical signs, feel free to come in for a battery test. Sign #2: Clicking sounds Your car may make a clicking sound when you try to start your car. This is a clear sign that your battery is almost on its way out.  Sign #3: Electrical accessories malfunction Battery-powered accessories will malfunction as your battery charge is low. If your radio, power seats, or windshield wipers aren ... read more