Gainesville Auto Repair

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

The head gasket in your vehicle is one of the most important seals in your engine. So what happens when it starts leaking, and how do you get it fixed? What Does the Head Gasket Do? The head gasket is responsible for sealing in pressure and allowing combustion to take place within your engine. It also helps prevent fluids like engine oil or coolant from mixing with each other. But what are the potential causes of a leak? What Causes a Head Gasket to Leak? There are generally two main ways a head gasket can end up failing. One comes in the form of overheating, this causes the parts that the gasket is sealing to expand to the point that the gasket can no longer hold the pressure. Another cause is knocking, also known as detonation. When this occurs, the gasket can become overloaded and the seal breaks through. So what's a good way to tell if this is actually your problem? How Do I Tell If My Head Gasket is Blown? One of the first major signs of a blown head gasket is a loss of ... read more

We're sure some of you have some fantastic trips planned for the upcoming spring and summer. Whether you plan to road trip solo or with friends or family, you may need to jam all your stuff in a car. Some of us tend to over pack more than others, and you could be dealing with a stuffed truck a minute later. To save you some time packing this year, here are some of our top tips on how to efficiently pack your vehicle for a road trip:  First and Foremost, Clean Out Your Car Before you do any packing or organizing, you need to clear the way. Make sure to remove any unnecessary items from the cabin and trunk, including trash, sporting equipment, camping gear, etc. It wouldn't hurt to wash and vacuum the car beforehand too. Roll, Not Fold To make as plenty of room in your luggage as possible, remember to roll your clothes tightly instead of folding them. It's proven that you can fit more with this method. Soft Baggage  Soft luggage is preferable for vehicle trave ... read more

There are various fluids in your car, beyond motor oil, that need to be inspected and replenished regularly. Coolant or antifreeze is one of those essential fluids in particular that can become ineffective and corrode over time. This bright-colored liquid works to keep your engine and its components from overheating. Typically, you should flush your cooling system every two years, give or take. Though if you notice that it is in poor condition upon inspection, it's best to get rid of it. How to Check Your Coolant Levels First, allow your vehicle to cool down to avoid getting burned. Locate the coolant reservoir under the hood near the front or side of the motor. It is usually see-through, with lines labeled hot and cold. You can also look at the owner's manual for its location.  Remove the cap and inspect whether it dips below the "cold" line. If so, the mixture is too low. Please be sure to make a note of its condition as well. Low coolant is most likely due ... read more

Nowadays, driving is made easier with advancements in the automotive industry, which is why a stiff steering wheel may throw you off. If your steering wheel has felt harder to turn, your first intuition may be to stop driving and pay a visit to an auto repair shop. At a trusted auto service shop like Advanced Auto Care Center Florida, we will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your stiff steering wheel. Below are three of the most common problems that we've been able to repair at our shop. Damaged Steering Rack Your car's steering rack comprises two parts: the pinion and the rack itself. Over time, the steering and the areas attached to the wheel start to give out. If your driving wheel only gets rigid after starting your vehicle, then it's most likely a steering rack problem.  Cracked Serpentine Belt A broken serpentine belt is another prevalent problem that causes a hard-to-turn steering wheel. The serpentine belt always runs and supports your car functions ... read more

Tires should be rotated every six months or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, whichever comes first. But why, exactly? Is tire rotation really that important? Yes, in fact, it is! Why Tires Need to be Rotated When tires aren't rotated, they begin to wear down unevenly. This impacts the smoothness of the car's drive and overall handling. Additionally, uneven wear and tear shortens the lifespan of the tires themselves. Because the same areas are being worn down repeatedly and disproportionately, those areas become increasingly likely to experience issues which would ultimately require replacement. Regular tire rotation largely negates this issue of uneven wear and tear. Tires, of course, will wear with continued use; however, when this use is even and spread out, rather than limited to certain areas, the longevity of the tire is fully optimized. This optimization saves money in the long run, of course, but more importantly also promotes the safety of the driver by guarding against p ... read more