Raleigh Auto Repair

It's a busy weekday morning. You barely get out the door in time, and when you get to the car, start the ignition, and a dashboard warning light comes on- the check engine light. Uh-oh. The check engine light is probably every driver's most hated warning light. It gives no details about what's wrong, and the list of potential problems goes on and on, ranging from minor malfunctions to costly problems. NOTE: If your check engine light comes on and is flashing, this indicates a serious problem and you should get to the nearest auto repair facility immediately. Top 3 Most Common Causes of the Check Engine Light Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensors in your car helps determine how much fuel you burn. A defective oxygen sensor effects mileage calculation and leads to a decrease in fuel economy. While oxygen sensors are a relatively easy and inexpensive part to replace, failing to replace them in time can eventually destroy your catalytic converter ... read more

Automatic and standard transmissions are very complex. Adding to the complexity in the newer vehicles of today is the use of computers in both engines and transmissions. Proper diagnostic testing is a must in pinpointing existing problems. At that point, a decision can be made as to whether you need a new transmission or if you can rebuild your existing one. Rebuilding is cost effective for you Most people think that if a transmission needs repairs or rebuilding, they need to replace the entire vehicle. This is no longer the case. If you've decided to rebuild your existing transmission, you have chosen a cost-effective way to keep your vehicle rather than selling it. When you rebuild - you're basically getting a new transmission. This is more affordable than having to replace an entire vehicle. Proper Equipment is a Must While rebuilding a transmission may sound easy, it can be difficult without the proper equipment. The transm ... read more

Just like brakes, it’s easy for drivers to tell when the clutch is wearing out and needing a replacement. A worn out, or wearing out, clutch can be harder to handle. You might notice that the pedals seem to ‘stick’ more, and that pushing the clutch in requires more force than normal. A clutch in need of repair can also lose the smoothness of a clutch in good condition; you might notice a ‘shakiness’ or jerking motion when the clutch moves from gear to gear, or even total loss of control at times, as the clutch slips out of gear entirely. The clutch doesn’t usually last the lifespan of the car. Depending on the vehicle’s make and model, and how well the clutch is treated, the clutch may or may not last more than 50,000 miles. Even the climate of where you live and drive, and your commute-type can affect the clutch. A driver that sits in city traffic all day, inching along, uses the clutch a lot more than a driver that coasts down the highway. Hot weather also affects the usage ... read more

Brakes are pretty much the most important safety device on your car. If you’ve ever partially lost your brakes in the past, you’ll agree that it’s not something you want to experience again. Inspecting your brakes twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers. Additionally, it will also help save you money by catching any damage before it becomes too costly. Brake System Components That Can Fail The master cylinder, the heart of the vehicle’s braking system, holds the brake fluid when it is not being delivered to the brakes through the brake lines. If brake fluid leaks because the master cylinder is worn or brake lines are plugged or broken, the fluid cannot be delivered, and the brake pads will become ruined. The brake fluid itself can become dirty or contaminated as it draws rust-causing moisture and picks up other debris, or it can break down from excess heat. Clean brake fluid is either clear or slightly yellow, while dirty b ... read more