The Most Common Issues We See At Our Repair Shop
When it comes to a car repair shop, certain car repairs are more common than others. Routine scheduled maintenance is the key to preventing these problems from happening. Knowing what these common repairs are before they happen will help you to spot potential problems before they happen.
Here are the most common issues that we see at our repair shop.
Spark Plug Replacements
A common problem that we see in the repair shop are faulty spark plugs.
Spark plugs play a critical role in the internal combustion of your engine. They send sparks through to your ignition chamber which then causes the air-fuel mixture to ignite to power your engine. Signs of faulty spark plugs can include poor consumption, loss of acceleration, engine misfires, and intermittent engine starts. Spark plugs require regular maintenance to keep your engine running well. Untreated spark plugs can cause further damage to your engine. It’s recommended to get these checked at least every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Faulty Ignition Coils
Along with spark plugs, we find ignition coils.
They take the 12 volts that are supplied by your car’s battery and boost it up to 40,000 volts which creates an electric spark. They help to ensure that your car is firing on all cylinders thereby ensuring that your car’s engine runs at its maximum power output. Ignition coils work hard to boost the voltage and over time they may require replacing. The main symptom of a faulty ignition coil is misfiring. At Foreign Affairs Motorwerks we test and replace lots of ignition coils every month.
Engine Air Leaks
Engines possess various sensors that monitor issues such as airflow, air pressure, and engine temperature. The air pressure sensor can detect any air leaks that may occur when a loss of air pressure is experienced.
Signs of an engine air leak may include the engine light alert, rough idling, stalling, or a hissing sound that comes from the engine compartment. Computer fault codes will be able to indicate an engine air leak which then alerts the repair shop to conduct a full engine test.
Engine Overheating
Engine overheating mostly points to a cooling system issue.
A car’s cooling system is complex and consists of various components such as your radiator, rubber hoses, water pump, sensors, and coolant. If your engine light comes on, it’s best to get your cooling system checked out. This may include a radiator flush, as well as a water pump test. There may also be a leak in one of the cooling hoses. Engine overheating can cause extensive damage to your engine and its recommended to get your car to a car repair specialist pronto.
Thermostat Replacement
Staying on the topic of overheating, your thermostat measures your engine’s temperature. This helps your car to regulate a constant operating temperature.
A faulty thermostat is a common feature on slightly older cars, and it’s a common reason while your engine light might turn on. Whatever you don’t ignore a thermostat repair as this will lead to further engine damage at a significant cost.
Grinding Brakes
Another common issue is grinding or squealing brakes.
Over time your brakes will start to wear out just like any other moving part in your car. Brakes are crucial to your safety and they are one area that you don’t want to mess around with. Any unusual noises that come from your brakes or any loss of braking power should be taken care of immediately. This may also include a soft brake pedal or ‘spongy’ brakes. Some minor issues can cause brakes to squeak or squeal but once you start to notice grinding you need to get them replaced.
Flat Tires
Flat tires and tire blowouts are a common occurrence. It’s easy to forget about tire health, but over time this can lead to a tire blowout.
Caused by worn out or under-inflated tires, a blowout can be a scary occurrence and can threaten the stability of your car. It’s best to avoid this by getting your tires checked out regularly. A tire specialist will check for correct tread patterns and tire wear and will also ensure that the tire pressure is correct. They will also be able to test the wheel alignment to ensure safe steering and tire wear.
The Car Repair Specialists
At Foreign Affairs Motorwerks, we specialize in all common car repair issues. Our team of experienced service technicians will be able to pinpoint and fix any problem that you might be experiencing. Our auto repair experts will help you extend the life of your car by performing all the routine checks that are required. Call us today at (954) 746-0488.