Memphis Auto Repair

You have probably heard your mechanic mention fluid flush during your routine maintenance and service. However, do you know the fluid you will likely have to change during your next visit to the auto shop? Regardless of the fluid, you need and flush and fill for your car to remain in good condition. Below are the six main fluids that need to be changed regularly: 1. Engine Oil Perhaps this is the most common fluid most people change in cars. It helps keep the engine lubricated and is often changed at least once every six months. 2. Coolant Some car owners often change the car's coolant or antifreeze after 2 or 3 years. You can check its level via the radiator at least twice a year. 3. Power Steering Fluid This fluid is responsible for a smooth and easy steering drive. You can have it checked on your next visit to the auto shop, although its level rarely drops. 4. Windshield Wiper Fluid Although it does not directl ... read more

The engine head gasket is a significant part of your car, SUV, or truck. It is a part that sits between the cylinder head and engine block, responsible for sealing and separating coolant and engine oil. Your head gasket needs to work properly for your engine to get the lubrication and cooling it needs. The head gasket is exposed to extreme engine pressures and high temperatures. Over time, it can break and blow off, causing leaks. A blown head gasket is a problem you will not miss and cannot overlook. That is why it is important for us to educate you on how to spot the signs of a blown head gasket: Sign #1: Leaking Fluids If you notice a fluid puddle near the front of your vehicle, you should assess whether it is motor oil or coolant. Either one of these leaks can indicate that your head gasket is failing. When your vehicle runs low on this fluid, it can cause your engine to overheat. Sign #2: White Exhaust Smoke White exhaust fumes are another red flag that your cooling system m ... read more

If you have a car and are using it to commute or for other purposes, then you need to know what to do if your car's water pump fails. This is not a situation that you want to find yourself in, but there are steps that can be taken to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. A water pump is a mechanical device that is used to pump water from a tank or a well. It is used for irrigation, firefighting, and for other purposes. The water pump has many parts that can wear out over time. When this happens, the water pump will start to leak and eventually stop working. A leaking water pump can cause many problems such as rusting of the engine block or even flooding of the engine compartment. There are many symptoms that indicate that you may have a broken water pump in your car: 1) The temperature gauge in your car goes up quickly when you drive 2) You hear a loud noise coming from under the hood 3) The engine light turns on in your dashboard 4) There is coolant leaking near the radiat ... read more

Windshield wipers are vital safety components when it comes to our vehicles. They may not be used every day, but they are certainly necessary whenever you need improved visibility in unfavorable weather conditions. Windshield wipers are on the exterior of your vehicle, making them susceptible to wear and tear over time.   All windshield wipers are made of rubber, a material that degrades over time. Depending on the quality of the rubber and the wiper blade, they should be swapped out every 6-12 months for optimal performance. Besides replacing them on an interval basis, you can also look out for the following telltale signs of failing wiper blades: If your windshield wipers leave streaks or smear the water (instead of clearing it), it is evident that they are no longer effective and safe to use.  If the rubber part on the blades is frayed, cracked, warped, or fallen off, it is time to replace your windshield wiper blades. Without the rubber intact and in good shape, your ... read more

Having issues with your brakes is one of the biggest car hazards you might experience yet sometimes you might not know until it's too late. Here are some things to keep an eye out for; Brake Pedal Vibration Any shaking caused by the brake pedal must be handled promptly. This most likely indicates that your car has warped rotors. If the rotors are warped, the brake pads will not have a smooth texture to rub against, reducing the stopping power of your vehicle. Stopping the vehicle takes longer than before. This is known as brake fade. The most prevalent sort of brake fade happens when the brake pads become overheated. When your brake pads come into prolonged contact with brake rotors, they heat start losing their capacity to create friction. As a result, your car takes longer to stop. Other causes of brake fade include caliper overheating and improperly fitted replacement brake pads. Furthermore, warming the brake pads can cause glazing, or stiffening of the brakes pad material ... read more

If you turn the key in your car's ignition and nothing happens, it can be very frustrating. The truth is, there are several possible reasons why your car won't start -- some are easier to fix than others. One common cause of trouble with starting your car is an electrical failure. It could be something as simple as a loose connection or a blown fuse. Or, it could be a more severe problem like a dead battery or a faulty starter motor. If your car won't start, the first thing you should do is check the basics. Ensure the battery is connected correctly and all fuses are intact. If the battery is dead, the engine won't turn over no matter what else is going on. If the battery and fuses look fine, the next thing to check is the starter. If the battery is dead, you may be able to jumpstart it using jumper cables and a friend's vehicle or a portable battery pack. If that doesn't work, the next step is to check the fuel system. Make sure there is gas in the tank and ... read more