Spanish Fork Auto Repair

🚗 Important Update on Emissions Testing in Utah County (2026) 🌿 Starting in 2026, emissions testing in Utah County and other nearby counties will become more comprehensive as air quality programs work to meet stricter environmental standards. Vehicle emissions testing has long been required in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, and Cache Counties to help reduce air pollution and ensure vehicles meet state and federal requirements. https://airquality.utahcounty.gov/faq?utm_source=chatgpt.com These inspections involve checking your vehicle’s emissions system and on-board diagnostic (OBD) communications to confirm they are functioning properly before you can renew your registration. As these programs evolve and ... read more

If your car overheats while sitting at a stoplight or idling in traffic—but seems to cool down once you start driving—you’re not alone. This is a common issue and usually points to a problem in the cooling system that shows up when airflow is limited. Let’s break down the most common reasons your car overheats at idle and what you should do about it.   How Your Cooling System Works at Idle When you’re driving, air flows naturally through the radiator to help cool the engine. At idle, your vehicle relies heavily on cooling system components—like the radiator fan and coolant circulation—to regulate engine temperature. If any of these parts aren’t working properly, heat can build up quickly while the vehicle is stopped.   Common Reasons a Car Overheats at Idle1. Cooling Fan Not Working Properly One of the most common causes of overheating at idle is a failing or non-opera ... read more

Your vehicle’s brake system is one of its most important safety features, and brake rotors play a major role in how well your car stops. When it’s time for a brake service, many drivers ask the same question: Should brake rotors be resurfaced, or do they need to be replaced? The answer depends on their condition, thickness, and overall wear. Let’s break down the difference and help you understand when each option makes sense.   What Do Brake Rotors Do? Brake rotors work with your brake pads to slow and stop your vehicle. When you press the brake pedal, the pads clamp down on the rotors, creating friction. Over time, this friction causes wear, heat stress, and surface imperfections.   When Brake Rotors Can Be Resurfaced Resurfacing (also called machining) involves removing a thin layer of metal from the rotor to create a smooth, flat surface again. Rotors may be resurfaced if: They a ... read more

Double Cardan Joint Failure: What It Is and What It Can Damage If you drive a 4x4 or a vehicle with a lifted suspension, chances are your driveline uses a double cardan joint—a heavy-duty version of a universal joint (U-joint) designed to reduce vibration and handle steep driveline angles. While these joints are durable, they’re not indestructible,  This week we had a 2009 Dodge Ram and this  customer find out just how much can be damaged when this joint fails. When a double cardan joint fails, it can cause serious drivability issues and even damage major surrounding components. Here’s a breakdown of what the double cardan joint does, how it fails, and the parts that can be affected when it does.   What Is a Double Cardan Joint? A double cardan joint, sometimes called a CV-style U-joint, uses two U-joints and a centering mechanism to keep the driveline operating sm ... read more

If your vehicle seems to hesitate or won’t start like it used to, the culprit might be your starter motor (or a related component in the starting system). The “starter” is the small electric motor + solenoid that spins the engine to get it going. Over time, wear or electrical problems can cause the starter to fail — and catching it early can save you from being stranded, or from more costly damage. Here’s how to tell if your starter is beginning to fail: 🔧 What does the starter do — and why it matters When you turn your key (or push the start button), a small current from your battery activates the starter solenoid (a relay). The solenoid connects the battery’s high current to the starter motor, which spins and engages a gear (pinion) with the engine’s flywheel, turning the engine over so it can start. If the starter — or its solenoid, gears, or electrical connections — fails, the engine may refuse to tur ... read more