Skip to Main Content

Articles:

Noticing a Leak Under Your Car? Here's What You Should Do

Noticing a Leak Under Your Car? Here's What You Should Do

Have you ever walked out to your vehicle, noticed a puddle underneath it, and wondered, "What is leaking from my car?" A small spot on your driveway might not seem like a big deal, but a vehicle leak can sometimes be an early warning sign of a much bigger problem. From engine oil and coolant to transmission fluid and brake fluid, your vehicle relies on several fluids to keep everything running safely and smoothly. The important thing is knowing what to look for, when to stop driving, and when to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. 1. Identify Where the Leak Is Coming From One of the first things you can do is take a closer look at where the puddle is located. The color, consistency, smell, and location of the fluid can provide helpful clues about what might be leaking. Here are some common vehicle fluids to watch for: Engine Oil: Usually amber, brown, or black. An oil leak may come from the oil pan, valve cover gasket, timing cover ... read more

Subaru Recall: What 2026 Crosstrek and Forester Owners Need to Know

Subaru Recall: What 2026 Crosstrek and Forester Owners Need to Know

Subaru Recall: What 2026 Crosstrek and Forester Owners Need to Know If you drive a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek or Forester, you may want to take a moment to check your vehicle for a new safety recall. Subaru is recalling a small number of 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles because of a potential problem with a front lower control arm ball joint. While the recall affects only a handful of vehicles, the issue is important because it involves the vehicle's steering and suspension. What Is the Problem? The recall involves the left-front lower control arm ball joint. The ball joint is an important part of your vehicle's front suspension. It helps connect the suspension to the steering knuckle and allows the wheel to move up and down while also allowing the vehicle to steer. The problem occurred during the manufacturing process. The nut that secures the ball joint, called a castle nut, may not have been properly ti ... read more

Is Your Car Ready for Winter? A Simple Winter-Ready Checklist

Is Your Car Ready for Winter? A Simple Winter-Ready Checklist

Winter has a way of showing up quickly. One day you're enjoying mild fall weather, and the next you're scraping ice off your windshield and wondering if your car is ready for the cold. Cold temperatures can be hard on your vehicle, especially when the battery, tires, fluids, and other components are already showing signs of wear. Before winter weather arrives, take a few minutes to make sure your vehicle is ready for the colder months ahead. 1. Check Your Battery Cold weather can be tough on your battery. A battery that seems fine on a warm fall morning may struggle when temperatures drop. If your vehicle has been slow to start, you're hearing clicking when you turn the key, or your battery is getting older, it's a good idea to have it tested before winter. A battery check is much easier in the shop than sitting in a cold parking lot waiting for a jump! 2. Check Your Tires Your tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle when roads are wet, icy, or s ... read more

Clicking or Popping When You Turn? It Could Be Your CV Axle

Clicking or Popping When You Turn? It Could Be Your CV Axle

Have you started hearing a clicking, popping, or snapping noise when turning your vehicle? It may be more than just an annoying sound. One possible cause is a worn or damaged CV axle. Your vehicle's CV axles are an important part of the drivetrain. They transfer power from the transmission or differential to the wheels while allowing the suspension to move and the wheels to turn. Because they work constantly while you drive, worn or damaged CV axle components can eventually affect your vehicle's performance and safety. What Are the Early Signs of a Bad CV Axle? One of the most common early warning signs is a clicking or popping noise when turning. You may notice the noise when: Turning sharply at low speeds Making a tight turn into a parking space Turning while accelerating Backing out of a parking spot with the steering wheel turned A repeated clicking or popping sound during turns can be a sign that th ... read more

Cold Morning, Car Won’t Start? How to Tell If It’s Your Battery or Alternator

Cold Morning, Car Won’t Start? How to Tell If It’s Your Battery or Alternator

There’s nothing worse than heading out on a cold morning, turning the key—or pressing the start button—and hearing click, click, click instead of your engine starting. Cold weather can be tough on your vehicle, especially the battery. But how do you know if you have a dead or weak battery, or if the alternator isn’t properly charging the battery? Understanding the difference can help you know what to do next and prevent you from replacing the wrong part. Why Cold Weather Can Make Starting Problems Worse Cold temperatures can reduce the amount of power a battery can provide. At the same time, your engine can require more effort to turn over when temperatures drop. A battery that was already getting weak may seem perfectly fine on a warmer day but struggle—or completely fail—when the temperature drops. That means a cold morning starting problem may be the first sign that your battery is reaching t ... read more