Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Why Does My Car Shake When Braking? Shaking when stepping on the brake pedal is usually an indicator of warped disk brake rotors. The technical term for this is called thickness variations in the brake rotors. The braking systems on a vehicle is a simple idea with complex components all working together at the same time, lets talk about how a braking system functions and what may be causing the famous shaking when braking problem. How Do Disk Brakes Work? It is easiest to explain this by breaking down the system to its most basic parts. Braking systems have a master cylinder, brake caliper, brake pads, and brake rotors. The master cylinder is full of brake fluid and is directly connected to the brake pedal.  When the brake pedal is pressed a piston is forced forward inside the master cylinder creating hydraulic pressure in the brake lines. This hydraulic pressure is then sent to the brake caliper. There is a piston inside of the brake caliper t ... read more

How do I jump start my car? We’ve all experienced it, you jump in your car, turn the key and nothing happens. So what do we do next? Most people will call a tow truck and end up having to pay for towing to get their vehicle to a shop just to find out the battery was dead. Chances are the vehicle could have been jump started and driven to a shop (provided the charging system is working normally), and avoiding a towing bill. Jump starting a car can be an intimidating process but once you understand how to do it, its simple to remember. So lets discuss how to safely jump start a car with a dead battery. Safety First: There are some safety concerns that must be kept in mind not only for the vehicle that is being jump started, but also for you. After all were playing with electricity when jump starting a car and when done properly there is a low safety risk as long as these safety tips are followed. Always attach the positive (RED) cable to the po ... read more

Popping or Hissing Noises From The Engine Compartment? Many things can contribute to popping and or hissing noises while your engine is running. The most likely cause of these kinds of noises are related to exhaust issues. Most commonly issues with the exhaust manifold where exhaust gasses exit the vehicle. Today were going to discuss what an exhaust manifold is and what it's job is on your vehicle! What is an exhaust manifold? There are many components that make up an exhaust system, but one of the most important parts of that system is the exhaust manifold. The manifold is designed to route the toxic gases that come from an engine and send them through the rest of the exhaust system for cleaning and safe release from the vehicle. Exhaust manifolds are made out of cast iron or stamped steel, the reason being is these materials handle extreme heat temperatures. Average exhaust temperatures range from 400 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fah ... read more

Lack Of Engine Power? Strange Rattle From The Engine? There are several reasons a vehicle will lack power when trying to accelerate. Today however were going to talk about lifters and how they can contribute to a lack of power when they aren't working properly.There are some warning signs that can be indicators of a bad lifter such as a rattling or ticking noise, misfire condition, or a check engine light. The most common indicators of a bad lifter are abnormal noises coming from the engine compartment and or a check engine light. So what does a lifter do? Lifters work directly with what is called the camshaft. The camshaft is a long piece of metal with some raised up sections called lobes. As the camshaft rotates the lobes make contact with the lifter and pushes the lifter up or down depending on camshaft location. When a lifter is moving up and down the valves inside the cylinder head are opening and closing allowing air and fuel into ... read more

If your car has a hydraulic power steering system, it has power steering fluid. The power steering fluid lubricates all the parts in the power steering system ensuring smooth and optimal movement as well as minimal wear and tear. Power steering fluid changes are not typically included in the regular maintenance checklist. So, do you need to replace the power steering fluid? Read on to find out. Steering Issues Power steering is meant to improve your steering. If you encounter issues with your steering, it signifies a problem with the steering and possibly, the power steering fluid. You should begin by adding the power steering fluid as low levels may cause problems in the steering system. If that does not suffice, try replacing the liquid as it may be contaminated. Contaminations will affect steering and damage parts of the power steering system. Leaks It is essential to check the power steering levels every month. Your power steering warning light is a great indication to check ... read more