Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Have you ever blown a tire? It's okay, though, right? You have a spare tire. You can switch the blown tire out for the spare and go along with your everyday life, driving like normal. Actually, before you settle back behind the driver's seat, you need to assess the type of tire you are using as a spare. If you have a full-size spare that is just like all of the other tires, yes, you can drive as normal. If you are driving on a smaller-sized spare, or what some people like to call, a donut, you need to consider how fast and how far you actually go. The sole purpose of the smaller spare tire is to allow you the chance to get off the road and to the nearest repair shop to get your blown tire either repaired or completely replaced. You don't want to drive over the speed of 50 mph on a spare tire. Driving faster or for long distances can damage the vehicle, the wheel, or even things like the transmission. You never know what might damage your tires. You could drive over a nail ... read more

Timing Belts A timing belt, which is a rubber belt with small spikes or teeth, is an essential tool in your car. Its central purpose is to synchronize the different parts inside your car that help keep it moving. It does this by making sure that the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft are in sync, which results in the engine valves opening and closing at the right times. This is important because there are several problems that can arise if the intake valves aren't working properly. These include: Poor combustion Loss of power Loss of pressure Engine damage If you don't properly maintain your timing belt, it could greatly damage your engine which ultimately leads to more expensive repairs down the line. In some car models, the timing belt is in charge of powering the oil, injection, and water pump which makes it an even more important tool. Some cars have timing chains instead; they perform the same duties but are made of metal which makes them louder and heavier ... read more

Every penny counts, including the money you spend on gas. Maybe you even keep a close watch on your miles per gallon. But did you know that simple, regular car maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that you're maximizing your vehicle's fuel efficiency? Motor oil First and foremost, always use the type of motor oil recommended for your vehicle. Beyond that, viscosity and exterior temperature matter. Using a thicker oil in the summer and a thinner oil in the winter can help improve your gas mileage by one or two percent. Motor oils that offer energy-conserving properties can also improve your car's gas mileage. Tire inflation Both overinflated and underinflated tires can negatively affect your gas mileage. More than likely, your monitoring system only tells you when you have an underinflated tire. It never alerts you to an overinflated tire. Tire pressure gauges are inexpensive and simple to use. Invest in one and use it to check your tires monthly for proper inflatio ... read more

Exterior vehicle maintenance is just as necessary as engine and fluid maintenance. A good car wash and wax can extend the life of your paint. While regular washing is essential, you may notice that your headlights still look foggy. Summers are hot in Spanish Fork, and UV rays from the sun can cause oxidation outside the headlights. Clean headlights are vital because, without them, you can’t see the road. Oxidation doesn’t cause permanent damage; however, it can make your headlights yellow and fuzzy looking. If you clean your headlights the moment you notice a change, you may be able to restore their natural brightness at home. Below are a few tips to remove oxidation and restore your foggy headlights.   Cleaning tips for foggy headlights: Start your headlight restoration by cleaning them using a microfiber cloth, automotive soap, and water.  Toothpaste Toothpaste is a necessity when removing plaque and ... read more

Fall is officially here, while winter is just around the corner. Seasonal changes can affect your vehicle. It’s important to prepare by performing essential maintenance tasks to ensure longevity. Checking your vehicle’s critical components can help you identify potential issues before they become actual issues. Below are five key car care tips to keep your vehicle in top shape throughout the winter. Inspect the brake pads.  It’s no surprise that your brakes are important; without them, your vehicle lacks control to stop or slow down. Your brakes should be a priority on your to-do list because just a little maintenance can increase their lifespan. If the brake pads have less than 4mm of material remaining, it’s time to have them replaced, and any less than that is a safety hazard. If the brakes are overdue, you may even notice a spongy brake pedal or a distracting scr ... read more