Spanish Fork Auto Repair

    If you own a Subaru, you already know they’re well-loved for their reliability, safety, and all-wheel-drive performance. But there’s one issue that some Subaru owners have experienced over the years — excessive oil consumption. If you’ve noticed your oil level dropping between oil changes or a burning smell coming from under the hood, you’re not alone. At Dickerson Automotive in Spanish Fork, we often get calls from Subaru drivers wondering, “Is it normal for my car to burn oil?” Let’s take a closer look at why it happens and what you can do to keep your engine healthy. Why Some Subarus Burn Oil Oil consumption can happen with any engine, but it’s been more common in certain Subaru models and years — especially those equipped with ... read more

 Understanding the New A/C Refrigerant 1234yf: What You Need to Know If you've had your vehicle's air conditioning serviced recently or drive a newer model, you may have heard about 1234yf refrigerant. This newer A/C refrigerant is quickly replacing the older R-134a in many vehicles — and for good reason. So what is 1234yf, why are manufacturers switching to it, and how does it affect you as a vehicle owner? Let’s break it down. 🔧 What Is 1234yf Refrigerant? 1234yf (short for HFO-1234yf) is the next-generation refrigerant used in vehicle air conditioning systems. It's designed to have a much lower impact on the environment compared to older refrigerants — especially R-134a, which has been the standard for decades. 1234yf is a type of hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant. It cools just as effective ... read more

Active Fuel Management (AFM)—also known as Cylinder Deactivation—is GM’s variable-displacement engine technology. It's designed to improve fuel economy by allowing V6 and V8 engines to deactivate cylinders under light-load conditions, such as steady highway driving. When deactivated, these cylinders are closed off and filled with trapped air, effectively turning them into air springs. This reduces energy loss through pumping, helping the engine run more efficiently while maintaining a smooth driving experience. 👨‍🔧 How AFM Works 🔧 Hydraulic Lifter Control AFM uses a combination of solenoids and hydraulically-actuated lifters, located in the engine valley, to disable specific intake and exhaust valves. These lifters, supplied by Eaton and Delphi, temporarily prevent certain cylinders from firing, allowing the engine to operate in a leaner mode when full power isn't ... read more

When you're cruising down the freeway, you expect the road to be clear—free of hazards and distractions. But one of the most common yet often overlooked threats to your safety is loose debris that may suddenly appear in your lane. Loose items or parts falling from other vehicles can lead to serious accidents, vehicle damage, and even fatalities. While debris might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can cause life-altering consequences if not properly managed. Whether it’s a piece of machinery, a broken car part, or even construction materials, loose debris on the freeway can lead to catastrophic outcomes. In this blog post, we’ll explore why securing your load, checking for loose parts, and maintaining your vehicle are critical—not just for your safety, but for the safety of everyone on the road. What Is Loose Debris ... read more

Why Won’t My 2018 Toyota Sienna Power Sliding Doors Open? If you’re having trouble with your 2018 Toyota Sienna’s power sliding doors, you’re not alone. These doors are convenient, but they can sometimes malfunction due to electrical or mechanical issues. Here are some common reasons why your Sienna’s sliding doors won’t open and what you can do about it. 1. Child Safety Lock Engaged Before assuming there’s a major issue, check if the child safety lock is engaged. If it is, the doors won’t open from the inside. You can disable this by flipping the switch near the door latch. 2. Power Sliding Door Switch Turned Off Toyota Sienna’s have a power sliding door control switch, usually located on the dashboard near the steering wheel. If this switch is turned off, the doors won’t operate automatically. Try toggl ... read more