Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Why Your Vehicle Might Hesitate to Start in the Winter As temperatures drop, many drivers notice their vehicles struggle or hesitate to start, leaving them wondering, "What’s going on under the hood?" One of the main culprits during the winter months is your car's battery. Here’s why cold weather and battery performance don’t always go hand in hand—and what you can do about it. How Cold Weather Affects Your Battery Car batteries rely on chemical reactions to produce power, and cold weather slows these reactions down. This means your battery generates less energy to start the engine when you need it most. Additionally: Thickened Electrolyte: Low temperatures cause the electrolyte solution inside the battery to thicken, reducing ion movement and lowering the battery’s overall capacity. Increased Power Demand: Cold engines and thicker oil make starting your vehicle more demanding, requiring ... read more

Fluid Exchanges – What You Need to Know When your repair shop recommends a fluid exchange, what exactly does that mean? Most people are familiar with oil changes, but your vehicle can have up to seven other fluids that need regular care—transmission, coolant, brake, power steering, transfer case, front differential, and rear differential. Keeping these fluids clean and fresh ensures all the moving parts in your vehicle stay properly lubricated and performing their best for as long as possible. At Dickerson Automotive, we recommend fluid exchanges every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to maintain peak performance. While some manufacturers claim certain fluids are “lifetime,” their goal is to sell cars—not necessarily keep them running for decades. During every oil change, our technicians take fluid samples to check their condition and help you stay ahead of costly repairs. Call us today to schedule your fluid check ... read more

The last thing you want is to damage your car while driving. But if you're in the middle of a highway and the check engine light comes on, what should you do? Will you damage the engine if you drive a few miles further to the next gas station? The answer to this question can be tricky. It's useful to know what kind of check engine light your car has. Is it just an orange light or is there a red one as well? Does the light flash when the situation is dire? Does the light stay constant when the issue does not require your immediate attention? Knowing how the check engine light functions in your car can help you understand what the car's diagnostic system communicates whenever it flashes or lights up. Check your car's manual to make sure you're familiar with its language. When the frightful check engine light does comes on, stay calm. Reduce your speed and inspect how your vehicle is performing. Use all your senses to reassess if there is something strange or dist ... read more

Potholes are notorious for creating all kinds of issues for cars. It doesn't matter where you are; they're always around. With proper tire pressure, your vehicle should be able to handle shallow potholes. But hitting a deep one can do just enough to have you running to the repair shop.   You know the damage is almost inevitable whenever you hit an unexpected dip and have that jarring feeling. The accident can vary depending on the pothole size, your speed, vehicle, and the air pressure in your tire during impact. You may be wondering what kind of problems you can face from running into a deeper pothole: Tire puncture, wear, or damage Wheel rim damage Premature wear on struts and shocks Suspension damage Steering system damage and misalignment issues Exhaust system damage Engine damage Fluid leaks It's a pretty hefty list, right? This is why you want to be extra cautious when driving on uneven surfaces. If you experience any of these issues, you should get the ... 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