Spanish Fork Auto Repair

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

The steering system is an essential part of the vehicle because it allows the driver to control its direction. A malfunctioning steering wheel can create an array of problems. If the steering wheel becomes stiff or suddenly locks up, it can lead to a major accident. Many components make up the power steering system which allow it to turn with little resistance effectively. One seemingly small issue can break the entire system down; that’s why it’s essential to identify a potential problem before it becomes hazardous. Below are common reasons why the steering wheel has become hard to turn. Bad steering rack The steering rack is an essential aspect of the power steering system. It’s made up of the pinion and rack. The steering rack can become subject to wear and tear after several years of driving. If the steering wheel is hard to turn right after starting the engine, the steering rack may be the cau ... read more

All vehicles are equipped with a sophisticated computer system that’s programmed to alert you if it detects something wrong. If you turn on the ignition and notice a warning light, it’s important to bring your vehicle into Dickerson Automotive as soon as possible for an inspection. Depending on which warning light illuminates, a major issue can progress quickly and lead to an unexpected breakdown. It’s important to pay attention to the dashboard warning lights because not only do they keep you safe, but they prevent automotive failures and their expensive repair bills. Below are the most common dashboard warning lights and what they can indicate:  Oil Pressure Light The oil pressure light is an image of an old fashioned oil tin and indicates an issue with your vehicle’s oil pressure system. If this light illuminates, your car may be low on oil, or the oil pressure is low. This light alerts of a problem that should be addressed as soon as ... read more

Not everyone is a major car enthusiast; it’s easy to get lost in automotive jargon when speaking to a mechanic. It may even feel like they’re speaking an entirely different language altogether. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the meanings of commonly used automotive terms to effectively communicate with your mechanic.    ABS – ABS is an abbreviation for the anti-lock braking system. If you find yourself slamming on your brakes, the anti-lock brake system helps your wheels grip the road and prevents them from locking up.   Aftermarket – These are automotive parts that aren’t made by the original manufacturer.   ASE – ASE is an abbreviation for Automotive Service Excellence. This is a professional certification that requires a mechanic to have at least two years of on the job training and pass a skill test.   Battery – This is the component under your hood that stores the electrical power neede ... read more