Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Fall has been amazing — crisp air, colorful leaves, and weekend drives under golden trees. 🍁 But as those first cold mornings roll in, you may have noticed something a little less pleasant: your car taking longer to start… or not starting at all. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and your car’s battery is likely sending a warning sign. Why Cold Weather Affects Your Battery When the temperature drops, your battery’s ability to produce power slows down. Inside every car battery, chemical reactions create the energy needed to start your engine. In cold weather, those reactions take longer to happen, which means less cranking power right when your engine needs more to get going. Combine that with an older or weak battery, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a chilly morning breakdown. Signs Your Battery Might Be Failing If you’ve noticed any of the following, it’s time for a battery ... read more

Fall Vehicle Maintenance: Your Ultimate Checklist for a Safe, Smooth Ride As temperatures dip and rain or frost becomes more frequent, fall marks an essential time to prepare your vehicle for winter. A few simple checks now can help you avoid costly repairs later—while ensuring safety, reliability, and peace of mind. 1. Grab Your Owner’s Manual and Service Records Before diving into maintenance, gather your owner’s manual and any recent service receipts. The manual is your go-to guide for fluid levels, belt and hose specs, and maintenance intervals. If your next service is due, now is the perfect moment to schedule it . 2. Battery Health Check Car batteries age faster in extreme temperatures. If your battery is over three years old, have it tested or replaced—especially since winter is when battery failures peak . A failing battery in freezing weather can leave you stranded and exposed. 3. Wipers, Windshield Washer Fluid & Defrosters Visibility is cruci ... read more

🔥 How Summer Heat Affects Your Vehicle (and Signs You Shouldn't Ignore) Summertime means road trips, sun-soaked days, and unfortunately… stress on your vehicle. While you may be enjoying the warmer weather, your car is working overtime to keep cool and stay running. High temperatures can impact everything from your battery to your tires—and if you're not careful, that summer fun can turn into a breakdown on the side of the road. Here’s how extreme heat affects your vehicle—and the signs you should watch for. ☀️ 1. Battery Strain The heat is harder on your battery than winter. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, leading to internal damage and a shortened lifespan. Signs to watch for: Slow engine crank Dim headlights Battery warning light A rotten egg smell (which can indicate a leaking battery) ... read more

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

Most drivers are well aware of their battery and what it does. However, the battery is only one aspect of your vehicle's charging system, and it's not even the most important. To most mechanics, the most vital part of the system is the alternator.   The alternator is a mechanical device connected to the engine that runs off your car's serpentine belt. The alternator spins while the engine is operating, which converts mechanical energy into electrical power that powers all of your vehicle's electric features, including (but not limited to) the lights, radio, windows, and more.   All vehicle batteries have a full charge output of around 12 volts, which is plenty enough to start your motor. But when your engine is running, your alternator is usually creating additional voltage (occasionally up to 15 volts) due to the demand for specific electrical operations to work. When an alternator does not work correctly, not only will some of your power functions, such ... read more