Spanish Fork Auto Repair

When Car “Bling” Causes Big Problems – Why Decorative Ignition Rings Can Leave You Stranded Some drivers like to keep their vehicles just the way they are. Others enjoy adding a little “bling” to make their ride stand out. But one popular decorative accessory can cause serious — and hard-to-diagnose — problems: metallic ignition rings. Recently, we had a vehicle towed into our shop that would start, run for a second, and then shut off. The customer had multiple keys, but the same thing happened with each one. The security light was flashing, which told us the anti-theft system was active. Our technician removed the steering column cover to check the wiring and connections — everything looked fine. But there was still no communication between the key and the car’s security system ... 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

Timing chains are a critical part of a vehicle's engine, responsible for synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft to ensure smooth engine operation. When working properly, they help maintain optimal engine performance and longevity. However, Ford owners may be all too familiar with timing chain problems, which have affected certain models and years over time. Here, we’ll dive into the timing chain issues that have impacted Ford vehicles, detailing what years were affected and what problems drivers may face. What is a Timing Chain, and Why is It Important? A timing chain is a metal chain that connects the crankshaft and camshaft, enabling them to move in perfect harmony. Unlike timing belts, chains are designed to last much longer—often the life of the engine itself. However, when a timing chain fails or starts to wear out prematurely, it can lead to serious engine issues or even complete failure. Common Problems with Ford Timing Chains ... read more

Filters are an essential part of life. Without a filter, your summer swim in the pool would be a summer swim in a cesspool. Your air filter prevents you from breathing harmful debris and contaminants. Filters are usually there to trap what you don’t need and leave you with what you do need. Your car has many filters to trap harmful particles from entering your engine or cabin. The fuel filter is one of the most essential filters because it works to deliver clean fuel to the combustion chamber continually. If you don’t regularly replace your fuel filter, the filter can become clogged, resulting in severe damage and costly repairs. What happens if you don’t change your fuel filter? Below are a few common issues to expect from a clogged fuel filter: The Engine Will Stall A fuel filter that’s clogged or blocked will stall your engine while you’re driving. If a vehicle doesn’t get the proper amount of fuel, it will stall. The Ch ... read more