Spanish Fork Auto Repair

What Are the Signs of a Leaking Heater Core? A leaking heater core can cause a variety of problems in your vehicle, and recognizing the warning signs early can save you from costly repairs. This critical component of your car’s heating and cooling system is essential for maintaining comfort in colder months and ensuring the proper functioning of your vehicle. Here are some key indicators that your heater core might be leaking: Signs of a Leaking Heater CoreFogged-Up Windows When Starting the Vehicle If your windows fog up shortly after starting your car, especially when the heater is on, it could be a sign of coolant vapor leaking from the heater core into the cabin. Coolant on the Floorboards Puddles or a damp feeling on the passenger-side floorboards often indicate a leaking heater core. Coolant has a sweet smell, so if you notice an unusual odor in your car, check for wet spots under the dash. ... read more

Many modern vehicles come with what manufacturers label as "lifetime fluid" for components like transmissions and differentials. This can be enticing as it suggests minimal maintenance, but is it truly best to avoid changing or servicing these fluids?   What Is Lifetime Fluid?   Lifetime fluid is designed to last the vehicle's lifetime under normal driving conditions. Manufacturers claim these fluids do not need to be changed, theoretically saving you maintenance costs and hassle. However, "lifetime" can be a misleading term.    Pros and Cons    Pros: - Convenience: No need for regular fluid changes, which can save time and money. - Cost Savings: Potentially lower maintenance costs over the vehicle's lifespan.   Cons: - Fluid Degradation: Over time, even the best fluids can break down, leading to decreased performance and potential damage. - Driving Conditions: Harsh driving conditions (towing, extreme tempera ... 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

Too much heat presents a great challenge to motor vehicles. Thankfully, all vehicles have a measure to keep themselves cool. The car's engine has a cooling system aided by a coolant, a fluid that runs in the engine and transmits heat away from it. The coolant should remain clean for it to function effectively. Dirty coolant must be flushed out and replaced with a fresh one. But how do you know when your coolant needs flushing? To know this, be on the lookout for the following symptoms. Your Vehicle Overheats As stated above, the role of the coolant is to keep your engine temperatures low. If your temperature gauge is always on the higher side, it means the coolant is no longer performing its duty and needs flushing. An overheating engine can easily break down, resulting in costly repairs. A Maple Syrup Smell From Your Car (Engine) One sure sign that your coolant needs flushing is the smell of maple syrup, butterscotch, or pancakes coming from your engine. The ethylene glycol ... read more