Spanish Fork Auto Repair

If your car overheats while sitting at a stoplight or idling in traffic—but seems to cool down once you start driving—you’re not alone. This is a common issue and usually points to a problem in the cooling system that shows up when airflow is limited. Let’s break down the most common reasons your car overheats at idle and what you should do about it.   How Your Cooling System Works at Idle When you’re driving, air flows naturally through the radiator to help cool the engine. At idle, your vehicle relies heavily on cooling system components—like the radiator fan and coolant circulation—to regulate engine temperature. If any of these parts aren’t working properly, heat can build up quickly while the vehicle is stopped.   Common Reasons a Car Overheats at Idle1. Cooling Fan Not Working Properly One of the most common causes of overheating at idle is a failing or non-opera ... read more

  What Does the Water Pump Do? The water pump is a crucial part of your vehicle’s cooling system, it’s hard to find a car without one. This week, we replaced the water pump on a 2005 Toyota Avalon, which got us thinking: What exactly does the water pump do, and how common are failures? The pump circulates coolant (antifreeze) through the engine block, absorbs heat, then sends that hot coolant to the radiator where it’s cooled and recirculated. If the pump fails or leaks, coolant may not circulate properly, leading to engine overheating. Today, we’ll dive into common Toyota water pump issues, though these problems can occur on all makes and models. Why Does a Toyota’s Water Pump Leak? There are several common causes of water-pump leaks. Here are the main ones: 1. Seal and Gasket Wear or Failure Over time, the shaft seal (which surrounds the impeller shaft) or the mounting gasket can wear out, bec ... read more

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