Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Is Your Vehicle Ready to Evacuate? What to Keep in Your Car During Wildfire Season With local wildfires affecting our communities and many of our neighbors facing evacuation orders, now is the time to make sure your vehicle is ready to go at a moment's notice. During an emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your car will start, has enough fuel, or contains the supplies you need to stay safe. Preparing your vehicle ahead of time can help reduce stress and give you peace of mind if you ever need to leave your home quickly. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full One of the simplest ways to prepare for an evacuation is to keep your gas tank at least half full. During emergencies, gas stations may experience long lines, power outages, or fuel shortages. A full tank gives you more options if road closures force you to take a longer route. Stay Current on Vehicle Maintenance An evacuation is not the time to discover your batt ... read more

Buying a Used Car? Don't Skip a Professional Pre-Purchase Inspection Purchasing a used vehicle can be a great way to save money, but it can also come with hidden risks. Whether you're buying from a dealership, private seller, family member, or online marketplace, it's important to know exactly what you're getting before you sign the paperwork. At Dickerson Automotive in Spanish Fork, UT, we recommend a thorough Digital Pre-Purchase Inspection to help buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected repair costs. 1. Review the Vehicle History Report Before purchasing any used vehicle, obtain a vehicle history report using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A history report can reveal important information such as: Previous accidents Title issues Flood or salvage history Odometer discrepancies Number of previous owners While a vehicle history report provides valuable information, it doesn't always te ... read more

Why Does My Car Squeak When I Turn? Common Causes, Warning Signs, and Solutions Have you noticed a squeaking, creaking, or chirping noise when turning your steering wheel? While it may seem like a minor annoyance, unusual noises when turning can be your vehicle's way of warning you that something needs attention. A squeak when turning can originate from several different systems, including your suspension, steering, brakes, or wheel bearings. Ignoring the noise could lead to more expensive repairs and, in some cases, safety concerns. Understanding the possible causes can help you know when it's time to have your vehicle inspected. 1. Worn or Dry Suspension Components Your suspension system is designed to absorb bumps and keep your vehicle stable on the road. As suspension components age, rubber bushings can dry out, crack, or wear down, causing squeaking noises during turns and over bumps. Common suspension components that may squeak include: Ball joints Control arm bush ... read more

  If you own a modified truck or performance car in Utah, you may wonder whether your tuner is legal and if you will still be able to register your vehicle in Utah County. In Utah County, emissions testing is required for most gasoline vehicles model year 1968 and newer, as well as diesel vehicles from 1998–2021, to help reduce harmful air pollutants. While many aftermarket tuners are legal, it is still important to understand the state and federal laws that apply to aftermarket tuners, ECU flashes, and performance modifications. Before installing a tuner or custom tune on your vehicle, it’s important to know what is legal — and what could create expensive problems later. Are Aftermarket Tuners Legal in Utah? In most cases, yes — aftermarket tuners are legal as long as they do not remove, disable, or alter factory emissions systems. This means your tuner cannot interfere with or bypass emissions-related components such as: Catalytic c ... read more

Brake Pads: Understanding Brake Pad Measurements and What Can Happen If You Wait Too Long Your vehicle’s brake system is one of the most important safety features on your car, truck, or SUV. Brake pads wear down over time, and understanding brake pad measurements can help you avoid expensive brake repairs and dangerous driving conditions. What Are Brake Pads? Brake pads are a key component of your vehicle’s disc brake system. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads clamp against the brake rotors to safely slow and stop your vehicle. Brake pads consist of a solid steel backing plate with friction material attached to it. The friction material can vary depending on the application and may be ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic material. Over time, the friction material wears away through normal driving. Regular brake inspections help monitor the remaining brake pad thickness and determine when replacement is needed. Unders ... read more