Checking under the hood of your vehicle is only natural. You’re curious to see what goes on under there. This is an interesting time really – there’s a YouTube video about repairing just about anything, but the world (including cars…and car problems) is getting more complex every day.
Filling up your tires is one thing, but you really need to leave things like transmission repairs, timing-belt replacement, and your engine overheating to the professionals. Bank on experience.
There are countless stories of people who thought they’d pop the hood and simply replace the air filter. Guess what? That easy-peasy weekend project turned into detaching a vacuum line. Other weekend warriors hit foul balls trying to replace a hose or timing belt.
Many vehicles these days have 100 or more parts per cylinder, so the complexity adds up pretty quickly. Housings, hooks, engine collets, pistons, springs, plugs, retainers, valves…without the proper know-how a $30 repair could turn into $2,000 of damage.
Steer Clear of the DIY Route for These Car Problems
The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov took an I.Q. test for the army and scored 160. An incredibly high score. Asimov was also famously awful at repairing cars. He said that he trusted his mechanic with an almost blind reverence.
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Transmission
One of the things that would have really scared Isaac was repairing his car’s transmission. AAA and experienced mechanics say that you shouldn’t even let your stand-alone oil-change guy touch your transmission.
All Around Auto Repair, though, is much more than a place to change your oil. With experience troubleshooting transmission problems, cleaning out the gaskets when doing a transmission flush, and making sure the connectors leave squeaky clean, All Around Auto Repair is a one-step-shop for transmission issues.
If your transmission is starting to go on the fritz, then you should notice your check engine or transmission temperature light come on. When that icon is on, your vehicle could be dealing with transmission fluid that’s hotter than it should be – perhaps because the engine coolant level is low.
Definitely let the mechanics at All Around Auto Repair have a look if your vehicle has issues shifting gears (delays as you shift up or move out of park), your car is shaking or grinding under the hood, or you notice a burnt smell,
The issue could be beat-up gear synchronizers, a bad clutch, or (very likely) dirty or low levels of transmission fluid. AAA and other auto experts say you should leave the major mechanical car problems and repairs to the professionals.
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Timing-belt Replacement
Your timing belt is a true unsung hero: It precisely syncs the rotations of your camshaft and crankshaft so that your valves open in time for your cylinder’s exhaust and intake strokes.
Does your head hurt yet? Yeah? Mechanics with decades of experience see this kind of thing every day.
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Overheating Engine
Your check engine light or coolant temp warning light coming on could indicate major-league car problems under the hood. Your check engine light might mean that something like an oxygen sensor or spark plug is malfunctioning, or a wire has become loose.
Coolant leaking on the ground or something that smells “hot” are issues that can’t be ignored. Thumping from under the hood and an engine that doesn’t quite engage when you press down the accelerator are problems that require immediate attention.
The coolant temperature light coming on, on the other hand, could mean car problems with a radiator cap, a fan, or that some mysterious issue is causing a coolant leak. All Around Auto Repair has diagnostic tools to quickly end the mystery. Contact us for more information.
Common Car Problems and Why You Should Avoid DIY Repairs
1. Should I repair my car’s transmission myself?
No, transmission repairs are highly complex and should be left to professionals. Even seasoned mechanics, like those at All Around Auto Repair, recommend not allowing a general oil-change shop to handle your transmission. It’s essential to have experts troubleshoot, flush the transmission fluid, and clean the gaskets to prevent costly damage.
2. What are signs my transmission is failing?
Some warning signs of transmission issues include delayed gear shifts, shaking or grinding under the hood, the check engine or transmission temperature light coming on, and a burning smell. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to take your car to a repair shop like All Around Auto Repair.
3. Why shouldn’t I replace my timing belt on my own?
Timing belt replacement is a complex task that requires precision to sync the camshaft and crankshaft rotations. A misaligned timing belt can cause significant engine damage. It’s better to leave this repair to professionals with years of experience to avoid turning a minor issue into a costly disaster.
4. What happens if my engine overheats?
If your engine overheats, it can cause major damage. Warning signs include the check engine light or coolant temperature light turning on, coolant leaks, strange smells, or thumping noises from under the hood. If your car shows any of these signs, take it to a mechanic immediately to prevent engine failure.
5. Can I fix my car’s overheating issue myself?
Overheating engines can have various causes, such as a faulty radiator cap, coolant leaks, or a malfunctioning fan. Without the proper diagnostic tools, it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact issue. All Around Auto Repair has the equipment and expertise to diagnose and repair overheating problems quickly.
6. What should I do if my check engine light comes on?
When the check engine light comes on, it could be due to a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, spark plug, or a loose wire. Since this light can signal a range of problems, it’s best to take your car to a professional auto repair shop to have it inspected with proper diagnostic tools.
7. Are there any car problems I should never try to fix myself?
Yes, car problems like transmission repairs, timing belt replacement, and engine overheating should always be handled by professionals. Attempting these repairs without proper knowledge can lead to even more significant damage, turning a minor fix into an expensive repair.
8. What are the risks of DIY car repairs?
DIY car repairs on complex systems like the transmission or timing belt can easily lead to mistakes, causing thousands of dollars in damage. For example, a simple attempt to change a hose or air filter can result in detaching critical components like vacuum lines, leading to costly repairs.
9. How can I prevent major car problems?
The best way to avoid major car issues is through regular maintenance at a professional auto repair shop. Scheduled check-ups, oil changes, and inspections can help identify small problems before they turn into costly repairs. All Around Auto Repair offers comprehensive services to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
10. Why choose All Around Auto Repair for complex car problems?
All Around Auto Repair has experienced mechanics and advanced diagnostic tools to handle complex car issues like transmission problems, overheating engines, and timing belt replacements. With their expertise, they can ensure that your car stays in top condition, preventing future breakdowns and saving you money in the long run.
