Posted on 12/16/2016
No matter how well you maintain your vehicle in Potomac, MD, chances are you are going to need auto service at some time or another. And when that time comes, you want a mechanic you can trust. It’s likely that you or someone you know has had issues with auto service in the past. Perhaps you don’t know a lot about cars and you took your car in only to have repairs done that you didn’t really need. Maybe a friend of yours spent money on auto service only to have her car break down a week later. There are plenty of companies out there that offer substandard services. So how do you find an auto service in Potomac, MD that you can truly trust? Here are a few tips. Ask for Certifications It’s okay to ask the auto service shop you visit for the mechanic’s certifications. This gives you peace of mind that the people working on your car know what they are doing because the ASE has certified that they are knowledgeable in that area. In order ... read more
Posted on 12/12/2016
You want your vehicle to stop safely, but you also don’t want to pay for brake repair unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you feel your brakes might have issues, it is better to get brake repair sooner rather than later. Brakes allow you to stop correctly and when they are worn, they can be dangerous. Ignoring brake repair issues can also cause other damage to your car like some of the following items. Worn Rotors The first thing that wears down on your brakes is the pad. If you feel signs that the pads are going and you ignore brake repair options, the rotors will go next. Once the pads are worn away, the pressure will apply to the rotors instead. The rotors then often warp, ground down, or crack. They are a much more expensive replacement than pads. If you pay attention to your brakes and simply replace the pads as necessary, the rotors can last a long time and you can save a lot of money. Calipers The calipers a ... read more
Posted on 12/9/2016
No matter how well you maintain your vehicle, chances are you are going to need auto service at some time or another. And when that time comes, you want an auto mechanic in Potomac, MD you can trust. Here are a few sample questions to things you might want to ask your mechanic before you decide whether or not to work with them. 1. Are you Certified? It’s okay to ask the auto service shop you visit for the mechanic’s certifications. This gives you peace of mind that the people working on your car know what they are doing because the ASE has certified that they are knowledgeable in that area. In order to get certification, mechanics have to take skills tests and have at least two years of experience in the relevant area. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of that certification. 2. What Will a Diagnosis Cost? Diagnostics can take quite a bit of time since modern cars have so many pa ... read more
Posted on 12/5/2016
t doesn’t matter if you are going in for a routine appointment or getting major work done after a car accident. You must find the right repair shop. You want to work with trustworthy individuals who are professional and have your interests and safety in mind. At Auto Clinic Care we hope to provide all that and more. Now, if your car is still under warranty, you will need to find a dealership for any warranty repairs. But what if your warranty is expired, or you are just going in for routine maintenance? In these cases most consumers prefer independent repair shops. But how do you find a reliable auto mechanic in Bethesda, MD? The following 5 tips might help: 1. Start Looking before you are Desperate The best advice is to find a good mechanic before your car breaks down and you are desperate. Dealing with an accident or major breakdown is stressful enough. You do not want to compound the problem by settling for a sub-par auto repair shop. So st ... read more
Posted on 12/2/2016
Most people do not take time to prepare for their auto services. Instead they take their cars into the mechanic and just let them go at it. Granted, most shops in Potomac, MD are trustworthy. They are there to keep you safe, save you money, and keep your car running in top condition. However, you always want to be prepared so you can avoid scams, upsells, or incompetence. You don’t need to know everything about your car and how it works. But here are a few things to think about and try during your next visit to the auto repair shop in Potomac, MD. Look at the Work Areas When walking in and out of the service bay you can get a glimpse at the work area. Car repair is not a beauty contest, and grime and oil stains are just a fact of life. But good mechanics will clean and organize their equipment regularly. The floor should be free of old parts and debris. The tool chests should be clean and org ... read more
Posted on 11/28/2016
A car is often the second largest investment people make. Do not treat it like a standard appliance and put off maintenance until something goes wrong. To keep a car running well you need to stay current on routine auto maintenance in Bethesda, MD. Unfortunately many car owners don’t heed that advice. Instead they make these common mistakes and endanger themselves and others by driving around in a car that needs repairs. 1. Delaying Scheduled Maintenance Many drivers delay when it comes to car maintenance. In fact, approximately 40% of drivers put off scheduled maintenance. This is especially true of younger, more inexperienced drivers. Instead they wait for something to act up or break down before taking their vehicle in. What they often don’t realize is they wouldn’t have most of their issues if they followed the maintenance schedule in the first place. It gives technicians a chance to regularly check th ... read more
Posted on 11/25/2016
You rely on your brakes to not only stop your car, but keep you safe and in control. If something goes wrong with the brake system, it is only a matter of time before you and your passages could be in potential danger. So stay aware, and watch for these signs that it is time for an inspection and brake repair. How Hydraulic Brakes Work Several brake parts work in tandem to bring your car to a stop. When you press on the brake pedal you activate a cylinder. It releases brake fluid into the calipers. These in turn engage the brake pads which put pressure on the rotors. The friction from the pads on the rotors slows your car. How to Tell if You Need Brake Repair There are several things you can watch and listen for. Wearing The first thing you can do is look at the wear on the disk brakes. Look at the brake pads through the spaces in your wheel spokes. The pad should press against rotor, and ... read more
Posted on 11/21/2016
The brake system for your car is more than just the pedal. There are various pieces and components interlocking and working together to slow and stop your vehicle. A problem with one of these pieces, even a small one, could inhibit your ability to brake. Also, because braking relies on friction, the parts will quickly wear out. As a responsible driver you need to have your brakes regularly checked in. That way you can stay ahead of any major damage and get the replaced when necessary. How Brakes Commonly Work Different types of brakes have different parts. However, for the most part, service brakes work like this. When you step on the brake pedal you engage a plunger inside the master cylinder. This releases hydraulic oil, aka brake fluid, through a series of tubes and hoses. These liquid does not compress, and while it moves fluidly through the lines to each braking unit, it is as strong as a steel bar. With disk brakes the flui ... read more
Posted on 11/18/2016
These days, it can be rather difficult to find quality auto service you can trust. Unless you are a mechanic and own shop space, you will inevitably need your vehicle serviced by a professional. Unfortunately, the culture we lived in breeds greed and dishonorable businesses. In Chevy Chase and surrounding areas here in Maryland, have you found a trusted mechanic? There is dishonesty within any needed trade, but you deserve to feel at ease. The team at Auto Clinic Care wants you to know we understand the trepidation surrounding the choice for auto services. Whether you just moved to the area or have lived here for years, we want to earn your business. It’s hard to trust a mechanic if you have had poor or dishonest service elsewhere, but we promise to earn your trust when you bring us your business. Identifying the best place for auto service in Chevy Chase, MD is no easy undertaking. Below, our staff has outlined why Auto Clinic C ... read more
Posted on 11/14/2016
Here in the Northeast, there seems to be an auto repair shop on every corner. Which one is the best? In and around the Chevy Chase area, Auto Clinic Repair has been serving vehicles with maintenance and repair needs since 1994. We cover everything from basic oils changes and tune-ups to steering system and electrical repairs. But, so do a lot of places. So what makes us different? Keep reading! Friendly service It is unnerving to entrust your vehicle to a stranger. We get it! Getting your car fixed should be a pleasant experience. We will make sure you feel right at home at Auto Clinic Care. Our staff is more than happy to explain any problem in detail—so don’t be afraid to ask us questions! We guarantee you can always expect professionalism, kindness, sincerity, and even a little humor with our team. Family We are a family owned and operated company. Your satisfaction is not only our goal, but it is o ... read more