Rockville Auto Repair

You don't need a pair of jumper cables until your battery dies. An emergency tool kit is not required until repairs on the side of the road have to be done. The point is that you don't need certain things until an emergency situation is present. That's why we have made a short list of seven must-have emergency items to put in the trunk. 1. Flashlight A handy flashlight with some spare batteries can come in handy in quite a lot of situations. Furthermore, it takes up almost no space, so make sure to bring one wherever you go, especially camping. 2. Reflective Vest If all of a sudden, your vehicle's lights start to malfunction at night, other drivers have no way of seeing you from afar. This is why a reflective vest can be helpful and even save lives. 3. Tool Kit A lot of vehicles come with a tool kit made specifically for them. Sadly, most people throw them away or put them in the garage. By doing so, you risk bein ... read more

With one quarter of 2023 gone, we have some solid facts about the best vehicles from Ford. In this blog, we will look at five of the best models from the past year and why they are on the list. We have put mainly big pickups on the list because they are more convenient and comfortable, but there is also a coupe waiting for you at the end of the list. 2023 Ford F‑150 Lightning The all-time favorite F-150 has gone electric in the Lightning model. Surprisingly, it has lost almost nothing, some may even say it has gained a few pros. It pushes out 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque while still having a good range - 66 MPGe combined/ around 300 miles. 2022 Ford Escape The Escape is a compact SUV that excels at ride quality, fuel efficiency, and safety. It's the perfect option for everyday drivers looking for a reliable car. The base model has a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, and more expensive options have a 2.5L hybrid system. There are a total of ten trim leve ... read more

Older cars still have their appeal to a lot of people. If you are one of them or own an older vehicle, you might have asked yourself how to freshen it up. We can give you some insight into how the pros do it by sharing a few steps and tips. For the best result, do them in the order we have listed: Change And Repair Small Issues First, let's start with repairing any minor issues like interior and exterior lights or trim parts. This will make the car look complete and roadworthy. Give It A Good Wash After that give it a good outside wash, either at a car wash or at home. If you are doing it at home, consider buying a good brand of cleaning solution made specifically for vehicles. Keep in mind that lower parts are usually dirtier. Pro-Tip: Make sure to clean the rims and any leaves or other debris in the space between the hood and window.  Clean Out the Interior Get rid of any trash in the interior and give it a clean with an interior cleaning product. A sm ... read more

The water pump is in charge of transferring water from the radiator through the engine and back. That keeps your car's engine cool and operating at its best - as a result, everything will run smoothly, maintaining a constant temperature. Your vehicle may experience several serious engine issues when the symptoms of a failing water pump start to appear. Here we will share a couple of them so you are aware and prepared before it gets worse. Coolant Leak Several gaskets and seals make up the water pump, which keeps coolant contained and guarantees a steady flow of coolant from the radiator to the engine. These seals and gaskets will eventually deteriorate, dry out, and crack. When this occurs, coolant will leak from the water pump and fall to the ground, usually near the front and middle of the engine. Contact a mechanic to examine the issue if you notice a coolant leak anywhere on your car, truck, or SUV. Most of the time, it's a water pump leak that can be fixed before it wors ... read more

Antifreeze or coolant is one of the most crucial fluids in your car. As you can infer from the name, antifreeze is meant to prevent your car from freezing. The coolant also prevents your engine from overheating. Therefore, whether in extreme heat or cold, you need it to help keep your car engine functional. Read on to know what coolant or antifreeze does: What Is Coolant/Antifreeze? The car's coolant serves two functions in a car: to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the cooling system. The fluid mixes with water in the engine to perform the heating or cooling necessary. Therefore, when you add antifreeze to your engine, you increase the temperature at which the vehicle can operate without overheating. Coolant or antifreeze is made from an additive called Ethylene Glycol and is typically green. Why You Need Coolant/Antifreeze You need coolant for your vehicle to perform optimally. In the hot months, it will increase the temperature at which your engine ca ... read more

The timing belt or timing chain is an integral part of automobiles then and now. It turns your engine’s camshaft synchronously to ensure that each engine cylinder fires at the right time. In most vehicles, the timing belt is located under the timing belt cover at the front of the engine. If your vehicle has a belt, it is most likely made of high-quality rubber held by nylon chords. Whereas, a chain is strictly made of metal. Your engine won’t run without a fully functional timing belt or timing chain. In general, a timing chain has a much longer lifespan than a timing belt. Therefore, if your vehicle has a timing belt, you will need to replace it at one point. Some automakers have a recommended interval for when you change the timing belt. You can find this in the owner’s guidebook. Warning Signs of a Failing Timing Belt Another way you can tell when your timing belt is on its way out is by inspecting it or checking for its warning signs. Below are the top symptoms ... read more

Your vehicle comprises more parts than the body, engine, and wheels. While some parts are as big as these, others, like the rotors, shock absorbers, brake calipers, etc., are small-sized, and you may be tempted to think they are less helpful. Without the shock absorbers, your vehicle wouldn't maintain stability, control, and passenger comfort as it encounters uneven road surfaces. However, shock absorbers do become worn out over time, sustaining damages. That's why your regular vehicle maintenance routine should include shock and strut maintenance. So, how long can shock absorbers serve you? First things First! What Are Shock Absorbers? A shock absorber is vital to an automobile's ability to operate safely and smoothly. In other words, this component holds the car's wheel against the driving uneven road surface as the suspension moves vertically. What are the Common Types of Shock absorbers? Conventional twin tube variety Mono-tube shock absorbers The spool valve ... read more

  It's no secret that the colder months are the time of mechanical failure for vehicles in some areas where the weather conditions are the harshest. The best way to avoid problems in the winter is to stay on top of preventative maintenance before the season starts. Here are some tips on what preventative maintenance is the most important and how to avoid those costly breakdowns during the fall and (eventually) winter months. Engine Performance - If you notice any engine issues, such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling, or overall lack of power, it is important to have these issues looked at and corrected before going into winter. Cooling Systems - The fluid in the cooling system should be flushed about every 24 months. Windshield Wipers - Windshield wipers should be changed once a year. If snow is expected before winter, be sure to purchase weather-resistant wipers to fight against ice. An ice scraper is also handy during the colder months. Heater/Defroster - Be sure t ... read more

Owning a car is definitely a luxury, but it also comes with major responsibilities. You need to keep it maintained in order to stay safe on the road. Poor maintenance and bad driving habits can put you at a risk of major accidents and breakdowns. Not only will you have to pay for costly repairs, but you'll have to call for a tow too.   Below are some of the most common scenarios where you should call for a towing service: Flat tire or tire blowout Car accidents Alternator failure Dead battery Brake failure Engine overheating Flashing check engine light Low oil pressure Regardless of how cautious you are, accidents can happen unexpectedly. While you may be able to remedy it on your own, it is best to leave these troubles to certified professionals.    At Auto Clinic Care, we pride ourselves on offering a convenient towing service for those in need in the Rockville, MD area. When you choose us, you can skip the third-party roadside assistance company. We ar ... read more

Sometimes your car might produce nasty odors that make it impossible for you to invite your friends in for a ride. The smell can permeate your entire vehicle, making your long or short drive uncomfortable. Below are some of the common unusual car smells. Rotten Egg Smell To top my list is the unpleasant rotten egg odor that might make you neglect your car for a while because you cannot stand the smell. It is an awful stench that you cannot overlook as it might end up dangerous with failure to address it on time. A qualified mechanic from our shop can trace the problem to a malfunctioning part in the fuel system. It might be a faulty catalytic converter, fuel pressure sensors, or fuel filters. The damaged parts leak out sulfur, an awful-smelling gas that makes a minor percentage of diesel fuel that permeates your entire vehicle through the cabin. Gas Odor Another smell found in cars is that of gas that ... read more