Rockville Auto Repair

  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

Road trips are fun, but they can be boring after hours and hours of being in a car. At Auto Clinic Care, we want to make sure your road trips this summer are fun and carefree. That means – road trip games. Read on to learn about some of the road trip games that can keep you and your family busy this summer. Name That Tune - The name says it all. You’re going to need an AUX or Bluetooth to play music. One person plays a song, and whoever guesses the song title first gets a point. See who can guess the most songs. Alphabet Game - You and your passengers take turns saying a word that starts in the next level of the alphabet. You can switch things up and make it harder by adding more rules. For example, you can make each letter or phrase flow into a story. While You Were Sleeping - Naps are inevitable on a long road journey. When someone naps, the rest of the passengers have to think of a make-believe story. When the person wakes, you tell the story and play it off. See if t ... read more

An alternator is a simple car component with few parts, but it plays a major role in ensuring your gasoline-powered car functions appropriately. The alternator converts mechanical energy from the crankshaft into electricity through induction. The current produced recharges your car's battery, and it also powers accessories such as headlights and dashboard lights as well as sound and air conditioning systems. Just like other car components, alternators are subject to damage and wear and tear. Keep reading to find out some telltale signs your car has a faulty alternator. Burning Rubber or Wire Smell An odor of burning wires or rubber could be a symptom of wear and tear on sections of your alternator. This usually occurs due to the rampant friction on the alternator's drive belt. Additionally, an overworked alternator or one that has frayed wires can produce a burning smell, similar to an electrical fire. Also, destroyed wires can block the smooth flow of electric currents, cau ... read more

As a driver, certain skills are necessary regardless of your status, such as changing a tire. While it's not desirable, it will save you in unexpected situations. Fortunately, changing a tire is not hard. You can learn it in just a few minutes by watching an expert, or someone experienced doing it. Flat tires can happen anywhere, so you should always be prepared with the right tools or equipment. Tools Needed to Change a Tire Every time you drive, especially for long distances, ensure you check the state of your car and that you have the recommended tools for an emergency. For the tires, check the pressure, including that of the spare. Here are the tools you will need to change a tire. Spare tire Jack Wrench Vehicle owner's manual Flashlight with fresh and extra batteries Gloves Raincoat or poncho Wheel wedge A piece of wood, preferably 2x6, to secure the jack Once you verify you have all these tools, ensure you use the owner's manual for the specific steps. Also ... read more

If it has been a while since your vehicle has been inspected, you may be wondering if such a thing is important. Perhaps you typically get in and out of the shop without getting much else done, or you skip over your vehicle's recommended inspection intervals because you worry that a visit may cost you a lot. However, do you know how important vehicle inspections are and how going to a trustworthy shop can make all the difference? When you bring your car to an honest shop, such as ours, for a vehicle inspection, you can have peace of mind knowing that we would never recommend a service that your vehicle doesn't need. We have your best interest in mind, and would only recommend a service if we felt that it was completely necessary to the safety and health of your vehicle. A regular vehicle inspection is important for a number of reasons. Most importantly, it ensures that problems are detected early on. This can prevent the problem from spreading, and eventually leading to break ... read more

The exhaust system in your vehicle is important for several reasons: It ensures that the harmful engine byproducts are corrected before being released into the air.  It directs exhaust fumes away from vehicle passengers. In other words, it protects you and your passengers from breathing in harmful chemicals, like carbon monoxide, that can make you sick. So, don't put your health at risk by driving with a broken exhaust system. It controls the noise by dampening engine and exhaust sounds. It ensures a smooth engine combustion process, ensuring an even balance of performance and efficiency. With that being said, what all could happen if your exhaust system is damaged? Indeed, it will negatively affect engine performance and MPG. If the bad gasses aren't being moved, they can wear down the engine and surrounding parts. Symptoms That Indicate You Need Exhaust System Repairs Your engine is louder than normal, making tapping or hissing sounds Your engine power has decline ... read more

For most of us, our cars are what gets us from place to place every day. You could call it a special connection (if you will). Like any relationship, there's give and take; to ensure your car continues to provide you with safe, reliable, and efficient rides, why not give your sweet ride some love this Valentine's Day? Below are some ways you can give back to your car: Have your car detailed First and foremost, when was the last time you washed your car? The inside? A great way to kick off the year and show your vehicle some love is by having it detailed. This ensures your vehicle gets carefully cleaned inside and out; you (and your car) will feel brand new again. Check and rotate your tires During this time of year, the pressure in your tires often contracts, causing underinflated tires. As a result, you could experience a drop in your gas mileage and make your tires wear down faster. Regularly measuring your tire pressure, making adjustments, and rotating your tires are al ... read more

Bad brakes are both dangerous and expensive. This is why it is essential for drivers to always be on the lookout for old, ineffective brakes. If you suspect you have a brake problem, please bring your car to the experts at Auto Clinic Care. Here are some of the most prevalent signs that you are due for brand new brake pads: Poor performance It can be as plain and simple as poor performance. If your brakes aren't working as well as they used to, they need service. You may feel this in the brake pedal as it might lower closer to the floor. Overall, if it takes more time and power to stop your car, you may need your brakes serviced. Squealing sounds Brake pads have a small metal piece that is designed to make an irritable noise when your brake pads start to wear out. There's no doubt that you would miss this sound. Sometimes, it may be rust on your brake pads that may cause this noise. It's best to have a professional inspect your brakes to be sure. Vibration Your brake ... read more