Rockville Auto Repair

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

The check engine light usually initiates panic and anxiety for most motorists in Rockville, MD. The check engine light can be indicative of something as minor as an open gas cap to something as serious as a misfiring engine. In most cases, the best thing you can do for your vehicle is to visit Auto Clinic Care so the professionals can diagnose your light. What Does the Light Mean The check engine light is part of your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system (computer system). When your sensors recognize a problem in the electronic control system that cannot fix itself, it flips on the notorious yellow warning light on your dash. ID the Problem If your check engine light comes on, the wisest thing to do is reach out to a trusted auto repair shop in your area. We have certified technicians who will happily scan your onboard computer using an OBD scanner to pinpoint the cause of your check engine light. Depending on the code received from the scan, we can make proper repair recommenda ... read more

Auto repair is complicated, which is why most people leave most of the work to professionals. Additionally, many of those inexperienced people start up rumors or misconceptions that get passed on and on. Even in the auto repair business, there are myths that our customers swear to be accurate. However, today we finally get to set the record straight. Below are some misconceptions that are simply false! Myth #1: Premium gasoline will better your vehicle's performance.  Yes - premium gasoline may be more expensive than regular and mid-grade. But, price does not always correlate with quality or performance. Premium is only fitting for high-performing vehicles that require fuel with a higher octane level. It would be best if you always filled up with the fuel grade that your vehicle manufacturer recommends.  Myth #2: You need an oil change every 3,000 miles. The interval you replace your engine oil depends on many different factors, not just the number of miles you've ... read more

The clutch in your vehicle is a lever that allows for shifting various gears by stopping the spinning of the transmission. A failing or faulty clutch will result in the inability to change from gear to gear, meaning your car won't be able to get you from place to place. If you regard any of the following warning signs in your automobile, you must pay a visit to your trusted professional auto repair shop. The techs at Auto Clinic Care can give you proper diagnostic and repair suggestions. Here are the top three signs that you need clutch repairs:   #1: Slipping Gears If your car's transmission slips out of gear or jumps or jerks forward when you shift gears, then it's pretty evident that there's something wrong with your vehicle. Slipping gears are commonly caused by a clutch plate that has been worn down and needs replacement. However, there is also a chance that you may have an oil leak that is dripping onto the clutch plate. Regardless of which scenario, you s ... read more