Rockville Auto Repair

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

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