Rockville Auto Repair

Brakes are one of the most important safety features in your vehicle. However, because you always use them, breaks wear down quickly and require regular inspections and the occasional brake repair. This is especially true if you want to keep them in top-working condition. If you drive your car with worn-down brakes you put yourself and others at risk. Brake Warning Signs You need to schedule a brake repair if: • The dashboard indicator light suggests there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) • The brake pedal feels spongy or soft • Brakes are slow to respond • You hear squealing or grinding when you brake • The car pulls to one side while braking • You feel vibration or pulsating while using the brake pedal How Often Should I Get a Brake Repair? The answer varies, not only from model to model, but also from driver to d ... read more

With the cold weather upon us and snow in the forecast, it is time to winterize your vehicle. By taking your vehicle to a reliable Bethesda, MD auto repair shop you can prepare for the cold and keep your car running safely. You want to prepare for the worst weather expected of winters in Bethesda, MD. 1. Check Coolant and Antifreeze When you are freezing, this magical substance is what keeps your engine from doing the same. Without it, the engine can get cold and yes, even freeze. You will want to have the technician check the coolant levels and antifreeze levels. They should also look for any leaks in the system. 2. Tire Pressure and Tread Depth Handling in the snow depends on good tires, especially with snow and ice forming on the roads. With a few simple steps, the technician can check your tires. First, they will use a gauge to test the tire pressure, and match it to the num ... read more

All good technicians in Chevy Chase, MD will tell you the key to keeping your car at peak performance means staying up to date on routine auto service. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t follow this basic advice. Instead, they put off oil changes and tune ups, thinking they will take their car in as soon as they start having a problem. This is backward. The routine maintenance and regular checks will help you avoid costly car problems and more extensive repairs. A survey by the Car Care Council noted that: • Overall 89% of cars needed at least one service • 25% had dirty or low engine oil • 18% had filthy air filters • 18% needed new belts • 17% had low coolant levels or inadequate cooling protection • 16% needed new wiper blades • 13% had contaminated or low brake fluid What Happens During a Routine Auto Service? A few routine servi ... read more

In difficult economic times, some drivers choose to keep their vehicle instead of upgrading to a new one. This is a great way to save money, but having an older car usually means keeping up on routine maintenance and repairs. For this, you need a reliable auto repair shop in Chevy Chase, MD. But how do you ensure the place you choose has certified and experienced mechanics? Here are some steps to follow: 1. Certifications If you ask, the managers or mechanics should be happy to show you proof of their credentials. They should be ASE certified and belong to an organization for qualified mechanics. If they get defensive, or can’t show you their certifications, that is your cue to leave. Your car is too much of an investment and holds too much value for you to just let anyone with a wrench work on it. 2. References You want to find an auto repair shop with excellent references ... read more

The brake systems on modern vehicles typically consist of drum brakes in the rear and disk brakes in the front. The brakes are controlled by the master cylinder which is connected to the system by a series of hoses and tubes. These braking systems are critical in and need to work perfectly to keep you safe while driving in Chevy Chase. As such, they require regular checks and services. How Brakes Work When you step on the brake pedal you activate a plunger in the master cylinder. This forces the brake fluid hydraulic oil that does not compress) through the brake lines to the brake unit at each wheel. While the fluid can wind easily through the tubes, it acts like a steel rod, causing an instantaneous reaction. It arrives at the brake units with the same pressure it originated with. On a disk brake, the fluid enters a caliper and presses a piston. The piston squeezes the brake pads against the rotor (disk). The friction forces t ... read more

When you experience car trouble, it’s important to have it fixed quickly. Many Gaithersburg residents need their cars on a day to day basis to go to work, run errands, and care for their families. This is why it’s so important to have an auto repair shop you trust before problems arise. Still, many drivers find it difficult to know how reliable an auto repair shop really is. To help ensure you find the best Gaithersburg, MD auto repair shop for your vehicle we have created a short list of tips for you to review. 1. Ask for Recommendations. Friends and family are a great source for knowing which auto repair shops are most reliable. Considering that these are the people that care about you the most, you can trust that you are receiving an honest review. Word of mouth reviews allows you to have your vehicle repaired without having to pay excess repair fees or falling into any scams. 2. Find ... read more

Drivers in Gaithersburg and around the country often put off auto repairs until it’s too late. But, there is one repair in particular that should never be delayed. Your brakes can be considered one of the most important parts for keeping your vehicle and your life safe. Still, many drivers aren’t aware of the tell-tale signs that their brakes need to be repaired or replaced entirely. To help keep you safe on the road, we have put together a short list of signs to be aware of while driving. If you notice any of these signs, we highly recommend bringing your vehicle in immediately to have your brakes examined. You Hear a Squealing Noise When You Apply the Brakes. Odd noises are one of the most common signs that a car is in need of a repair. If you are greeted with a high pitch squealing noise every time you apply pressure to your brakes, chances are they have become worn down and are in need of a repair. Your Brake Dashboard Light ... read more

Most drivers in Gaithersburg believe that auto service is only necessary when larger problems occur, but the truth is having your car serviced regularly can save you from needing more expensive repairs in the future. Simple services like having your oil changed, your brakes checked, or your tires examined can even help prevent car accidents from occurring. Still, many drivers are unsure of which auto services need to be performed on a regular basis, and how often. To help with this issue, we have put together a short list of auto services to have performed on your vehicle throughout the year. By following this list, you can keep your vehicle in top quality, saving you time and money while keeping you safe. Every Month Complete these services once a month to keep your car driving smoothly. • Oil Levels Have oil levels checked, as well as tank checked for any leaks • Hoses Have any bulging ... read more

When it comes to fixing a vehicle, most Rockville drivers can’t afford miscommunications to occur with their auto repair shop. Auto repair is something all drivers want to go quickly, efficiently and affordably, which is why it’s so vital that drivers ask the right questions up front. To ensure you have a quality experience with your Rockville, MD auto repair shop, we highly recommend asking the following questions prior to having your car repaired. Most auto shops will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have, and if not, they likely do not offer the type of customer service you deserve. 1. What experience do you have working on my car model? Not all cars are created equal, and some cars require special equipment and computers to analyze the problem. In some models, special training is required to repair the vehicle. To ensure your car is being left in the right hands, find out how m ... read more

Today, many Rockville drivers are attempting DIY car repairs with the intention of saving money. While handling your own auto service may work for simple services like topping off your windshield fluid, or even changing your oil, most auto services should be completed by an auto repair technician. By choosing to take on a car repair yourself, you may face some major issues arising down the road. So, how bad can servicing your own vehicle really be? To give you an idea, we have put together this list of issues that can arise when attempting auto service without a professional. You Can Endanger Yourself and Your Family. First, and most importantly, doing your own auto service can put you and your family at risk on the road. In order for your car to drive smoothly, all parts must work together. Even parts that seem insignificant can take a toll on the rest of your vehicle over time. Professionals are aware of the small details that most drivers d ... read more