Springfield Auto Repair

In the world of automotive safety, few innovations have been as impactful as airbags. These inflatable cushions have saved countless lives in the event of a collision, making them a critical component of modern cars. But, like all safety features, airbags require attention and care. The question is, should airbags be maintained or inspected? The Lifesaving Role of Airbags Before delving into maintenance and inspection, it's essential to understand why airbags are so crucial. In a collision, the sudden deceleration can propel passengers forward, leading to potentially severe injuries. Airbags act as a buffer, rapidly inflating to cushion the impact and prevent occupants from striking hard surfaces within the car. They are, in essence, a second line of defense after seat belts, designed to reduce the risk of head, chest, and other serious injuries. Why Maintenance MattersDependability Like any mechanical component, airbags can ... read more

Having to replace your tires prematurely can be a costly affair. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your tires and save money in the long run. Read on for some valuable tips to help you maximize the lifespan of your tires. Tip #1: Maintain Proper Tire Pressure One of the most important factors in prolonging tire life is maintaining the correct tire pressure. Underinflated or overinflated tires can wear out quickly and unevenly. By routinely checking your tire pressure using a reliable gauge and inflating them to the recommended level specified in your vehicle's owner's manual, you can maximize their wear. Not only will your tires last longer, but they can run efficiently and positively impact fuel efficiency as well. Tip #2: Rotate Your Tires Regularly Tire rotation is essential for even wear distribution. Front and rear tires tend to wear differently due to weight distribution and steering forces. By rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 mi ... read more

A battery is the life force of your vehicle. It provides the electrical energy necessary to start the engine and power the electronics. However, car battery failure can occur unexpectedly, leaving you stranded and needing a jump start or replacement. Understanding the most common causes of car battery failure can help you take preventive measures to avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Below are the most common causes of car battery failure. Human Negligence Although external factors can contribute to car battery failure, human oversight often takes center stage. One prevalent mistake is leaving interior lights, radios, and infotainment systems on when the engine is inactive, resulting in battery power depletion and the risk of early failure. Furthermore, even leaving car doors partially open can activate interior or dashboard lights, leading to prolonged battery drain and a reduced lifespan. End of a Battery's Life Cycle Car batteries, just like h ... read more

A vehicle's tires are essential to safety and performance. By driving a car with worn-out tires, your car will perform poorly, and be putting others at risk. Therefore, you should always inspect your tires to check if they are roadworthy. The following is how you can tell if you need new tires: Cracks Tires will age and deteriorate naturally with use. Heat, ice, water, and other chemicals that react with rubber will lead to tire degradation. When your tires have cracks due to wear and tear, it is time to get new tires. These tires are a major risk because they may lead to a tire bust and possibly a road accident. The good news is that it is easy to check for and notice cracks in tires. Tread Depth The most common way of knowing if your tires need replacing is to check their treads. Tire treads should create friction between the tires and the road. The deeper the treads, the more grip the tires have. Therefore, the tire treads should be as deep as possible. If the treads are ... read more

Have you ever been driving down the road and heard a sudden roar or rumble coming from your vehicle's exhaust system? It is most likely a muffler you're hearing. As an essential component of your vehicle's exhaust system, the muffler plays a crucial role in reducing noise and directing harmful emissions away from the cabin. However, the muffler is subject to wear and tear over time, which can lead to potential problems that require immediate attention.  If you're wondering how to tell if your vehicle requires muffler repairs, here are some of the tell-tale signs: Unusual Noises: One of the most noticeable indicators of a muffler issue is the presence of strange noises. If you hear a loud roar, rattling, or hissing sounds coming from your exhaust system, it's likely a sign of a muffler malfunction. These noises may occur during acceleration, idling, or even when the engine is off.  Decreased Fuel Efficiency: If you detect a sudden drop i ... read more

When it comes to staying comfortable in your car, the air conditioning (AC) system is a key player. It can keep you cool in the summer months and help defog your windshield in the winter. However, like any other component in your vehicle, the AC system requires regular maintenance to work properly. Here are some benefits of getting your AC serviced at an auto repair shop: Improved Air Quality: During an AC service, your technician will replace the cabin air filter, which can become clogged with dirt and debris over time. A/C service will ultimately improve the quality of the air that you breathe inside your car. Better Fuel Efficiency: When your AC system is not working correctly, it can put extra strain on your engine, reducing fuel efficiency. Regular AC maintenance can help prevent this and keep your car running efficiently. Increased Resale Value: A well-maintained AC system can increase the resale value of your car. People are ... read more

The car market has become so big that it might be difficult to choose what to buy. This especially applies if you are on a budget, because you will want to get the most for your money. If you have a budget and are confused about which car to pick, you are in the right place. We will give you four vehicles in different shapes and sizes - a sedan, an SUV, and a truck. Keep in mind that prices may range depending on the trim and that most of them are for the used market. Sedan - 2023 Hyundai Elantra Surprisingly, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra comes just at the right price for this list. It has a great exterior, which looks much more classy than its price range. The engine powering the Elantra is an inline-4 making a decent 147 HP. And when talking about the interior, it's clean and very good for the price tag. It's a perfect pick for a first-time driver or family because of its safety features and spacious interior. SUV - 2020 BMW X3 If you are loo ... read more

The cooling system in a vehicle is an essential component that plays a crucial role in keeping the engine operating at a safe temperature. Without it, the engine would overheat and potentially suffer severe damage. In this blog, we'll further explore the cooling system's function, and components and why it's critical to keeping the overall health of a vehicle. What Is The Cooling System? The cooling system is a network of components that work together to regulate the engine's temperature. The system circulates coolant - a mixture of water and antifreeze - throughout the engine block, cylinder heads, and radiator to absorb and transfer heat away from the engine. The coolant then returns to the radiator to release the absorbed heat into the atmosphere. How Does The Cooling System Work? The cooling system uses a water pump to circulate the coolant throughout the engine. The water pump is typically driven by a belt connected to the engine's crankshaft. As the engine ... read more

As the temperatures drop in the winter, having a working car heater is essential for staying warm and comfortable on the road. But how does a car heater work, and when might you need to have it repaired? Here's everything you need to know. How Do Car Heaters Work? A car heater utilizes hot coolant from the engine to heat the air inside the car. The hot coolant is circulated through a heater core, which works similarly to the radiator. A fan then blows air across the heater core, which warms the air and sends it into the passenger cabin. What Are Common Problems with Car Heaters? There are several things that can go wrong with a car heater. One of the most common problems is a leak in the coolant system, which can prevent the heater from working properly. Another common issue is a faulty thermostat, which can make the heater blow cold air instead of warm air. A broken fan or a clogged heater core can also cause heater malfunctions. What Are the Signs of a Broken Car Heater? If ... read more

Always remember to winterize your car before you drive in the cold weather—the steps you can take include taking your car to your mechanic for a maintenance check-up. Also, equip your car with the necessary tools for safety as you anticipate the driving condition to worsen in the rain, snow, and ice. Here is everything about winter driving tips, from checking your tires to preparing your winter emergency kit. 1. Winterize Your Car Visit your mechanic and ask them to prepare your car for winter. An experienced mechanic will check lights such as emergency flashers, headlights, and turn signals if necessary. They will also check the windshield wipers and ensure that they work. Add high-quality winter deicer to the vehicle's reservoir. You can also add antifreeze ahead of the weather change. 2. Find The Right Tires for Winter Ensure your car's tyre thread is approximately 3 mm before winter. Having legal tires for winter driving c ... read more