Springfield Auto Repair

If your car's cooling system seems to mulfanction, it could lead to severe problems—including engine damage. That's why it's essential to be aware of the signs that your cooling system may be in trouble, so you can take action before it's too late. Here are the top signs the cooling system is in trouble1. Engine is overheating If the engine temperature gauge reads higher than the average reading or steam comes under the hood, the engine is overheating. Continued overheating can cause engine damage which also affects the cooling system. Such problems need immediate response to avoid more damage. 2. Leaking coolant If your car is leaking coolant, it signifies a leak in your cooling system. Coolant leaks can mean holes in the radiator or a loose connection between the cooling system and the hoses. Such issues need professional help so that they may find the cause of the leakage. 3. Low coolant level ... read more

As your vehicle ages, it is normal to spring a few leaks. Some leaks can have no consequences, while others can be detrimental to the vehicle's overall function. Most drivers may not be able to positively identify the type of liquid leaking, which is why you should take your vehicle to the repair shop. Here are some examples of liquids that could be leaking from your vehicle. 1. Engine Oil Your car could be losing engine oil from a compromised point in the car structure. An engine oil leak is not good news for your vehicle as it poses a serious risk to your safety when driving. If your car is leaking engine oil, you will notice dark brown, sometimes black, pools of liquid underneath your car when you take it from its parking spot. You may also notice a burning smell when you heat the engine. 2. Transmission fluids If your transmission fluid leaks, you will realize your car is losing power while driving. Manual cars may just slip out of gear at random times without reason. Tran ... read more

Most car owners are unaware of the distinction between serpentine and timing belts. People may use these two terms interchangeably. However, the serpentine belt and timing belt perform entirely separate functions. However, both are essential components of an internal combustion engine. In fact, the engine must be operating in order for these belts to operate. While operating, they aid other vehicle components. Here are the primary distinctions between these two belts. They perform different functions The serpentine belt transfers mechanical energy from the engine to the water pump, power steering pump, alternator, air pump, oil pump, and air conditioning compressor, among other peripheral components. In contrast, a timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft motions. Serpentine belts are visible When you open the hood to inspect the engine block, you should be able to see the serpentine belt, which is a thin rubber belt that coils around various engin ... read more

A Second Chance for Sarah For most of her life, Sarah found herself in and out of addiction. The constant pendulum swing between substance abuse forced her to cycle through nine different rehab programs to try and get clean. Sarah felt defeated. Back in prison, Sarah was desperate to break free of the turbulent spiral she found herself in. While there she learned about Victory’s Restoration Program and applied. She recalls in her interview with Mark McKnelly, the Director of Restoration. As she unveiled her story of brokeness, a small part of her was hoping he would reject her. “Because I had given up on myself,” Sarah confessed. After her interview with Mark, she was admitted into Victory’s Restoration Program. Not everything has been easy for Sarah since she arrived at Victory. She divulged that originally she was suspicious of the process and afraid of what she needed to work through in order to begin rebuilding her life. But Sarah stayed one day after an ... read more

Did you know that your car has various braking systems, not just one? Cars nowadays have an ABS or an anti-lock braking system. And similar to your drum brakes or disc brakes, they require special attention too. Read on to learn more about the fine ABS.   The anti-lock braking system is a secondary braking system that kicks in when there is an emergency situation, such as brake failure. When you have to drive in severe weather conditions, like heavy rain or snow,  anti-lock brakes can come to the rescue. They prevent your front or rear brakes from locking up and losing control. Most automobiles today come with ABS brakes, which is why it is important for you to understand this life-saving feature.    Just like your everyday brakes, the ABS system can falter. Below are some of the common signs that indicate you need ABS repairs. ABS Warning Light Comes on Dashboard - This is one of the easiest dashboard warning lights to read because its symbol typically has the ... read more

Image by Marissa Grootes from Unsplash   Summer Travel and Your Family  Road trip season is upon us, Springfield!    Now that the weather is a little more consistent, you might be planning a trip or two to St. Louis, KC, Branson, or even somewhere a little further! It’s essential to prepare accordingly and ensure your vehicle is ready to make the trip. Having your car in tip-top shape will keep you and your family safe. Before heading out, make sure to check the following:   Tires. Check your tire pressure, tread, and alignment.   Fluids. Make sure you’ve got coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and that your oil has been replaced recently, especially if you’re going far out of town.   Any warning lights. If you’ve been ignoring a warning light on your dashboard, now is the time to make sure nothing serious is going on ... read more

Image by Skica911 from Pixabay  Why We Always Remind Our Customers of Fluid Exchanges  It’s hard to get through a heavy workout without some water or an electrolyte drink (or for my less-active friends, it’s hard to get through a sporting event without something to sip on, right?). Your car also has various fluids that need to be constantly exchanged and replaced for your vehicle to run correctly.    Vehicle fluids prevent overheating, lubricate the parts of your vehicle, and keep your car running. We always remind our customers how important vehicle exchanges are, because they can determine your safety on the road.  What Is A Fluid Exchange? Fluid exchange is pretty straightforward, though the technical term may make it sound complicated. Simply put, an “exchange” will happen between the old used-up fluids and new fluid ... read more

Image by tekhnika from Pixabay  Enjoying Spring in Springfield, MO  Every Midwesterner knows that Spring is a time of great unpredictability. We haven’t quite put away our Winter sweaters (because there could be snow on the horizon). Still, we will begin to pull out our Summer shorts (because it will be between 70-80 every once in a while). We are planning out this year’s garden, prepping this Summer’s vacation plans, and waiting for our cars to thaw out before going to work in the morning.  Things To Check In the Spring  If you think you’re living in limbo, imagine how your car feels. You might be switching between heat and AC weekly, and driving over snow then back-roading with the windows down in the same week. Now is an excellent time to check for damage done by the cold weather and prepare y ... read more

Image by Satya Tiwari from Pixabay    People can be very odd with their car. While a car is an inanimate object with no sense of pride or emotional connection, we put a bit of ourselves into cars the longer we own them: sometimes naming them, sometimes talking to them.    It’s funny and a bit sad, the way we sometimes treat our cars. Often, a person’s relationship with their vehicle reflects the way they date. Neglect and abuse are just as harmful to your car as your partner. But a car can’t give you children and can’t parent the children you have, so there’s less reason to stay ‘married’ to the car you have when a bright, shiny ... read more

Photo by Chris Briggs on Unsplash   With February, we have the romance of St. Valentine’s Day, and of course, the complicated math of tax season has begun! Within a month or two, we’ll be submitting our taxes and hoping for a good return on our taxes this year.    When the refund arrives, different Missourians will spend their refund on different things. Some will spend their refund on a luxury they’ve wanted, like a new computer or a brand new phone. Some will put it towards rent or utilities, or even put it in the bank where it can begin earning interest for them. Some will spend their refund on a much-needed vacation.   If you don’t have your tax return ear-marked for a debt or a crisis, w ... read more