The Importance of Professional Auto Maintenance, Car Repair and Check-Ups

Autos are always an expensive investment, and can become even more expensive when future car or truck repairs and maintenance are factored in. If not taken care of well right from the start, you may not get another chance at keeping your auto running as well as it should. Having regular maintenance and automotive check-ups reduces the chances of getting pulled over for small vehicle violations like burnt auto bulbs, and increases your odds of finding auto problems before they require extensive or high cost auto repairs. Most importantly, regular professional auto maintenance and checkups will greatly reduces your chances of unexpected break downs leaving you in a bad situation on the side of the road.

A certified mechanic will perform a car or truck repairs with an expert hand, but will also inspect the entire car. Don’t wait for something to go terribly wrong. You should never take your vehicle to just any auto repair shop or mechanic. Think carefully about who you trust to perform your auto repairs and vehicle maintenance.

Professional automotive repair and maintenance means you should be dealing with a true expert in auto repairs. This does not mean that they are looking to charge you hundreds for a replacement or checkup like some may do. A true professional auto repair shop or reputable certified mechanic looks at every part of your car and makes sure that it is working as well as it can. A professional mechanic may want to have a look at the vehicle’s fluids, engine, brakes, tires, air conditioning and heating systems and possibly even your auto glass in some cases.

A mechanic checks often checks fluids for proper levels, normal color and viscosity, and to determine if there is any leakage occurring. Auto repair professionals will measure your coolant, oil, brake and transmission fluids. Proper inspection will make sure your automotive systems both holding fluids adequately and circulate properly.

A reputable mechanic may also want to take a look at your electrical connections and auto wiring. This is to determine if all of your automotive lights, blinkers, flashers and signal lights are properly attached and not worn or stripped away in areas. It is not uncommon for auto troubles to be attributed to things like damaged lines or badly worn cables, which could even cause fires in some cases.

Also to be examined is your brakes. Squeaky, squealing brakes may not cause an accident, but they do require an auto repair. Your auto repair shop can measure the pressure build-up, examine low pressure warnings, locate leaks in your air pressure system and see whether your brakes are responding as they should. Brake repairs of some type are needed on nearly every car or truck at some time or another.

As a final point, it is especially important to check your tires well.  There should be a visual inspection of your tires as well as a check on their air pressure. Underinflated tires heat up easily and reduce your car’s fuel efficiency. An auto repair shop or certified mechanic looks for cracks, damage or areas of excessive wear in the tires that might warrant tire replacement. Driving on bad or nearly bad tires reduces the traction between your tire and the road surface.  This increases your chances of having serious auto accidents.

Bringing your car in for maintenance, auto repairs or other auto servicing should not be simply about fixing a glitch. You need care for your entire car. You need an auto repair shop that cares about your vehicle as much as you do. Come to Sanford’s Automotive Service in Columbia, SC.  Our auto repair shop and ASE Certified Master Mechanic will be happy to service your auto, domestic or foreign.  Sanford’s has served the drivers of the greater Columbia area with the best auto service, superior customer service and affordable auto repair prices since 1989.

Rear End Differential Repairs w Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Need work on your rear end differential? Before you go in for rear differential repairs, check out our list of common signs that indicate rear differential problems.

 

Rear Differential Basics

The differential is in charge of distributing torque in the crankshaft to your car’s wheels.  Without a differential working, you auto is worthless. You need the rear differential to be able to transfer power from your engine to the wheels.

 

Signs of Rear Differential Trouble

The only real symptom of rear differential problems is noises.  The noises are created by friction, but unfortunately, they sometimes are not very noticeable.  They are often believed to be a tire noise and ignored.  Properly diagnosing rear end differential noises before it is entirely shot is always to your advantage.

 

Sounds of Rear Differential Problems

 

Rear Differential Humming Noises

Humming noises are usually the most common early sign that you have trouble.  Grinding gears within the rear differential causes this humming sound.  Low lubricant level is often the cause when discovered at this early a stage.  Sometimes some slight adjustments or an increase in lubricant levels will get things working again.  All of the gears in your rear end differential MUST work in total precision.  Over time, grinding gears will cause more extensive damage if not repaired or replaced.

 

Rear Differential Growling Noise When Turning

Once you are beyond just gear damage, your rear differential will growl.  It may sound like tire noise but differential growling is only heard while your vehicle is turning.  You are likely already looking at a permanently damaged ring and pinion.  This is where things get a bit serious.  Getting the ring and pinion replaced requires that you to get to a trusted auto repair shop, like ours in Columbia, SC.  If your differential problems worsen much before getting to your mechanic, the vehicle may potentially seize completely should the rear differential fail entirely.  The wheels stop turning, leaving your vehicle dead in its tracks.

 

Automobile Vibrations

By the time the rear differential causes vibrations, you are already too late.  Just prior to complete failure the rear differential can cause the automobile to vibrate, most often at high speeds.  The vibration could be felt in the floor, but usually occurs throughout the entire vehicle.  Once this has happened and your differential breaks down entirely, your ability to accelerate will be affected and fluids begin leaking.  At this point you need a tow to a reputable auto repair shop to get an entire rear end differential replacement.

Because of the importance of the rear end differential, always get it checked promptly if you suspect any trouble with the rear differential.  Catching this problem early on will save you cash and buy time.  Stop our auto repair shop to have your rear differential Checked out today.  To set an auto repair appointment to fit your schedule, call 803-735-7902.

 

Sanford’s Automotive Service has proudly served the Columbia, SC metro area with top quality domestic and foreign auto repair since 1989.  Sanford’s Automotive Service offers the auto repair experience you need and the superior customer service you deserve.