The Best Foreign and Domestic Auto Repair in Columbia SC at Your Service

We all know, not every auto repair shop is as good as the next.  A good auto repair shop or great mechanic is nothing without their customers.  I’d like to take a moment to thank all of the many, many customers that have allowed me to serve them since 1989.  We have worked hard to create happy, loyal customers here in our auto repair shop in Columbia, SC.  In recent years, we’ve worked to reach out to drivers across the country as we branched out online, doing our best to provide information that is important to any driver.  While I’m always happy to hear from satisfied customers from the Columbia area, I also love the comments and emails that come from the cyber world. 

For over 30 years, our ASE Master Certified Mechanic has been servicing your domestic and foreign auto repair needs.  Our blogs offer advice and how to tutorials on car repairs that can safely be done at home, with a little guidance of course.  As we continue to add more and more automotive related information and auto repair tutorials to our blogs, I wanted to make sure you knew where else you can find all of this great automotive info and mechanic tips.  

In addition to our blogs here and on Merchant Circle, our website offers all kinds of useful information.  You can learn more about the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro, Mike Sanford, how to find our shop conveniently located off of I-20 on Wilson Blvd., or get all types of automotive related matter from tips to tutorials on the blog.  Our website is updated multiple times a week and you can also set an auto repair appointment there too!  Yes, I said an appointment.  Better yet, we will even set your auto repair appointment for a Saturday.  Just another of the many ways that we strive to make your auto repair experience as easy and stress free as possible.

Read the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro Blog now!

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Sanford’s Automotive Service has been offering the greater Columbia metro area superior auto repairs and service at great prices since 1989.  We are located at 7917 Wilson Blvd., all you have to do is take exit 71 off of I-20 and you'll be the best shop for everything from exhaust and muffler repair, to brakes, oil changes, transmissions, rear end repair, or about any other type of foreign or domestic auto repair need you may have.  Contact us any time, online or by phone at 803-735-7902.

Mechanic’s Brake Repair Diagnosis – Auto Repair Tips from Columbia, SC

Your car’s brake system is of paramount importance to your car, truck or other automobile. If you do not recognize the warning signs of faulty brakes, you may find yourself in a dangerous or even fatal situation.

Brake Problems – What it May Sound Like

Brake repair is a serious issue.  If your brakes start emitting squeaking noises, it is time to have a closer look at your brakes. An even more alarming noise you might hear is a scraping or grinding sound. Grinding, scraping and squeaking noises usually indicate the need to find a mechanic or auto repair professional to inspect and probably perform some form of brake repair or brake component replacement.

Brake Problems – Other Warning Signs

There are many things you may notice happening with your auto that can indicate the presence of brake problems. Misaligned brakes can create vibrations in your steering. Misaligned or brakes that are improperly aligned could be a result of improper installation or it is possible that they have shifted by cause of an auto accident. If you continue driving with brakes that are improperly aligned, you are risking yourself and the other drivers sharing the road. A mechanic or auto repair shop can fix this or other brake problems, getting you back behind the wheel safely.

Changes in the feel of the brakes are also a big indicator of trouble. Brakes that are unresponsive, or have a spongy or soft feel to them when you slow or are stopping, point to problems located within the brake system. Brake problems left without proper repair result in larger, more complicated problems. To make certain your brake repairs are safely and properly completed, you should take your auto to a trusted mechanic or reputable auto repair facility. In the Columbia, SC metro area, Sanford’s Automotive Service is a great choice for all brake repair problems you may have!

What Does It All Mean?

When your car’s brakes start emitting worrisome noises or even worse, cause disruption to the proper function of the brake system, you likely need professional brake repair. Squeaking, scraping and grinding noises are often signs that the brake pads, and in some instances, the rotors, need to be replaced. Other signs of brake trouble can often be caused by worn, cracked or otherwise damaged brake linings. Sometimes these types of trouble can be a result of air in your brake lines. 

Because of the seriousness of brake problems and the importance of safety, all brake repairs should be handled by a well trained mechanic or auto repair shop experienced in brake repair. If you are particularly knowledgeable regarding auto repairs, and have adequate knowledge of the make and model of vehicle, brake repairs could be done yourself. NEVER drive with brake repairs unless you feel completely safe driving with a repair you have had done or completed yourself. 

You should always be confident that capable hands have performed your brake repairs because it could be a matter of life and death.

Fuel Problems - Engine Cranks - Car Won’t Start! Auto Repair Tips

There may be little as frustrating as a car that won’t start.  Even worse is an engine that cranks but STILL won’t start!  Before you head off to the auto repair shop, let’s take a look at what one of the problems could be.  An informed car owner is much better prepared to deal with a mechanic or auto repair shop when you understand where your problems lie.

To start, your engine requires sufficient fuel pressure, an accurately timed spark and normal compression.  If your car or truck engine cranks, but will not start, you are likely having trouble in one of these areas.

NO FUEL – Engine Cranks, No Fuel Getting Through

A faulty or bad fuel pump could be the culprit.  Your fuel pump should engage for a moment when the key is turned on to start the car.  If you do not hear a light buzz sound when the ignition key is turned, fuel is likely not making it to the engine. You should also look under the car to inspect your fuel lines. Fuel lines that are plugged up or pinched off can stop fuel from properly circulating through the system. 

Another culprit could be your fuel pump relay. When the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump relay gets energized by PCM, routing power to the fuel pump.

Wiring could be another issue.  There is a hard to reach connector on top of the fuel tank that should be checked.  Open wiring anywhere within the fuel pump’s wiring circuit can cause a no fuel to your engine issue.

Although it may sound simple, make sure there is actually fuel in the tank.  It is not uncommon for the fuel gauge to malfunction or even stop working entirely.  Contaminated gas, or bad gas, can also cause problems.  If this sort of auto problem arises just after filling your tank, you may want to consider that the gas is the problem.

A clogged or plugged fuel filter is another problem with a fairly simple remedy. Replacing the fuel filter may take care of the problem, but if rust is in your fuel tank, you may also have to get the whole fuel tank cleaned or replaced.

The fuel pressure regulator controls the fuel pressure into the injectors.  This is crucial in starting the car because it maintains the proper balance of air and fuel.  If you have a leaky fuel pressure regulator, you may need to have an auto repair shop or mechanic replace it. 

If you have no power to the fuel injectors at all when the ignition key is turned on, you need to determine why.  The PCM grounds one side of the injector circuit in order to pulse the injectors.  A bad PCM driver circuit, malfunctioning fuel injector relay, no signal reaching the PCM from your cam position sensor or crank position sensor, or even a blown fuse can be to blame.

If none of the above seems to be the problem, you may be experiencing a major vacuum leak. This could be due to an open EGR valve. This can also be caused by a disconnected PCV valve or vacuum hose, either of which may create a significant vacuum leak, allowing a high volume of air to suck into your engine. Vacuum leaks disrupt the air and fuel mixture, causing the engine to idle roughly if it runs or making it hard to start at all. 

Next time we’ll take a look at the other reasons your car or truck may crank but still not start.  As a Columbia, SC auto repair shop owner I want to inform drivers (and potential customers) about what their car troubles are and why they happen.  If you have car questions or need to schedule an auto repair or maintenance appointment in the greater Columbia, SC area, Sanford’s is happy to make you their newest loyal customer!