Auto Repair Safety Advice with Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Performing a number of auto repairs yourself can save you money, but only if you make sure you’re doing it right.   

Many automotive repairs and maintenance tasks can be fixed or repaired by anyone willing to properly research and follow instructions exactly.  There are also many safety aspects that should be remembered.

This information offers advice in steering clear of home auto repair dangers.  Some appear to be common sense, but still are worthy of your attention.

NEVER start on a repair that you do not feel completely comfortable taking on. If you are unsure about the repair, always find a profession mechanic to complete the job. You are better off paying a professional than attempting to repair alone and ultimately creating a bigger problem or, even worse, more damage. Many automotive systems are extremely complex. Repairs sometimes call for considerable skill and expertise, as well as special tools and equipment. A simple mistake can result in damaging expensive electronic components.

Another factor to consider is physical limitations. Replacing or repairing certain components may require heavy lifting, crawling beneath a vehicle, laying or working in uncomfortable, awkward positions, not to mention all of the reaching, pulling, bending, twisting, straining and multiple strenuous activities a body may not be accustomed to.  Use your common sense concerning these things.

Auto repairs need your complete and full attention. DO NOT attempt to perform ANY auto maintenance or auto repair if you are tired, feeling bad, even a little intoxicated, taking any medication or anything which may otherwise impair your motor skills or concentration in any way. 

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

 

• NEVER smoke or create any type of spark while working on ANY fuel system components. This means your fuel filter, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel injectors, and gas tank or fuel lines.

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• Have a fire extinguisher handy for any unexpected accidents. Be sure that the fire extinguisher has a "B" (for use with liquids & grease fires) and "C" (for use in electrical fires) rating.

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• NEVER smoke or allow sparks anyplace near the car battery! This battery contains hydrogen gas that is very volatile. If jump starting, always make the final jumper connection to the engine or chassis. Sparks in the vicinity of the car battery may cause an explosion!

Be sure to check back often for more from the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro. Sanford’s Automotive Service wants to keep every driver informed, up to date, and SAFELY navigating the road!

Exhaust Problems & Noises - Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro Info

Exhaust noises mean exhaust problems.  And when you have exhaust problems, you need to get them taken care of quick.  Some unresolved exhaust issues could become deadly to your passengers or yourself.   

The first step in solving any auto trouble situation is locating the source.  When your auto repair troubles lie with your exhaust system, there are many tell-tale noises you may be able to use to help diagnose your specific exhaust problem.  Once diagnosed, you can then determine if you need an auto repair shop that offers muffler and exhaust repairs.

One sound you may be hearing while your engine is running is a rattling or buzzing sort of noise. This is at times caused by loose heat shields that are located in the region of your catalytic converter or exhaust pipes. Rust weakens spot welds that are holding the heat shields to the exhaust system. When a shield has gotten loose enough to start vibrating it may create a rattling or buzzing noise that can often be heard through the whole car. There are other noises that may only be able to be detected while running at certain RPMs or only when you are decelerating.  This is attributable to harmonic vibrations.  The vibrations are shaking your exhaust system at a resounding frequency.

Finding loose heat shields can get tricky because they are not always easily visible.  a medium-sized screwdriver can aid in inspecting shields, utilizing it to check for looseness. If you do find a loose spot weld, loose heat shields can be re-secured by re-welding, and in some cases, by installing some clamps. Replacement of a heat shield is recommended if badly rusted or showing other more extensive damage. NEVER remove a loose heat shield without replacing it! These are necessary parts to keep the intense heat away from the car’s floor pan and other sensitive mechanisms in the vicinity.

Another buzzing variety of noise you may hear originating from your exhaust is harmonic resonance. This is frequently seen with high revving four-cylinder engines.  This type of noise is typically loudest when operating at certain RPMs or while accelerating hard, especially if you are with a load.

If your exhaust related noises seem to come from the tailpipe, you need to listen carefully.  If the sound being produced is a whistle or high-pitched hiss, you may have a restriction within your exhaust system.  This restriction causes abnormally high backpressure.  Another issue often associated with this backpressure is the engine lacking high-speed power.  Experiencing reduced fuel mileage is also another indication that your engine is having problems exhaling.

Mufflers and exhaust pipes will all start rusting and get rotted sooner or later.  If your vehicle is or has been exposed to large quantities of winter road salt or if it is often driven for short-trips with heavy stop-and-go driving, you may experience this type of damage to appear sooner. Short trips create a high level of condensation in the exhaust system.  This is because your muffler and pipes are not being allowed time to reach a high enough temperature to evaporate this water. When your muffler is found further from the converter in the back of the vehicle, moisture will pool inside your muffler, which creates rust and erosion from within. As this water combines with sulfur in the exhaust it creates highly corrosive acids that will then begin to eat through the exhaust system’s metal parts.

Mufflers and resonators that are behind your rear axle are typically quite vulnerable to this kind of corrosion.  This is because they usually run a lot cooler than a front-mounted muffler, creating a moisture trap.  They often experience trouble or failure due to internal corrosion.

Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

Some auto repair shops have a better reputation than others.  You need make sure the repair shop you choose fits your needs.  For instance, not all auto repair shops have an ASE Certified Master Mechanic on staff.  Different auto shops will often provide different areas of expertise as well.  Here are some tips that should help you locate the right mechanic or car repair shop for you!

1. Go online – Check opinions and reviews!

Company websites are a great start.  Every business wants to highlight their reviews, especially if they’re great!  Independent auto repair review websites and customer opinion sites are other great sources in starting your search.  Print resources only give credentials and bullet points, but these days, you can locate scores of review sites offering valuable, honest opinions from verified actual customers.  Looking for a starting point? Try typing a shop’s name and city in quotations into the search bar.  For instance, try running a search on the terms “Sanford’s Automotive Service Columbia SC”.  The results that you get should bring a variety of places where we can be found online, plus several places you can go to read actual reviews from our customers.

2. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

You need to make sure that the shop you choose has experience with your particular make and model.  How do we determine this?  By calling and asking questions.  In addition to asking about your make and model, if you already know what specific repair you need, ask about their experience with that sort of repair too.  If a mechanic or the shop owner fails to sound confident in their abilities to fix your trouble or if they give a run-around type of answer, hang up and cross them off the list.   

3. Verify the mechanic or auto shop credentials!

Ask about the mechanic or the shop’s credentials.  A mechanic that has been certified and truly is qualified will not have a problem producing documentation of their credentials. Not every auto repair you get will need a Certified Master Mechanic, but when you are facing major repairs you definitely want the repair performed by an adequately qualified technician. 

4. Drop in for a visit.

Stop by and have a look around.  How do things look? Does the facility appear to be properly maintained and somewhat orderly?  No auto facility is going to be spotlessly clean, but you shouldn’t find it in a completely chaotic state either.  A quick look should give you enough to go on…if anything doesn’t look quite right, I’d suggest you move on.

5. The tools of the trade

What kind of equipment do they have? What about the tools they are they using? Did things look to be well maintained?  Does this auto repair shop utilize computer diagnostics?  If there do not appear to be updates and upgrades to meet current vehicles’ needs, you might decide to continue the search for the right auto repair shop for you.

6. What kind of guarantees do you get?

Every good mechanic will proudly stand behind the work they have performed.  Any reputable auto repair shop also offers a warranty of some sort on work performed at their shop.  Some of the auto parts that are being replaced may come with a manufacturer warranty. In addition to that, the auto repair shop itself should offer some type of guarantee on the installation or labor performed on your automobile.

7. If time allows, get estimates.

If you are able to, try to get multiple estimates on any repair job. Auto dealerships almost always charge much more than independent mechanics and stand alone auto repair shops.  To ensure you are not getting overcharged you should ask a variety of mechanics and repair shops for their price.  This also provides a chance to determine the customer service level of the shop and see the demeanor with which your questions and concerns are addressed. 

And the winner is…

Independent auto repair shops and mechanics commonly offer more customized service, handling every client as a priority.  Don’t just go with the best price or most convenient locale. Choose the mechanic or shop that you feel confidence in, one that gave you the feeling that they care about serving you and properly caring for your auto’s repair or other maintenance or auto service needs.  Customer satisfaction should always come first!

MORE Auto Problem Tips from the Best Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Car owners will face auto repairs.  It is a fact.  How do we know it is time for a repair? Often, it is when we’ve ended up broken down on the roadside or dashboard alerts are coming on.  Informed drivers are better prepared to handle these sorts of unexpected situations.

The Check Engine light came on, what do I do?

A Check Engine Light, sometimes called a Malfunction Indicator Lamp may come on for several reasons, ranging from simple stuff, like a loose gas cap or average spark plug issues, to more serious situations that will lead to costlier auto repairs. These types of issues can include things like emissions system problems, usually involving the Catalytic converter or EGR valve.

You will need the trouble code given by a computer scanning tool in order to determine the reason behind the Check Engine alert. Some autos may be able to be scanned at a local auto parts store, but some may require an auto to be taken into an auto repair shop with computer diagnostics to be checked.  With a fault code you are able to determine the issue and what will need to be done to correct it.

My A/C isn’t blowing cold air! What do I do?

If your A/C system isn’t creating cold enough air, you are probably dealing with a refrigerant issue. there are pressure gauges that you could use to check your refrigerant levels, but some cars may have to be taken to an auto care center that can add more refrigerant.  It is also advised that you have the A/C system checked by a professional to determine why you’re A/C system’s refrigerant level was low to start with.  A word to the wise: If you are dealing with a leak, adding more refrigerant will only temporarily fix the problem, if it is able to help at all.

I think I have a blown fuse.  Now what?

There are many fuses in a car, and nearly all can result in a headache.  Your fuses are vital to numerous electrical components within your auto. Some of these include your lights, dashboard lights, anti-lock brakes, defrosters, and even your locks!  A bad or faulty fuse can definitely cause an accident.   Fuse issues cannot be predicted nor can they be avoided. We advise that you carry an assortment of spare fuses in your vehicle.  A fuse puller also makes the job a little easier, but isn’t necessary.  Fuses are cheap and can be a real life saver.  Review your owner’s manual for particulars on the exact type and amp ratings you should have, as well as diagrams to the fuses’ locations and details on how to replace them. It is important that you only replace fuses with ones with the same amp rating.  If your fuse(s) continues to be blown repeatedly, contact an auto repair shop or mechanic to diagnose why.

What do I do if I have a flat tire or a blowout?

If you don’t know how to change a tire, having a blowout or flat can be serious business.  We always advise that you have someone teach you, just because it is the kind of thing every driver should know.  It is simple and you will definitely be glad you did when you need to put that spare on sometime.  You should also always be sure to check your spare tire.  A good spare gone flat can be very troublesome when you need it.  Other items you should have on hand when driving: a car jack, your tire iron and a can of Fix-A-Flat.  Fix-A-Flat can usually help a tire with a minor leak to get the few more miles it needs to get you off the road to safety.

Auto Problem Tips from the Best Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Auto repairs are an unfortunate necessity. 

Every auto owner faces unexpected breakdowns sometime.  While there are endless causes, here are some basic, commonly encountered auto repair issues you may experience. 

Battery Problems

A battery suffering from a low charge, no charge at all or one that is not able to hold a charge will leave you stuck.  Usually a set of jumper cables and a willing fellow motorist can remedy the immediate issue.  To be fully prepared, you may choose to purchase a road assistance device that can offer a jump start without another auto present. While the specific capabilities of the devices differ, most include a battery recharger.  It is ALWAYS advised that you keep jumper cables in your auto at all times.  Most issues arising from battery problems do not require a skilled mechanic or professional auto repair shop.

Overheating Engine

As temperatures go up, so do your odds of having your auto’s engine to overheat.  The usual causes of overheating: leaks or extremely low fluid levels, as well as defective cooling systems.  If you’re experiencing an overheating problem you should bring some extra water along in case of an emergency.  When the car overheats, wait for your entire engine to cool enough to safely touch before even raising the hood.  Once relatively cool you should raise the hood allowing excess heat to completely disperse.  Once cool enough to touch, open your water overflow tank or reservoir and check that the water levels are within the suggested markings.  For safety, always allow the engine to adequately cool before checking or adding any water or coolant to the cooling system.  If your auto is overheating, you need to locate a professional auto repair shop or mechanic to determine the reason and fix the issue before causing further damage. 

Engine Hesitation or Engine Surge

There are a multitude of issues that can lead to engine hesitation or surge.  Some of these may include a polluted air filter, or even hotter, more humid weather.  During extremely hot weather, particularly in rather humid conditions, some autos’ engines begin to struggle just to work properly.  Your vehicle must re-circulate exhaust gases coming through the engine in order to effectively reduce the exhaust emissions emitted into the air. Hotter, very humid weather can cause the exhaust flow to gather within the intake manifold affecting the auto’s drivability. It can also cause blockages, leading to the need for more significant auto repairs.

Alternator Failure

Your alternator is an essential part of your car.  Alternator failure will leave you sitting on the side of the road.  If you are having alternator problems, get it checked out and tested right away.  Signs of alternator problems might include a sluggish battery.  If the headlights and/or dashboard lights dim when the auto is idling, it is definitely pointing to alternator troubles. These warning signs should not be ignored. A mechanic or auto repair shop can help in quickly diagnosing and fixing the problem, avoiding the further complications or a breakdown.