Troubleshooting Car Sounds with the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

All vehicles make noises and not all of them are unusual or problematic. Strange automotive sounds do not necessarily mean you need to prepare for pricey auto repairs. The sounds your car makes may help in diagnosing what your issue may be. These are some of the more common auto sounds that can aid in troubleshooting auto problems.

I hear a tick, tick, tick sound

If you have a sharp tick, ticking from under the hood and it continues ticking all the time, you should take a look at the oil level.  When oil levels are low it can cause a ticking type of noise within your engine.  Check to see that your oil is full.  If not, fill to the appropriate level and see if the ticking problem stops.  If this does not remedy the problem, or if the ticking would get louder, you should set an appointment with a trusted mechanic or auto repair shop to have your valves evaluated.

If the ticking sounds only happen when the car is first started, but stops shortly after, it is most likely completely normal and is just the oil taking a little time to circulate through the engine.

Another cause of a tick, tick or clacking sound from your engine could be faulty lifters.  If you think this is likely your issue, consult with an auto repair shop to determine your options.

I hear a rattle and tick sound

There are a couple of likely issues to look into when you hear rattling and ticking or clacking sounds.  You first need to determine what area of your engine the sounds are coming from.  Begin with checking if the sounds come from the front side of the engine or the side where your belts are located.  When sounds come from this area and also become either faster or louder as you rev the engine, you are likely looking at a loose timing belt.  While some cars do not have these anymore, many still do.  When discovered early, a loose timing chain can be fixed before creating bigger problems.  If you think there are problems with the timing chain I definitely recommend a trip to an auto repair shop to have it assessed by a mechanic.

I hear a grinding sound

Grinding noises as you press on the breaks needs to be addressed quickly.  You are most likely in need of a brake repair.  You never want to put it off dealing with brake problems.  Waiting can cause extensive and sometimes very costly damages.

If the grinding sound happens as you come to a stop, you need to find and fix it immediately.  By the time this type of noise begins you are already probably going to be replacing your brake discs.

In the Columbia, SC area you can schedule an auto repair appointment at Sanford’s Automotive Service.  We have been proudly serving Columbia, SC and surrounding communities with the best in foreign and domestic auto repairs since 1989.

Test Electrical Problems with the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Electrical automotive problems and electrical repairs are always a pain to face.  The Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro explains how to troubleshoot common electrical problems with a test light.  Using a test light is easy and can rule out particular issues quicker than digital multi-meter.

The test light circuit test will help you determine if there is voltage.  Checking the fuse is always your first step, but once you know the fuse is good, a circuit tester can be utilized to trace an electrical wiring path to locate your problem. Automotive electrical repairs can be downright scary when you do not know how to safely handle them.  Be sure to follow all directions precisely and if any auto repair makes you feel uncomfortable, electrical or otherwise, never continue on with the repair.  You can always get your automobile to an auto repair shop or trusted mechanic to perform necessary auto repairs safely and with the appropriate knowledge to perform the repair completely and without further damages.

Mechanic Reminder: Always check your test light BEFORE beginning to troubleshoot automotive electrical repairs.  Here is a simple test –ground one end and use your battery to check the light.

A test light type of electrical circuit tester also helps with checking a ground circuit. Before starting I would like to be sure you know the leads for your test light ARE reversible.  This means it does not matter which side you end up attaching to your power source or your ground. 

Use a Test Light to Test for Voltage

You start with a positive power source, such as the battery, and you find a ground.  This ground could be any exposed metal that is bolted to the chassis.  Your test light goes between them and if the ends are properly attached, your light should come on.

To see if a wire has a positive voltage, just attach one end of your test light to a solid ground connection.  Then touch the other end to a wire that you want to test.  If your test light comes on, it is a good circuit. I told you it was simple!

How to Use your Test Light to Test a Ground Circuit

If you know a particular electrical component is receiving power on the positive side, you can also check for a good ground.  Since you already know there is a good positive connection, attach one end to it..  Then touch the other end of the tester to the component’s ground wire.  If the light comes one, you have a good ground.  If it does not come on, try cleaning the contact points. Then you should check the ground wire’s path.  Once you find the issue, ground connections are usually very easy to re-establish.

Automotive electrical repairs can be unnerving, but this tutorial on how to use a test light could help you find the problem.  If you need an honest, reputable mechanic, come to our auto repair shop in Columbia, SC.  Sanford’s Automotive Service offers full-service auto repairs including all types of automotive electrical repairs and all types of automotive repair and maintenance for both foreign and domestic autos.

Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on Troubleshooting Auto Heating Problems

A vehicle that doesn’t have heat can be awful when temperatures drop.  You need to begin troubleshooting your heating system is to see if heat is even being produced.  The Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro shows you how to troubleshoot your heating system issues.

A failing heater could be caused by many things.   First you need to diagnose whether engine heat makes its way to the heater core.  This is how your heating system works.

How Your Automotive Cooling and Heating System Works

Your engine uses a blend of fuel and air to create mini-explosions.  These explosions make a lot of heat in your engine.  This extreme heat build-up is handled by your cooling system.  Your cooling system needs a properly working water pump to circulate a 50/50 blend of coolant and water through the engine.  The radiator releases part of the engine’s heat. Your thermostat decides when the engine needs to be cooled, making it another very important component of your cooling system.  Add some high temp rubber hose and a heater core to that and you have a heating system.  A heater core is like a radiator.  The heater core moves engine heat into your car, keeping you warm.  A fan blows over the heater core fins, moving that heated air.  So that is basically the functions and purposes of the cooling and heating systems. Now the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro will do some troubleshooting to see why your heater isn’t working right.

Getting Heat?

Here is a simple test to see if your heater core is getting filled with the necessary heated coolant.  Drive at about 40 mph or so and turn on the heater.  Is there warmed air making it through?  Even a little will count.  A small amount of heat coming through indicates that the heater core is probably receiving hot coolant.

I Have Heat but It Won’t Blow

Now look at the heater fan.  Turn the switch on and check your vents.  Switch between the fan speeds and check the vents at each speed.  Sometimes a fan works only on some fan speeds.  If there is no heat blowing at all at any speed, I recommend checking your fuses.

No Heat at All

If no heat was detected during the heater core test, your heater core is not properly circulating.  Start with checking coolant levels.  If your coolant levels are good, you are probably looking at water pump issues or a defective thermostat. 

Have you been having recent issues with your car overheating? If not overheating, you need to check the thermostat.  A thermostat must open and close circuits within your cooling and heating systems.  When it gets stuck, either too much or too little coolant flows through the system.  Replacing a thermostat is pretty easy and considered a basic auto repair.

Click here for a detailed How To Replace Your Thermostat step by step tutorial.

If your thermostat is good, the issue is likely with the water pump.  Take a look at this piece by the

Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro about When to Replace a Water Pump.

When you have problems with your auto’s heater and need a mechanic you can trust to look it over, come by our Columbia, SC auto repair shop.  We will fix your heater problems, cooling system trouble, or any other auto repair for all cars, foreign or domestic.  Our ASE Certified Master Mechanic will serve all of your automotive needs.  Contact us to set an auto repair appointment that fits your schedule.  Don’t get stuck in the cold!  Sanford’s Automotive Service provides the automotive cooling and heating system repairs you need now!

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.