Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.
Engine and Drivetrain Problems
Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at Rillito Automotive.
Vibration While Driving
This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.
Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at Rillito Automotive.
There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. Rillito Automotive has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.
What People Say About Us
Love these guys! They are so efficient as well as honest and trustworthy. Highly recommend!
Rillito is my go to mechanics shop. They KNOW what they're doing, and they love their work. More importantly, I love their work, customer service, and Saturday hours. They have money saving tips, they check out used cars I've considered buying and saved me from some disasters! They also do on-site alignments and U-haul rentals. Did I mention they're also a bunch of really nice guys, too?
I have used Rillito for several years and found them outstanding. I feel they are an honest and give a straight deal as to what you need or don't need done on your car. I have enough confidence in them that my entire family use them. It is nice to know they are not trying to take advantage of their customers especially when you may not know a lot about the inner working of your vehicles now a days.
This shop rocks, they have 8 lifts, the waiting area is comfortable, and they do only top quality work. When I called in about both my rear and sliding doors locking up on my Chevy Astro, Tony was very understanding and offered an honest quote. When I came to pick it up (same day I might add) I couldn't help but notice they were working on a bright yellow Lotus. Jason my tech went above and beyond making sure the workmanship made the operation buttery smooth. I will definitely be returning!
We were on a road trip back from California to Texas and ran something over that busted our gas tank and exhaust pipe. Not being from here, we had no idea what to do. A kind worker found us a hotel and drove us there. Such hospitality, made a terrible event a little better.
Tony services all of our vehicles and does a great job!
Give him a call for all your automotive needs.