Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Timing Belts A timing belt, which is a rubber belt with small spikes or teeth, is an essential tool in your car. Its central purpose is to synchronize the different parts inside your car that help keep it moving. It does this by making sure that the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft are in sync, which results in the engine valves opening and closing at the right times. This is important because there are several problems that can arise if the intake valves aren't working properly. These include: Poor combustion Loss of power Loss of pressure Engine damage If you don't properly maintain your timing belt, it could greatly damage your engine which ultimately leads to more expensive repairs down the line. In some car models, the timing belt is in charge of powering the oil, injection, and water pump which makes it an even more important tool. Some cars have timing chains instead; they perform the same duties but are made of metal which makes them louder and heavier ... read more

Every penny counts, including the money you spend on gas. Maybe you even keep a close watch on your miles per gallon. But did you know that simple, regular car maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that you're maximizing your vehicle's fuel efficiency? Motor oil First and foremost, always use the type of motor oil recommended for your vehicle. Beyond that, viscosity and exterior temperature matter. Using a thicker oil in the summer and a thinner oil in the winter can help improve your gas mileage by one or two percent. Motor oils that offer energy-conserving properties can also improve your car's gas mileage. Tire inflation Both overinflated and underinflated tires can negatively affect your gas mileage. More than likely, your monitoring system only tells you when you have an underinflated tire. It never alerts you to an overinflated tire. Tire pressure gauges are inexpensive and simple to use. Invest in one and use it to check your tires monthly for proper inflatio ... read more

Exterior vehicle maintenance is just as necessary as engine and fluid maintenance. A good car wash and wax can extend the life of your paint. While regular washing is essential, you may notice that your headlights still look foggy. Summers are hot in Spanish Fork, and UV rays from the sun can cause oxidation outside the headlights. Clean headlights are vital because, without them, you can’t see the road. Oxidation doesn’t cause permanent damage; however, it can make your headlights yellow and fuzzy looking. If you clean your headlights the moment you notice a change, you may be able to restore their natural brightness at home. Below are a few tips to remove oxidation and restore your foggy headlights.   Cleaning tips for foggy headlights: Start your headlight restoration by cleaning them using a microfiber cloth, automotive soap, and water.  Toothpaste Toothpaste is a necessity when removing plaque and ... read more

Fall is officially here, while winter is just around the corner. Seasonal changes can affect your vehicle. It’s important to prepare by performing essential maintenance tasks to ensure longevity. Checking your vehicle’s critical components can help you identify potential issues before they become actual issues. Below are five key car care tips to keep your vehicle in top shape throughout the winter. Inspect the brake pads.  It’s no surprise that your brakes are important; without them, your vehicle lacks control to stop or slow down. Your brakes should be a priority on your to-do list because just a little maintenance can increase their lifespan. If the brake pads have less than 4mm of material remaining, it’s time to have them replaced, and any less than that is a safety hazard. If the brakes are overdue, you may even notice a spongy brake pedal or a distracting scr ... read more

The steering system is an essential part of the vehicle because it allows the driver to control its direction. A malfunctioning steering wheel can create an array of problems. If the steering wheel becomes stiff or suddenly locks up, it can lead to a major accident. Many components make up the power steering system which allow it to turn with little resistance effectively. One seemingly small issue can break the entire system down; that’s why it’s essential to identify a potential problem before it becomes hazardous. Below are common reasons why the steering wheel has become hard to turn. Bad steering rack The steering rack is an essential aspect of the power steering system. It’s made up of the pinion and rack. The steering rack can become subject to wear and tear after several years of driving. If the steering wheel is hard to turn right after starting the engine, the steering rack may be the ca ... read more