Spanish Fork Auto Repair

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

Filters are an essential part of life. Without a filter, your summer swim in the pool would be a summer swim in a cesspool. Your air filter prevents you from breathing harmful debris and contaminants. Filters are usually there to trap what you don’t need and leave you with what you do need. Your car has many filters to trap harmful particles from entering your engine or cabin. The fuel filter is one of the most essential filters because it works to deliver clean fuel to the combustion chamber continually. If you don’t regularly replace your fuel filter, the filter can become clogged, resulting in severe damage and costly repairs. What happens if you don’t change your fuel filter? Below are a few common issues to expect from a clogged fuel filter: The Engine Will Stall A fuel filter that’s clogged or blocked will stall your engine while you’re driving. If a vehicle doesn’t get the proper amount of fuel, it will stall. The Ch ... read more

All vehicles are equipped with a sophisticated computer system that’s programmed to alert you if it detects something wrong. If you turn on the ignition and notice a warning light, it’s important to bring your vehicle into Dickerson Automotive as soon as possible for an inspection. Depending on which warning light illuminates, a major issue can progress quickly and lead to an unexpected breakdown. It’s important to pay attention to the dashboard warning lights because not only do they keep you safe, but they prevent automotive failures and their expensive repair bills. Below are the most common dashboard warning lights and what they can indicate:  Oil Pressure Light The oil pressure light is an image of an old fashioned oil tin and indicates an issue with your vehicle’s oil pressure system. If this light illuminates, your car may be low on oil, or the oil pressure is low. This light alerts of a problem that should be addressed as soon as ... read more

Not everyone is a major car enthusiast; it’s easy to get lost in automotive jargon when speaking to a mechanic. It may even feel like they’re speaking an entirely different language altogether. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the meanings of commonly used automotive terms to effectively communicate with your mechanic.    ABS – ABS is an abbreviation for the anti-lock braking system. If you find yourself slamming on your brakes, the anti-lock brake system helps your wheels grip the road and prevents them from locking up.   Aftermarket – These are automotive parts that aren’t made by the original manufacturer.   ASE – ASE is an abbreviation for Automotive Service Excellence. This is a professional certification that requires a mechanic to have at least two years of on the job training and pass a skill test.   Battery – This is the component under your hood that stores the electrical power neede ... read more