Spanish Fork Auto Repair

How long do trailer tires last? 20 years ago tires lasted much longer than they do today. I remember my parent’s boat trailer and travel trailer tires lasting 10 years or more with no issues at all. Today that is not the case; as a general rule of thumb trailer tires will start to separate and fail after they are roughly four years old. Sure if you keep them out of the sun you may get up to six years out of them. The sad thing about trailer tires is that when they fail they often do serious damage to the trailer fender and anything else in the area. They don’t just go flat, you will generally hear a loud pop or bang as they become completely shredded causing damage to anything the shredded mass comes in contact with. So read the date DOT date code that is branded into the tire on one side or the other. The DOT information is Alfa numeric production information followed by a four digit numeric date branded into the tire. The first two digits indicate the week of the year fo ... read more

Why Does My Car Shake When Braking? Shaking when stepping on the brake pedal is usually an indicator of warped disk brake rotors. The technical term for this is called thickness variations in the brake rotors. The braking systems on a vehicle is a simple idea with complex components all working together at the same time, lets talk about how a braking system functions and what may be causing the famous shaking when braking problem. How Do Disk Brakes Work? It is easiest to explain this by breaking down the system to its most basic parts. Braking systems have a master cylinder, brake caliper, brake pads, and brake rotors. The master cylinder is full of brake fluid and is directly connected to the brake pedal.  When the brake pedal is pressed a piston is forced forward inside the master cylinder creating hydraulic pressure in the brake lines. This hydraulic pressure is then sent to the brake caliper. There is a piston inside of the brake caliper t ... 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