Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Why Your Vehicle Might Hesitate to Start in the Winter As temperatures drop, many drivers notice their vehicles struggle or hesitate to start, leaving them wondering, "What’s going on under the hood?" One of the main culprits during the winter months is your car's battery. Here’s why cold weather and battery performance don’t always go hand in hand—and what you can do about it. How Cold Weather Affects Your Battery Car batteries rely on chemical reactions to produce power, and cold weather slows these reactions down. This means your battery generates less energy to start the engine when you need it most. Additionally: Thickened Electrolyte: Low temperatures cause the electrolyte solution inside the battery to thicken, reducing ion movement and lowering the battery’s overall capacity. Increased Power Demand: Cold engines and thicker oil make starting your vehicle more demanding, requiring ... read more

Timing chains are a critical part of a vehicle's engine, responsible for synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft to ensure smooth engine operation. When working properly, they help maintain optimal engine performance and longevity. However, Ford owners may be all too familiar with timing chain problems, which have affected certain models and years over time. Here, we’ll dive into the timing chain issues that have impacted Ford vehicles, detailing what years were affected and what problems drivers may face. What is a Timing Chain, and Why is It Important? A timing chain is a metal chain that connects the crankshaft and camshaft, enabling them to move in perfect harmony. Unlike timing belts, chains are designed to last much longer—often the life of the engine itself. However, when a timing chain fails or starts to wear out prematurely, it can lead to serious engine issues or even complete failure. Common Problems with Ford Timing Chains ... read more

Experiencing vibrations in the engine bay can be alarming and uncomfortable, often pointing to underlying issues that need attention. Addressing engine vibrations early is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and to avoid further damage. By understanding the causes of these vibrations and using solutions like dynamic engine mounts, you can reduce vibration and enhance your driving experience. Common Causes of Engine Bay Vibration Vibrations in the engine bay can stem from several common sources: Worn or Failing Engine Mounts: Engine mounts are designed to secure the engine in place and absorb vibrations. Over time, these mounts wear down, allowing excess movement and increased vibrations in the cabin. Misfiring Engine Cylinders: A misfiring cylinder can cause uneven power delivery, resulting in noticeable vibrations, especially during acceleration or whe ... read more

Once a year we are required to get an emissions test and register our vehicles in Utah County, but your check engine light is on.  Here at Dickerson Automotive we have been advised but the Utah County Health Department  to always start with an emissions test even if that vehicle is going to fail. Why is it that we would want to start with a test that is not going to pass? There are a couple reasons why we would want to start with a failed test.  The manufacturer is responsible for light duty vehicles to pass emissions within the first 2 years and under 24,000 miles. There are also 3 major components covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles. So, if there is a chance it is covered by warranty we would need to send you to the dealer. On occasion the repairs completed did not influence the check engine light or you have spent at least $450 dollars, and the check engine light remains on did not reduce the pollution levels below standard, you would be able to apply for a waiver a ... read more

A vehicle can fail an emissions test due to a bad or low-quality catalytic converter because the converter is crucial in reducing harmful pollutants emitted from the exhaust system. Replacement can be a costly repair, but it is best to ensure it is a quality part rather than risk replacing it multiple times.   Here’s why: Increased Emissions: The catalytic converter’s primary function is to convert toxic gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor. If the catalytic converter is malfunctioning or damaged, it won’t effectively convert these gases, leading to higher levels of pollutants in the exhaust. This increase in emissions will typically cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test, as it will exceed the acceptable limits set by environmental regulations. Check Engine Light: Many vehicles are equipped with onboard diagnostic ... read more