A good technician will give your car a quick inspection whenever you have maintenance performed. Fluid levels, tire condition, dashboard lights, and a variety of other items typically are briefly explored whenever you bring your vehicle in for maintenance. At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, we're good at noticing things that need repair, but the fact of the matter is that only you know your car. You know when your car feels off, when it’s been serviced last (or that it hasn't been serviced at all,) and have at least some vague idea of what’s going on with your vehicle day to day. Here are some questions you can ask us next time you come by the shop;
Tires are often neglected, but easy to maintain. As long as they work, most people don’t really think about them. However, if you take care to properly maintain your vehicle and your tires, they will last much, much longer. At American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque, we see all too often the results of poor tire maintenance, and the result is expensive new tires. Here’s what you can do to make sure you don’t become part of that statistic.
There’s a huge percentage of cars on the road, right now, with the check engine light illuminated. Many of them have had it on for years, even. Frequently, a check engine light will illuminate, but pose no immediate problems, so people just get used to it and learn to live with it being on. However, American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque would like you to know that it’s worth having it looked into. Typically, the problem can be diagnosed by simply plugging your car into our computer; the car gives us a code, and we know what the problem is immediately.
Does your steering wheel feel like it’s fighting you when trying to drive in a straight line? Does your car turn too aggressively when you try to go one direction, and poorly when you try to go another? There are a few possibilities as to what it means if your car resists going in a straight line. American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque has the answers for you.
Do you need new brake pads? Most of the time, if you think you do, the answer is yes. While a lot of auto parts stores sell brake pads with lifetime warranties, don’t be misled...brake pads will still wear down.
Windshield wipers are one of those things you never think about until you need them, and by then it’s too late. There’s a good chance you haven’t changed yours since summer, so it might be a good idea to inspect them before rainy weather catches you off guard. American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque has compiled a few windshield wiper tips here for you.
Exhaust systems are one of the most neglected aspects of most vehicles. Exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, and mufflers are exposed to heat, emissions, and road damage. While your exhaust system is fairly simple and straightforward, these conditions mean it is inherently prone to rust and damage. As a result, this system is often one of the first systems you will have trouble with on your car.
Nobody knows your vehicle better than you; if you suspect it isn’t driving the way it used to, there’s a good chance you’re correct. The truth of the matter is there are countless reasons and remedies for such a broad subject, but American Auto Clinic in Albuquerque has compiled a list of a few common problems that can cause a vehicle to drive poorly.
