A Watkins Collision

Does the check engine light always indicate a big problem with the engine? No. In fact, in many cases the check engine light may come on due to cracked hoses, parts which have become loose, worn-out spark plugs or because of electrical/wiring issues.

A radiator sends coolant through the engine and cylinder head, pumping out heat from the engine into the air. If you notice your car is leaking a yellow-green fluid, you probably have a radiator problem. Bring the car in for repairs immediately.

Your eyes and ears are not the only senses to use when checking your car for potential problems. Your sense of smell can also play an important role. Certain odors are sure signs of problems that require repair or maintenance.

Squeaky car brakes may not be a cause for concern, but grinding or a continual squeal needs checking out. Worn brake pads and shoes, or thin rotors and drums, can make your car difficult - or take longer - to stop.

The leading cause of tire failure is under inflation-too little air in the tires. Under inflation increases the friction by having more surface area of the tire in contact with the road, which also causes the engine to work harder.

Has your car recently failed an emissions test when it’s otherwise been running fine? If your spark plugs are in need of replacement, they can have negative effects on emissions and overall engine performance.

A car is a complex machine with several systems functioning simultaneously. It may seem as though it is difficult to understand how modern cars function since everything is computerized now, however if you know the basic parts of a car and how they function, it makes it easier to spot problems, and know when to come in for a repair.

Did you know that except for the engine, the transmission has the highest repair cost? Frequently checking the transmission fuel level and condition protects against future problems. Much like the engine oil filter, the transmission filter should be replaced each time the fluid is replaced.

We recommend all of our customers practice basic car care to maintain their vehicles between visits to us. Be sure that you're keeping your tires aired up at the right pressure, keeping your windows clean, and your blinker and other light bulbs changed when needed.

Since your car’s transmission system is one of the most costly systems to replace, it’s important to know the signs of a problem before it becomes unfixable. Leaking transmission fluid is often the first sign of a problem

One common auto repair involves exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system failure. These systems are highly susceptible to carbon buildup and electronic control problems. Valve complications can also arise due to normal wear and tear.

Everyone loads up their vehicles for special trips. But it's important not to carry around that heavy load all the time, if possible. Particularly with small cars, you can reduce gas mileage by 5 percent when your vehicle is always carrying lots of cargo.

If you drive a standard and your clutch feels loose, it's possible the reservoir for the clutch hydraulic pump is empty. The reservoir is next to the master brake cylinder. You can refill it long enough to bring it in for repair, you very likely have a leak in one of your cylinders.