Stockertown Auto Repair

You may be wondering what a blown engine means and how you can handle the problem. A blown engine is one that's severely damaged and needs comprehensive repairs or replacement. Usually, the damage includes damage to a majority of engine parts, including a cracked engine block, snapped timing belt, defective intake and exhaust valves, and failed pistons. Causes of a Blown Engine It may be difficult to know when your car engine is blown, unless you're a car mechanic. Some warning signs can help you tell you have a blown engine. However, noticing one or more signs doesn't necessarily mean your engine is blown. Blue/White Exhaust Smoke Blue smoke flowing from your car's tailpipe can be an indicator you've had your car engine blow up. It's a sign that raw engine oil is dumped into the combustion chamber. If you notice white clouds emanating from the exhaust pipe, it may imply engine coolant is entering the combustion chamber. Rattling Noises in the Engine When ... read more

Whenever you have to replace your tires or change them from summer to winter tires, the first thing you should get done after buying the tires is to mount and balance them. Otherwise, they can cause an array of problems, including premature tire wear and wheel vibrations.    To make sure your driving experience is smooth and optimized, you will need these two vital services. When car tires come straight from the factory, they are usually not perfectly round or balanced to fit your car’s standards. Tire mounting and balancing should always be left to professionals with the right qualifications and equipment. Mounting Vs. Balancing Tire mounting is simpler to understand – mounting is the process of putting the tires on the wheels and installing them onto the vehicle’s axles. Machinery is usually the easiest and most efficient method, and we have access to state-of-the-art machines at Dave’s Automotive. However, some people can do it by hand (not reco ... read more

Most drivers and car owners find it frustrating when the engine misfires. It is crucial to understand how an engine can misfire, what causes it, and what to do when it misfires. What exactly happens when the engine misfires? To understand what an engine misfire is, you need to understand the simple version of how your engine works. All engines use combustion to generate power. Yes, your engine uses fire (from a spark) generated from fuel and oxygen. When your engine misfires, it can be because oxygen, power, or the spark are not introduced to the engine cylinders in time. The ignition process is delicate and requires all components to be presented at the right time for optimal functioning. One cylinder can misfire while the rest work perfectly, so your car will continue working, but you will notice a decrease in performance. How does it feel when the engine misfires? If your engine misfires, you may hear a pop sound accompanied by the smell of bur ... read more

Transmission fluid for your transmission is the same as motor oil for your engine – without the fluid, your car will simply not run. Transmission fluid is a lubricant that helps your transmission system operate smoothly without excess friction. Over time, the transmission fluid breaks down and becomes contaminated. To keep the fluid effectively doing what it is supposed to do, you will need to change the transmission fluid.  What Happens If You Don’t Change Transmission Fluid When you lack a sufficient amount or an acceptable quality of transmission fluid, several things can go wrong. You accelerate the wear and tear on transmission components. As you may know, transmission parts are not cheap. Taking the preventative measures of replacing or flushing your transmission fluid can save you a considerable amount of time and money by limiting the need for repairs. When to Change Your Transmission Fluid When you should change your transmission fluid ultimately depends o ... read more

If you are a road trip enthusiast, getting your vehicle ready for some sun-drenched driving is crucial, especially as the road trip summer season approaches. It helps you avoid dust and dirt flurries, summer's high temperatures, and occasional rain taking a toll on your car's most essential systems. Using the following DIY tips and auto professional assistance, you can summarize your vehicle and help it run safely and smoothly through summer into fall. Summarizing Your Car on Your Own You can check your vehicle's tire pressure using a stick gauge from a gas station or a personal pressure gauge. When exposed to intense heat, vehicle tires' inside pressure increase and decrease significantly. So, monitor the tire pressure regularly to ensure it stays within your car's recommended range. Additionally, regularly monitor your engine's oil level as the engine often gets hotter in the summer, meaning it will need enough oil levels to remain lubricated. Here is how ... read more

A tire bulge is a condition where the tire's sidewall starts to protrude outwards. This can happen for several reasons, but it's due to low tire pressure or hitting something sharp. Why Is A Tire Bulge Dangerous? A tire bulge is dangerous because it weakens the structure of the tire. This can cause the tire to burst or blow out while you're driving, leading to a serious accident. It's important to check your tires regularly for any bulging signs and keep them properly inflated. If you do notice a bulge, don't drive on it and have it fixed as soon as possible. What Causes A Tire Bulge? There are several reasons why a tire might develop a bulge. The most common reason is low tire pressure. When your tires are low on air, they're more likely to flex and bend, which can cause the sidewall to start protruding outwards. Another common cause of tire bulges is hitting something sharp. This could be a pothole, a curb, or even driving over rough terrain. When the tir ... read more

When it comes to being a car owner, we understand that initial worry when you notice something wrong with your vehicle, and the doubt that follows. It is hard to tell when your vehicle might just need a break or will need a mechanic. The best thing to do when you notice something strange is to have it checked out as soon as possible. Much like an illness, catching a problem with your vehicle early on will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run and will prevent more problems from occurring. As soon as you see an early warning sign, bring your vehicle into our shop for assistance. Our auto repair shop has the expert staff and dealer level equipment to accurately diagnose and repair the issue correctly the first time around. If something is wrong with your vehicle, there is no doubt that you will begin to notice some differences, whether in the way your car performs, smells, sounds, or feels. You may feel: Bumpy or rough ride Shaking steering wheel Vibrating/shaking vehicl ... read more

We're sure that you have some fun and exciting road trips planned for 2022. To ensure you stay safe and on time with your future itinerary, you need to stay prepared. Before you hit the highway for your upcoming road trip, it is vital that you pack the essentials. Packing these items below can help you if you come across an accident, a breakdown situation, and any harm to your health in general. Here's what to pack for your next road trip! Jumper cables - just in case your car battery dies on you A spare tire and tire changing kit - in case of a flat tire or tire blowout A first aid kit - including some OTC medicine, band-aids, ointment, gauze, etc. Plenty of water and non-perishable food - to stay hydrated and fed, especially if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere A phone charger - just in case you need to call roadside assistance. Car registration and warranty papers - essential documents to have at the ready just in case you have to file a report Backup dire ... read more

As a vehicle owner, it is not easy to know what is truly important and needed when it comes to vehicle maintenance. With some companies attempting to sell you everything in their books, it is easy to grow pessimistic about car maintenance. However, tune-ups are proven to be essential to upkeep your vehicle. If you have ever wondered why you should have a tune-up performed, here are the four benefits of a tune-up that may convince you. Reliability A tune-up can save you a headache in the long run. When routine maintenance is done well on your vehicle, you reduce the risk of mishaps, accidents, or breakdowns. No matter the age of your car, tune-ups will help preserve the condition of your vehicle. Boost in Fuel Economy If you are not getting the mpg your vehicle should, then that's a clear sign that your vehicle needs a tune-up. This type of service is one of the best ways to go about increasing your fuel efficiency. Believe it or not, something as simple as a dirty air filter or ... read more