Gaithersburg Auto Repair

Check out the video below Engine Air Filter 101 Let's start with the basics - the engine air filter is a relatively humble part of your car's engine system, but its importance cannot be overstated. It's essentially a barrier that stands between the outside world and your engine, preventing contaminants like dust, dirt, leaves and debris from entering your engine's delicate inner workings. Why is it So Important?Clean Air, Happy Engine Your car's engine operates by mixing air with fuel and igniting this mixture to produce power. If the air entering the engine is filled with dirt and particles, these will contaminate the mixture, leading to incomplete burning and soot. If the particles are big or hard enough, they can damage the engine. The engine air filter ensures that only clean air reaches the engine, crucial for efficient combustion and overall engine health. Improved Fuel Efficiency When ... read more

Oil plays a crucial role in keeping your engine running. While getting regular oil changes is common knowledge, many drivers still have a flurry of questions about this routine maintenance task. To help shed light on the subject of oil changes, here are some of the most frequently asked questions. Let's demystify the world of oil changes so that you can be better informed on how to care for your car.  Q: How often should I change my oil? A: The frequency of oil changes depends on your vehicle's make, model, and driving habits. Many vehicles have service reminders built in but some do not. As a rule of thumb, change oil every 5,000 miles when using synthetic and every 3,000 miles for conventional. Many shops will put a sticker in the corner of the windshield to record the mileage when the next oil change is due. Q: Can I use any type of oil for my car? A: Different vehicles require different types of oil. Your owner's manual wil ... read more

Today we would like to highlight the often-overlooked synergy between the alternator and battery. Together, they form a crucial partnership that drives the seamless operation of your vehicle's electrical system.  What Does The Battery Do? The battery serves as the initial power source, supplying electricity to start the engine and power the vehicle's electrical components when the engine is not running. It stores chemical energy in the form of lead plates and sulfuric acid, converting it into electrical energy to power the starter motor during ignition and supporting the electrical system when the engine is not operational. The battery acts as a reservoir of electrical energy, providing the necessary power for various vehicle functions, including lights, audio systems, and other electronic accessories. What Does The Alternator Do? Complementing the role of the battery, the alternator serves as a generator, converting mechanical energy ... read more

Are you hearing or feeling unusual noises or vibrations while driving? Is your car having trouble shifting gears or are the RPMs climbing abnormally? These are all symptoms of a transmission going bad - ignoring them can result in costly repairs or even transmission failure.  But how do you know if your transmission is failing? Early detection of transmission problems can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars while also preventing further, more serious damage to your vehicle. Here's a list of five of the most common symptoms of a bad transmission to help you out. 1. Check Engine Light The most obvious sign is your trusty dashboard check engine light. While it's not the most pleasant of views, it can save you from disaster. The check engine light can be a warning for many things. One of them is transmission problems. If you see this light turning on, make sure to have it checked out at your local repair shop. ... read more

If you have ever heard of a Hemi engine, you probably only know that it's put in the fast muscle and race cars or something along the lines. Well, partially true it's also used in a lot of other vehicles. That's because it pushes a lot of horsepower while being just like a normal engine - with a slight change hinted at in its name. Read along to find out what Hemi stands for and its pros and cons. Hemi Engines Explained The Hemi or Hemispherical V8 engine differs from all other engines with its cylinders' shapes. The top of the cylinders is a flattened hemisphere at the center, which is a spark plug, fuel/ air injectors, and an exhaust valve. This particular shape provides a much lower loss of heat, therefore, more power.  The first Hemi engines were equipped with hemispherical cylinders, which were not that good. That's why today's Hemis have a flatter cylinder design than their predecessors. The first one was introduced in 1953 on the Dodge Red Ram, fo ... read more

A vehicle's  check engine light (or "service engine soon" light) usually indicates a problem with the ignition, fuel, transmission, or exhaust system. Often, it comes on for one of the following problems below: Gas Cap  This is the easiest and quickest fix, which is why most people hope that is why their engine light came on. When you forget to screw your gas cap all the way, or it is damaged, your car will detect a “leak”. The cap is supposed to keep the fuel vacuum sealed.  Spark Plugs Worn spark plugs or plug wires can initiate the check engine light. These are necessary to ignite the engine. If they’re over 100K miles, your car is most likely due for new ones. And you may experience misfires until you replace them. Mass Airflow Sensor  This component measures the amount of air entering the engine to ensure the right fuel-to-air ratio gets burned. If this sensor is on its las ... read more

When it comes to auto maintenance, most drivers tend to forget or not bother with replacing their filters, specifically the cabin air filter. Even though this filter doesn’t directly affect your vehicle’s functionality, it can cause an unfavorable atmosphere inside your car. Here are several reasons why you should change your cabin air filter on time: Bad Odors - Since the cabin filter is responsible for keeping out dirt, dust, and other pollutants, leaving it to build up can cause a stench. It might smell musty and overall unpleasant whenever you turn on the A/C or heat. Therefore, changing your cabin air filter can help deliver odorless, clean air to the passenger cabin. Increase Allergies - Air filters trap pollen and dust, which can be harmful to you. If you or your family members have sensitivities to these air pollutants, it can be very uncomfortable for you or them to be inside the car. Foggy Windows - A dirty cabin filter will clog up the HVAC system. Therefore ... read more

Worn tires are not only an inconvenience but can cause accidents if left unchecked. But don't worry, we will share with you the top 5 signs that your vehicle needs new tires, and what you can do about it! 1. Tread Wear One of the most common indicators that you need to retire your tires is tread wear. Worn tire treads can pose serious problems, especially in severe weather conditions such as rain and snow. The tread of the tire allows water and slush to escape and allow the rubber to meet the road. Worn tires have shallow tread or no tread at all and are less effective at evacuating water from the contact patch. This leads to hydroplaning, where the tire floats on top of the water, and loss of control. The tread wear can be checked by locating the tread wear indicators, small bars inside the tread. When the surface of the tire is even with these bars, it is time to replace the tires. Tread depth inspection is a crucial part of road safety. 2. Tire P ... read more

Pothole damage is a common road hazard that can cause damage to your vehicle. However, the damage may not be obvious. Say you nicked a porthole, just barely, or hit one straight on. Regardless, your vehicle could sustain some damage. But the intensity will depend on your speed during impact and the pothole's depth. Either way, these damages, whether obvious or hidden, can have long-term effects. Potential Potholes Damages 1. Wheel Bearing Damage Wheel bearings can fail following hitting a pothole. When your vehicle's tire goes into a pothole, the wheel bearing jolts, causing a minor indention to the bearing races. If unnoticed, the bearing grease will have turbulence over the area, causing less lubrication. Ultimately, the lack of lubrication will lead to wheel bearing failure. 2. Suspension Damage A severe pothole can damage the components of your car's suspension system. A pothole can impact components including ball joints, sway bar links, control arm bus ... read more

The open road beckons, and with summer just around the corner, it's the perfect time to embark on unforgettable road trips. As you plan your adventures and chart your routes, it's crucial to prioritize safety and preparedness. One of the best ways to ensure your peace of mind is to assemble a well-stocked car emergency kit. Here are our top must-have items for a prepared emergency kit. Item #1: First Aid Kit Safety should always be your top priority. A comprehensive first aid kit is a must-have in any car emergency kit. Be sure to include bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications you or your passengers may need.  Item #2: Jumper Cables A dead battery can quickly put a damper on your road trip plans. Ensure you have a set of quality jumper cables in your emergency kit to jump-start your vehicle or lend a helping hand to fellow travelers in need. Additionally, please familiarize yourself with the proper procedure ... read more