Gaithersburg Auto Repair

Starting your car is something most of us take for granted. You turn the key or press the button, and the engine roars to life. But what happens when you turn the key and nothing happens? One possible culprit could be a failing starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine, and when it goes bad, you’ll find yourself stuck with a vehicle that just won’t start. So, how can you tell if your starter motor is on its way out? For a video on how the electrical system and starter motor works, skip to the bottom of this page.1. The Engine Won’t Turn Over This is perhaps the most obvious sign. When you attempt to start your car and the engine won’t turn over, it's likely that the starter motor isn't working. You might hear a clicking noise, which is often a sign that the starter is trying but failing to engage. In some cases, you w ... read more

You're cruising down the open road, the wind in your hair and the hum of the engine beneath you. But amidst this motion, a question lingers: When was the last time you treated your vehicle to a transmission flush?  How Often Should You Flush Your Transmission? The first order of business in the transmission flush saga is deciphering the ideal frequency for this maintenance procedure. While opinions may vary among experts, a general consensus suggests that a transmission flush is typically recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, it's essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual and consider factors such as driving habits, terrain, and the age of your vehicle when determining the appropriate interval for a transmission flush. The Importance of Transmission Flush Now, let's shine a spotlight on the significance of a transmission flush in maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle's transmission s ... read more

You're cruising down the highway on your way back home, when suddenly, the dreaded check engine light illuminates on your dashboard. It's a common scenario that leaves many drivers feeling anxious and uncertain. But what does a free check engine light scan really mean? And do you still need to have a shop diagnose your problem? Check Engine Light - Decoding the Signal The check engine light serves as a warning system, alerting drivers to potential issues with their vehicle's engine or emissions system. When this light comes on, it's essentially your car's way of saying, "Hey, something's not right."  However, it's important to note that the check engine light doesn't pinpoint the exact problem; it simply indicates that there's a fault code stored in the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system. Free Check Engine Light Scan - What Does It Really Mean? Many auto parts stores and repair shops offer fr ... read more

When the check engine light comes on while driving, does panic set in? Is it a minor issue, or could it spell trouble for your vehicle? Should you opt for a free scan or invest in a professional diagnosis? For a video on what the various vehicle warning lights mean, skip to the bottom of this page. What is The Check Engine Light For The check engine light serves as your vehicle's early warning system, indicating potential issues with the engine, transmission, or emissions system. When it illuminates, your car's onboard computer has detected a problem, prompting a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) to be stored in its memory. While the light itself doesn't pinpoint the exact issue, it signals the need for further investigation. The Risks of Ignoring the Check Engine Light Ignoring the check engine light might be tempting, but it can result in more severe and ex ... read more

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

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

To drive smoothly and seamlessly, your car’s engine needs to stay at a stable temperature range. To make that happen, a fluid called coolant/antifreeze gets pushed throughout the engine to regulate the temperature. Unfortunately, the coolant doesn't stay effective forever. Over time, contaminants and grime can build up in the cooling system. A coolant flush can solve this problem and protects the engine from corrosion, keeping it in the best shape possible. Besides a simple inspection, how can you tell when you need a coolant flush? Low Coolant   You can pop open the hood and visually check your coolant levels. If the fluid looks too low, you may have a leak. Be sure to check if any bright-colored fluid is around or under your vehicle. We can also check for you when bringing your vehicle into Airpark Auto Pros. Bad Coolant Quality  Another sign that may trigger a need for a fluid flush is if you find the coolant to be contaminated or discolored.  Eng ... read more

The cooling system is a vital system in our automobiles – it keeps the engine safe and operable by stabilizing its temperature. A key part of the system is coolant/antifreeze. Over time, the solution will break down and become less effective at cooling.  Can Coolant Expire in the Bottle? When you buy coolant at an auto supply shop, it typically has a shelf life of 1-5 years, depending on the product. The manufacturer is required to put an expiration date on the bottle, so don’t worry if you forget. Always look at the expiration date before adding the solution to your car. Can Coolant Expire in a Car? Coolant degrades over time in your engine. As it flows in and out of the engine, it can pick up metals, dirt, and debris. Most automakers recommend flushing your coolant every 30,000 miles. Dirty coolant can corrode cooling system components and cause leaks. Old and ineffective coolant can also have a reduced boiling point, which can lead to engine overheating. Signs ... read more