Somersworth Auto Repair

When you think of tanks, images of military might and ruggedness likely come to mind. But did you know a surprising connection exists between tanks and the renowned car manufacturer Porsche? Well, if you didn't, surprise! Here is the interesting story of the relationship between the German car giant Porsche and tanks:The Origins: Ferdinand Porsche's Involvement                                                                      The story begins with Ferdinand Porsche, the visionary engineer behind the iconic Porsche brand. Before his pioneering work in the automotive industry, Porsche gained notable experience in the design and development of military vehicles, including tanks. During World War II, he played a significant role in the creation of ... read more

Gasoline engines are the most common type of internal combustion engine, used in everything from cars to lawnmowers. Proper maintenance is key to keeping a gasoline engine running smoothly and efficiently because it is a little bit more complex than a diesel one. Here are some maintenance tips that are specific to gasoline engines. Regular Oil Changes Regular oil changes are one of the most important maintenance tasks for any engine, especially gasoline engines. Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness, so it is important to change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Keep The Air Filter Clean The air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine's cylinders and causing damage. When the filter is dirty, your fuel consumption goes up quite a bit, and the engine's performance goes down ... read more

Driving is a part of our daily lives, and it's common for people to forget that they are taking on a big responsibility when they are doing it. Everything from maintaining your car to sitting correctly contributes to the overall safety of your ride. If you want to know a couple of ways you can make your driving experience safer, read along because we will share just that with you. 1. Drive With Proper Posture Standing up straight, at a proper distance from your steering wheel, is commonly overlooked. When you are seated more toward the front, you won't be able to steer the wheel properly, and if you are too far back, the pedals will be difficult to push. Make sure you adjust your seat, even if it's for a short distance. 2. Don't Drive When You Feel Sleepy While it might sound funny at first, driving while you feel sleepy or exhausted is extremely dangerous. Most accidents on the road happen for this exact reason. Drivers start drivi ... read more

Wheel alignment is a service performed on all vehicles, no matter their make or model. But Why? It's because the wheels are the only component of your vehicle that makes contact with the road. This makes them vital for your safety and ability to drive properly. This procedure is also done often to prevent unwanted problems. Therefore, if you spot any of the things listed below, make sure to visit a service shop. Noise While Braking If your wheels aren't aligned, that also means the brakes have issues. This can result in a weird noise due to the inconsistent contact they make. Faster brake pad wear can also be experienced. Drifting To The Side Pulling or drifting to one side is another common indicator of improper wheel alignment. It's one of the more obvious ones, so make sure to visit a repair shop before it gets more serious. The last thing you want is a swerving or hard-to-predict car. Hard To Steer Experiencing an ... read more

The suspension system is one of the most critical components of a vehicle, as it helps ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, and also helps maintain stability and control on the road. It's important to regularly check your vehicle's suspension system to make sure that it's functioning properly, and one way to do this is by performing a bounce test. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do the bounce test: Park your vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine. Stand in front of your vehicle and gently press down on the hood. Release it and observe how the vehicle reacts. If the vehicle continues to bounce several times after you've released it, it's a sign that the suspension is worn out or damaged. Walk to the rear of your vehicle and repeat the same process, pressing down gently on the trunk. Observe how the vehicle reacts, and pay attention to any unusual bouncing or vibrations. Repeat the test on each corner of your vehicle, applying pressure to th ... read more

During this time of year in Somersworth, NH, car heating is necessary to be comfortable. When you turn your engine on in the morning, you may be hit with cool air at first. But, your car heater should kick in. If your vents are still blowing out cool air, then there is certainly something wrong with your temperature control system.  Here are several most common explanations for why your vehicle’s heater is not warming up: Low coolant  Problem with the heater core Faulty thermostat Heating control errors LOW COOLANT - Coolant is the solution in your engine that keeps it from overheating. Most people think that is all it does, but it plays a major role in supporting the heating system. If you’re low on coolant, the heater core will blow cool air instead.  Solution: You can top off your vehicle with coolant to fix the problem. In some cases, you may need to patch up a leak if it is present. HEATER CORE ... read more

Brake pedals should feel just the right amount of firmness and softness. It is a good in-between that we are usually familiar with. That is why the slightest softness or sponginess with our brake pedal may be very obvious. A spongy or mushy brake pedal is not something that you should ignore. You could deal with major ramifications if you leave the issue ignored. It might not seem like a big deal at first. But soon, you will notice a decrease in your brake performance. It may take longer for you to come to a full stop. To avoid putting your life and others’ lives at risk, please bring your vehicle to Central Park Garage for a brake inspection.  Here are some of the most common explanations for a spongy brake pedal: Air in Your Fluid Lines If you know a thing or two about cars and vehicle fluids, you may know that your brake fluid’s biggest enemy is air. That is why it is not recommended that you open the brake fluid tank. When air or moisture escapes into the brak ... read more

Your engine depends on an air filter to block dust, debris, and other harmful particles from the engine. The filter provides the motor with clean air, so the engine can get a proper amount of air to achieve peak performance and efficiency. It can be found under your car's hood and in the engine air filter housing, typically on top or beside the engine. You, or your mechanic, should check on the filter periodically. Overly worn or filthy air filters can cause your vehicle’s motor to perform poorly, with less power and laggy acceleration. So how do you know when to change it? Typically, it is recommended to change the air filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, give or take. If you often drive in heavy traffic or stop-and-go traffic, you may need to replace it more frequently. Those conditions will cause your filter to get dirty quicker.  What Should the Engine Air Filter Look Like? When you check your filter at home, you should know that the air filter in your car looks ... read more

For many, fall is a time to enjoy the outdoors before winter sets in. It's also an excellent time to take care of some essential car maintenance tasks to ensure your car is ready for the colder months ahead. That's why  Below are some car maintenance items to take care of during the fall season. 1. Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread Depth Regularly Colder temperatures can cause tires to lose air pressure, leading to flats and blowouts. In addition, snowy and icy conditions can make it difficult for tires with poor tread depth to grip the road. As a result, it is essential to ensure your tires are correctly inflated and have enough tread before winter weather hits. 2. Ensure Your Car's Battery Is in Good Working Order Cold weather can cause batteries to drain more quickly, so it's essential to have it checked by a professional before the winter season begins. In addition, be sure to keep an eye on your battery fluid levels and clea ... read more

While most people remember to change their oil, they tend to neglect their tires. If you want smooth, safe, and efficient rides, then you should never skip out on checking your tire pressure. Tire pressure checks ensure your tires are never underinflated or overinflated.   Every automobile manufacturer has a specific tire pressure range for each model of vehicle they produce. The larger the vehicle, the more it can haul, meaning the PSI (pounds per square) recommended will be higher. When monitoring your tire pressure, please have these numbers on hand. Your front and rear tires should always be in the safe range where your tire pressure should always be for maximum control, safety, and efficiency.   Benefits of Regularly Checking Tire Pressure Increases Fuel Economy - When your tires are underinflated, they cause your tires to drag along, burning more fuel in the process. Whereas properly inflated tires ensure optimal efficiency. Minimizes Risks of Accident - When your ... read more