Somersworth Auto Repair

The life force that keeps your car running smoothly is its vital fluids – the heroes behind the scenes. But what happens when these fluids become polluted, sluggish, or deteriorated? Enter the fluid flush service, the rejuvenating elixir that breathes new life into your vehicle's veins.  The Anatomy of a Fluid Flush Before we dive into the details, let's understand the basics of a fluid flush service. At its core, this maintenance procedure is designed to remove contaminants, restore fluid vitality, and provide more lubrication and temperature regulation. Over time, fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid can accumulate contaminants, leading to decreased performance and potential damage. A fluid flush eliminates these impu ... read more

Owning a car is undoubtedly a convenient and liberating experience. However, with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Neglecting regular upkeep can lead to costly repairs and even compromise your safety on the road. In reverse, if you adhere to a regular maintenance schedule, not only will these procedures keep your ride in top-notch condition, but they'll also ensure you enjoy the road without any unexpected hiccups. Oil Changes Are A No-Brainer Just as our bodies need regular check-ups, your car's engine requires routine oil changes. Engine oil lubricates and protects moving parts from excessive wear and tear. Ignoring this vital task can lead to engine damage and reduced fuel efficiency. Experts recommend changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on your vehicle and the type of oil used. Tire Care - Rubber Me ... read more

That high-pitched, irritating squeak coming from under the hood can be an unwelcome surprise for any vehicle owner. If you've ever experienced a squeaking belt, you're not alone. Belt squeaking is a common issue that can stem from a variety of factors. Why is My Belt Squeaking?                                                       Squeaking belts are typically caused by the friction between the belt and the pulleys it drives. Several factors can contribute to this friction and result in that aggravating noise: Worn or Loose Belt Over time, belts can become worn, cracked, or stretched. Loose belts may slip on the pulleys, generating friction and the characteristic squeak. I ... read more

Repair shops are equipped with a wide array of tools that are essential for diagnosing and fixing vehicle issues. While not every car owner needs a full-scale repair shop setup, having a few essential tools can be valuable for basic maintenance and minor repairs. Socket Set and Ratchet A socket set and ratchet are indispensable tools for any repair shop. These versatile tools come in various sizes and allow you to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts efficiently. From removing wheels to accessing engine components, a socket set and ratchet provide the necessary leverage and flexibility for a wide range of repair tasks. Should you buy them? Absolutely! Investing in a quality socket set and ratchet is a wise decision for any car owner. They are versatile tools that can come in handy for routine maintenance tasks like changing oil or replacing spark plugs. Wrenches Wrenches are essential for turning nuts and bolts in tight spaces where a ... read more

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