Somersworth Auto Repair

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

We can’t believe August is already here, which means summer is coming to an end. August is a busy month, especially if you’re a parent with kids or a student going back to school. With many people going back to their normal routine, it is essential to ensure you and your family is safe.    Drivers in Somersworth, NH count on the team at Central Park Garage to keep them safe with a reliable car care. From going to and from school, sports practice, school dances, and more, you’re going to need a safe car for the upcoming fall. You can ensure you are safe with preventative maintenance.      When you bring your car to our shop for maintenance, our certified technicians will start off with a comprehensive inspection. We will look at all areas to find any underlying issues that can affect your car’s drivability. Some key items we look at are fluid levels, tires, lights, and brake components. It also isn’t a bad idea to change your o ... read more

Summer is a fantastic time to get out on the road and have some fun. There are many sites to visit, whether you're traveling to another state or simply looking for a local campsite. In any case, the extreme heat of the summer months must be taken into consideration. Here are some things to remember before the weather gets too hot so you can drive with confidence. Replace your oil and oil filter. This is especially crucial if you haven't changed your oil in a while, because extreme weather (wet, hot, or cold) can put extra strain on your oil and oil filter. Your oil keeps your engine parts lubricated, while the filter keeps hazardous debris, dirt, and metal fragments out of the oil system. More material is picked up when the filter is clean. The more stuff that is taken up, the cleaner the oil will be. A healthier, happier engine means cleaner oil! Check your tires. According to michelinman.com, the penny test is a quick and straightforward way to check for wear. Simply take a ... read more

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, most people don’t consider their car’s timing belt.  In caring for your vehicle, you should replace parts before they completely fail to avoid expensive repairs. When it comes to your timing belt, you should do just that. Otherwise, you may experience serious engine damage.   The timing belt is in charge of timing the opening and closing of the valves. Over time, the rubbery component wears off and could snap. You want to avoid this because it can strike the pistons. Timing belts typically need to be replaced between 60,000 and 100,000 miles (depending on your vehicle's make and model). At your regular maintenance service, feel free to ask your technician to  inspect your timing belt. Signs Your Timing Belt Needs Replacing Ticking noises Engine misfires Problem with engine starts Rough idling Oil pressure decline Glazing and fraying on the belt Timing belt replacements are complex jobs that one should leave ... read more

  The phrase "tune-up" is overlooked by drivers as it is not commonly used today. However, nowadays the term essentially shares the same meaning as a maintenance check-up. It involves maintenance services performed under the hood rather than on other parts of the vehicle, like tires, brakes, or suspension.   Understanding what a tune-up is and its benefits of them will help your car go a long way. An engine tune-up emphasizes the repairing, cleaning, and replacement of parts under the hood. This includes spark plugs, wires, fuel injectors, filters, and more. Tune-up service can differ from car to car. For a more extensive check-up, you might consider a full comprehensive vehicle inspection.   Benefits of Regular Tune-Ups Prevents major breakdowns Reduces major repair bills in the long haul Retains the vehicle’s resale value Supports vehicle performance  Ensures good fuel mileage Keeps the engine starting process reliable Lowers emissions ... read more

We've had customers come in telling us that their car smells like maple syrup at our shop. If your vehicle has a sweet scent, you should probably have a professional check it out. It could be a sign of an antifreeze/coolant leak. This fluid is circulated throughout the cooling system and engine and is necessary to your vehicle's overall performance.  When the heater core, radiator, or other cooling system component develops a leak, you and your passengers will be the first to pick up on the scent.  What Are Some Signs of a Coolant Leak? Your windshield has a sticky film after operating the defroster. You find physical evidence such as puddles of a leak or rust on the radiator. Your temperature gauge is unusually high or indicates overheating. Your coolant warning light is on. And, of course, the sweet-smelling scent of coolant. Typically where you catch the smell will give you a better idea of where the leak is. When you notice the syrupy scent outside of your ... read more

Spring is right around the corner, and we will soon say bye to the cold winter. As the leaves and flowers sprout and the sunshine peeks through from behind the clouds, you might be motivated to do some spring cleaning.    There is no better way to spruce things up than by giving your car a much-needed thorough clean. While you may be tempted to grab the hose, soap, and bucket and jump right in, there are some tips that you should keep in mind when washing your car at home! Make sure to get your vehicle bumper-to-bumper, including the tires, underbody, mirrors, and all other glass surfaces. Tons of debris and dirt could've been collected in these areas over the winter, so make sure you pay attention to the details.  Dry your car with a microfiber cloth. This soft material is best suitable to dry a vehicle. Scrubbing an old t-shirt or scratchy towel can end up hurting the paint, so stick with the microfiber fabrics. Avoid using dish soap, detergent, or other house ... read more