Somersworth Auto Repair

The winter season brings with it a host of challenges for both drivers and their vehicles. As temperatures drop, various aspects of your car, including the engine and its vital fluids, can be affected. Colder weather can, in fact, influence your motor oil. If you’re wondering what you can do to maintain optimal engine performance during winter, keep on reading. To comprehend the impact of cold weather on motor oil, it's essential to grasp the concept of viscosity. Viscosity refers to the thickness or flowability of a liquid, in this case, your motor oil. Motor oil is formulated to meet specific viscosity standards, typically labeled with a multi-grade rating like 10W-30 or 5W-20. The 'W' stands for winter, and the number preceding it indicates the oil's flowab ... read more

As winter's icy breath draws near, our vehicles face a new set of challenges on the road. The cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions demand that we take proactive steps to ensure our cars are ready to handle the harsh realities of the season. Much like bundling up in cozy layers, our cars need a bit of extra care and attention to navigate the winter roads safely.  Winter is coming! But don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's join forces and make sure your beloved ride stays reliable and accompanies you on all your winter adventures! Tire Maintenance and Winter Tires Ensuring adequate tire tread depth and considering the use of dedicated winter tires can significantly enhance traction and grip on icy and snow-covered roads, contributing to improved handling and safety during winter driving conditions. Battery Check and Maintenance Performing a thorough battery check, including assessing the charge level and terminals ... read more

Central Park Express & Central Park Garage Join us in giving back this Thanksgiving season at Central Park Express & Central Park Garage! We're hosting a food drive at each of our locations, and here's how you can get involved: For your next service visit, simply bring in any of the following items to support the New Hampshire Food Bank, and we'll show our appreciation by giving you $10 OFF your oil change or a $30 discount on any repair services. Your generosity doesn't stop there – your donations will be sent directly to the NH Food Bank to help prepare Thanksgiving meals, and as a gesture of our commitment, Central Park Express & Central Park Garage will match the amount of your discount by making a donation to the NH Food Bank. Together, let's make this Thanksgiving truly special for all our New Hampshire families. We sincerely thank you in advance for your contributions; they mean the world to us. If your next service is ... read more

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