Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.
Engine and Drivetrain Problems
Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at Master Mechanix.
Vibration While Driving
This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.
Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at Master Mechanix.
There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. Master Mechanix has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.
What People Say About Us
I looked at the reviews online and decided to give Master Mechanix a try and was not disappointed. They fixed my truck in like a quarter of the time I was expecting and at a incredibly reasonable price. Ever since I have been driving I have never had good experiences with mechanics, but this is the exception. They were very nice and did not try and sell me a bunch of stuff I did not need. Next time any of my vehicles has a problem I know where I will be going.
I had my vehicle towed here for repairs after a breakdown on the freeway a few weeks ago and, although they were a little backed up due to bad weather, they figured the problem out quickly and let me know exactly what to expect in cost. The part that was broken was still under warranty by the manufacturer, so Master Mechanix took care of the work and warranty reimbursement with me only having to pay for the initial diagnosis! Very happy with how everything went and would recommend these guys to anyone. Thanks!
Best general mechanic I've ever been to. I've always gone to the dealership where I've got my car because they are they only ones I trust even though they are very expensive. I came here because the dealership said they didn't have the parts to do the job and recommended Master Mechanix. Very fast and cheap. very happy with the service and will go back in the future.
Ray is an excellent technician! High quality work and very honest! I have been going to Master Mechanix for years.
I have brought several of my vehicles in to Master Mechanix for troubleshooting and repair over the last 15 years I have lived in the Pocatello area. Their pricing is very reasonable, the repairs are quick and I have never been disappointed or unsatisfied with the service. Their work is always top notch! Ray always takes the time to explain options, pricing and repair time and doesn't ever attempt to "pile on" a bunch of other work. I continuously recommend Master Mechanix to family and friends.
They provided great service and great education about how to properly care for my car. Thanks guys!!
