The Importance of Timely Exhaust System Repair

Your car’s exhaust system may not be the most glamorous part of your vehicle, but a properly functioning exhaust system is vital to the performance of your car. Unfortunately, exhaust system issues are incredibly common, and many drivers are unaware of the warning signs that their exhaust system may need to be repaired. We’ll outline why exhaust system repair is so important, some of the common signs of exhaust system issues, and what you can expect from a reputable auto repair shop.

First and foremost, a properly functioning exhaust system is vital to the performance of your vehicle. The exhaust system plays a key role in managing the flow of gases through your engine, and a damaged or malfunctioning exhaust system can negatively impact your vehicle’s acceleration, fuel efficiency, and overall performance.

In addition to the impact on vehicle performance, there are also safety concerns associated with a damaged exhaust system. A leak in your exhaust system can allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabin of your vehicle, which can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, carbon monoxide is a silent killer that claims the lives of hundreds of people every year in the United States alone.

There are several warning signs that may indicate that your exhaust system is in need of repair. These include rattling or hissing sounds coming from your exhaust system, the smell of exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, decreased fuel efficiency, and a decrease in overall vehicle performance. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to take your vehicle to a reputable auto repair shop as soon as possible.

When you bring your vehicle in for exhaust system repair, a reputable auto repair shop will conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle to determine the cause of the issue. This inspection may involve the use of specialized diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Once the cause of the issue has been determined, the repair technician will work to repair or replace the damaged components of your exhaust system.

In conclusion, exhaust system repair is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance that should not be overlooked. A properly functioning exhaust system is vital to the performance and safety of your vehicle, and it’s important to pay attention to the warning signs that may indicate an issue with your exhaust system. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to a reputable auto repair shop for inspection and repair. By taking proactive steps to address any exhaust system issues, you can help keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely for years to come.

Everything You Need to Know about Catalytic Converter Maintenance

The catalytic converter is an integral part of a car’s exhaust system. It reduces emissions and improves fuel economy, making it essential for keeping your vehicle running efficiently and effectively. But, like all car parts, the catalytic converter needs regular maintenance. So here’s everything you need to know about catalytic converter inspection, repair, and service.

Inspecting Your Catalytic Converter

The first step in maintaining your catalytic converter is performing an inspection. This involves examining the parts that make up the exhaust system. If you notice any problems, they should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the catalytic converter. A professional mechanic can inspect your exhaust system and let you know if it needs repair or replacement.

Repairing Your Catalytic Converter

If your inspection reveals any issues with your catalytic converter, you may need to have it repaired or replaced. Repairing a catalytic converter is less expensive than replacing it but may only be an option depending on the severity of the damage. Replacing a catalytic converter can be costly but is sometimes necessary if significant damage cannot be repaired.

Servicing Your Catalytic Converter

In addition to inspecting and repairing your catalytic converter when needed, it’s also essential to perform regular maintenance services on it as well. These services include regularly changing the oil and filter, using higher-quality gasoline where possible, and avoiding long trips at low speeds, which can cause excessive wear on the catalyst material in the converter itself. Following these steps will help keep your vehicle running smoothly while also helping protect its overall performance over time.

Maintaining your car’s catalytic converter is essential for ensuring its optimal performance and helping extend its life span over time. Regular inspections are key for catching any potential issues early on before they become more serious (and costly) problems down the line. Additionally, following good maintenance practices, such as changing oil frequently and avoiding long trips at low speeds, can help protect your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy in the long run! Taking care of your car’s catalytic converter will save you time and money!

Get Ready to Hit the Road with Pre-Trip Inspection Services

Are you about to hit the road for a long drive? Before pulling out of the driveway, ensure your car is in tip-top shape by getting a pre-trip inspection. Pre-trip inspections are essential for any long journey and help keep you safe.

What is Pre-Trip Inspection?

A pre-trip inspection examines your vehicle to ensure it’s ready for travel. During this inspection, a qualified technician will check all the major systems in your car, such as brakes, tires, hoses, belts, fluids, lights, and air conditioning. This helps identify any issues that could cause problems while you are on the road.

Benefits of Pre-Trip Inspections

The main benefit of a pre-trip inspection is safety. A good assessment will help uncover potential issues with your car so they can be fixed before embarking on your journey. A technician can also provide tips and advice on caring for your vehicle during the trip and preparing for unexpected events such as breakdowns.

Making Sure You Receive Quality Service

When choosing where to get your pre-trip inspection, go somewhere reputable with experienced technicians. In addition, look for an auto repair shop that offers quality service at a reasonable price and provides warranties for their work. Then, if something goes wrong during your trip, you have some recourse should repairs need to be made again after returning home.

Before taking off on any long drive, a pre-trip inspection is essential to ensure safety and peace of mind on the road. But not all auto repair shops offer quality service at affordable prices – find an experienced technician when selecting where to get your pre-trip inspection done! With proper care and maintenance before hitting the road, including a comprehensive pre-trip inspection, you will be well prepared for whatever lies ahead during your travels!

Why You Should Keep Your Car AC in Good Working Order

It’s no secret that air conditioning is an integral part of any car. Not only does it keep your vehicle’s interior comfortable, but it also helps to dehumidify the air and prevent fogging inside your windows. But did you know that keeping your car AC in good working order can help save money on repairs? Let’s examine why properly functioning AC in your car is essential.

How AC Works in Your Car

In its simplest form, a car AC system relies on refrigerant to move heat from inside the vehicle to outside. This process compresses and expands refrigerant through different components. First, the compressor pressurizes the liquid refrigerant and sends it to a condenser, where it changes into a gas. Then, this gaseous refrigerant flows through an expansion valve into an evaporator.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is required for all parts of your car’s AC system for optimal performance. That includes changing out old filters, checking for loose connections or debris buildup around the condenser area, inspecting belts, checking pressures and temperatures (which can be done with special tools), ensuring proper system operation, and replacing worn or damaged components when needed. Regularly maintaining these parts will help ensure that your vehicle’s AC continues to run smoothly and efficiently – saving you time, money, and energy in the long run.

The Cost Benefits of Properly Working AC

Properly working AC systems make driving more enjoyable and save money by avoiding costly repairs. On the other hand, faulty AC systems can lead to problems like reduced fuel economy, decreased cooling efficiency, or even complete system failures. Allowing these issues to go unaddressed can result in expensive repair bills that could have been avoided with regular maintenance checks and timely repairs when needed.

If you need help with air conditioning repair, stop by our shop!

The Importance of Engines In Your Vehicle

Importance of Engines in Your Vehicle

Engines are the heart of your vehicle. Without a good engine, your vehicle is an expensive metal box. Understanding engines and how they work is vital to care for your vehicle.

What Your Engine Does

Engines come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have the same primary function: converting fuel into energy that powers your vehicle. A well-maintained engine is essential for your vehicle’s longevity and efficiency. Regular engine maintenance includes oil changes, fluid checks, and spark plug replacements. Neglecting engine maintenance can lead to costly repairs or total engine failure.

Benefits of Maintaining Your Engine

One of the primary benefits of a well-maintained engine is improved fuel efficiency. A properly tuned engine burns fuel more efficiently, saving you money on gas over time. Additionally, a well-maintained engine produces fewer harmful emissions, making it better for the environment.

There are different types of engines available in the market. The internal combustion engine is a complex machine that uses fuel, air, and spark to create an explosion within the engine. Other types of engines include electric engines and hybrid engines.

Signs of Engine Damage

If you notice any warning signs, such as strange noises, vibrations, or a decreased performance, get your engine checked by an auto repair professional. These warning signs can indicate more extensive issues that require immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to more expensive repairs in the future.

Keep Your Engine In Great Condition

Engines are the heart and soul of your vehicle. A well-maintained engine provides improved fuel efficiency, fewer harmful emissions, and a longer lifespan for your vehicle. Take care of your engine by following regular maintenance schedules and addressing issues as they arise. You’ll have a safer, more reliable car, saving money in the long run.

How Do I Know If My Car Has A Recall On It?

A vehicle recall can happen to anyone, and it’s important to know if your car has had a recall issued since most of the time they’re directly related to safety. Whether you have an old car or a new one, every vehicle owner needs to know if theirs has a current recall. So, how do you know if you have a recall, and what can you do about it? Read on to find out more from Advantage Auto Service.

Notices

Every vehicle that has a recall is attached to the owner’s personal information in a large database. The manufacturer will send the owner a notice by mail to let them know they have a recalled vehicle. This notice typically arrives with information about the recall and where you can take your car to get it fixed. You should never have to pay to have a recalled component fixed or replaced. These recalls are mandated by the NHTSA, and the manufacturer must allow every customer to get them repaired free of charge. If you don’t receive a notice by mail, you may not even know if your car has a recalled component.

Check Online

If you’re curious as to whether or not your car has a recall, you can easily check by going online. You’ll need to write down your VIN number since this is what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uses to identify vehicle recalls. Go to their website and look for the recall section, then enter your unique VIN. If nothing comes back, you should not have a recall. If you do get a result, you should check to find out what you need to do next. You might also be able to look at your manufacturer’s website since they often have their own recall section where you can search.

Contact Your Dealership

All auto dealerships are notified whenever a recall is announced. You can call your local dealer and ask them if your particular vehicle currently has any recalls. They can schedule the repair and get the problem fixed for you. Some recalls are very serious and need immediate attention, especially if they’re safety-related. For less serious recalls, you can wait to get the problem repaired, but it’s recommended you have the issue fixed sooner rather than later. With a few simple checks, you can easily find out if your car currently has a recall.

For all your automotive service and repair needs, contact Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA to schedule an appointment today!

Four Reasons Why Your Car’s AC is Blowing Hot Air

It doesn’t do you any good to turn on your car’s air conditioner if it blows hot air. Summer is upon us, and you’re ready to stay nice and cool inside your automobile. Advantage Auto Service advises that there are common problems that can cause your air conditioner to blow hot air instead of cold air. One of these problems may prevent your air conditioner from working at all. What are these problems? We’re going to list all four reasons why your car’s AC is blowing hot air below.

1. Low Refrigerant Levels

The most common reason why the AC blows hot air instead of cold air is a problem with the refrigerant. It could be that you have low refrigerant levels, especially if you haven’t had your vehicle’s air conditioner serviced in a long time. The refrigerant starts in gas form and is compressed to liquid form to cool the air before it is blown into your vehicle’s cabin. If there isn’t enough refrigerant, the air will not cool down.

2. Malfunctioning Compressor

Another common problem is a malfunctioning compressor. The compressor can break down if it isn’t used enough. This sounds strange, but it’s true. If you haven’t run your air conditioner in a long time, it’s possible that the compressor needs to be replaced. The compressor is what compresses the gas refrigerant into liquid form. Your air cannot be cooled down without a functioning compressor.

3. Malfunctioning Condenser

The condenser can malfunction because it can be damaged easily by road debris. This is because the condenser is located directly behind your vehicle’s grille. It gets pelted by any road debris that can fit through the slats. This debris cannot only dent the condenser and cause it to malfunction, but it can also clog the condenser, which will also result in hot air blowing through the vents.

4. System Electrical Problems

Finally, your air conditioning system might be having electrical problems. There may be a problem with the wiring, the relays, or even the fuses. This can prevent your air conditioner from turning on it all. In fact, one common problem is the button that you push to turn on the AC has died. Electrical system problems can also prevent the air conditioning fans from working. Instead of getting hot air blowing through your vents, you may not get any air blowing through your vents.

Advantage Auto Service is the best auto repair shop in Marietta, GA, and we’d be happy to inspect your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Call us today to set up an appointment.

Fleet Services Help Protect Your Bottom Line

We here at Advantage Auto Service never envy the job of a fleet manager. We know you are under tremendous pressure to keep every vehicle on the road making money, whether they are shuttle buses or box trucks. Your bottom line needs to be in the black all the time; otherwise, you face the ire of your boss. This is why we work tirelessly to service fleet vehicles at affordable prices so you always protect your bottom line and also the vehicles and your drivers. Let’s talk more about this below.

Reliability

The only way your fleet vehicles will continue to make you money is if they are reliable. This is why it is crucial that you stick to the factory-scheduled service plan for each fleet vehicle like glue. It’s important to have the services done when they are due, and, if necessary, additional services performed when they are needed. You need your fleet vehicles to be reliable when they are on the road, and part of that reliability includes running efficiently so you save money on fuel costs.

Unreliable vehicles end up in the shop where they are not only making money but also costing money. Another thing to consider is driver retention. If your drivers cannot count on their fleet vehicles, you will have a high driver turnover and this costs more money in the end. Advertising costs alone for new drivers can be pretty high. This is why maintaining your fleet vehicle reliability helps your bottom line. It keeps the vehicles on the road earning money and your drivers happy. Studies show that happy employees are productive employees.

Safety

Safety is also a concern with your fleet vehicles. This is particularly true if you carry passengers. Sticking to each vehicle’s service schedule allows us to find safety problems before they become an accident. For example, we can detect and repair your brakes before the vehicle loses its brakes with regular brake inspections. This helps prevent automobile accidents and the costs that occur with them.

An unsafe fleet vehicle cannot only cause an automobile accident but create a problem with your insurance carrier. If your vehicle is found at fault because it wasn’t maintained properly, you run the risk of losing your insurance coverage and facing the possibility of a lawsuit if, for example, the vehicle was filled with passengers like a shuttle bus. Maintaining your fleet vehicles keeps them safe on the road.

Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, is the only auto service shop you need for shuttlebus and box truck maintenance and repair. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Four Common Problems Found in Classic Cars

You’ve been saving for that classic car and you’ve found the perfect one. Will it run? Will it run okay? These are questions every classic car owner must ask because – well – these babies are old. That’s why we love them! Thankfully, Advantage Auto Service maintains and repairs classic cars. Here are four common problems we see when our customers bring their classics to our shop.

The Engine Overheats

Classic cars overheat now and they did in their day. This is just a fact of classic car life. Usually, overheating is caused by improper coolant levels or mixtures, a broken fan felt or inoperable cooling fan, a defective engine thermostat, or radiator pipes that have clogged over time. The radiator system is one of the first systems you should have inspected after you’ve bought your classic car.

The Brakes Are Worn

Your classic car isn’t going to tell you there is a problem with the brake system using a dashboard warning light. They don’t have them, which is part of their allure. Another system that needs a thorough once-over after your purchase is your classic car’s brake system. The pads are likely worn and you might need a brake fluid flush and refill. The brake lines could also be cracked or worn.

The Engine Needs Help

Classic car engines need fresh oil to prevent damaging the original parts, so make sure to have your oil changed every 2,000 miles. Oil leaks are another common problem with classic cars because the seals are worn. You might also run into transmission and carburetor trouble in your classic. Transmission seals and mounts also wear down and the carburetor is likely long overdue for a cleaning.

The Tires Are Bubbling

Finally, it could have been decades since your classic car’s wheels were balanced and aligned so plan to have that done right away. The tires could already be bubbling because they haven’t been maintained. In fact, one of the first things you’ll want to do before you drive your classic car is to check the tire tread and overall condition of the tires to avoid blowouts. Don’t wreck your classic right after you bought it.

Located in Atlanta, GA, Advantage Auto Service works on classic automobiles. We are experts in all things automotive, whether old or new. Call us today to set up a classic car inspection. We’d be happy to look at the car before you purchase or after you’ve signed on the dotted line.

Why Do My Brakes Squeal All the Time?

Everybody can hear you stopping. Your brakes have been squealing like crazy lately, and you have no idea why. Advantage Auto Service can help. We can find out why your brakes keep squealing. Chances are, the problem is one of the common reasons for squealing brakes that we are listing below. Regardless of the issue, it’s important to have your squealing brakes inspected right away.

Your Brake Pads Are Low

As your brake pads wear down, they may begin to squeal every time you use your brakes. This isn’t necessarily a common sign. Oftentimes, you will hear noises until the brake pads have worn down to their backings. At that time, you will hear grinding every time you step on the brakes. Some people also describe the sound as scraping, and it is the brake pad backings scraping against the rotors. If left unfixed, the brake pad backings will damage the rotors.

You’ve Got a Low Indicator Warning

Brakes will also squeal while you are driving if you have an indicator embedded in the brake pads that is designed to make noise once the brake pad level reaches 1/4-of-an-inch. This is the time that the brake pads need to be replaced, as they will not have enough surface to continue to stop your car effectively. The brake pad surface is a friction-inducing surface, and without that friction, it’s much harder to stop your automobile. The indicator will squeal when you’re driving and stop when you brake.

Your Brakes Are Overheating

If you have a bad habit of riding your brakes, or if you are stuck in a situation where you have to ride the brakes, your brakes will begin to overheat. Riding the brakes means that you keep your foot on the brake pedal and unintentionally engage the brakes all the time. As the brake pads rub against the brake rotors, the excess friction overheats the pads and the rotors. This is called “glazing,” and your overheated brakes will squeal every time you use them.

You’ve Got Part Damage

Finally, sometimes when brake parts get damaged or are not working as they should, your brakes will squeal. The most common problems include broken anti-rattle clips, which are the clips that keep the brake calipers in place; worn out brake pad insulation shims; incorrectly installed pad insulation; no pad insulation; and an incorrect rotor surface cut, or no surface cut on the rotors at all. Any one of these things can make your brakes squeal when you use them.

Call or stop by Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, for brake inspection and repair services. We’ll get to the bottom of the reason why your brakes are squealing and fix it.