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.

Shuttle Bus Driver Safety Tips

Many people rely on shuttle buses, especially those living in assisted-living communities. You don’t want your shuttle buses to be dangerous to your passengers, and a lot of the safety of these vehicles lies with the drivers and how they handle them. Advantage Auto Service would like to share the following shuttle bus driver safety tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to protect you and your passengers.

Drive Defensively

Shuttle bus drivers must remain vigilant behind the wheel, constantly anticipating their next move before they make it. Awareness and action are the keys to avoiding accidents. Anticipating problems before they happen helps drivers prevent them.

Use the Signals

Shuttle bus drivers should always make other drivers aware of their intentions. Signals, brake lights, and flashers help drivers anticipate the shuttle’s next move. It’s important to consistently use these tools, and it’s also important to use flares and triangles when broken down.

Slow Down

Shuttle bus drivers must also know their vehicle and how to handle it. They must slow down when driving conditions warrant it, such as during inclement weather or around curves. Extensive driver’s training can help your bus drivers learn when to use caution.

Use Common Sense

The shuttle bus can’t be safe if the driver isn’t safe. Simple common sense can save lives. Everyone, including the driver, should buckle up. The driver should not drive when he or she is tired. Nor should the driver be distracted. Obviously, alcohol and drugs should be forbidden.

Know the Routes

If your shuttle bus drivers do not have a good idea of where they’re going or how to get there, they will be easily distracted by a fear of getting lost. Drivers should always know their routes and plan for any obstacles, including road work or road hazards.

Maintain the Fleet

Finally, a reliable fleet keeps the shuttles and their drivers safe. Preventative maintenance prevents breakdowns and accidents. Reliable shuttles boost the driver’s and passenger’s confidence in your shuttle service. Maintaining the fleet is perhaps one of the most important safety tips of all.

If you drive a shuttle bus or own a fleet of shuttles in Atlanta, GA, let Advantage Auto Service keep the buses on the road, reliable, and safe. You can call us to discuss your fleet automotive service and repair needs, and you can rest assured we have vast experience in shuttle bus repair and shuttle bus driver safety. We’d be happy to get you on a customized service plan that is perfect for your shuttle buses.

Nine Signs Your Transmission Is Going Out

You’re driving along and all of a sudden your engine revs and you lose power. Then, you hear a clunk and the engine engages again. This is just one sign that your transmission is going out. Advantage Automotive is going to list nine signs of automatic transmission failure below, all of which we can help you with by repairing or replacing your transmission.

1. Won’t Shift Gears

Another sign of a dying transmission is a refusal to shift gears. This can happen initially when you try to put your vehicle into park or reverse, or it can happen as the vehicle attempts to go through the gear cycle. This problem can be caused by low transmission fluid or the wrong type of transmission fluid.

2. The Gears Slip

The scenario we described in the introduction is the gears slipping. Your automatic transmission will put your vehicle into gear and begin to shift through the gear cycle, but once it is in gear, it will slip out of it. This causes the engine to rev and your vehicle will lose power because it’s forced into neutral.

3. Noise When Shifting

You should not hear clunking or grinding when you put your car, truck, or SUV into drive or reverse, or when it shifts between gears. Even though you drive an automatic transmission, it has an internal clutch mechanism. This could be going bad, or the clunking or grinding could be caused by other worn parts.

4. Neutral Noises

You might also hear sounds when the vehicle is in neutral. The most common sign there’s something wrong with the transmission when the car is in neutral is a whining sound. Some people also describe the sound as a humming sound. Either way, you shouldn’t hear strange noises when in neutral.

5. Shaking or Vibrating

When you learn to drive a manual transmission, the gear shifts can be pretty rough. You should never have a problem with rough shifting from an automatic transmission. The gear shifts should be seamless, and your vehicle shouldn’t lurch, shake, or vibrate as the automatic transmission shifts the gears.

6. Burning Smells

Burning smells should signal an alarm inside your head to pull off the road right away and cut your engine. Old or low transmission fluid can overheat the automatic transmission and you will smell hot odors. When something smells hot, it is, and in a combustion engine, this can cause a fire.

7. Fluid Leaks

Transmission fluid is bright red and will leak underneath your car toward the center of it. If you have red fluid leaking from the front of your vehicle, it’s probably power steering fluid or coolant. Transmission fluid is also translucent and smells kind of sweet. It can leak from the pan, pan gasket, or hoses.

8. Pink Fluid

If the transmission fluid is pink, we have very bad news for you. Transmission fluid turns pink because it’s being diluted by engine coolant. This means you have a breach in the transmission that is allowing the coolant into the system. This seriously damages the transmission, i.e. we’ll have to replace it.

9. Check Engine Alert

Finally, the check engine light will come on if the automatic transmission is going bad. This alert covers many vehicle systems that do not have their own light on your dashboard. Any time the check engine light comes on, it’s important to have the reason diagnoses ASAP to avoid significant damage.

Stop by Advantage Auto Service’s auto shop in Marietta, GA, if you experience any of the nine signs listed above. We’ll inspect your transmission and fix the problem right away.

Oil Changes Every 3,000 Miles Prevent a Clogged Oil Filter

Regular oil change service every 3,000 miles increases your engine’s performance, boosts its fuel economy, and extends its life. Auto engines needs clean motor oil circulating through them when they’re running. Failure to change the oil will result in a clogged oil filter and cause the following problems.

Problems With Engine Performance

Oil filters clean the motor oil after it has circulated through the engine. Motor oil picks up dirt and grime while flowing over moving engine parts. Filters remove this grime. The more grime your oil filter absorbs, the more clogged it gets. So, dirty motor oil flows through your engine, leading to engine performance problems.

Problems With the Fuel Economy

Dirty motor oil cuts down your fuel economy over time. Making more trips to the gas station and dealing with a less efficient vehicle makes you pay more, and benefit less.

Why?

Dirty motor oil can cause a sputtering engine. It can also cause your acceleration to lag. The engine will overcompensate for the loss of power by burning more fuel, reducing your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Problems With the Oil Pressure

The engine will also suffer in its performance because the oil pressure is reduced by the clogged oil filter. Consequently, the working parts may be operating with little-to-no oil. The engine control unit, the main computer chip, will know there’s problem with the oil pressure in the engine. It will turn on the oil light to let you know that there’s a problem.

Engine Noises That Are Metallic

As the oil pressure continues to lag and the filter gets even more clogged, there will come a point when you will start to hear metallic noises coming from the engine. It is crucial that you stop driving your automobile immediately once you hear these noises. These noises point to the fact that you do not have motor oil circulating through the engine at all.

Problems With Vehicle Emissions

Finally, your vehicle is going to have difficulties passing an emissions test if the oil filter is clogged. This is because the dirty motor oil increases the number of hydrocarbons that are found in your vehicle’s exhaust. Consequently, the hydrocarbons will be above the mandated limit.

Call Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, today to set up an oil change service if it has been too long since your last one.

New Year’s Resolutions For Drivers

As the holiday season is winding down and everyone is getting ready to welcome the new year, you may be making your list of New Year’s resolutions. Most people stick to resolutions that have to do with their weight, health, or finances. What about your vehicle? After all, you drive it every day. Advantage Auto Service wants you to consider adding these car care and driving resolutions to your list of resolutions.

Brush Up on Traffic Laws

It has likely been a while since you memorized all the traffic laws to pass your written driving exam. If you feel like you have forgotten some, even though driving has become second nature to you, you are not alone. We find that some of the most common rules people forget about are who has the right of way at a four-way stop, proper use of the right and left lanes, and what to do if a traffic light is flashing red or yellow. This year, make the commitment to spend a little time reading over traffic rules and regulations.

Don’t Rage Behind the Wheel

We understand that traffic is frustrating. People who aren’t driving the speed limit, cutting you off, or following you to close are all things that make your blood boil. This year make the resolution to avoid allowing that frustration to grow into full-blown road rage. If you find yourself in a precarious situation, take a deep breath and relax. Laying on the horn and screaming profanity won’t change anything

Don’t Drive Distracted

This should go without saying. If you haven’t already, invest in a hands-free device for placing calls while you are driving and put your phone down. If you find that you need to send or read a text message ask a passenger to assist you or pull over into a safe parking area.

Before you start driving, choose your playlist or radio station so you don’t feel the need to fidget with buttons and dials. We also recommend that you avoid eating while you drive. The more time spent with two hands on the wheel and two eyes on the road, the better.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

This year, make the promise to keep up with your vehicle maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes will keep your engine running smoothly and inspections will allow you to catch and repair minor issues before they become major catastrophes. Whether you are in need of standard maintenance or a more complicated repair, the team of experts at Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, is here to help.

The Importance Of Oil Changes

The Importance of Oil Changes

We cannot overstate the importance of oil changes. If you use conventional oil, you need to have it changed every 3,000 miles. If you use synthetic oil, it should be changed every 5,000 miles. The motor oil isn’t the only thing that is changed during an oil change service. We also replace the oil filter to ensure it does not get clogged. Let’s talk more about the importance of oil changes below.

What the Motor Oil Does

The motor oil circulates through the engine while the engine is running in order to lubricate the moving parts so they do not grind against each other and create friction. The motor oil also removes dirt from the engine parts to help keep your engine clean. Finally, the oil helps remove heat from the engine parts to keep your engine’s temperature below 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The motor oil plays the most important role in protecting your engine while it is running.

What The Filter Does

The oil filter removes the dirt that the oil picks up once it has circulated through the engine. This cleans the oil so it is ready to remove more dirt from the engine. The oil filter can get clogged with the dirt that the oil picks up from the engine. When this happens, you will start to have engine performance problems. In fact, your engine may overheat. In severe cases, the clog in the filter may prevent the oil from circulating and damage your engine beyond repair.

How Both Get Dirty

Naturally, the oil gets dirty by picking up the dirt in the engine. The oil filter gets dirty by removing the dirt from the oil. A when t the mileage milestone based on the oil type that you use both the oil and oil filter are now too dirty. In addition, the motor oil is losing its viscosity, which means that the oil can no longer protect the engine. Old motor oil also starts to oxidize, which means that it fills with air bubbles.

The Related Consequences

We discussed some of the related consequences above. A clogged oil filter can damage your engine beyond repair but so can dirty motor oil. In order to keep your engine properly lubricated, clean, and running at a normal temperature, you need clean motor oil circulating through it as well as circulating through a clean oil filter. Anything else will damage the engine.

Call us today if you are overdue for an oil change.

Top Overlooked Auto Safety Issues

When it comes to driving, your safety and the safety of your other passengers should always be a top priority. And, while you’re certainly familiar with common safety components like airbags and brakes, there are other auto safety issues that are often overlooked by the average driver. Read on to learn about more about the top safety issues with vehicles that are overlooked.

Exterior Lights Aren’t Working

Whether it’s the brake lights, tail lights, or headlights, many drivers don’t even realize that these important lights are out. Often, you won’t know until you get pulled over or someone else informs you that the lights are out. It’s extremely important that all exterior lights are working so that other drivers can see you. These lights are dangerous when they go out and can even be the cause of an accident.

A Dying Battery

In most cases, you won’t even know you’re having battery issues until it’s too late. If you end up with a dead battery, you could also end up stranded. Have your battery checked to find out if it needs a recharge or if it needs to be replaced. Take a closer look at your battery contacts to be sure they aren’t corroded or damaged. An occasional battery check can save you from being stuck on the side of the road.

Tire Issues

From worn out tread to improper inflation levels, tires are commonly overlooked. If your tires are worn down, it can cause a blowout which is an extremely serious safety hazard. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, too. You can check the recommended PSI level and then fill them with air at any gas station. Underinflated, overinflated, and worn down tires are a very common cause of accidents and other roadside woes.

Coolant System Problems

Not only with an overheated engine leave you stuck, but it’ll also cause some seriously costly engine damage. Check your coolant levels regularly, and be on the lookout for any possible leaks. When checking the coolant levels, make sure your engine is completely cooled down before removing any caps. When your car’s coolant system is healthy, you won’t need to worry about frustration when the engine overheats.

These are just some of the top overlooked auto safety issues. Always have your vehicle inspected regularly and perform all the necessary preventative maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

For all your automotive service and repair needs, contact Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA at 770-268-2892 to schedule an appointment today!

My Car’s Power Steering Is Acting Strange

If your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s power steering is acting strange, it’s possible that the power steering pump is going bad. Advantage Auto Service can inspect the power steering system to determine if the pump needs to be replaced. Generally, a power steering pump lasts about 100,000 miles. If you have that mileage or more on your odometer and you notice any of the following problems, it’s time to replace the power steering pump.

Whining, Squealing, or Groaning Noises

Once the pump starts to go bad, your automobile will protest every time you turn the steering wheel. You will hear whining, squealing, or groaning noises. Of the three, groaning sounds are the most common. These noises will get louder the tighter you turn the steering wheel. This can be a sign that the pump is going bad or that you have low power steering fluid.

A Steering Wheel That’s Hard to Turn

The power steering pump circulates the fluid through the power steering system, so if the pump is going bad, it may be hard to turn the steering wheel. The reason why is that the pump may be unable to push the power steering fluid through the system to help you turn the wheel. The longer you ignore the problem the harder it may be to turn your steering wheel.

A Steering Wheel That Doesn’t Respond

In fact, in severe cases, there may come a point when your vehicle does not respond to your steering. This can make driving your automobile dangerous because you will be unable to control it. For example, you may get stuck in an intersection trying to make a turn with unresponsive power steering. It’s important to have the steering system inspected at the first sign of trouble.

Squealing Noises at Vehicle Start-Up

It’s possible that your power steering pump isn’t bad but your accessory belt is too loose. If this is the case, your power steering pump is not being powered correctly and this can affect its performance. One sign that the accessory belt needs to be tightened is squealing noises when you start your vehicle.

Leaking Power Steering Fluid

Finally, when the power steering pump goes bad it might start leaking power steering fluid all over your garage floor. Power steering fluid is red when it is new and it turns reddish-brown when it gets old. Fluid spots of this color could be power steering fluid.

Advantage Auto Service is the best auto service shop in Marietta, GA, so call us today to schedule an appointment if you are having problems with your vehicle’s power steering.

Why Your Brake Pedal is Hard to Push Down

Imagine you’re driving down the road, and suddenly you need to stop, but it feels like you literally have to stand on your brake pedal to get it to go down. This issue is not only dangerous, but it can also be extremely frustrating. So, what causes the brake pedal to stick, and how can you fix it? Check out this helpful guide that explains some common causes of a sticking brake pedal and how to remedy the problem.

Get Rid of the Sludge

Your brake fluid absorbs water, and this can cause nasty to sludge to buildup as time goes on, accumulating in the braking system. This icky buildup will make it feel like your brakes are failing, but it likely just needs to be cleaned out. Check your brake fluid by removing the cap from the reservoir. Scrape the reservoir using a flathead screwdriver, and take a closer look at what comes out. If the fluid is dirty, thick, and dark it likely needs to be flushed and replaced. You can take your vehicle to a certified mechanic for a total brake fluid flush service and this should remedy the issue.

Vacuum Loss

If your vehicle has power brakes, the engine vacuum is what provides it with the power it needs to operate. This technology has actually been used since around the early 1950s, so it’s nothing new to most experienced mechanics. The process works by using vacuum from the engine intake manifold, which multiplies the force applied to your brake pedal, making it easier for you to come to a complete stop. If the front seal is damaged, it can cause an issue with this vacuum system. It could also cause the rear seal on your master cylinder to fail. You can tell this is a problem if you see drops down the front of the booster, which may mean the entire booster and master cylinder needs to be replaced.

A hose located between the engine and the booster is what creates the vacuum effect. Check this hose and look for any cracks or other signs of damage. You can replace the hose by loosening the nuts that secure the mastery cylinder to the booster. If you don’t see any leaks, start your engine and lightly press down on the brake pedal. Listen carefully for a strange hissing noise. If you hear it, this means the front booster seal is leaking and needs to be replaced. When in doubt, always take your vehicle in for professional service so you can brake safely and in confidence.

For all your brake service and repair needs, contact Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA at 770-268-2892 to schedule an appointment today!

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