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 Mike's Tire & Auto Center.
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 Mike's Tire & Auto Center.
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. Mike's Tire & Auto Center has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.
What People Say About Us
Our 2002 Nissan Frontier suffered a cracked radiator just as we arrived in Sunriver on a Wednesday evening. Got towed to Mike's in the morning but they were only going to be open until noon so that Ty could take his entire staff fishing. Just as I was about to go to plan B, Todd found the part in Bend, had it express shipped to the shop, contacted another customer and found they didn't mind waiting a few more days for a tune up and wedged us into their schedule. We were on the road two hours later. Hats off to the entire organization. Outstanding service!
Mike's saved the day. After a week of low tire pressure readings on a front tire that never panned out, we went to Mike's before a day of driving for one last check. Despite being fully booked for several days they squeezed us in. They found a nail in a rear tire which our inspections by 2 other dealers in the past week didn't catch. Tire fixed in a timely manner, we now know our sensors need to be reset, and we are back on the road.
We broke down in our van traveling through Bend, and these guys helped us get back on the road within a few hours, and for a very reasonable price. We were very impressed with their service and friendliness! Would highly recommend.
Ordered up a new set of tires and when I got my truck back found out they had fixed my air conditioner too! They go the extra mile for their customers. They do great work. Would highly recommend them.
These guys are amazing... Fast, courteous and fair! I was in town on vacation when my check engine light went on. As it turned out, I needed a catalytic converter. They were able to overnight the part and have installed first thing the following morning... And all for a very fair price. Thanks to Todd for making everything so easy! I would recommend these guys anytime.
Sending out a great big thanks and gratitude for quality service! We were in Sunriver on spring break and not only did Mike get us in same day but he graciously didn't even charge us for fixing a tire that could've turned into a great big problem on the way home. Thank you so much for the care and kindness in keeping our family safe.
The folks at Mikes Tire and Auto really came through for me! My Jeep's water pump started to leak when my family and I were visiting Sunriver. On top of that I had a sick 10 month old and we needed to leave early. I called Mikes right when they opened and they got me in immediately, I also asked them to do hoses and a new serpentine belt. They told me there were going to try to have it done by 5, it was done by 2:30.
They were professional and prompt. The work was high quality, no leaks and a fair price too! I strongly recommend this shop.
At the end of my honeymoon I discovered one of my tires had developed a leaky valve and Mikes offered to fix it and they fixed it in 15 minutes. There would have been no way to make it back over the mountain passes to home without their help and they even fixed it for free. Thanks guys for being there and making sure my return trip was a safe one.
I was staying in Sunriver when my alternator went out. Mike's finished the job in less time than expected and less cost than quoted. A quality shop in a convenient location that won't take advantage of your misfortune while on vacation.
