Does my Car Need Coolant In Winter?

Does my Car Need Coolant In Winter?

Your Car’s Cooling System (Water Pump, Hoses, Radiator, Thermostat, Heater Core) needs service year-round, regardless of the weather.  In winter, the Coolant/Antifreeze lowers the freezing point and prevents freeze up, which could Crack an Engine Block.  The Coolant also contains anticorrosion agents which prevent scale and lime build up in the Radiator and Heater Core, which is essential to keeping your passengers warm.  It’s very important to make sure the Cooling System is in good working order for winter driving.  We’re offering our Cooling System Service Special for $59.99 through 3/1/19. This includes one gallon of ethylene glycol Antifreeze,  Pressure Test of system, Inspect Hoses,  Tighten Connections, Drain & Fill Radiator.

How Should I Prepare My Car For Winter Driving?

How Should I Prepare My Car For Winter Driving?

No one wants their car to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather. Visit a Good Mechanic and have your vehicle checked thoroughly for Leaks, badly Worn Hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements.  Get any Routine Maintenance that may be due.

We recommend getting our Vehicle Health Report so that you will know ahead of time what could cause your Car to Break Down or cause additional damage to your vehicle.  We will identify problem areas and prioritize them to fit your needs and your budget.  Keeping your vehicle safe and dependable for you, your family and everyone else on the road is our job.

Do I need a Power Steering System Flush?

Do I need a Power Steering System Flush?

If you hear Noise When You Turn the Car’s Wheel or if your Steering Is Jerky or Erratic, you should certainly get your Power Steering System checked by a Good Mechanic.  Also, if your  Power Steering Fluid is 3 years or older, it should probably be replaced.

The Power Steering System helps to turn your wheels at low speeds.  As you drive, bits of plastic, rubber, and metal from inside the system will wear off over time.  There is no filter in the Power Steering System, so the only way to remove these particles is to Flush the Power Steering Fluid and replace it with new, clean fluid.  Plus it will save you money in the long run.  A Power Steering System Flush with BG products is 199.99 for most American and Asian cars and light trucks compared to over $500 to Replace a Power Steering Pump Assembly and over $900 to Replace a Rack & Pinion Assembly.  It’s important to address problems with Power Steering as soon as possible to prevent bigger and more expensive repairs down the road.   We treat every car we work on with the same care as if it were our own vehicle.  Our goal is to keep you safe and on the road.

Do I Need To Warm My Car Up Before Driving in Cold Weather?

Do I Need To Warm My Car Up Before Driving in Cold Weather?

No.  There is no need to Warm Your Car Up before driving unless you want a warm interior when you get in.

Warming your car up is a waste of gas and actually terrible for your engine. The computer system in your car is designed to start the car and warm it up as quickly as possible, for fuel economy and emission, most cars warm up quicker when being driven not just idling.

If you need to Defrost your Windshield,  a simple homemade solution in a spray bottle will do the trick: Combine 1/3 cup of water and 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol. Spray onto your windshield and watch the ice melt immediately.  This works because rubbing alcohol has a freezing point 128 degrees below zero.

Should you Rock your Vehicle when it is Stuck On Snow or Ice?

Should you Rock your Vehicle when it is Stuck On Snow or Ice?

Modern Transmissions do not have gears or speeds like many think; they use a Transmission Computer to up shift and down based on inputs from different sensors. 

When you Rock your Vehicle back and forth,  the internal components can’t stop turning fast enough. This makes the Transmission Overheat very quickly causing the fluid to break down.

 Servicing your Transmission at the recommended intervals (or sooner if the fluid is discolored),  could save thousands of dollars in costly Transmission Replacement.

If you’re looking for a Transmission Service Near Me, we will be happy to help you.  We treat every car we work on with the same care as if it were our own vehicle.  Our goal is to keep you safe and on the road.

Is a Brake Fluid Flush Really Necessary?

Is a Brake Fluid Flush Really Necessary?

People sometimes forget that maintaining your vehicle is always cheaper than repairing it. A perfect example is Flushing  the Brake Fluid which costs about $169  for most vehicles, but replacing an Anti-Lock Brake Pump Assembly could cost $3500 - $6800 depending on the vehicle.  Replacing the Brake Pump Assembly requires Bleeding the Brake System as part of the repair procedure. So the Brake Fluid is Flushed at that point, but at a much greater expense than just doing the Brake Fluid Flush as maintenance.

If you’re looking for a Brake Fluid Flush Near Me, we will be happy to help you.  We treat every car we work on with the same care as if it were our own vehicle.  Our goal is to keep you safe and on the road.

Snow is Coming; What’s More Important: A Safe Car or Bread, Milk, & Toilet Paper ?

Snow is Coming; What’s More Important:   A Safe Car or Bread, Milk, & Toilet Paper ?

 With a storm coming Thursday into Friday,  and more bad weather this weekend, it looks like this will be a bad winter for the people and the cars of Maryland.

But why does everyone worry about milk, bread, toilet paper before a snow storm,  but not their cars?

We see more No Starts or Slow Cranking and No Heat problems AFTER it snows, but not before. It’s hard after the holidays to find money to spend on your car, but if you wait until your car Won’t Start, you could miss more work. What about when you have No Heat,  the Windows Will Not Defrost, and you have an accident because your visibility is reduced. Have you saved anything?

We recommend getting a Vehicle Health Report so that you will know ahead of time what could cause you to Break Down or cause additional damage to your vehicle.  We will identify problem areas and prioritize them to fit your needs and your budget.  For a limited time, we are offering a FREE Basic Oil Change (up to 5 quarts 5W20 or 5W30 oil, filter, lube as needed) when you get a Vehicle Health Report for $45.99.

Keeping your vehicle safe and dependable for you, your family and everyone else on the road i

Confident Financial Solutions Holiday Cash

We are happy that Confident Financial Solutions (CFS) will be providing extra Holiday Cash to our customers.

CFS will deposit up to $2,000 of your maximum approved amount directly into your bank account. Because who doesn't need a little extra spending money for the holidays? Customers can spend this money however they choose.

Pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate. Start wrapping those presents. Come in today for more details.

What are the symptoms of Blown Struts?

What are the symptoms of Blown Struts?

Struts work to keep vehicle tires flat on the ground on a variety of road conditions. Blown Struts lose the ability to keep downward pressure on the Tires. After hitting a small hole or bump in the road, the Tire will rebound upward.  When the Strut is blown, the Tire will not return to the ground immediately.  This can cause the Tire Tread to skip or scuff over the road’s surface resulting in small cup-shaped depressions in the Tire Tread. 

Fluid Leakage is another symptom.  The photo shows the Blown Front Strut of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee which was brought in because the owner found Oil Leaking on the driveway.  Leaks indicate the Strut Cylinder has lost its Hydraulic Oil.

We check Tire Wear and Suspension Parts whenever the car is on a lift for an Oil Change or any other service.  This way if a Tire Wear Pattern is visible, it can be corrected immediately.  We treat every car we work on with the same care as if it were our own vehicle.  Our goal is to keep you safe and on the road.

Why do I need to replace my Shocks and Struts when my car rides fine?

Why do I need to replace my Shocks and Struts when my car rides fine?

Shocks and Struts are designed to control the Tires so they stay in contact with road surfaces as much as possible. If vehicle Tires are free to bounce (which is what happens when Struts and Shocks wear) they are not as effective at gripping the road, so Steering, Handling, and Braking are all affected. Shocks and Struts are not just for ride comfort: their primary function, Tire control, is a much more important role.

Because worn Shocks and Struts cannot be seen like worn Tires, and because it is very gradual, the driver is the last to notice the difference. A passenger riding in the vehicle for the first time may even comment on the “ride” that seems normal to the driver. But, regardless of how it may feel to you, worn Struts and Shocks will cause a change in Tire Wear and Vehicle Handling that should not go unaddressed.

Shocks and Struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control.  Remember, too, that whenever the Struts are replaced, it becomes important to check the Alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your vehicle Tires and assure maximum safety.

If you think your Shocks and Struts need replacement, we will be happy to help you.  We treat every car we work on with the same care as if it were our own vehicle.  Our goal is to keep you safe and on the road.

Why should I replace the Cabin Air Filter?

Why should I replace the Cabin Air Filter?

The Cabin Air Filter keeps the air you breathe clean by stopping outside allergens and dust from entering your car through the air vents.  It traps pollen, dust, mold spores, smoke, and soot among other things.

Any filter, whether for your home or your car, becomes contaminated with pollutants and debris as time passes.  When your Cabin Air Filter is really dirty, you may notice the air flow through the vents is weaker.  You may also notice a difference in air quality in the cabin while driving. 

The Cabin Air Filter should be replaced every 12,000 miles or 12 months.  If you drive a lot, especially in urban areas with poor air quality or in a dusty environment, you may need to replace more often. This is particularly important if you or a family member has allergies, asthma, or a respiratory disease.   Also, if you frequently park under trees, the sap, seeds, pine needles, and leaf debris may get into the Cabin Air Filter and create mold.  

If you think your Cabin Air Filter needs replacement, we will be happy to help you.  We treat every car we work on with the same care as if it were our own vehicle.  Our goal is to keep you safe and on the road.

Is My Car Ready For A Road Trip?

Is My Car Ready For A Road Trip?

Before you hit the road for vacation travel, it’s a good idea to check your vehicle over first for safety and to help avoid the inconvenience and expense of breaking down miles from home.  Here’s what we recommend:

· Check Filters and Fluids including Oil, Antifreeze/Coolant, Windshield Washer, Power Steering, Brake & Transmission Fluids.  Dirty filters can waste gas and cause engine to lose power.

· Check Hoses & Belts. Replace is cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing excessive wear.  They are critical for your Electrical System, A/C, Power Steering, and Cooling System.

· Check Brake System and make sure Battery connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free

· Check Tires, including Tire Pressure, tread, bulges, & bald spots. 

· Check Air Conditioning System – driving in the heat without A/C is miserable.

If you’re looking for a Vehicle Inspection Near Me, we will be happy to help you.  We treat every car we work on with the same care as if it were our own vehicle.  Our goal is to keep you safe and on the road.

How do I pay for a big Auto Repair bill when I don’t have the cash and my credit cards are maxed out?

How do I pay for a big Auto Repair bill when I don’t have the cash and my credit cards are maxed out?

This can be a problem because most Auto Repair Shops expect payment in full before the car is released. At International Auto Repair, you can apply for low interest loans for Car Repairs through Confident Financial Solutions (CFS).  There is no interest for the first 60 days and no pre-payment penalty.  If you pay off your loan within 60 days, no interest will be charged.  The easy application process takes less than 2 minutes and you will get a decision instantly.

So, don’t put off getting that much needed repair because you don’t have the money.  We’d love to help you finance your Auto Repairs and get you safely back on the road again.  

To Apply: https://mycfsapp.com/campaigns/845?d_id=6520&utm_campaign=845-independent-partner&utm_source=internationalautorepair.net&utm_medium=web&utm_content=d6520

Towson University Undergrads Process a Mock Crime Scene at International Auto Repair

On 5/14/18, our long-time customer Dana Kollman, PhD, brought her TU Forensic Chemistry and Criminal Justice students to process a mock crime scene at our shop parking lot.  Eight vehicles were set up with “evidence”:  “bodies,” “blood,” etc.   The students processed the evidence using fingerprint powders and chemicals and prepared a crime  scene portfolio with photos, sketches, and property sheets that they will be able to take with them to job interviews.  We were very happy to be a small part of the great educational experiences Dr Kollman provides to her students.