Americus & Leesburg Auto Repair

How often do you check your car's spark plugs? Although often overlooked, spark plugs are critical to your engine's performance. Vehicles have several parts that must all function optimally to ensure maximum performance and safety on the road. Your car will show the following hints that it needs new spark plugs. 1. Engine Won't Start The battery often takes the blame when your car fails to start. However, there are instances when the spark plugs are the culprit. Therefore, the engine must work harder to compensate for the worn-out or torn plugs, making it difficult to start, especially in harsh weather conditions. Damaged plugs will not produce enough spark to start the engine. 2. Rough Idling Check your car's spark plugs if the engine makes rattling, jittery, or knock-like noises. You hear strong disconcerting vibrations in your vehicle that may damage other sensitive components. We suggest visiting a professional mechanic immediately to check your plugs and other ... read more

We've all stood in the aisle of an auto parts store before, staring at rows upon rows of engine oil bottles. The options seem endless, each bottle showing different specifications and promises. But which one is the right choice for your car?  The truth is that selecting the appropriate motor oil is crucial for your vehicle's engine's optimal performance and longevity. Today, we will dive into the factors to consider when determining the kind of motor oil your car needs. Viscosity Grade: Engine oil is labeled with numbers and letters, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40. These numbers represent the viscosity grade, which indicates the oil's resistance to flow at different temperatures. The first number, followed by a "W," describes the oil's viscosity at cold temperatures, while the second number indicates the viscosity at operating temperature. The owner's manual or oil cap should have the recommended viscosity grade for your vehicle's ... read more

As winter fades, Spring brings its own special challenges for driving. The roads stop being covered in snow, but rain persists. Visibility and grip will be adversely affected, making accidents more likely. You should hence do all you can to get your car ready for spring. The following are a few things you should do: Change Oil and Filter After surviving the winter, your car needs a brand-new bottle of fresh oil for the engine to run smoothly. A mechanic should pour all the oil out of the car and replace it with oil that will usher in the Spring. You should also schedule a change of your vehicle's oil filter. A good oil filter will ensure that your car runs at maximum efficiency, all through the Spring. Get A Full System Tune-Up Before Spring arrives, you should get a full systems check-up of your vehicle. Many things can get compromised when driving during winter, some of which may not be apparent. Modern vehicles have many systems that all need to be up to date for the car ... read more

The suspension system in your vehicle is accountable for maintaining a smooth ride and holding your tires in proper contact with the road. However, over time, the suspension components can wear down, resulting in a bumpy ride, poor handling, and even safety hazards.  5 Signs That Indicate You Need Suspension Repairs Bumpy ride: If you feel every bump in the road and your car bounces excessively, it could be a sign of worn-out shocks or struts. You may also notice a clunking noise when driving over bumpy surfaces. Uneven tire wear: Have you noticed that your tires have been wearing unevenly recently? If so, it could be an indication that your suspension is out of alignment or that there is damage to the suspension system. Steering problems: If you encounter hardship steering or notice excessive movements in the steering wheel, it could be a sign of worn-out suspension. Noises: If you hear clunking, knocking, or other unusual noises coming from your suspension while driving, i ... read more

If you own a car with a lot of miles on it, also known as high mileage, it's important to take proper care of it to ensure it continues to run well for years to come. While high mileage can mean wear and tear on your vehicle, you can do several things to keep it in good condition. Here are some key tips for high-mileage vehicle owners to follow: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule: Your vehicle's manufacturer has created a maintenance schedule that outlines when to have certain services done, such as oil changes, filter changes, and fluid flushes. Following this schedule can help prevent problems down the road. Pay attention to warning signs: As your vehicle ages, it may start to make new noises or have other warning signs that something is wrong. Be sure to take note of any changes and get them looked at as soon as possible to prevent more expensive problems from arising. Keep an eye on fluid levels: Check your vehicle's fluids regularly, incl ... read more