Americus & Leesburg Auto Repair

Your car requires several different fluids to ensure it is lubricated, powered and functioning. This means that occasionally, you might notice a leak. When this happens, it is important to observe its color and characteristics. For instance, • Engine oil is Light brown or dark • Brake fluid is usually Transparent to dark and sticky • Transmission fluid is Reddish and light or viscous and brown • Coolant fluid can be Icky, yellow, greenish, or pinkish • Power steering fluid will be reddish or light brown • Clear and thin water can be from several parts of the car How to tell if your vehicle is really leaking If you suspect that your car is leaking, there are ways to confirm this and evaluate the situation. Caution Light on the Dashboard There are several dashboard lights in newer vehicles. These are intended to notify you of a variety of potential engine problems. A number of factors, including the fluid making the transmission heat up more than u ... read more

Every motorist dreads the moment they try to start their vehicle and hear either nothing or the sound of the starter motor turning over without the engine catching. Delayed starting, or failure to start, is often down to a fault in either the battery or the alternator. Here we cover what the battery and the alternator do, as well as signs that your engine problems could be down to one or the other. The Function of the Battery and the Alternator Simply put, the battery provides the electrical charge needed to instigate the ignition process, as well as power the vehicle's electrical systems when the engine is switched off. In contrast, the alternator converts mechanical energy into the electrical energy that's stored in the battery. It also generates the power that's needed to keep the vehicle's electrical systems running when you're on the move or the engine is idling. Both are essential to ensure your vehicle starts and runs smoothly. Signs That you Have a Fault ... read more

There is hardly a nicer feeling than turning on your car's air conditioning to its coldest setting on a sweltering day. But if there's a foul scent blowing, that cool breeze can swiftly turn from being delightful to revolting! But is it just you, or is your car having some significant issues? Find out what kinds of scents can enter your car's air conditioning system and what they might indicate about your car. Reasons For Foul Scents If you can smell mildew developing in the system, it will smell musty or moldy (like filthy socks). This is actually a very typical issue with automobiles, and the main reason why it occurs is because your air conditioning system is running on recirculation only, and the fan isn't blowing for a minute or two after the air conditioning and engine have been turned off. Mildew can grow in many parts of your car's air conditioning system, but you'll discover that the evaporator core and the condenser are its favorite spots. These enc ... read more

Warning lights alert you to potential problems with your vehicle. They come in many shapes and sizes. Here's what they look like, what they mean, and what to do. #1. Check Engine Light What Does It Look Like? The check engine light is a small, round yellow or orange light that flashes on your dashboard when there's something wrong with your car. What Does It Mean? If the check engine light comes on, you should visit a mechanic as soon as possible. There could be a problem with your emission system that could cause problems. What To Do? Pull over immediately and turn off the ignition until everything has cooled down. Then call a mechanic and make an appointment ASAP. #2. ABS Warning What Does It Look Like? This is a yellow light with a red ring around it. It is either on or flashing. What Does It Mean? There is fault detection with the anti-lock brake system (ABS). What To Do? Check for fault codes by pressing the 'Check Engine' or 'Malfunction Indicato ... read more

The summertime is probably the worst time of year to encounter car problems. You probably want to be hitting the pool, going on road trips, and doing other fun summer activities --- not being stuck going back and forth to having your car fixed. Thankfully, the experts at Snider Auto Care can help you get all your auto service and repairs out of the way now so that you can have a fun, carefree summer.  Read on to learn more about common vehicle issues drivers often experience and how we can help prevent them from happening to you. Problem #1: Engine Overheating  This is undoubtedly the most common cause of car breakdowns this time of year. The risk of your car overheating is increased as temperatures skyrocket. It can put immense strain on your engine and cooling system, which often leads to leaks, damage, and overheating. To prevent these systems from breaking down, we can inspect your cooling system and perform a coolant flush if necessary. You may also need ... read more