Almost everyone has had a moment when they’ve been driving their car or truck around town, and you begin noticing a strange noise. Is it coming from someone else’s car? Where’s it coming from? Sounds expensive! How much is this going to cost me? And more importantly, what does it mean? There are a variety of moving parts in and around your vehicle, and sounds can come from any one of thousands of spots. At Clark Automotive in Blaine, we want to help identify some of the more prominent sounds that can be a sign of some larger issues. Brig your vehicle in for evaluation.
High-Pitched Squealing From Under The Hood When The Engine Is Running
Generally, if you hear these sounds (especially when starting the engine or when turning on the AC in your car), the culprit is one of several belts that spin around pulleys. They have most likely become misaligned or are beginning to wear out. Belts are important as they create the spinning motion that power several components that the engine requires to function properly, such as the alternator, water pump, radiator fan, and more. In most cases, the belts can be readjusted or replaced to fix the problem completely.
High-Pitched Squealing Sounds When I Apply The Brakes
This is another common sound heard from underneath cars. In many cases, especially with Covid and people not driving as much, this simply comes from the buildup of moisture that turns orange and corrodes on the rotors and brake drums. The squeaking, in this instance, is normal and should subside with prolonged driving. If the sound persists, it is likely a sign that your brake pads are wearing down and need replacement. If this is the case, ignoring the persistent sound could cause greater damage as metal begins to rub against metal.
Knocking Sounds When Turning Corners
This is a common occurrence. In nine out of ten cases, this indicates that a CV boot (constant velocity) is cracked and has lost the grease that lubricates the joint. The CV joint allows the axle to move freely when the vehicle is in motion or moving from side to side when turning. If you hear this sound, your mechanic will need to assess the issue and make repairs sooner than later.
Don’t Ignore Your Vehicle’s Sounds And Signs
Clark Automotive is the full-service auto repair shop in Blaine, MN that you have been searching for. Our dedicated staff is eager to develop a strong relationship with you built around our exceptional work and trustworthy mechanics. To learn more about our full-service repair and maintenance options or to schedule an appointment with our team, give us a call today at (763) 784-7944 or email info@clarkautomotiveblaine.com.
When you are looking for someone to repair your car, you likely have an idea of some of the qualities you need: honesty, responsiveness, affordability and the ability to communicate clearly. In addition, you also want to look for someone who has experience with many different types of vehicle repairs and has received training on fixing cars and trucks. One certification that you can keep your eye out for when you are looking for vehicle repair services is an ASE Certified Mechanic. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was first established about 50 years ago with the goal of improving the quality of vehicle service and repair by testing and certifying automotive professionals. This has become the gold standard as a nationally recognized credential for auto mechanics in the US. Clark Automotive is proud Blaine auto repair shop with ASE Certified Technicians.
Anyone who is knowledgeable about automobiles–from your amazing local mechanic to a sales representative at an auto dealership to a neighbor who does work on his own car and can fix anything–will tell you that periodic maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and reliably. One of the reasons our automobiles need unscheduled maintenance is that it can be difficult to keep up with the scheduled maintenance recommended by your vehicles’ manufacturers. Clark Automotive has made a name for us by helping our clients with the routine maintenance needed to keep your car in good shape and also the unscheduled maintenance or repairs when something unexpected happens.
Your tires are a very important safety feature of your car and the only part of the car that has direct contact with the road. Your tires help you carry your precious cargo all over town, to/from work and school, on trips and as the temperatures fall, it is crucial to make sure that your tires are properly maintained. Clark Automotive is a local auto repair shop that specializes in many different types of auto maintenance and repair – at this time of year, we recommend that our clients take note of the following tips for keeping your tires in good shape for the road:
Oil changes, tire rotations and regular tune ups are examples of preventative maintenance for your vehicle that can prevent major car problems down the road. If you make these small investments in your car, then over time you can expect to save money on more serious repairs. It is also important to have your vehicle serviced by a certified technician so that small and manageable problems do not turn into larger (more expensive) ones. Clark Automotive is a full-service car repair shop in Blaine, MN, that can help you with preventative maintenance so that you can enjoy your vehicle for many years to come!
