Merritt Island Auto Repair

It might not be something that you check every time you get ready to drive your car, but the timing belt is critically important. This is why you will want to know when it is time to replace the one in your vehicle. That being said, it is not always easy to know when the time comes to do that. Thankfully, there are some indications that your timing belt is beginning to pass its life expectancy. Continue reading to learn about some of these signs and how you know it is time to visit your local mechanic to get it taken care of. Warning Signs While most vehicles on the road today can now go more than 100,000 miles before the timing belt needs to be replaced, there are always exceptions to the rule. Here are some indications that your timing belt may be about to break. The engine fails to start - If your timing belt has snapped, your engine will not start. It is as simple as that. A strange noise is coming from under the hood - The timing belt is meant to help the valves and pistons su ... read more

You need to service your car regularly to maintain its optimal functioning capacity. Vehicle manufacturers and mechanics recommend you service your car every 12,000 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes first. However, many people miss their vehicle service and may start experiencing some problems. What Happens If You Miss a Vehicle Service You may be worried about what a delay in vehicle service will do to your vehicle. If you delay about 1000 miles on a 12,000-mile recommendation, you don't have much to worry about as it will not damage your engine. Many problems will arise if you miss your vehicle service. Some of the complications may be quite costly. Here are some of the issues you can expect when you miss your vehicle service. Expensive replacements - if you do not service your vehicle, it will lead to extreme wear and tear to the parts. Vehicle spare parts are expensive, and you may have to dig deep into your pocket to get replacements. At some point, you may al ... read more

Gaskets, sensors, oil pans, and valves are parts and components of your car engine that facilitate a car's efficient and safe running. At the bottom section of the engine block lies an oil pan that covers the crankcase and is fastened to the engine using bolts. An oil pan serves as a motor oil reservoir that circulates through the engine to lubricate and cool moving parts. But what is an oil pan gasket? Read on and find out more. What is Oil Pan Gasket? The oil pan gasket is what seals your oil pan to the engine block to prevent oil from leaking as it flows from the pan to the engine and back. It also acts as a cushion to avoid damage that vibrations from the engine may cause. Oil pan gaskets are made from durable materials like steel and aluminized seals with a rubber coating that can withstand high heat and pressure. However, the type of oil pan gasket in your car depends on the oil pan material. For instance, a pressed steel pan uses a rubber gasket, while aluminum pans use ... read more

Your brake pads are a vital piece of your vehicle’s braking system. Over time, these pads require replacing as they wear down with miles. When your brake pads wear thin, you won’t be able to miss them. They’ll squeal every time you brake, and you’ll notice a drop in brake performance.   Routine brake checks and service is the best way to ensure your safety and catch when your brakes wear down. Depending on your car and the nature of usage, you can go anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles before replacing brake pads.    If you live in a crowded city or have long commutes, you may need to replace them more often than those living in rural areas. Road conditions can also impact how often you need to change your brake pads. Furthermore, proper brake usage can reduce the strain on your brake pads. On the other hand, harshly pressing on brakes and making hard stops can cause your brakes to wear down quicker.   Besides physically inspecting ... read more

If you're planning to do a road trip this summer, it is essential that you take the steps to make sure your vehicle is safe to do so. The last thing you want to ruin all the fun is a car breakdown or an accident. Below is the ultimate checklist for your road trip this summer. Inspect all the fluids Your vehicle has many fluids, including motor oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper solvent, and more.  These need to be at an appropriate level and free of contaminants for optimal performance. Plus, you'll want to top off on your gas tank too. Check belts and hoses A simple inspection of your timing belt and serpentine belt can be of major significance in preventing a breakdown. A belt failure can cause significant damage and a troubling breakdown. If you need help with this step, feel free to give our auto repair shop a visit. Monitor your tires Your vehicle's tires should be properly inflated before any big trip ... read more