Margate City Auto Repair

While no one plans for their car to break down, knowing when to call towing services can save you from stressful situations and further damage to your vehicle. Let's look at five particular ones so you know when and how to act! 1. The Obvious - Engine Failure When your engine decides to play the silent game, it's a clear sign that something is seriously wrong. Attempting to restart the engine repeatedly can exacerbate the issue, potentially leading to costly repairs. Calling a towing service is the safest way to transport your vehicle to a qualified mechanic who can diagnose and fix the problem. 2. Flat or Blown Tire Misadventures Changing a flat tire is a handy skill, but it has its limits. If you've exhausted your spare tire and still find yourself with a flat or damaged tire, a towing service can transport your vehicle to a tire shop for professional assistance, especially if the damage is extensive or if you lack the necessary tools ... read more

Ah, the Toyota Camry, a trusty companion for countless drivers across the United States. Known for its reliability and smooth ride, this sedan has earned its place as one of the most popular cars on the road. However, the Camry isn't immune to the occasional hiccup, just like any vehicle. Luckily for you, today we are going to take a look at some of the most common problems that owners have reported over the years and give you a solution! 1. Transmission Problem: Some Camry owners have reported issues with their automatic transmissions, such as rough shifting or delayed engagement. Solution: Regular transmission fluid changes and servicing can help prevent and address these issues. Ensure you're using the manufacturer-recommended transmission fluid. 2. Mysterious Dashboard Lights Problem: Those cryptic dashboard warning lights can be pretty unsettling. Common culprits include the check engine light, ABS light, and tire pressure warning. Solution: Pay attention to these lig ... read more

Filters play a crucial role in maintaining the health and performance of your car's engine and cabin. Let us look at the most common types of filters in a car, why they are important, and how often they should be replaced or cleaned: Air Filters Air filters are designed to prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from entering your engine's combustion chamber. Dirty or clogged air filters can result in reduced airflow to the engine, potentially leading to reduced fuel efficiency, decreased acceleration, and poor engine performance. It is recommended that you replace your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or more often if you frequently drive in dusty or dirty environments. Fuel Filters Fuel filters help protect your engine from dirt, debris, and contaminants that can be found in gasoline or diesel fuel. Dirty or clogged fuel filters can cause your engine to run poorly, leading to reduced fuel ... read more

A car's battery is crucial to its operation, particularly starting the vehicle. Proper maintenance of a vehicle's battery will ensure your car runs optimally. Part of car battery maintenance is ensuring that the battery does not fail. The following are the most common causes of battery failure: Aging Natural aging of the battery is the primary cause of car battery failure. A car battery typically has a lifespan of about six years. With time, the battery's resistance increases, making it harder for it to work. Eventually, the battery will die and fail, making a replacement mandatory. Poor Care The second most common reason vehicle batteries fail is due to improper maintenance by the car owner. Owners should read the manual so they can know how to maintain their car batteries. Human negligence of car batteries includes things like leaving the lights on, using the radio for too long, not replacing battery fluid, and more. If you take proper ... read more

Several factors can affect the performance of a car's air conditioning system. Here are some common ones: Refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels can result in reduced cooling efficiency. Cars' AC should be blowing twenty degrees below the ambient temperature in the warmer months. (Between 40 and 50 degrees). Damaged hoses, seals, or components within the AC system can cause leakage or insufficient refrigerant. Compressor issues: The compressor is responsible for circulating and pressuring the refrigerant. Problems with the compressor, such as a faulty clutch, worn-out bearings, or electrical issues, can lead to poor cooling performance. Condenser blockage: The condenser, located at the front of the car, helps dissipate heat from the refrigerant. Accumulation of dirt, debris, or bugs on the condenser fins can obstruct airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Evaporator problems: The evaporator inside the car cools the air before it is blown into the cabin. A dirty or clogg ... read more

Ensuring your vehicle's braking system is safe and performing well is crucial, and brake pads play a vital role in this. Brake pads create the necessary friction to stop your car when you apply the brakes. However, not all brake pads are the same. Read on to learn more about the various types of brake pads available, their characteristics, and how to choose the right ones for your car.  Organic Brake Pads Organic brake pads are made from multiple organic materials, such as rubber, Kevlar, and fiberglass. They are known for providing smooth and quiet braking performance. These pads are generally affordable and produce minimal dust. However, they may wear out faster and be less effective in extreme heat or heavy-duty applications.  Semi-Metallic Brake Pads Semi-metallic brake pads are produced from a combination of metal fibers, such as steel or copper, and friction materials. They offer excellent stopping power and are more durable than organic pads. Semi-metallic pad ... read more

As much as we love our furry friends, their hair can be shed in our vehicle, making it a nuisance. It clings to the upholstery, carpets, and floor mats and can be tough to remove. Fortunately, there are some tips you can use to get rid of pet hair from your car easy-peasy. Use a pet hair removal brush or glove: There are special brushes and gloves designed to eliminate pet hair from fabric surfaces. You can find them at pet stores or online. Simply rub the brush or glove over the surface of the fabric in one direction, and the pet hair will stick to it. Use a lint roller: A lint roller can also be used to remove pet hair from fabric surfaces. Roll the lint roller over the surface in one direction, and the pet hair will stick to it. You may need to use multiple sheets to get all the hair. Use a rubber glove: A rubber glove can be used to remove pet hair from fabric surfaces too. First, put on the rubber glove, dampen it with water, and rub it over the surface in one direction. The pe ... read more

The oil light is an important warning indicator in your car that you should always take seriously. It signals that there is a problem with your engine oil system, which is a crucial component for keeping your car running smoothly. Here's what the oil light means and what you should do if it comes on. What does the oil light mean? The oil light is usually represented by an oil can icon or the word "OIL" on your car's dashboard. When this light comes on, it means that the oil pressure in your motor has dropped too low, which can cause serious damage to your engine if not addressed immediately. Low oil pressure can be caused by many different things, including a low oil level, a malfunctioning oil pump, or a clogged oil filter. What should you do if the oil light comes on? If the oil light comes on while you're on the road, the first thing you should do is pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with the oil light on can cause major ... read more

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, it's important to consider all of the different systems and components that need regular care and attention. One often-overlooked system is the windshield washer fluid. Many drivers may not think to service this system, but it's actually an important aspect of keeping your vehicle in good working order. Windshield washer fluid is used to keep your windshield clean and clear while you're driving. It's important to check the fluid levels regularly and refill them as needed, especially in the winter when the temperature drops. Cold weather can cause the fluid to freeze, which can lead to a clogged washer system. In addition, the fluid can become dirty or contaminated over time, which can cause streaks and smears on your windshield. When servicing your windshield washer fluid, it's important to first check the fluid levels and refill them as needed. You should also check the fluid's condition; if it appears dirty or cont ... read more

As we brace ourselves for what brings us 2023, many people are in the process of finalizing their resolutions for the New Year. Some people prioritize health goals, social goals, and career goals. But what about car improvement goals? Without your car, how will you get to the gym, to work, or anywhere else to achieve your other goals? To keep your vehicle more reliable and safe on the road this year, here are 5 maintenance tips and tricks you should know for 2023. Checking Engine Oil - Arguably, this is one of the most important skills every vehicle owner should know. Engine oil is what keeps your engine running. You should get into the habit of checking your oil levels as often as once a month. Luckily, manufacturers make it very easy with the dipstick under the hood. If you have any questions, refer to your owner’s manual for the exact steps. Once you learn how to do it, checking your oil can be done in a matter of minutes. Don’t forget to schedule your oil change if t ... read more