Regular car maintenance saves you money in the long run and can prevent costly mechanical problems. Plus, the law says you don’t have to go to a dealer to keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid.
The central Indiana city of Kokomo offers a classic Midwest environment and a high quality of life. Residents here enjoy various community amenities and services.
What should I do if my air conditioner is leaking?
The first thing to do if your AC is leaking water is to turn it off and wipe up any moisture on the floor. Next, check the air filter and make sure it’s not dirty. If it is, replace the filter and habitually do this every sixty to ninety days.
The most common reason an AC leaks is because the condensation line has become clogged. When this happens, a float switch inside the drain pan trips and shuts off the AC. It’s easy to unclog this line with a wet/dry shop vac, which can suck the blockage material out of the line.
Also, pour a cup of heavy-duty vinegar into the drain pan to help clear a clog. However, if the pan is old and rusted, it may need to be replaced. Ensure a quick oil change service professional in Indiana checks this out.
What should I do if my brakes are squeaking?
Most modern vehicles in Indiana have a cast-iron disc brake squeezed by two pads lined with friction material. Brakes squeak occasionally for various reasons, from moisture to rust build-up. If the squeak is persistent, there may be an issue that needs to be addressed right away. Left untreated, squeaky brakes can lead to metal-to-metal contact that will damage your rotor and pad components.
Squeaking can also indicate that the brake pads are worn out, and it’s time to change them. Inside the brake pads are wear indicators, a small piece of steel that will scrape against the rotor when the brake pads are getting low and alert you to the need for replacements.
In many cases, squeaky brakes can be corrected with simple maintenance and care. For instance, applying lubricant to the brake pads, pad clips, and caliper slide pins can help reduce the noise. If the squeaking persists, visit your local auto service center.
What should I do if my oil light is on?
If your car’s oil light turns on, you should first find a safe place to pull over. Driving with an oil warning light in Kokomo, IN, is dangerous, as you could run out of oil and ruin the engine.
You should also shut off the engine. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick (your owner’s manual will guide you). Remove it and wipe it clean. Then, check the oil level and add more if necessary.
If the oil level is acceptable, but your oil light remains on, it may indicate a problem with the sensor or wiring that sends the signal to your vehicle’s computer. A mechanic can replace this part to fix the problem. Another possibility is that the car leaks. To test this, leave the car parked on a flat surface for a few hours and look for any puddles underneath it. If there are puddles, a gasket has likely failed.
What should I do if my car is shaking?
If your car shakes when you step on the brakes or the shaking intensifies as you accelerate, this indicates that there is a problem with your wheels or tires. This is one of the most common reasons for a vehicle to shake, and it is usually easily fixed with a tire balance or wheel alignment.
If the shaking feels worse when your engine is running, this can be a sign that the motor mounts are worn out or broken. These attach your machine to the vehicle’s body, dampen engine vibrations, and keep them from reaching the cabin.
The steering and suspension system damage is another reason your car may be shaking. A bent axle could cause this or result from driving into a curb or pothole that has damaged the suspension components. In either case, having the steering and suspension system inspected by a professional is best.
