Vehicle Maintenance
Timing Chain
All engines have either a timing belt or a timing chain to synchronize the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. This keeps the engine running smoothly and efficiently. If the timing is off, it may not run at all. Timing belts need to be replaced on a schedule. A broken or slipping…
Read MoreA Few Key Facts (Ignition Key Issues)
You expect your key to turn in your vehicle’s ignition. But sometimes it won’t, and that’s a problem, whether you’re trying to start your vehicle or trying to leave it. Several things can cause this. One of the most common is that the steering column locking mechanism is stuck. Locking steering columns are an anti-theft…
Read MoreMAF Sensor and Engine Air Filter
Today’s post focuses on the importance of protecting your mass air flow sensor or MAF. Air and fuel are mixed together to be burned in your engine. The amount is controlled by how hard you press on the accelerator or by external factors like climbing hills or hauling loads. Based on how much air you…
Read MoreTire Pressure Monitoring System
What does it mean when your tire pressure warning light comes on? It means that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. The dashboard warning light, which looks like a cross-section of a tire with some lines in it, comes on when the tire pressure is 20% below what the vehicle manufacturer…
Read MoreEvaporative Emissions Control
The oil and fuel in your vehicle give off vapors that are very harmful to the environment. Evaporative emissions control systems – EVAP for short – are mandated in all cars and trucks. The EVAP system is there to capture these vapors and direct them into the engine to be burned – kind of an…
Read MoreTrust Your Vehicle To Us
Your vehicle is much more than a transportation appliance. It gets you to work, takes care of errands, goes on dates and vacations. You could say it’s part of the family or even a business partner. You rely on your vehicle for so much. At Douglas Automotive, we understand how important your car or truck…
Read MoreHave You Checked Your Cabin Air Filter Lately?
While in for a routine oil change, this customer asked if we could check into why there was no heat coming out of the passenger side vent. Part of every oil change at Douglas Automotive Repair includes a check for basic maintenance items. Once we pulled the filter from behind the glove box, we found…
Read More5 Reasons to Keep Your Car Well-Maintained
Thanks for visiting the Douglas Automotive Repair auto care blog. Today’s post lists 5 important reasons Plainfield drivers should follow recommended maintenance schedules. 1. Be SafeA well-maintained car doesn’t put you and your passengers at unnecessary risk. Think brakes, headlamps, tires. 2. Get Better Fuel EconomyRegular maintenance is an investment in optimum fuel economy. Inadequate…
Read MoreSmart Car Care: Debunking The Maintenance Free Myth
Myths start with a grain of evidence and are then built up and circulated around with a lot of imagination and very elastic logic. And the internet is a breeding ground for automotive myths. Some car bloggers recall the vehicles of yesteryear and declare their modern decedents to be virtually maintenance free and that anyone who…
Read MoreOctober Specials are Posted!
Change is in the air, and colder weather headed our way. Make sure your vehicle is ready! Take advantage of one of our October specials to help get your vehicle situated. Visit our website at www.douglasautomotiverepair.com to check them out! Give us a call today to get your vehicle “winter ready!” This entry was posted in Vehicle Maintenance and…
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