Yearly Archives: 2021

When Am I Supposed To Switch to Neutral Gear?

When Am I Supposed To Switch to Neutral Gear?

The majority of automatic transmission drivers rarely ever use neutral gear, so why is it there anyway? Well - the neutral gear serves a fundamental purpose. It is often used for manual transmission vehicles, especially since manual cars always have to be neutral first. Whereas most automatic transmission drivers rarely depend on it. When your vehicle is in neutral, it can not accelerate. Since this position is seldom engaged, when should you shift your vehicle into neutral?   Fun Fact: Did you know that neutral isn't deemed a gear? When switched to "N", no gear is employed at all hence the name - neutral.    Below are the instances where you should switch your vehicle in a neutral position:   During a Drive-Thru Car Wash If you frequently go to the car wash, you know that most drive-through car washes have rules that require you to be in neutral gear. Before you proceed to get your vehicle cleaned, you must have it in neutral. Putting your car ... read more

Common Causes of Spongy Brakes

Common Causes of Spongy Brakes

Have you noticed that your brakes require more effort to take? Similar to any other braking problem, soft brake pedals mean that coming to a complete stop will require more effort than usual. It can be nerve-wracking when you catch your brakes feeling squishy, considering your car's braking system is possibly the most important safety feature on your vehicle. Whenever you notice this sponge-like feeling on your brakes, take your vehicle into an auto shop immediately. Don't you worry - TC Auto Service's trained technicians are happy to take a look and fix the problem.    Multiple problems could be attributed to spongy brake pedals. Here are some of the most common causes:   Air in the System Air in the brake lines is one of the most typical causes of mushy brake pedals. If air slips into the brake lines, it will intervene with the free flow of the brake fluid resulting in spongy brake pedals. Bleeding your brakes is a gre ... read more

Summer Maintenance Checklist for Your Vehicle

Summer Maintenance Checklist for Your Vehicle

Summer is approaching fast and now is the time to get yourself -- and your car -- ready! Cars are not always very forgiving of the hot summer weather. So, we all have to take precautions to ensure that no one gets stranded in the middle of nowhere because of an overheated engine that could've been prevented. Here's a list of everything you should get checked so that you know your car is in top shape for summer. Battery Test Brakes Inspection Oil and Filter Check Tire Pressure Alignment Evaluation Fluids Check Battery Test Since so many of us haven't been driving as much as we normally would be, it's important to get your battery tested and make sure it's up and running. You wouldn't want to discover that it wasn't working properly when you're well on your way to somewhere important. The short amount of time you would save by not taking it in to get checked isn't worth the possibility of getting stranded somewhere. Brakes Inspection Your bra ... read more

How Bad Driving Habits Can Hurt Your Vehicle

How Bad Driving Habits Can Hurt Your Vehicle

Bad driving habits are easy to form and it takes only a little amount of time for them to ruin your vehicle. Once they have formed it is very difficult to change them so if you are serious about keeping your vehicle in top shape, make it a habit to go for vehicle repairs when necessary and drive safely. Avoid speeding, aggressive driving, and damaging your vehicle through excessive wear and tear. Remember that minor vehicle damage can cost you big time in the future if you do not take immediate action and changing bad drivings habits can save you from this. The most common type of damage that can occur from bad driving habits is speeding that causes vehicle collision or other types of damage. Even the minor speeding that many drivers do can quickly add up do cause vehicle damage, and it is easy to understand how even the slightest error while driving at high speeds can lead to a catastrophic accident. No matter how much damage is done there is no way to make up for the time and cost i ... read more

What Does the Power Steering System Warning Light Mean?

What Does the Power Steering System Warning Light Mean?

Power steering has been around for decades, and it was invented to take the hard work out of driving. Original power steering systems relied heavily on the use of hydraulic pumps to move the fluid towards the wheel for easy management. Now, with electrical systems in full use, power steering has become far more common and much more affordable than older versions. An electrical system of any kind comes with its own quirks, and most are connected electronically in your vehicle. Electronic power steering is much more efficient and runs quieter than the old system, which makes your driving easier and more efficient. And like other electrical systems in your car, they are connected to a light on your dashboard that comes on and lets you know when something needs attention. In a hydraulic system, your vehicle's warning light typically indicates that you are low on power steering fluid and that a top-off is needed. You may need to get your system checked for a possible leak if this cont ... read more