Yearly Archives: 2022

Why Is My Car Vibrating When I Brake?

Why Is My Car Vibrating When I Brake?

Vibrations felt through a vehicle's brake pedal or steering wheel when you're braking are known as brake shudders. Brake shudders can be mild to violent. Identifying the vibration source can help you know if the problem is with the front or rear brakes. If you feel the vibrations through the steering wheel, the issue could be with the front brakes. Stronger vibrations on the brake pedal indicate a problem with the rear braking components. Below are some reasons why your car may experience brake shudders. Alignment Issues Brake shudders occurring when you're braking at over 50 miles per hour may be due to alignment problems. You can perform a road test with your vehicle when there are no others on the road to prove this theory. To do this, maintain a speed of 50 to 55 miles. When the coast is ... read more

What's a tune-up?

What's a tune-up?

If you've been a driver for decades, you've probably owned quite a few cars in your lifetime. Back in the day, a tune-up was a straightforward service that was needed for cars still using a carburetor. Nowadays, vehicles no longer have carburetors, yet the term tune-up is still prevalent. So, what does it mean in today's terms? While the definition of a tune-up has changed over the years, it still loosely refers to vehicle maintenance or sprucing up your vehicle. The original term "tune-up" was actually coined by Henry Ford while he was still working on his first automobile prototype. In order vehicles, there was a separate ignition coil for every spark plug. When the coils sparked, they would make a humming or buzzing noise. Over time, they would get "out of tune", and would need a mechanic to properly adjust them so that they would be in tune again, hence the term "tune-up" was born! While this service requirement has changed, many still us ... read more

3 Common Vehicle Steering Problems

3 Common Vehicle Steering Problems

  If you're having issues steering your car, it is most likely tied to your car's power steering system. The steering wheel may feel stiff, hard to turn, or even sticky. To uncover what that could mean, let's take a look at three popular power steering issues in vehicles. Low Power Steering Fluid Low power steering fluid is one of the most popular problems for hydraulic power steering systems. Over time, your car will need a power steering fluid change to ensure all its components run smoothly. During this service, your technician will also check for signs of leaks. If this fluid is dirty or low, your steering will be compromised and be slow. You may also catch random squeaks when turning the car. First, you should check underneath your vehicle for any leaks. Otherwise, a professional mechanic can look at the inner workings of your power steering system and identify a leak if there is one present. Faulty Steering Rack Mount Most cars today use a "rack-and-pin ... read more

What Is a Coolant Flush?

What Is a Coolant Flush?

A coolant flush can preserve your vehicle's health and regulate your engine's internal temperature. Flushing your cooling system from its impurities can decrease wear and tear over time. A coolant flush includes the process of getting rid of the old coolant from the radiator and replacing it with new fluid. Doing so will ensure that your engine's cooling system is properly cared for.   Is a Coolant Flush Necessary? Our mechanics at Westside Transmission & Automotive Inc. will only recommend you a coolant flush if you need one. Furthermore, your car's performance and functionality may signal to you when it's time for a coolant flush. If anything goes wrong with your vehicle, you'll know about it right away. You may need a coolant flush if your car demonstrates the following warning signs: Overheating - Overheating occurs when there's excess heat within the engine compartments. This is often a result of an inadequate amount of coolant or flow of c ... read more