AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE BLOG
Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.
Engine and Drivetrain Problems
Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at Long Hill Auto Service.Vibration While Driving
This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at Long Hill Auto Service.There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. Long Hill Auto Service has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.
Reviews
We have been using Long Hill Auto Service for over 20 years and Bob the owner and his staff are the best in the business. Not only are his mechanics superior if you need a loaner care Bob will have one for you. Any time I've called I don't think the phone rang more then twice before someone picked up the phone ready to help. I usually will keep a car for a good 10 years and that's because the mechanics there do the job right the first time and I have peace of mind knowing my cars are in good hands Don Marvel, 05/07/2025 |
I was referred to Bob at Long Hill Auto 20 years ago and because of his great group of mechanics and Bob's personal attention to detail have referred others to him. I like to keep my cars 10 years plus and because of how well his guys take care of my cars I certainly have peace of mind knowing I'm in good hands. The first thing I noticed 20 years ago was how clean his shop was and how helpful his mechanis are...I would say "The best shop in town"!!! Don Marvel, 05/08/2025 |
New to the area and my car was acting funny found this shop Online and All reviews seemed too good to be true but had the best/constant reviews in the area .. let me say they exceeded my expectations during a stressful time with my vehicle and the amount of professionalism and courtesy from Bob and the team was above and beyond made me a customer for life no doubt about it .. bob is straight forward no b.s for any car needs please check out long Hill auto service you won’t regret it -Jonathan m Jonathan, 01/21/2025 |