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A Guide to Spark Plugs: Everything You Need to Know

mechanic holding a spark plug

Spark plugs may be small, but they pack a serious punch. After all, spark plugs have to provide enough power to fire up the ignition and start your engine. And if spark plugs fail, your car won’t start. So what causes spark plugs to wear out? And what are the signs you should look out for? We’re here to talk about everything you need to know about spark plugs.

How to Check for Belt & Hose Damage

mechanic working under hood of the car

While most people know the importance of getting routine oil changes, it’s not as commonly known how vital it is to give your belts and hoses a check-up too. These parts play an important role in the function of everything from your alternator to your air conditioning. And when driving, a vehicle’s belts and hoses are constantly exposed to high levels of heat, vibration, and chemicals that will lead to cracking, leaking, fraying, and peeling. 

What Happens When Your Car Engine Overheats?

woman standing on the road by the broken car with smoke coming out the engine.

If you’re feeling hot outside, there’s a good chance your car is feeling hot too! And while some car problems are hard to notice, an overheating engine definitely isn’t one of them. Smoke billowing out from under your car hood is one of the most visible signs that something is seriously wrong with your vehicle.

Here’s what you should do if disaster strikes (and how to prevent it from happening again)!

Here’s How Often You Should Replace Your Timing Belt

Professional mechanic man holding timing belt of a car for repair and preventive maintenance

Unlike getting an oil change or a [tire rotation](https://www.naylorsautorepairidaho.com/blog/everything-you-need-know-about-tire-rotation), a timing belt isn’t normally the first thing we think about when it comes to getting a routine auto repair. However, a timing belt is a critical car component that keeps your engine running smoothly. So what is it? And how often does it need to be replaced? Let’s talk about the importance of timing belts so that you can be certain that your car will get you where you need to go.

How Often Should You Replace a Car’s Fuel Filter?

fuel filter being pulled out
A fuel filter isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think about our vehicles. So what is it anyway? Why do I need to change it? These are questions that spring to mind when we hear that we need to have a fuel filter replaced. Fuel filters are crucial for giving your engine better performance. Let’s break down exactly what a fuel filter does and why you should keep it maintained.

Summer Car Maintenance: What to do Before & During Hot Months

car maintenance high temperatures
Summer can be as hard on a car as the winter months. During the warm season, there are a number of ways you can make the hot weather easier on your car to minimize the amount of wear it puts on your vehicle.

How to Extend the Life of Your Tires

front of car against out of focused road at sunset

Tires see a lot of wear and tear because they work extra hard to keep up with our driving habits. Nobody likes to shell out extra money on a replacement if we don't have to, especially when it comes to vehicle parts. But you'll be happy to know there are a few ways that you can extend the life of your tires. Here are some tips from our tire service experts to ensure you're getting the most of your tire investment.

What to Do if Your Car Is Leaking Coolant

Engine coolant cap with caution label

It can be alarming when you spot a leak dripping from your car. What does it mean? How soon do I need to get it repaired?

A car leak can point to anything from windshield wiper fluid to more severe threats like a loss of brake fluid. Coolant leaks happen to fall on the severe side of the car fluid spectrum. In fact, one of the top causes of engine damage is coolant leaks.

So what should you do if you spot a coolant leaking?

The Biggest Causes of Poor Gas Mileage

gas tank indicator on full

It can be concerning when you notice a drop in fuel efficiency. And with the constant fluctuations in gas prices, you’ll want to prolong how often you’re shelling out gas money. So what are the common causes of poor gas mileage? Let’s talk about how you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your mileage and what you can do if these problems happen to you.

Finding an Auto Shop for Your Small Fleet

Row of company vehicles, fleet services and maintenance

Fleet cars, such as any service industry vehicle, can be a challenge to maintain for small business owners. However, every second a vehicle spends in an auto maintenance shop means another second that it won’t be bringing in revenue. That’s why fleet managers need to stay on top of that maintenance schedule by getting the proper fleet services.