Monroe Auto Repair

Often, drivers are mystified by how their cars actually work. It’s to be expected. Even an older car is a complex machine with many sub-assemblies that all work together to move it down the road.As a result, drivers tend to be a little intimidated by auto repair and often tend to not inform themselves by asking the necessary questions of a tech or a garage. Too often, that ends up being a big mistake. Here are some examples of the kinds of things you really should know before any auto repair work starts: Does your shop work on any kind of vehicle? Of course, most shops can service a product from GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota and the other leading makes. Some makes, however, require a lot more training and experience, or even factory certifications. Vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW and certain other makes often require specialized tools and training; that’s why many towns have repair shops that are for specific makes of vehicles. What kind of equipment does your ... read more

Differential Service – Why Is It Important? Of all the various things on a vehicle that need regular service and maintenance, the differential is too often neglected. But what exactly is it, and what does it do? Visualize a rear-wheel-drive vehicle making a right-hand turn. As the car turns to the right, the left rear wheel will have to actually cover a longer distance and spin at a different speed than the right wheel. If the rear axle was delivering the same torque to both wheels, the left rear wheel would be binding and skittering as it made the turn. The differential is designed to allow the wheels to turn at different speeds around corners, eliminating that problem. The differential uses an oil thicker than motor oil, somewhere between an oil and a grease in terms of its weight. Like any other assembly, though, the oil in the differential will become contaminated over time and will start to break down due to heat. Most differentials need a fluid change at abou ... read more

The days are getting shorter, there’s a snap in the air, and before you know it, the winter months are going to be upon us. Is your vehicle ready?  • Wipers: Even the best windshield wipers are only good for about a year; normal wear, the sun’s UV rays and the elements take their toll on them. Get a good look and check them for chunks, strips or chips missing, and replace if necessary for a streak-free field of vision in wet weather. Hint: a fresh application of  Rain-X on your windshield and window glass can help visibility greatly.  • Brakes: Are you hearing any squeaks, squeals or grinding noises when you apply the brakes? Are you noticing that the pedal goes farther to the floor before the brakes engage? It’s important to go into the winter months with a good set of brakes! • Tires: Most manufacturers recommend a tire rotation every 5-7,000 miles to ensure even tire wear; it’s easy to just schedule a rotation with every oil c ... read more