How to Detect Automotive Failure With Your Ears

Posted on December 17, 2021 by autorepair

While driving, one might hear nothing but the purring of their car engine and the clicking of their turn signal. But there are times when a person can experience another set of noises they have never heard before; or ones that certainly startle. Such noises are not desirable, as they may portend the certainty of repairs and maintenance work ahead. But not to worry; most car noises, like thumping, crackling, grinding, and squeaking, are perfectly resolvable. The first step is to diagnose the cause of the noise or noises, and there are three very common noises that are related to a number of common repairs.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 most common car noises, how to listen for them, and what they might mean in terms of auto repair and service.

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Car Noises That Indicate a Problem

Metal Grinding

If you are hearing metal on metal grinding sounds coming from somewhere in your car, this could possibly be the brakes. Brakes are made up of balanced parts, each with a particular path that allows them to harmoniously work together toward a common goal of stopping the car. If any of these parts are worn or off-set, it can create noises that sound like grinding. This means your car is probably in need of some new brake pads, or possibly even some new rotors. It is always best to have a certified technician take a look to be sure what the catalyst for the noise really is.

Aggressive Clunking

If you are suddenly hearing a heavy thumping or clanging sound coming from your vehicle, there is no telling whether or not it’s a serious or complex repair without further investigating some areas. These sounds could be occurring for a number of reasons, such as worn out or broken joints on a drive shaft and bad shocks. On the minor side, sometimes you just have something really heavy in your trunk and you keep hitting bumps on the road. Check your trunk, and if it turns out that’s not the issue, contact an auto repair shop to investigate further for you.

Whistling Engine Noise

This is not like the whistle of a train or trolley, but more like a hissing sound seeping out of your engine. Sometimes this sound is followed by heavy steam coming from the engine and can even last after the car is turned off. The root of the whistling can be a variety of reasons, from cooling system leaks to overheated engines. Again, it is best to check with a professional to diagnose the issue accurately. You do not want to risk a faulty repair job on your only means of transportation!

Concerned about the noises and sounds coming from your car or truck? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for engine repair and scheduled car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana you can afford. We also offer auto service coupons and discounts!

Indianapolis Auto Repair Service 317-475-1846

Fascinating Facts About Ethanol Car Engines

Posted on December 10, 2020 by autorepair

Ethanol is a high-powered alcohol fuel. It offers high quality and high octane qualities for hybrid cars and even standard car engines on the market today. Ethanol has been used in cars since Henry Ford’s Model T in 1908. Since the early eighties, millions of vehicles have run on ethanol-based fuels. They are used in foreign and domestic automotive racing industries as well. As of 2010, ethanol fuel has been an additive in gasoline all across America.

Continue reading to learn more about ethanol car engines and how they benefit and affect the automotive industry.

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Ethanol Engines Use Bio-Fuel, Not Gasoline

Ethanol powered car engines operate in a very similar way to standard gasoline engines. The only real difference is that ethanol engines can actually utilize the bio-fuel, while standard ones cannot. Other than that, fuel is injected into the engine the same way it would in a regular gas-powered car. Most hybrid cars can also use gasoline, which is why they are also referred to as “flex fuel” engines. Although they can operate using gasoline and ethanol mixed fuel, they perform best with simple ethanol fuel.

Here are some of the most notable facts you should know about ethanol car engines if you are interested in purchasing a hybrid vehicle, or contemplating a switch in fuel sources:

🌽⛽ Ethanol can be used in snowmobiles, motorcycles, tractors, motorboats, and lawnmowers.

🌽⛽ Ethanol emissions are less harmful to the environment than gasoline.

🌽⛽ Ethanol fuel has a 113 octane rating that supports high engine performance.

🌽⛽ Ethanol blended fuels can be used in all standard car engines-not just hybrids.

🌽⛽ Ethanol fuel mixtures keep fuel systems cleaner than gasoline.

🌽⛽ Ethanol fuel does not leave behind sticky residues and deposits.

🌽⛽ Ethanol can prevent winter engine complications by acting as antifreeze.

🌽⛽ Ethanol-blended fuels are approved under all warranties for vehicles marketed in the U.S.

Do You Need a New Car Engine?

Replacing a car engine is not cheap; but it doesn’t have to be an upsetting cost either. One way to go is a rebuilt car engine. Rebuilt car engines are an old secret among mechanics and car enthusiasts. More and more people are starting to become aware of the benefits surrounding used and rebuilt car engines.

Not only are they less expensive than a brand new engine or vehicle, making them more affordable for a larger market, good rebuilt engines are just as reliable as a brand new one, and often times, still comes with a warranty. If you need engine replacement, look to your local Indianapolis automotive repair shop for details on where to start.

Indianapolis Engine Repair at an Affordable Price

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for dependable Indianapolis engine repair and service you can afford. Our highly-trained, ASE-certified mechanics provide comprehensive auto repair services, but specialize in major engine work and transmission repair. We offer the most competitive prices in town, as well as auto service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate or schedule service, today.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

How to Clean a Car Engine

Posted on June 24, 2013 by autorepair

It is crucial to give cars and trucks proper maintenance and care, year after year. This promotes longevity and sustains performance values in vehicles. One of the most important components on any car or truck is the engine. The engine is the heart and soul of your car. It provides all the power that makes your car drive. Engines are expensive to repair and replace because they are so valuable. This is why regular engine cleaning and detailing is a must when it comes to routine car maintenance. Cleaning and detailing your car engine can greatly reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and engine failures. Continue reading to learn some basic tips and effective approaches to cleaning and detailing a car or truck engine.

Car Engine Cleaning

First, scout an area outside where you can safely wash and clean your vehicle. This means avoiding sewers and storm drains, lawns, gravel driveways, and other hazardous places. Soapy run-off can be detrimental to water sources, lawns and gardens, and more. When you clean a car engine, there is almost always leftover engine sludge and other wastes that need to be disposed of responsibly. Steering clear of sewers, drains, lawns, creeks, and other areas is the first step to avoiding a potential accident. Finding a responsible disposal spot ahead of time is a huge advantage and is highly recommended.

Once an area is located that can be used to safely clean a car and engine, you can get started. Turn on the car engine to heat up the soiled areas. The more soiled the engine, the longer it should remain running. Do not let the engine run past 10 or 15 minutes or you will need to let it cool down before touching it. Allowing the engine to run softens and loosens accumulated dirt, grease, and debris attached to the engine parts. Once these materials come loose, it is much easier to clean.

Before you reach for the bucket of soap and water, be sure to use a plastic tarp or plastic bags to cover the electrical components and other areas that shouldn’t get wet under the hood. This will protect any areas that should remain dry during the cleaning process.

Now that you are ready to start scrubbing, grab a thick bristled brush, like an old paint brush, and use this in combination with a hot water and soap solution. Begin scraping away dirt, debris, and other fragments soiling the surfaces. Using dish detergent as soap is a great way to increase grease-fighting potential. Continue using as much elbow power as you can to scrub the engine inside and out.

Next, use a garden hose to gently rinse away the soap suds and loosened dirt. Let the engine dry completely before starting it up. Driving with a wet engine can cause serious automotive damages that can cost a pretty penny.

For more information about car engine cleaning and detailing, call North East Auto in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can reach a licensed automotive technician at 317-475-1846 any time. We are happy to answer any questions you have about engine repair, engine maintenance, replacement, and more. We offer auto repair coupons, discounts, free estimates, and DIY advice too! Visit our website at https://www.autorepairindy.com/engine-repair-indianapolis.php to learn more about major engine repair. Trust our mechanics to provide the quality engine repair and maintenance you are looking for in Indianapolis, IN.