How to Eliminate Gasoline Odors

Posted on February 13, 2019 by autorepair

Anyone who has spilled gasoline knows that even the smallest drip will render a powerful, all-consuming odor. There are endless scenarios in which you might spill gasoline. And whether on clothes, textiles, cement, or any other surface for that matter, the smell seems to linger forever, without ever losing a fraction of potency. If you are tired of dealing with overpowering gas odors, learn how to finally conquer them once and for all!

Continue reading to learn some tips and tricks to eliminating gasoline smells in clothes, on floors, and more!

Getting Rid of Gas Smell

Did you spill some gas all over your hands while filling up the lawn mower? Or perhaps the can spilled in the trunk while you were on your way home with it? Or maybe you had a little accident at the gas pump, and now your favorite jeans smell like the station itself? What about spilling gasoline on your driveway? All of these scenarios happen every single day to people just like you; but the difference is, you are about to learn how to get rid of gas odors for good!

What You Need

The materials you need to get rid of gas smells will depend on where the stain or spill occurs. Here are supplies that will work well to combat gasoline absorption and lingering odor:

Cat Litter
Baking Soda
White Vinegar
Dish Soap

Cement Floors

If you spill gasoline on a cement surface, like the garage floor, just grab the kitty litter. The clay granules of the litter will absorb the liquid and abate the smell. Simply cover the spill as soon as it occurs, then allow the litter to sit for 2 hours, and finish by sweeping it all up with a broom and dustpan. You may want to check with your city’s local laws pertaining to contaminated cat litter disposal.

Upholstery

If you get gas on upholstery, like your car seats or trunk bed, go for the baking soda and white vinegar. Combine equal parts water, vinegar, and baking soda, and then dip a cloth into the solution and delicately rub it into the spill.

Clothing

There is no bigger disappointment than getting gasoline on your clothes. But if this ever happens, just rely on some good old fashioned air, coupled with some white vinegar. Start by airing out the garment outside for 24 hours. If the scent is very strong, soak the garment in vinegar for an hour, and then hang dry outside for a full day. Once the garment does not smell like gasoline anymore, use a handheld vacuum on the affected area, and then clean it with a rag and mild dish soap. Finish by washing the garment alone in the washing machine on the hottest setting.

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Northeast Auto Service Guarantees the Lowest Auto Repair Prices in Indy

Posted on January 18, 2019 by autorepair

When you need automotive repair services, look no further than Northeast Auto in Indianapolis, Indiana! We offer the best deals and most competitive prices for automotive services in town. Our highly trained and ASE licensed mechanics are extensively trained and experienced in the automotive repair industry. We service and repair all make and model vehicles, from old to new, foreign or domestic!

You can trust that you are receiving the most professional and comprehensive car repair and service when you visit Northeast Auto in Indianapolis! Continue below to learn more about what we have to offer!

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6 Signs That Suggest You Need Alternator Repair

Posted on December 13, 2018 by autorepair

If you tried to turn your car on this morning, but all you got were a series of loud clicks, perhaps you are convinced it is a dead battery. However, it could also be your alternator, which is more likely the case if your car battery is still fairly new. If you suspect that your alternator is in trouble, your first step is to take a closer look to see if you can detect any signs a failing alternator.

Continue reading to learn the top 6 most evident signs that an alternator needs to be repaired or replaced.

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An alternator is an important automotive parts because it is the energy base for the entire vehicle. Alternators basically provide the necessary electricity to all the various electrically-controlled components in a vehicle. It supplies the energy to start the engine, charge the battery, and power up all other electrical components.

Over time, parts of the alternator can begin to tarnish or wear down. Things like brushes, rotors, and other internal parts must be replaced periodically. It is best to refer to your car’s owners’ manual for factory recommended instructions for alternator maintenance. In the meantime, it is wise to learn how your car will tell you the alternator has gone bad.

Usually, they do this by demonstrating these 6 signs:

➀ Dead Battery

As mentioned, one of the most common signs of a failing alternator is a dead battery, which is another reason why a failing alternator is misinterpreted as a car battery problem so often. When an alternator is malfunctioning, the battery must use a lot of extra energy, which quickly depletes its power.

➁ Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on, it could mean a lot of different things. For this reason, you must have your vehicle diagnostically tested by a professional to determine the exact cause. However, a failing alternator is a possible reason why a check engine light might illuminate.

➂ Engine Stalls

If your engine is stalling on your every time you try to drive your vehicle from one destination to another, you may very well have an alternator problem on your hands. As mentioned, alternators supply the energy needed to start engines and keep them running.

➃ Dimmed Lights

Do your interior and exterior lights seem less bright than they normally do? Headlights, ceiling lights, stereo lights, and dashboards lights are all powered by the energy your alternator supplies. So when the alternator is malfunctioning, the lights are usually one of the first components to be affected.

➄ Electrical Malfunctions

As with dimmed lights, additional electrical malfunctions are often an indication of alternator issues. Things like power seats, power windows, GPS, stereo, radio, and screen displays can begin to have problems, or stop working entirely.

➅ Strange Sounds

As with most internal automotive problems, strange noises are usually a common red flag. When your car does not sound like it usually does, both while it’s in idle and when it’s running, it could be a sign that your alternator needs to be repaired.

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When to Get an Oil Change for Your Car

Posted on November 29, 2018 by autorepair

When it comes to caring for your vehicle, routine and regular scheduled maintenance are among the most vital necessities. In order to sustain the value and performance of your vehicle, consistent oil changes, tune ups, tire rotations, and other factory scheduled services are required.

Continue reading to learn how the frequency of changing your oil affects the overall status of a vehicle.

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The Importance of Oil Changes

Cars, trucks, and other vehicles have different requirements when it comes to oil changes. Depending on the make or model of the vehicle, oil change frequencies will differ. Typically, we measure the length of time between scheduled auto services in distances. For example, most manufacturers suggest cars should have their oil changed every 3000 to 5000 miles, depending on the make and model.

Size and vehicle type also influence the rate of which a person should have their oil changed. For instance, diesel engines will have a contrasting oil change schedule compared to a gasoline fuel engine. Larger engines and vehicles burn more fuel, which may require them to have the oil changed more often. Small gasoline-fueled engines get better fuel mileage, resulting in less frequent routine maintenance.

Ask a Pro to Be Sure

The best way to accurately determine how often you need to change your vehicle’s oil is to ask a professional. This could be the manufacturer of the vehicle in question, or a professional Indianapolis auto repair shop or technician. Either way, these sources are professional references that can offer truthful tips, answers, and advice.

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5 Automotive Warning Lights You Need to Know

Posted on November 12, 2018 by autorepair

There are many types of warning lights that will notify you when a mechanical issue is underway within your vehicle, including problems with tire pressure, the engine, the brakes, and more. The exact types of warning lamps you have in your ride depends on the actual make and model. Older model vehicles may only have one or two types of warning lights, while newer models are typically manufactured to have most, if not all, of the most common warning lights.

The top 5 most common automotive warning lights are for anti-lock brakes, engine, oil pressure, tire pressure, and battery. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about them all.

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Screen display of car status warning light on dashboard panel symbols which show the fault indicators

Top 5 Automotive Warning Lights

💡 ABS Lights – ABS stands for anti-lock brakes. This means when a driver needs to suddenly brake, the ABS system will prevent the wheels from locking and losing traction on the road. It allows a vehicle to retain tractive contact with the road in order to come to a sudden stop. The ABS system is an important one for all vehicles because it significantly reduces the chances of wrecking a car or causing an accident. It is also great for winter weather and precipitation.

💡 Check Engine Light – Most drivers are familiar with the check engine light, also known as the malfunctioning indicator lamp (MIL). When this light illuminates, it could be for a variety of reasons, ranging from minor to serious. For example, a lit check engine light can signify something small like a loose gas cap, or it can signify something much more serious like a needed catalytic converter replacement. If this light comes on, have your vehicle inspected by a licensed car mechanic as soon as possible. It is strongly recommended to not drive a car when the engine light is on.

💡 Oil Pressure Light – This light comes on when a vehicle’s oil levels are low. A car needs motor oil to keep the engine lubricated and prevent overheating. Without proper oil levels, a car or truck can experience significant and irreversible damage to its engine. This is a very costly repair that can easily be avoided with regular factory scheduled maintenance.

💡 Battery Lights – There are several reasons why a vehicle’s battery light may illuminate. It could signify a problem with the alternator drive belt, the slack starter, or complete alternator failure. These are serious and should be addressed immediately before driving the vehicle again.

💡 Tire Pressure Lights – When this light comes on, a driver can assume that their tires need more air. Low tire pressure can reduce gas mileage, but more seriously, can cause tire blowouts, hydroplaning, and car wrecks. Always be sure your tires are in good condition and full of the appropriate amount of air. Never over-fill tires with air because it can cause them to pop or blowout as well.

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Top 3 Signs You Need Catalytic Converter Repair

Posted on October 29, 2018 by autorepair

Your vehicle is arguably one of your top-most important assets. Without it, you sacrifice freedoms of all kinds; not to mention the challenge of finding transportation to work, school, and other vital responsibilities. So when your car or truck begins to show signs of trouble, it is critical that you pay attention to the message it is trying to convey. As for a catalytic converter, the same theory applies.

Continue reading to learn the top three signs of a bad catalytic converter, and what you need to do to get your vehicle back to a safe and operational condition.

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In most cases, your vehicle will tell you when it is having trouble with a primary component, such as the engine, brakes, or catalytic converter. In fact, it the catalytic converter is acting up, one of three signs will surely become evident to you. Here is what to look out for:

➀ Check Engine Light

The check engine light is one of those components that gives you anxiety every time it illuminates. Although most often, it is something simple, like a loose gap cap, it can also be a sign that your catalytic converter is malfunctioning. You see, the oxygen and air-fuel ratio sensors monitor the efficiency of your vehicle’s catalytic converter by watching the gas levels in the exhaust. So when your catalytic converter is improperly catalyzing the exhaust gases, it can prompt your vehicle’s computer system to catch on and warn you of the defect.

➁ Reduced Engine Performance

Your catalytic converter is a big partner to your vehicle’s engine since it is a part of the exhaust system. So it is expected to have poor engine performance if your vehicle’s experiencing catalytic converter problems. Signs to look out for include engine stalling, overheating, reduced acceleration, poor fuel economy, and power issues. Common defects that causes these problems are mostly due to a clogged, obstructed, or cracked catalytic converter.

➂ Rattling Noises

Car’s make noise. However, when the noise becomes concerning, it could be a sign that your catalytic converter is on the outs. Rattling sounds should be the most alarming to you. Old catalytic converters, or ones damaged by rich fuel mixtures, can experience collapsed or fragmented meshes, which can cause rattling sounds while driving or in the parked position.

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How to Safely Throw Away Your Old Gasoline

Posted on August 13, 2018 by autorepair

Whether for the lawn mower, scooter, or truck, it is common for vehicle owners to have a stash of gasoline lying around. Having an emergency supply of fuel is great for times when you forget to fill up the tank, but there are some important facts you need to know about old gasoline.

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After sometime, gasoline loses its combustibility properties, making it quite difficult to get a car engine to turn over or stay fired up. Depending on the age and quality of the fuel, it may even be totally useless. But low combustibility does not mean non-flammable. Although gas will lose enough combustibility to render it useless for powering motors, it is still combustible enough to be a fire hazard. In fact, gasoline is still extremely flammable even if it is really old.

For this reason, tossing out your old gasoline is not as simple as taking out the trash. The degree of flammability makes gasoline a dangerous hazard, so it is vital to learn the safe and responsible way to dispose of it in your town.

Legalities of Fuel Disposal

You can’t just toss gasoline into trash receptacles, sewers, drains, bodies of water, or even down toilets. Not only can this put yourself and others at risk of fire hazards, explosions, and chemical exposure, there are laws that govern the legal disposal of private gasoline supplies. If you fail to meet these requirements, you will potentially face legal repercussions, such as fines, restitution, and even jail time. You should check with your county clerk’s office to learn your state’s ordinances regarding gasoline disposal.

Your Options for Fuel Disposal

Your first option for discarding old gasoline safely and responsibly is to combine it with your good gasoline. Although it has low combustibility, old gas can still contribute to ignition, and even extend the life of your good gasoline. If your old gasoline is especially dark and mucky, you should not use the first option. Instead, it will need to be entirely discarded.

To reuse old gas with new gas, just pour the remainder of old fuel into anything that takes it, such as lawn mowers, weed whackers, scooters, motorcycles, cars, trucks, and vans. For vehicles, you may want to consider using a fuel additive for best results, such as octane boosters, injector cleaners, and similar automotive products.

If you still have leftover fuel, or your fuel is too old to reuse, try this next option!

Your other option for safe and proper gasoline discarding is to contact a nearby disposal center. Simply track down a hazard waste collection and disposal center in your town that accepts contaminated gasoline. Keep in mind that these centers are usually only open to the public once or twice a week, so be sure to schedule accordingly.

Start by contacting your county or city waste management agency. They can give you leads for all the nearby centers that offer this service. You can also contact your local fire department or Indianapolis auto repair shop for information on safe gasoline disposal services.

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General Factory Scheduled Maintenance for Cars and Trucks

Posted on May 10, 2018 by autorepair

Factory scheduled maintenance services for cars and trucks are an important part of vehicle care and preservation. It is crucial to regularly care for your car or truck to promote longevity, sustainability, and performance. There are several routine maintenance cars and trucks require; some blatantly obvious, while others not as much.

Continue reading to learn about some different types of factory scheduled maintenance services recommended for cars and trucks.

Oil Changes

Having the oil changed in a car or truck is mandatory in order to achieve safe and proper vehicle performance and functionality. Oil changes should happen once a year or every 7000 miles; depending on the make and model vehicle. In larger vehicles, such as semi-trucks and diesel powered engines, an oil change should be made every 3,000 miles or twice a year.

Additional Fluid Changes

Oil is not the only fluid that requires changing in a car or truck. Brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, coolants, power steering fluids, battery fluid, and more are all examples of liquids that require changing in vehicles.

Tire Rotations

Tire and wheels need to be rotated and balanced on a professional balancing machine every five thousand miles. This process ensures even tire wear and tear. The weight on the front and rear axles of a car or truck differ, which means the wear and tear will be uneven. Switching places and balancing the wheels promotes better drivability and avoids running a flat.

Battery Replacements

When a vehicle begins requiring jump starts, or has dimmer headlights than usual, it may be time to change the car battery. Most people can accomplish this at home, themselves because it is a relatively easy project. A car or truck battery basically just snaps and plugs right in place, making it an easy DIY job for anyone. Typically, car and truck batteries need changed every 3 to 5 years, give or take. It also just depends on the vehicle make, model, and condition.

Filter Replacements

Along with fluids and batteries, filters in a car or truck need replaced after some time. Air filters, fuel filters, cabin filters, and more all require replacement after a few thousand miles.

Coolant Flushes

Coolant fluid is a viscous liquid that supports the temperature levels in a car or truck engine. Flushing the coolant, also called antifreeze, promotes maximum performance in vehicle’s heating and cooling systems. A vehicle’s manual will retain information about when to change out the anti-freeze and how often to flush the coolant.

Bulbs, Hoses, and Belts

Headlights, tail lights, indoor lights, rear lights, check engine lights, and more all need bulb changes every so often. On top of bulb replacements, hoses and belts require a small degree of regular maintenance as well. For example, belts can become squeaky overtime, and hoses can start to leak. These areas and more require minimal routine maintenance for optimal performance and sustainability.

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Is Your Transmission Trying to Telling You Something?

Posted on April 12, 2018 by autorepair

If you think you hear your transmission making noise, don’t waste any more time and drive directly to an auto repair shop. Never ignore an issue with a transmission. This is because a simple little problem can turn into a large costly one if neglected. Have a small issue fixed before an entire transmission replacement is needed. The type of issue and repair can often times be determined by the type of noise your transmission is making.

Continue reading to learn the common problematic noises and sounds a transmission makes when it needs service or repair.

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Noisy Transmission

One of the most common causes of noisy transmissions is defective or corroded gears. The inner workings of a transmission can sometimes experience mounting issues, corrosion issues, and loose or faulty parts. All of these potential issues can happen one at a time, or in combination with each other.

In this case, the noises coming from the transmission would be a result of defective or loose pieces and parts moving around, and the friction they create while doing so. This is certainly a repair that needs immediate attention before an accident occurs or the transmission is destroyed completely. Keep in mind that replacing a transmission can cost anywhere from $800 to well over a thousand dollars, depending on the make and model, and whether it’s new or used.

Loose Transmission

Another common culprit behind strange and unusual transmission noises has to do with the way it’s connected to the vehicle. When a transmission is installed, it needs to be positively secured to the vehicle for safe and optimal performance. Over time, natural wear and tear or careless driving can cause the transmission connections to come loose, creating odd rattling noises. This also should be addressed as soon as possible.

If a transmission comes entirely loose from a vehicle while on the road, it can cause a fatal accident to other car and drivers. It will also require professional Indianapolis transmission repair and replacement, and ample time to have your vehicle put back together again.

One of the seven essential automotive fluids is transmission fluid. Without it, your transmission cannot operate smoothly. There needs to be ample lubrication for all the moving parts and gears within a transmission system. Without lubrication, intense friction and heat causes the parts to burn out and defect. This also causes loud screeching noises.

A simple and speedy transmission fluid re-fill is all your vehicle needs, every three to six months. Be sure to also check the filter to ensure its preventing debris from entering the transmission fluid. If the filter gets clogged up, it can cause weird noises too.

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Basic Instructions for Dealing With an Over Heating Car Engine

Posted on February 5, 2018 by autorepair

At some point, all vehicles will require a repair or two. There is no stopping the inevitable wear and tear that all vehicles face in a lifetime. The important lesson to know is how to handle an unexpected breakdown or repair. Safety, communication, procedure, and more are all vital aspects to dealing with an overheated car or broken down vehicle. There is no need to worry too much about an overheated engine. There are several remedies for this. Continue reading to learn what to do if your car is overheating, as well as, who to call for reliable and fast assistance.

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When Your Engine Begins to Overheat

You never want to continue driving a vehicle that has an overheating engine. This is for several reasons. Not only is it dangerous for a person’s health and safety, it also jeopardizes the degree of damage to the engine. As soon as you are aware that your car or truck is over-heating, pull to the side of the road and come to a complete stop, immediately. If you are on the interstate, try not to panic from all the traffic. Simply flip on your hazard lights and slowing make the progression to the far right lanes and eventually to the shoulder of the road.

Always Let the Engine Cool Completely

One mistake people often make is lifting their hoods and checking their radiator fluid levels. Attempting this task can result in painful burns from high pressured hot water and steam. It is important to allow the vehicle to cool completely before inspecting any fluid levels and removing any caps.

While you are waiting for the vehicle to cool off, you have a few options. At this point, you can either decide to call for help, whether that means a friend, family member, or professional service; or you can allow the car to cool and remedy the issue yourself if you happen to have the proper supplies to fix an overheating engine. For easy fixes, these supplies consist of radiator fluid, anti-freeze, coolant, and water. If you choose to repair the engine on your own, start by checking the coolant levels. Running out of coolant is one of the most common catalysts behind overheating engines.

Professional Auto Repair Service

If coolant is not the issue, then it is most likely a more extensive repair. This type of situation calls for a professional automotive mechanic. If adding more coolant to your vehicle doesn’t solve the overheating issue, then it is strongly advised to call a local Indianapolis auto repair shop. These shops typically offer services that will tow your vehicle to their lot so they can take a look at the engine. They retain proper equipment and tools to diagnose an engine problem further than coolant issues.

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