When to Have Your Vehicle’s Suspension Serviced

Posted on October 28, 2020 by autorepair

Car suspension problems should be uncovered early on to reduce the amount of damage, repair, and cost associated with the system. Worn out car suspensions can be dangerous for the driver, as well as the vehicle itself. If you are hearing a knocking-like noise or have worn tires, then you may need to have your suspension checked out.

Continue reading to learn the top three reasons to get your car suspension system inspected, and the consequences of poor suspension maintenance.

Indianapolis Car Suspension Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Get Your Suspension Checked Out if You Have…

🚘☑ Car Alignment Problems

If you cover numerous miles per week driving to and from work or anywhere else, then at some point you will need to get a realignment for your vehicle. The best way to check if you are experiencing problems with your alignment is to pay close attention to the direction the vehicle pulls. Try doing this in the safest way possible, such as slowly approaching a stop sign, and right before reaching it, lightly undo your grip from the steering wheel. If the vehicle continues in a straight path to the stop sign, then your alignment is in good shape for now; however, if it veers to the left or right, you need to have the area checked out and fixed. When you get your alignment worked on, the inspection includes an entire area check. Sway bar links, struts, bearing, bushings, ball joints, and more are some areas that will be reviewed.

🚘☑ Daily Commutes

If you are driving through areas such as construction zones and gravel lots, then you are subject to experience frequent issues with your vehicle’s suspension and more. Road where paving has been stripped, as well as roads that carry obtrusive debris or rocks can cause severe wear and tear on your tires. Over time, it can put excessive strain on the struts and shocks. It can also loosen the bolts near the tires. This can be a dangerous situation. One way to check the condition of your shocks and struts is to park the car, then get out and lean on one side. When you let off, if the car bounces more than once, you need to have your vehicle inspected. Even the smallest bounce can grow bigger over time.

🚘☑ A Car Accident

One of the most common reasons to have your car suspension system checked out is if your car has been involved in an accident. Car wrecks and crashed can have a significant impact on the overall condition and drivability of your vehicle. The impact of a car crash can easily throw off your vehicle’s alignment and damage its suspension. Although you may focus on getting the cosmetic damages fixed, there is more to look for following a car accident.

Indianapolis Suspension Inspection, Service and Repair You Can Trust

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional scheduled car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, including car suspension inspections and repairs, as well as free estimates, coupons, car care advice, and more. Request a free estimate, or schedule service, today.

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4 Things You are Doing That is Damaging Your Car

Posted on September 11, 2020 by autorepair

There are so many actions car owners do simply out of habit when driving their vehicles. Actions such as putting on our seat belts after we sit down, checking the rear view mirror before backing up, or plugging in our music before taking off for the day. Similarly, there are several other things we do that are not as harmless as the rituals mentioned above. Many drivers are totally unaware that certain habits can actually damage their vehicles. Driving habits that you once thought were harmless are actually highly detrimental.

Continue reading to learn a few common habits that can cause serious, costly damage to your car, and see if you are guilty of a few of them yourself!

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

The Parking Brake

The parking brake is one of the most neglected parts of an automatic transmission vehicle. Those who own manual cars or trucks often use their parking brake, but for several other drivers out there, this operation is often ignored, whether automatic or manual. This is a mistake that can jeopardize the integrity of your parking pawl and the transmission itself.

It can also result in your vehicle rolling downhill uncontrollably, after being parked on an incline. The parking brake puts a lock on the wheels and prevents it from rolling away. Failing to use a parking brake puts a lot of pressure on the car’s transmission; a part of the vehicle not meant to “hold” a car in place. It also strips the parking paw, as mentioned before. Always use the parking brake, but remember to release it before putting your car into drive again!

Switching Gears

Another common driving mistake is switching gears while the car is in motion. This often occurs when a driver backs up in reverse, and then switches their car into the drive-gear before it comes to a complete stop. This can strip the gears and bands within a vehicle’s transmission, which can be a costly repair. After a while, your vehicle may lose its ability to switch gears altogether because there is nothing there to provide the necessary tension it takes to thrust a vehicle into drive. Always come to a complete stop before switching gears. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions About Car Transmissions” to review related car care tips.

Air Conditioning

Many people start their cars the wrong way by leaving their AC on when they shut off the ignition from the last time they drove. But leaving the AC on when you turn your car off, or already having it on when you start your car, is bad for the serpentine belt and causes the engine to work harder than it has to. This can lead to costly repairs down the line. Talk to a mechanic to learn when you need auto air conditioner service.

Automotive Fluids

Failing to replace or change-out automotive fluids is another major mistake made by drivers and car owners alike. This can cause several issues and performance failures with a vehicle. Fluids like brake fluid, motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid are the most important lubricants and liquids for all vehicles. Have them flushed, filled, and replaced as suggested by the manufacturer. See our blog about important fluids every vehicle should maintain to learn more.

Odd Noises and Sounds

We are probably all guilty of ignoring funny noises and strange sounds coming from our vehicles, at some point in our driving careers. But this is bad to do, and can lead to very costly repairs and put a driver and their passengers in danger. It is not safe to drive a car that is not in good condition. Bad brakes, an overheating engine, and much more can cause serous car accidents and collisions. If your car’s brakes are squeaky, or your engine seems to hiss louder than usual, or you hear some other type of unfamiliar noise coming from your vehicle, take it in to a licensed Indianapolis auto mechanic right away.

⚠ Never ignore any problems your car, no matter how minor. Bring it into a licensed mechanic as soon as you suspect that something is off with your vehicle’s performance or quality.

ASE Certified Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service in Indianapolis

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

Test Your Automotive Knowledge with this Quiz!

Posted on August 18, 2020 by autorepair

How well do you know your vehicle? Many car owners are great drivers, but don’t necessarily know how their vehicle works and operates. This is perfectly acceptable, since you don’t need comprehensive mechanical automotive knowledge to operate a vehicle safely; however, it can certainly be enlightening learning new things about your car that you didn’t know before. And who knows? Perhaps you will surprise yourself with all the automotive knowledge you currently retain!

Take the challenge and complete the automotive quiz below, and then assess your score at the bottom of the page to see how well you did!

Your Automotive Challenge Awaits…

Start by taking the quiz and recording each of your choices. Then compare your answers to the scoreboard at the bottom of the quiz. Good luck!

Question #1

Which Type of Fluid is Used to Lubricate a Car’s Engine?

Windshield Wiper Fluid
Coolant
Motor Oil
Anti-Freeze

Question #2

Which Car Part is Made from the Rare Metal, Platinum?

Pistons
Catalytic Converter
Crank Case
Muffler

Question #3

What Service Does Your Car Require for Optimal On-Going Performance?

Oil Change
Radiator Flush
Alignment
All of the Above

Question #4

For What Reason Could a Check Engine Light Be On?

Loose Gas Cap
Flat Tire
Broken Windshield Wiper
All of the Above

Question #5

What Do You Need to Flush a Radiator?

Funnel, Coolant Receptacle, and Cloth
Phillips Screw Driver
Radiator Flush and Anti-Freeze
All of the Above

Question #6

What Do You Need to Startup a Dead Car Battery?

Wrench
Jumper-Cables
Screw Driver
Battery Fluid

Question #7

If a Car Bounces While Driving, What Could Be the Problem Area?

Engine
Fuel Tank
Suspension
Power Steering

Question #8

Which Fluid Do You Require to Control Engine Temperatures?

Brake Fluid
Motor Oil
Water
Coolant

Question #9

Which Automotive Part Dims the Noise Produced by an Engine?

Muffler
Exhaust
Transmission
Ignition

Question #10

What Does an Odometer Measure?

Distance
Speed
Fuel Level
Engine Temperature

Now Check Your Score!

Answer Key: 1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a, 5-d, 6-b, 7-c, 8-d, 9-a, 10-a

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service Pros You Can Trust

When Should I Change the Oil in My Vehicle?

Posted on July 27, 2020 by autorepair

All vehicles and other engine-operated machines need oil changes on a regular interval. An engine is like the heart of a car and that heart must remain functional at all times. Oil lubricates the inner components of a vehicle’s engine and promotes smoother operation and functioning. If this oil runs dry or becomes too dirty, it can cause a car engine to overheat, and eventually begin to deteriorate and fail altogether. Oil is a mandatory must-have for all vehicles, and must be changed regularly for a car to function properly.

Continue reading to learn when you should change the oil in your vehicle, and who to trust for professional oil change advice and service.

Indianapolis Oil Changes and Car Maintenance 317-475-1846

Facts About Changing the Oil in a Car

It is best to refer to your car’s manual for oil change scheduling advice and recommendations. If you do not have your car’s manual, simply contact the manufacturer, and ask for the information you need. Oil changes are meant to be changed on a regular basis, depending on the amount of driving you do, and the style of driving you use. Typically, car manufacturers recommend changing a standard automobile’s oil every three thousand miles, or every three months, or whichever comes first. For cars that are not driven as much, oil changes can be facilitated more sparingly, such as every 5,000 miles or every six to eight months.

Not only can the amount of driving indicate when to have your oil changed, the style of driving you use can also affect this schedule. For instance, a person that drives fast and abruptly on a regular basis, or gets stuck in frequent stop-and-go traffic, may need to have their oil changed more frequently than a person that only drives to church on Sundays. Give your driving details to a professional, and they can easily determine and suggest when you should change your car’s oil.

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.

Where to Get Affordable Oil Changes and Car Maintenance in Indianapolis

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for affordable oil changes and scheduled car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed mechanics have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

Collective Car Care Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

Posted on June 24, 2020 by autorepair

When it comes to cutting back and saving money, a great place to start is with your car. Vehicles can be a major expense since they require routine maintenance, regular fuel fill-ups, fluid changes, and basic protection, to ensure performance and reliability. All of these automotive requirements cost money, making car care an important part of investment protection. If you are taking care of your car to the best of your ability, you are already on the right path. However, adding a few more car care tips and tricks to improve your car maintenance acumen can’t hurt!

Continue reading to learn some vital automotive care and maintenance tips that can help you stay safe and save money.

Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Everyone wants to preserve as much fuel as possible in order to save money on gasoline. Here are the best ways to ensure you are:

☑ Slow down a little when you drive, and avoid revving the gas.
☑ Remove excess items from the trunk to reduce vehicular weight.
☑ Stay current on all factory scheduled maintenance and minor repairs.
☑ Carpool as often as possible.
☑ Use alternative transportation, like bikes, buses, Ubers, and more.
☑ Use the proper fuel grade.

Tire Care

Without proper tire maintenance, you can risk damaging several other areas of your car or truck, as well as, reduce its overall performance value. Three aspects are most important when it comes to the tires on your car or truck: matching the proper tire-type to your particular vehicle, purchasing high-quality tires, and regular tire maintenance. Be sure to regularly check your tire tread. Here in Indiana, the tire tread minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. Use the “penny test” to assess your tire tread. Simply insert a penny into the groove of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it means the tread is low and it is time to replace your vehicle’s tires.

Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

Although you have your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to rely on, it never hurts to have a backup plan when it comes to rain. One such hack is to use a spray-on rain resistant product. These products are perfectly safe for your car’s windshield, plus they are fairly priced and available at any local convenient store or automotive store. You can also order these products online. We Recommend Rain-X® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner w/Rain Repellent, available at most department stores.

Car Cleanliness

Believe it or not, keeping your car clean will help it last a lot longer! This includes routine interior cleaning, such as vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing, as well as, exterior cleaning, including the under body, windows, wheels, bumper, and all other exterior areas. Eliminating dust, dirt, and debris improves a vehicle’s performance, safety, and of course, appeal. For this reason, try to clean your car once every month. In fact, see our recent blog, “How to Wash Your Car Using the Rain” for a fun alternative to the car wash!

Factory Scheduled Car Maintenance

Factory scheduled car maintenance is vital to the overall performance, safety, and longevity of every vehicle. And it also helps with the budget since it prevents costly breakdowns and repairs. Scheduled car maintenance includes routine fluid changes, filter replacements, brake service, tire service, battery service, alignments, and more. Proper auto care reduces toxic emissions and fuel consumption, and supports a safer, more efficient operation. All this is eco-friendly and better for the environment. Check your owners’ manual for your vehicle’s suggested service schedule, and talk to your mechanic about your car’s individual needs.

Regular Inspections and Early Detections

Be sure to have your vehicle inspected regularly by a licensed mechanic. Brakes, lights, and other important components need regular inspection and service to ensure driving safety and efficiency. To determine how often your vehicle needs serviced, refer to your car’s manual, or ask a licensed auto mechanic in your area. See our blog, “Where Can I Find My Car’s Service Maintenance Schedule?” for help.

Indianapolis Automotive Maintenance and Repair at an Affordable Price

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including transmission repairs, fuel system repairs, and general automotive maintenance services. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

How to Wash Your Car Using the Rain

Posted on June 9, 2020 by autorepair

Did you know that a clean vehicle is a happy vehicle? Okay, so our cars don’t actually have feelings, but it can be argued that a clean car has better drive-ability and aerodynamics. Also, neglecting to wash your car regularly will subject it to years of piled up residue, which can cause paint erosion, rust, and more. This type of damage has a devastating effect on a vehicle’s overall value. On the flip side, washing your car too often can be viewed as a monumental waste of water. So, how do you find the happy medium? By using nature to wash and rinse your car instead!

Continue reading to learn how to wash your car naturally using nothing but environmentally-friendly cleanser and rainwater.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

The Clean Facts About Rainwater

Rainwater contains a load of healthy elements. In fact, it has always been rumored that rainwater does wonders for your hair! So, it should do the same for a car; right? But can rainwater really wash a vehicle? Well yes! The force and consistency of a rainstorm produces enough precipitation and pressure to remove caked-up pollen, tree sap, dead bugs, dirt, and other common exterior residues. So, once you have removed the heavy grime from the exterior of your vehicle, a good rainstorm every so often is all you need! But to remove heavier grime, you will need to take a few steps before the rain comes.

How to Do It

Choose a non-toxic, eco-friendly mild dish soap to use for car washing purposes. This type of cleanser is safe for the environment, as well as, yourself and your vehicle. You can find an organic, non-toxic dish cleaner at any local grocery or home improvement store for a fair price. Consider Method® dish soap – 18 oz. – $3.

Don a bathing suit or some other type of outfit you don’t mind getting wet and possible soapy. Apply several drops of your liquid soap to a large, soggy sponge. Then simply scrub away, all over your vehicle, including your tires and wheels. Then just sit back and wait for the rain to rinse it all clean!

Affordable Indianapolis Auto Service You Can Trust

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for the best prices on professional auto services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of car repairs and scheduled maintenance services for both foreign and domestic vehicles. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

Do I Have to Take My Foreign Vehicle to the Dealership for Auto Service?

Posted on May 28, 2020 by autorepair

When it comes to foreign cars, scheduled maintenance and repair is an important factor in the longevity and overall performance of the vehicle. For this reason, import car owners are motivated to stay on top of vehicle care and preventative maintenance. They take their vehicle’s factory scheduled maintenance agenda seriously, and never hesitate to call the mechanic when something feels a little off. Catching small problems early on is a cost-effective way to maintain a vehicle and avoid expensive repairs and replacements.

But as a foreign car owner, you may wonder if you are obligated to take your vehicle into the dealership for all repairs and services, or if you can use a trusted, independently-owned auto repair shop instead. This question is both understandable and important. Of course, we want the best for our vehicles, but that doesn’t mean we have to spend a ridiculous amount of money doing it.

Continue reading to learn whether or not your foreign car should be go to the dealership for service and repair.

Dealership vs. Auto Repair Shop

It is important to ask questions about your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and service needs. Not only does this save you money in the long run, it increases the life or your car or truck. As for dealerships, the cost of maintenance and repair is inflated, since they have larger overhead costs and more staff to pay. For this reason, it makes more sense to take your vehicle to a locally owned and operated auto repair shop for foreign car maintenance and repair.

But you may be asking if your vehicle’s warranty is still good at these places, or only at the dealership. Here is what you need to know: There are laws that require the factory to honor all vehicular warranties so long as all the proper documentation is retained showing that all the scheduled maintenance is being performed on time.

So, you can save time and money by taking your foreign car or truck to a local mechanic rather than a dealership. Just be sure to save all of your receipts and documents pertaining to all work completed on your vehicle, and have the mechanic sign your maintenance schedule book if your vehicle comes with one. Be sure to choose an Indianapolis auto repair shop that is licensed, experienced, and has a good reputation.

Affordable Indianapolis Auto Repair for Foreign and Domestic Vehicles

Everyday Car Care Hacks You Really Need to Know

Posted on April 22, 2020 by autorepair

We are all looking for ways to save time, and one way we can do this is with some simple, everyday car care hacks! Continue below to learn a few tips and tricks that will help you improve your automotive maintenance practices and patterns, and ultimately, save you both time and money!

Indianapolis Auto Maintenance 317-475-1846

Gas Tank Location

Which side is the gas tank on? You have owned your car for years, and have pumped gas hundreds of times, yet you still get panicky every time you approach the fuel pump. We’ve all been there, and automotive engineers and manufacturers know this. That is why they have conveniently placed an arrow on your car’s dashboard, directly next to the fuel gauge. This arrow shows you which side of the car has the fuel tank. If there is no arrow, the icon location will instead indicate which side the fuel tank is on. What a life changer!

Lingering Odors

Does your car seem to constantly smell? Or perhaps it just has a lingering musty odor or staleness that turns you off? A great car care hack for this is essential oil! Simply locate a clothes pin, or even a bobbin pin and cotton ball, then dab a few drops onto it, stick it in the car vent, and turn on the air. The essential oil essence will fill your car with delightful, non-toxic aromas that will even set into the fabrics, leaving a longer lasting scent. Another trick is to tuck dryer sheets underneath seats to keep them smelling fresh.

Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

Worn Tires

If your tires are going bald, but you just can’t get to the auto repair shop for tire replacement service, you can simply lower your tire pressure just a bit, in order to get by for the time being. The lower tire pressure will give your vehicle more traction, which will allow you to drive a bit further without popping a tire. Need to measure your tire tread? Use a penny! In Indiana, this tire tread depth minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. This is measured from the top of the tire tread indicator, down to the top of the tread. You can use a penny to test this because the lettering over Abe Lincoln’s head on a penny measures out to exactly 2/32 of an inch tall! If you can see the letters, your tread is too low!

Looking for Quality Car Maintenance Service in Indianapolis?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional auto repair and car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including comprehensive inspections following a car accident. Best of all, we offer customer conveniences like free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, automotive repair coupons and discounts, and competitive pricing.

What is Car Maintenance Insurance?

Posted on March 9, 2020 by autorepair

Routine factory scheduled maintenance is necessary for all cars and trucks. Without routine car maintenance, a vehicle is not safe to drive and will quickly deteriorate, incur damage, and eventually become inoperable. For this reason, many drivers look into insurance options to combat the high price of regular car maintenance, especially those who have invested in luxury vehicles. The more expensive or high-priced a vehicle is, the more costly and frequent the maintenance will be. This is not always the case, but it is very common.

Continue reading to learn how car maintenance insurance works, and where you can get the best deals on auto service near you.

Understanding how car maintenance insurance works is not difficult. There are two primary concepts or objectives behind auto maintenance insurance. First, this type of policy is meant to ensure that a vehicle still receives the benefits of recommended factory maintenance after its warranty is void. Second, car maintenance insurance is often used as a tool to persuade car buyers to purchase an extended warranty.

Dealership Insurance

When a person buys a car from a dealership, it is common for the dealership to include a complimentary vehicle maintenance package with the purchase of an extended warranty. When a person leases a car from a dealership, it is common for the dealership to offer free car maintenance services so that the car stays carefully monitored during the leasing agreement, and is returned in good condition when the lease is over.

Extended warranties are good for anyone who expects to have a major car repair over the next several years that is too expensive for them to repair. This is the gamble car buyers take when purchasing extended warranties.

Third-Party Insurance

As for third party car maintenance insurance, or insurance policies purchased outside of a car dealership, these work just like health or homeowners’ insurance policies. You simply outsource a reliable insurance carrier, purchase a policy, and pay a monthly premium. When your car needs serviced, you just take it to an auto repair shop that is accepted by your insurance policy. The policy will pay for all, or a portion, of the maintenance bill. Generally, there is very little cost left for the owner to pay for.

Vehicle maintenance insurance carriers can drop car owners if they do not comply with the recommended factory scheduled maintenance time intervals. This will result in the owner being entirely responsible for all maintenance and repair costs. Talk to a licensed mechanic, or review your owners’ manual, for your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Need a North Indianapolis Auto Mechanic?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis car maintenance and repair services you can trust. Our ASE certified car mechanics provide a wide range of automotive services for all make and model vehicles, foreign and domestic. Schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime. Don’t forget to ask us about our auto repair coupons and discounts!