Common Signs That Indicate Which Car Repair You Need

If you were to ask most drivers about the importance of personal transportation, they would tell you that their vehicle is one of their most valued assets in their lives. We rely on our cars and trucks to get us from point A to point B, whether those points are to and from work, carpooling, dropping the kids off at karate practice, or running errands, we need our vehicles to be reliable at all times. If you are starting to notice your car is performing different in anyway, you should investigate the issue before it becomes a more costly problem “down the road”, no pun intended.

Continue reading and match your car problem with its needed repair. Then call a professional and licensed mechanic for reputable Indianapolis auto repair services you can trust.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Signs That Suggest a Particular Type of Auto Repair

Brake Repair:

⚙ Squealing or Screeching Noises
⚙ Slower Stop Times
⚙ Crunching or Grinding Noises
⚙ Burnt Rubber Smell
⚙ Rattling Noises
⚙ Pulling in a Certain Direction

Engine/Transmission Repair:

⚙ Humming, Buzzing, Knocking, or Whining Noises
⚙ Engine Turns but Won’t Start Smoking
⚙ Increased Gas Consumption
⚙ Backfiring
⚙ Stalling
⚙ Bad Exhaust Smell
⚙ Tire Service and Repair:
⚙ Uneven Steering Wheel
⚙ Wobble-Like Drive
⚙ Excessive Vibrating
⚙ Pulling

Factory Scheduled Maintenance:

⚙ Dim or Burnt Out Lights
⚙ Engine Overheating
⚙ Slow Starting
⚙ Slower Braking
⚙ Stubborn or “Heavy” Steering Wheel
⚙ Squeaky Brakes
⚙ Smoking
⚙ Diminished AC
⚙ Reduced Gas Mileage

Check Engine Light On:

⚙ Wet Engine
⚙ Blown Gasket
⚙ Faulty O2 Sensors
⚙ Cracked Manifold
⚙ Pinched or Worn Fuel Injector O-Rings
⚙ Deteriorated Spark Plugs

Indianapolis Automotive Repair and Service You Can Trust

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for affordable auto repair service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide domestic and foreign car repair for all make and model vehicles. On top of competitive prices, we also offer car repair coupons and discounts! Schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime. Don’t forget to ask us about our auto repair coupons and discounts! But start by requesting a free auto repair estimate or some quick mechanic advice, today.

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

When Should I Change the Oil in My Vehicle?

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
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.

Why is My Car Engine Overheating?

It’s a common occurrence: You are driving down the road, enjoying the traffic-free afternoon, when all of a sudden, your engine’s temperature gauge goes way up. Yes, that’s right; your car engine is overheated. But why? Many people can understand the problems associated with an overheating engine, and the damage it can cause to a vehicle; but many don’t know why it happens in the first place.

Continue reading for a brief look at 6 common reasons why your car’s engine may be overheating all the time.

Indianapolis Car Engine Repair and Service
Indianapolis Car Engine Repair and Service 317-475-1846

The Radiator Fluid is Low

Radiator fluid, also called coolant, keeps the motor cool during operation. When your car beings to run out of coolant, your engine is unable to effectively transfer all the heat it produces, so it overheats. This is the first place to always inspect when your car engine is overheating. Simply refill with coolant and water, and that’s it! Your vehicle should be just fine. But if that’s not it…

The Radiator is Clogged

A clogged radiator happens overtime as grease and muck builds up inside. If a car has more than 50,000 miles on it, it is at higher risk for radiator clogs. To avoid this, be sure to have your vehicle’s radiator flushed on an annual basis. This is a cheap and quick service you can get at almost any auto shop or service station.

You Have a Coolant Leak

Perhaps your car is low on coolant because it has a leak in the radiator. When a car cannot sustain its coolant levels, it cannot properly regulate heat transfer in the engine. This causes a car to overheat. 

The Coolant Fan is Malfunctioning

On the topic of coolant, it could be that the coolant fan is defective or not operating properly. This part is easy to check. Simply pop the hood and the coolant fan is located on top, next to the radiator. See if the fan is sluggish or slow. If, so it could be the cause of your engine overheating problems. It could be the electric fan, or it could be the radiator switch. An Indianapolis mechanic can figure that out for you.

The Fan Belt Broke

A broken fan belt will cause a car engine to overheat rapidly. If the fan belt is broken, it is highly likely that other engine components are malfunctioning too. Mostly older vehicles have fan belts, but they are easy to repair. All you have to do to check for a broken fan belt is look at your car’s engine.

The Thermostat is Closed

If your vehicle’s thermostat will not stay open, then your car will overheat. This is because the thermostat controls the amount of coolant released while a vehicle is in operation. If it’s defective, it cannot read the temperature and open the coolant flow as needed. This will cause overheating issues quickly.

Cheap Car Engine Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional car engine repair and service 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 major engine work. 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.

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

Collective Car Care Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

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.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

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.

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

What is Car Maintenance Insurance?

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.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

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!

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846

Is It Safe to Drive My Car?

When you are aware that there are mechanical issues with your vehicle, you may worry if it’s safe to drive. Many people cannot get to a mechanic right away due to pre-scheduled priorities, like work, school, and daycare. So this question is a common one among today’s drivers with a busy schedule. Although some automotive problems can be put to the side for a few days, like oil changes and windshield wiper fluid refills, there are others that can’t be ignored for even a minute; that is, if you still want to drive.

Automotive Repair

Every component on a vehicle serves a purpose, whether aesthetically or functionally. Internally, the components in your car or truck play a vital role in the “safeness” and reliability of its operation. For this reason, most mechanical issues should be dealt with immediately, either on the spot or the morning after.

With that being said, there are certain mechanical issues that should allow you to transport your vehicle to a local automotive repair shop, safely. But there are others that will require a tow truck service to avoid putting yourself and others in harm’s way. For instance, if your vehicle requires tire rotation and balancing service or windshield wiper replacement, you are safe to drive to the mechanic for professional assistance. However, if you have an overheating car engine, or damaged exhaust, a call to the towing company is necessary.

Here are some more examples of when it is safe to drive to the mechanic, and when it is not:

Safe to Drive…

• Oil Changes
• Tire Rotation and Balancing
• Air Conditioning Repair
• Automatic Window Repair
• Door Lock Repair
• Alarms
• Cruise Control
• Lights
• Strange Sounds
• Alignment Work
• And More

Not Safe to Drive…

• Brake Repair
• Major Engine Work
• Radiator Repair
• Exhaust/Muffler Repairs
• Transmission Repair
• Fuel Injector Repair
• Fuel System Repairs
• Fuel Tank Repairs
• Blown Tires
• And More

Always Consult Your Mechanic

The extent of your vehicle’s mechanical problems can range in severity, so there may be special circumstances that will allow you to safely drive to your mechanic even if your problem is listed under “not safe” above. Ultimately, in order to know if your vehicle is safe to drive, contact your local automotive repair shop and speak with an ASE licensed mechanic that can assess your vehicle’s potential damage and offer professional advice on whether or not you can drive it to them.

Northeast Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for answers to your car repair questions. We are ASE licensed and experienced car mechanics that offer a wide range of repair and maintenance for all make and model vehicles in Indianapolis, IN. If you are unsure if your car is safe to drive, just give us a call and we’ll give you a professional opinion you can trust! Our rates are the most competitive in town, but we also offer auto repair coupons for additional savings! Call 317-475-1846 for auto repair
and service in Indianapolis
, today.

Important Factory Schedule Maintenance Services for Cars, Trucks, and Other Vehicles

Owning an automobile is a big responsibility. Vehicles require care and upkeep, just as us humans do! There are various factory scheduled maintenance services that automotive companies recommend in order to sustain and benefit a vehicle’s performance value and longevity. The most common routine maintenance services include oil changes, filter changes, tire rotations and balances, engine flushes, radiator flushes, fluid refills, and more.

All regular scheduled maintenance services are vital for the well-being and dependability of any vehicle; however, without a few of the key services mentioned above, a car simply won’t run at all. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more important factory scheduled maintenance services that support optimal vehicle performance and sustainability in the long run.

Oil Changes

Although one of the most ordinary and unassuming of all the required vehicle maintenance, oil changes are one of the most important services a person can provide for their ride. Changing the engine oil and filter is vital when it comes to maintaining a functioning vehicle. Without motor oil and a clean filter, a car engine will overheat, eventually melting and destroying the inner workings of an engine. This can lead to very costly repairs.

Even if they are mundane, oil changes are absolutely necessary if you wish to keep your vehicle out of the repair shop or scrap yard. They should be performed at least every five thousand miles; whether that number is reached within one month or ten.

Vehicle Fluid Changes

Fluids such as transmission fluid, coolant, power steering, and even windshield wiper fluid are all vital components that require regular refills in most vehicles. Again, the schedule for these services differ from vehicle to vehicle; however, they are typically inspected, changed, or re-filled every six months or 5,000 miles, whichever of the two comes first.

Tires and Brakes

One of the most important safety features of a vehicle is its ability to stop. The routine maintenance services that protect this crucial capability surround the tires and brakes. Tire rotations and balances are important services that keep your tire functional in all weather conditions and elements. Refilling or changing the brake fluid and brake pads, and checking the over-all condition of the brakes, are also necessary services that all vehicles require in order to support safe driving on the road.

These services need to be outsourced every 8 to 30 thousand miles, depending on the year, make, and model vehicle. It is best to consult a professional automotive technician or vehicle manufacturer for routine maintenance specifications and schedules. This information can also be found in the owner’s portfolio that came with the car, or the manufacturer booklet in the glove compartment of new cars.

Routine Scheduled Maintenance Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Oil Change Coupons 317-475-1846

Indianapolis Oil Change Coupons 317-475-1846

For professional advice and information about your vehicle’s required factory scheduled maintenance, call our licensed mechanics at 317-475-1846 today. We are happy to discuss your vehicle’s service requirements, no matter who does your automotive services. Visit our website at https://www.autorepairindy.com/factory-schduled-maintenance-indianapolis.php for details about routine service schedules and our company credentials. We are expert automotive mechanics that specialize in all foreign and domestic automotive services and repairs. Call us today for licensed factory scheduled automotive maintenance in Indianapolis, IN and its neighboring counties.