Why You Should Care About Car Maintenance?

The auto maintenance schedules tell you if you should inspect or make replacements. However, you don’t know what to expect, or how to do it. When it comes to car maintenance, it needs finesse, patience, and persistence.

You may have seen your mother or a home mechanic or gearhead ride in the car without the radio on. It’s not that she dislikes the profanity-edited music, but because she is listening to the engine. If you know how the car sounds when it is running well, you will know when something is wrong.

This type of relationship will result in a vehicle that is long-lasting and reliable. We’ve learned a few things along the way that will make car maintenance less of an inconvenience and more of an accomplishment, especially if you bring it to a reputable auto repair and body shop in Knoxville TN.

Necessary Car Maintenance

Keep a Log

There are likely to be blank pages in the owner’s guide of your vehicle. They could also have pages with lines or boxes that are blank. These pages are for recording your service history. However, an owner’s guide isn’t the only place to record work.

Grab a notebook and record all auto maintenance performed on your vehicle, including oil changes, tire rotation, fluid flushes, and brake jobs. It will make it easier to stay on track, your vehicle will last longer, and you will never forget when you did it.

Keep an OBD reader in your car

It is always a good idea to have more information on a subject before making a decision. You can instantly check a dashboard light or warning code with an OBD reader.

Keep a Toolkit In Your Car

This is an easy decision if you follow the motto “better to be safe than sorry.” A few simple tools, such as a multi-tip ratcheting tool, pliers or socket wrenches (10 mm, hello!), and light could mean the difference between towing and a quick repair. It’s better to fix the problem quickly than to wait and pay money to tow your vehicle around town. Zip ties, duct tape, bungee chords, and WD-40 are some of the most common Macgyver items.

Use repeating phone reminders for filters, tires, fluids, etc.

Your personal assistant is in your pocket. It will ask what sound you prefer to be used as an alert. We like the sounds of revving and burnouts. You can program your phone with the recommended service intervals from your owner’s guide. Never miss another checkup. Make sure it’s not 3 a.m. but 3 p.m.

Use Jack Stands Always

The metal safety mechanism is called a jack stand. It’s the thing that you place underneath your car to lift it into the air. A jack stand is usually made up of two pieces that can be adjusted in height. It will catch the vehicle if the hydraulic jack fails. This could be life-saving if you are working underneath the vehicle. Use them on every job. No matter how long or difficult the task is.

Buy a big pack of microfiber towels

There will never be a time when you won’t require a microfiber cloth when working on your vehicle. Stocking up on microfiber towels is essential because many of them will be beyond use.

Tires Require Near Constant Monitoring

Tire pressure isn’t the only aspect of tires to be monitored. The tread of a tire is also important. Tire pressure, tread, balance, rotation, and rotation must be monitored. You should also know the type of tire you are driving on so that you can drive safely in various weather conditions. It’s not just about keeping your car running. You also need to keep it clean and healthy.

Regularly wash your car

It’s like when everyone tells you to drink water. It’s not always easy to keep up with the advice.

Your vehicle is under constant attack, both from the ground and from the air. Dirt, road oil, road salt, and other contaminants wear down your vehicle’s components just by being in contact with them. The longer these contaminants are on your vehicle, the more damage that they can do.

We don’t know how often you drive, where you live, or how you wash your car. Use your best judgment and be mindful of any dirt that may have accumulated on your vehicle. If a bird has dropped fertilizer on your car’s paint, you should clean it immediately.

Purchase specified parts and make changes at specific times

The car was built by the manufacturer. They’re experts. Don’t ignore them and try to fit everything into one size.

Do not ignore warning lights

Dashboard warning lights are not just decorative elements, but also automotive premojis. They vaguely inform you when there is a problem with your vehicle. You can quickly diagnose the problem if you own an OBD scanner. Resolve issues as quickly as possible, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. They could cause further damage to your engine, or even more expensive problems if left unattended.

Spend the time and effort

As easily as pressing the gas pedal can get you up to 80 mph a car component can fail and your freedom machine can become a non-living object. Although we understand that not everyone is a car enthusiast, who can smell the burning clutch, we know cars are very expensive. We know that regular maintenance will extend the life of your car, reduce wear, and reduce future costs. This also reduces the risk of unexpected disasters.

Many people also consider their rides to be extensions of themselves, just as clothes are the primary way for the public to express their personality. Even a $1,000 bike can be made to look great and run well with a little hard work and pride.

Do not forget the spare tire

Waiting for a tow truck to arrive to save you from a flat tire will only make it more frustrating. When you fill-up your tire, make sure to check the pressure in the spare tire as well.

Our team of auto mechanics will keep your car in top condition. Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now.

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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell, and Knoxville

Auto Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Old Car Running Like New

Your car has served you well for the past decade. By automotive standards, your car is considered old. It’s probably time to trade her in, but the expense is too high right now. How can you squeeze out a few extra miles from the old gal? You can extend the life of your car by taking some auto maintenance and preventative steps:

Auto Maintenance Tips For Older Cars

1. Drive your old car regularly, but sensibly

You may have the first instinct to park your car in the garage. After all, if you don’t use it, it won’t break down. You should still drive your vehicle regularly to keep fluids warm, and parts working properly. If you leave your car parked, the hoses or gaskets can crack, leak, or run dry.

But be sensible about where you drive and how long. Long road trips or rides in rocky terrain may cause your vehicle to wear out faster than it should. Your car can be put under stress if you accelerate too quickly, towed other vehicles, or store heavy items in the trunk.

2. You should change your car’s oil regularly

It is easy to overlook a routine oil-change, but the consequences could be more expensive than the oil change. The parts of your motor can overheat without fresh oil. This can lead to the engine failing. You should change the oil between 1,000 and 3,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, how old the vehicle is, and how often you use it. Consult your owner’s manual for a good starting point. Then, consult your auto mechanic. Check your oil level often. Every time you fill up is a good guideline. Use quality oil. Use synthetic oil if your car needs it.

3. Keep Coolant flowing

In the winter and summer, coolant prevents your car from heating up. You don’t have to change your coolant every two months, unlike oil. It is possible to go for years without changing or flushing your coolant. When was the last time that you changed your coolant? It’s time to do a check on that older vehicle. Your antifreeze’s chemical composition changes as it ages. When this happens, engine parts like seals and gaskets can be damaged. You can check your owner’s guide to find out how often the manufacturer recommends changing the coolant.

4. Regularly inspect your car

You might not even know that your car has a frayed cable or a leaky pipe. It’s vital to have your car inspected and tuned up regularly. Most states do not require safety inspections. Even if it’s not required in your state, you should have your vehicle inspected at least once per year. While the cost of car repairs might make you hesitate, repairing small problems can help you save money.

5. Tires are a great investment for your old car

Don’t replace a blown tire with a cheap replacement. It’s worth investing in good tires. Cheap tires are likely to wear out quickly and unevenly. Cheap tires can cause your suspension to be out of alignment. If your vehicle is all-wheel-drive, a single punctured tire will likely require you to replace all four.

6. Bring Your Old Car to an Experienced Mechanic

You would not want your car to be affected by human error. Find an auto shop in Knoxville TN you can trust before having your car serviced or inspected. Independent mechanics often charge less than dealerships but do not settle for inferior quality. Your old car and you deserve the best service!

Need an auto mechanic to help you? Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now.

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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN, and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell, and Knoxville

Auto Shop and Frame Repair

Vehicle accidents happen all the time and can be a hassle if your automobile frame has been damaged. If you’re looking for a frame repair shop that can fix your “whip”, you can trust our team of experts.

We at Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop can provide you with the best frame repair services to bring your car back to its original state.

Frame Repair and Auto Body Shop Experts

It is important to repair your frame if you want your car to run smoothly. If you leave the damage alone, it can cause future problems, especially those related to alignment. It could even lead to another accident. We can help to avoid this and deal with it.

Professional Auto Body Repair Technicians

We have some of the most experienced auto body repair professionals in the industry. We can repair, restore, replace vehicle parts, and repaint damaged cars. For different services, we can use different types of tools, such as removing old pieces, replacing them with new ones, removing dents, etc. Our staff will work closely with you to ensure that we understand your requirements and provide a frame straightening of excellent quality on your vehicle.

What Customers Can Expect

Customers can also expect to receive the best auto repair results, in addition to our amazing offers. 100% satisfaction is guaranteed. Our friendly customer service will also inform you about the status of your car.

What services are offered?

Our best technicians are on hand to repair your damaged vehicle. We will examine the reports to determine the cost of repair. We will be transparent with our plans and share them before we begin.

The initial diagnosis will be confirmed by a series of checks. Wheelbase checks are performed to ensure that the front wheels are in a straight and true position. Our alignment tools are used to verify the alignment of the rear wheel. The alignment of the rear wheels can be verified by using our specialized alignment tools.

We can begin removing damaged body parts after we have discussed the problem with you and made a diagnosis. Some of the body pieces that can be removed are bumpers, hoods, and grilles. Trim, fenders, and trims may also need to be removed. Our auto repair specialists can then weld in new components to restore the vehicle to its original condition.

After removing the problematic parts, we will realign the frames and chassis of the vehicle. The structural damage caused by the accident will be repaired. The replacement parts can be fitted, attached, and welded to the vehicle in order to increase its stability.

We will fix dents, dimples, and other damage to the body using the right tools. We will restore the vehicle to its original form, no matter how minor or major the damage. We can refinish, prime, polish, and sand all surfaces after the major part.

You may be interested in our other vehicle components, such as weatherproof windows and windshields. Our auto mechanics can replace the old parts in your vehicle with these new ones.

If the paint isn’t to your taste or if it has been damaged by an accident, we can repaint the vehicle. Our car paints are the best available. We can customize your vehicle to meet your needs. Our auto paint specialists can easily remove small scratches or large abrasions.

Surface repairs are recommended to prepare your vehicle for repainting. Untreated cracks, peelings, and scratches will ruin your paint job. Re-painting the car will give it a high gloss and smooth finish.

Use of the right tools for auto body work

We use the best tools to repair your vehicle’s frame. Our professional auto mechanics utilize pneumatic tools as well as plasma cutters to take out the damaged parts from a vehicle, such as bumpers. The damaged pieces can be easily cut.

Heavy-duty equipment is needed for major structural repairs, such as aligning the frame of the car. In such cases, we use hydraulic jacks as well as sturdy hammers. For other repairs, they use hand tools like pliers and wrenches.

Our auto, frame, and paint specialists at Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop will focus on fixing any damage, no matter how small or large. Our experts will make use of all our resources to get the job done.

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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville

Finding The Best Auto Body Shop For Car Repairs

You can find a reliable auto body shop in your area by searching online. They offer several services which will be discussed below.

Services Offered By Auto Body Shops

Car Surface Repairs

The existing paint on your vehicle can be used to create a perfect base for a new coat of car paint. It may be necessary to repair some damage on older vehicles before a new paint job can be completed. The body shop can create more problems if it paints over the chips, scratches, and missing paint patches. Before applying a fresh coat of paint, cracking or peeling must be removed completely. We will not only provide this service as part of our refinishing services, but we will also ensure that you receive a new paint job of the highest possible quality when you bring in your vehicle for damage repairs.

Bumper Repairs

Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop can also repair your bumper if it has been damaged in an accident or you’ve been rear-ended. We have an experienced team on-site to repair your bumper. It doesn’t matter if it’s the front or the rear, how badly damaged it is, or what caused it.

We will not only determine if your bumper can be repaired, but we will also perform any necessary damage repairs before placing it on your vehicle. We can complete the job quickly if it’s a major crash and you need a new bumper. Before performing any auto body repair work on a vehicle, we will inform the customer of the cost and replace or repair the damaged parts.

Professional Grade Repair Equipment

We use only the latest and highest quality equipment to repair any vehicle. We use high-quality, professional equipment to perform all of our services and repairs. Our techs will be able to complete any car repairs faster with better tools and equipment. They will also have more confidence in the work they do.

Certified Collision Repair Techs

Our auto mechanics are all fully licensed and certified to provide the services that we offer. We have specialists on-site who have experience in repairing or restoring your vehicle. You can trust our team, our services, and our finishes when you bring your vehicle to our body shop. It is impossible to predict when an auto accident will occur or when you’ll need bodywork.

You can rest assured that your car will look as good as it did the day you drove it from the dealership’s lot. Don’t just consider the cost of the job, but also the quality and the expertise. If you want quality services, then only the best can be trusted. We guarantee the quality of all our work, including any repairs we make to your vehicle.

Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now if you’re looking for a reliable auto shop.

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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville

A Professional Auto Body Shop Offers Many Benefits

There are many advantages to hiring a professional auto body shop. A professional auto body shop will help you get back on the road by making the repair process as smooth and quick as possible.

Professional auto body shops can repair your car’s dents, dings, and defects to perfection. They also use original parts to replace any faulty parts. Also, they communicate clearly and fairly. Unprofessional auto shops don’t tell you what to expect and what you will get for your money. When you hire an auto body shop that is not professional, there are also no extra perks such as a warranty or support for insurance claims.

Expert technicians are found in a professional auto body shop

Only the most experienced and professional technicians work in our auto body shop. You can be assured of the quality service when a professional technician works on your car. You can verify the credentials and training of these technicians. They also work on multiple vehicles each week, gaining experience with various models and types.

Special Tools

A professional auto repair service can be hired because they have the latest technology and specialized tools to fix your vehicle according to your wishes. They provide services that you cannot get anywhere else by utilizing the latest technology. PDR and Insurance Claim support is not available at normal repair shops. Choose a professional service for body repairs.

Competitive Pricing

Many car owners look at the cost of services before deciding on a repair company. Auto body repair professionals compete with one another to keep their customers. That’s why many offer reasonable prices. Compare the prices of a few auto repair shops to find the best deal.

Excellent Service

The use of advanced technology and equipment by auto repair experts ensures excellent service. Experts in bodywork repair know what tools to use to fix your car quickly. They offer durable solutions to keep your car running.

Convenience

Many car owners consider convenience when choosing a body shop. Professional auto body shops in Knoxville TN offer a range of services to make your life easier. Professional auto shops can provide a technician to collect your car in the morning and return it to you at night.

Your car is one of your most important assets. Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop is the best body repair specialist. We not only provide excellent service but also have a great deal of expertise, use expert technicians, offer convenience, and return your vehicle on time. You can get all these benefits and not pay high prices for minor body repairs by hiring our auto body repair professionals. Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now.

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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville

How to Align Your Tires Correctly

It’s common for your mechanic to recommend an alignment service on your car. You should do this every six months or as soon as possible if there’s been a collision that may have caused damage.

What is alignment? The alignment is a suspension-tuning device that affects the performance of your tires. The alignment of your vehicle is a complex system that involves measuring suspension angles and adjusting suspension components.

Tire wear, comfort, and fuel efficiency are all affected by the alignment of tires. Find a reliable auto shop that provides quality auto services.

What is the difference between your suspension alignment?

Potholes are a normal part of wear. Potholes Curbs. Minor accidents. When your suspension wears out, or if your suspension is hit by a pothole, curb, or something else in a minor crash, the alignment can be thrown off. Aligning wheels and tires is important. You could damage your tires if they’re not aligned. This will also affect the handling of your vehicle.

Tire Performance

The suspension may be out of alignment if the pressure is not even. This can make your car work harder than necessary on the tire. The tire is rubbing against the road because of the increased resistance.

Tires can wear unevenly due to this resistance. They will eventually become worn only on one side. Driving on uneven tires is dangerous, and you may have to buy tires sooner than if you had a proper alignment.

Comfort

You may feel vibrations in your steering wheel when tires start to wear unevenly. Uneven tread can also cause the tires to produce more road noise.

Fuel Efficiency

Tires that wear unevenly make your car work harder. Fuel consumption increases as the vehicle works harder. When the tires are not aligned and begin to wear unevenly the gas costs will increase.

Alignment Verification

The wheel alignment of the vehicle must be checked if there are any vibrations or if the steering wheel is free-rolling. Small wheel misalignments can go unnoticed, resulting in increased fuel consumption and tire wear.

Keep an eye on the alignment of your vehicle to ensure a comfortable and confident ride. You’ll also save money in the future! Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now.

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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville

Preventing Sun Damage To Your Car

Drivers need to keep in mind that regular auto maintenance is crucial. Some drivers may believe that car maintenance only includes scheduled inspections of the drivetrain, and repairs when something breaks. With cars lasting longer, your car may be exposed to the weather for long periods. Two ways can cause sun damage to a vehicle. First, heat or UV rays can directly damage a vehicle. Second, sunlight interacts with other substances in contact with a car.

Over time, UV and heat exposure may cause paint to fade and oxidize, as well as damage to upholstery, dashboards, and other materials. If left on the vehicle for too long, foreign substances such as bird poop and dust can cause corrosion. There are inexpensive and easy ways to reduce or prevent sun damage on your car.

Auto Maintenance: How to protect your vehicle from sun damage

Regular car maintenance and good parking practices can prevent or treat most car sun damage. Maintaining your car’s interior and paint will help protect it from sun damage. You can do this by parking inside or in the shade, using window or windshield screens, cleaning your car’s seats, and regularly waxing or washing it. Find out more about car maintenance.

Keep your car’s paintwork in good condition

It’s crucial to know the two ways that the sun can harm your car’s paint. The paint’s clear coating can deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to UV light (e.g. oxidation). The sun damage to your car happens gradually over time. Over time, the paint will become duller, lose its color and eventually develop a crusty white surface. Untreated, the paint may start to peel off and eventually fall off.

Second, sun damage to a car’s finish is caused by the sun’s interaction with foreign substances. This includes acidic compounds. Even mild acids will eventually erode your car’s finish, and this process is accelerated by the sun. Bird droppings, dead insects, and dust are all examples of mild acid.

If the clear coat of your paint starts to deteriorate over time, use a dual-action polish and paint oxidation compounds. Use a car cover or store the car in an enclosed garage. Polishing and waxing your car frequently can extend the life of its paint. Wash your car frequently to avoid foreign substances accumulating if acidic compounds are destroying the paint on your car. As part of your car wash schedule, waxing your car or having it waxed can help protect the clear coat.

Keep your interior clean

The interior of a vehicle can also degrade when exposed to the sun for an extended period. The interior of a car can be damaged by UV rays and intense heat if left out in the sun. Plastic cracking and faded upholstery are common problems. Leather upholstery is more difficult to maintain than cloth. Leather is treated for durability, but is still more susceptible to sun damage.

Preventive measures and regular auto maintenance in Knoxville TN are the best way to avoid sun damage on your car seats. Parking in the shade will help to keep the interior cool, and it will protect the interior from direct sun exposure. Dashboards are more prone to cracking as they receive the most direct sunlight. If you don’t have a garage, a sun shield, window shade, or car cover will protect the interior. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for leather care, particularly when it comes to moisturizing and conditioning leather. Find out more about the differences between leather and cloth car seats.

Protecting your car against the sun

A car can overheat if the sun is intense. Check the cooling system and top off all fluids if you must leave your car in the sun and heat. Check your AC if it isn’t working as it should. It could be an indication of a larger problem.

Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now if you’re looking for a reliable auto shop that can take care of your car problems.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about auto services.

Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville

Auto Maintenance: What to do when your car reaches 75,000 miles?

The landscape of cars and trucks is very different from what it used to be when we were young (or even our parents). The old saying that 100,000 miles were a milestone that you could proudly display on your car to show that it lasted for a long time used to be true. This is no longer true. It’s less surprising now to see cars and trucks pass 200,000 kilometers without considering retirement. However, this number still represents only 1% of vehicles. The model also matters since some vehicles have a reputation for lasting a very long time. The more you care for your car, the greater the chances of it lasting 200,000 miles. New cars, on average cost more than $45,000. It’s smart to spend the money and time on auto maintenance. In the current economy, more and more people are hanging onto their older vehicles because they cannot afford to buy a new car.

What are the most crucial things you should do to make the older vehicle last as long as possible?

There are three areas of concern when it comes to maintaining and owning an older vehicle. These seem to correlate with the reduction of risk. This means that things that are directly related to safe driving are most important, followed by items that determine whether the vehicle can operate at all. Normal maintenance items are then the last thing that is considered, as they prolong the life of the car.

Priority should be given to items that could cause dangerous operating conditions while driving your car. The braking system of your vehicle, the tires, the steering system, and “the driver’s vision system”, which includes all windows, windshields, and glass free from cracks and other obstructions, should be checked.

The second priority is to maintain things that could leave you stranded, or even cause the engine to fail. Radiator hoses and fuel lines are also important.

Third priority: Performing normal car maintenance, such as changing engine oil, transmission fluid, and engine coolant.

Auto Maintenance: Areas to pay attention to when your car reaches 75,000 miles.

We recommend that older vehicles be maintained in a proactive and systematic manner:

1. Oil Changes

Most vehicles can get away with changing the oil every 5,000 to 3,000 miles. Oil changes are cheap insurance, as they remove grit from the crankcase that can cause premature wear.

2. Brakes

The brakes are an important part of the safety system in your car. Replace brake shoes and pads when they become worn. If you see scoring or feel pulsating when stopping, resurface or replace the brake rotors and drums. These items can be resurfaced to save money.

3. Belts and Hoses

Rubber deteriorates over time. You can be left stranded if your cooling system hose bursts or you have a broken timing belt. A broken timing belt can cause additional engine damage. Overheating modern engines can damage the aluminum cylinder head. Replace these parts as soon as possible.

4. Checking Other Fluids

The coolant and automotive fluids collect dirt, metal, and other contaminants, which can cause parts to wear out, hoses and lines to deteriorate, and radiators to become clogged. Fluid levels should be checked periodically and topped up as necessary. Transmission fluid costs less than a brand-new transmission.

5. Steering

Although it’s funny, steering is very important. To avoid dangerous failures that can lead to an accident, replace worn steering systems parts like ball joints and tie rod ends. If you hear noises when your vehicle is turning or going over bumps, it could indicate that the steering system has worn or broken parts.

6. Power Train

Older front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive cars often have worn-out CV joints. You should replace them as soon as possible because they are the ones that connect the drive shaft with the wheel axles. CV is an acronym for “constant speed”, a component that transfers power from the motor to the wheels.

7. Suspension

Sometimes, the suspension is treated as an afterthought. Over time, shocks, springs, and struts are compressed and released hundreds of thousands times, which causes them to weaken. These parts are vital for handling the road, turning, and cushioning from bumps and vibrations. In the right driving conditions, worn or broken suspension components can lead to accidents or vehicle rolls over. Replace any worn or broken parts as soon as possible.

8. Wheel Alignment

Over the lifetime of your vehicle, you can save hundreds of dollars by performing periodic alignment checks and adjusting as necessary. Tire wear can be excessive if the alignment isn’t perfect.

9. Tires

Maintain the proper pressure in your tires for maximum tire life, safety, and even tire wear. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage by up to 3 percent.

Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now if you’re looking for a reputable auto shop.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about auto services.

Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville

Tips For Car Air Conditioner Maintenance

What you can do and what should be left to a trained professional when it comes to car air conditioner maintenance? Humidity can be unbearable in some states, vehicle air conditioners are a must. Most people with some mechanical knowledge can perform a few simple visual checks and manual procedures. You can be confident that your air conditioner will handle the summer heat by doing a few simple things.

Auto Maintenance Tips

Checking the A/C system & keeping it running

In the months when air conditioning is not available, it’s important to run the air conditioning system in vehicles that operate in colder climates for ten minutes every week. The oil will be circulated in the system and the seals will remain lubricated, preventing Freon from leaking out. The air chambers will be dried out by running the air conditioner regularly. This reduces the chance of mold and fungus growing, which can cause unpleasant odors.

You should also check for any auto air conditioner problems. It is easy to do. Our first step is to inspect the A/C Condenser, located just in front of your radiator. Freon turns from a gas to a liquid in the condenser. The condenser must be clear of any obstructions that could restrict air flow, like a bug screen. The efficiency of your car’s air conditioner will decrease if the condenser becomes blocked. Condenser cleaning is easy with a garden hose fitted with a high-pressure nozzle.

Checking the Engine Fan and Fan Belt

Next, we will check the engine fan. It can either be electrical or mechanical. When the air conditioner is on, the electric fan that’s mounted to the radiator must be running. The absence of the fan can cause excessive pressure to build up in the system. This can lead to the rupture of the hoses and loss of Freon or oil. One of the two fans in some systems is required to run when the air conditioner system is turned on. When you drive your car and notice that the air from the ducts is cool but the temperature rises when the engine is idle, the cooling fan may not be working.

When the air passes through the condenser, and the radiator is heated, the fan clutch should tighten and start spinning faster. You can quickly test the clutch by performing a simple test. Turn the fan manually while the engine is cold and the ignition is off. It should be able to spin freely, which is what it should. You should be able to feel resistance when you rotate the fan. It is likely that you have a defective clutch fan if it spins freely and is loose when the engine heats up. If the air from the ducts in your vehicle is cold while driving, but becomes warmer when you are idling, then it is likely that the clutch fan is defective.

The next step is to visually inspect the fan belt. Check the belt’s underside for cracks. The belt should be changed if cracks are discovered. When replacing the belt on older vehicles, you will need a belt tensioner to avoid excessive pressure being applied to the components driven by the belt. It can lead to premature failure of the driven items. However, this is not an issue with modern vehicles that have a belt tensioner.

Checking the Operation

We will now check the performance of the air conditioner. Start the engine, and set the temperature control to the coldest setting. Set the fan speed switch to the highest setting. A clutch is located on the front of the compressor to engage the internal components. You should be able to see the clutch and the drive pulley moving together if you look at the air conditioner compressor. Normal is that the clutch will turn on and off every 20-30 seconds. The clutch will cycle on and off every few seconds if the system has low Freon.

Why You Need A Professional

In a single year, air conditioning systems can lose between 10% and 15% of Freon. You will need the help of a professional car air conditioner maintenance Knoxville TN to do this. Each air conditioning system is designed to have a specific amount of Freon. There is usually a label on top of the radiator, under the hood, or in the chamber that holds the system evaporator. This tag will list the amount and type of Freon (in pounds and ounces) that is required to operate the system properly and efficiently. You can often see a leakage area because the Freon also leaks oil. Leakage can be detected by oily or dark residues on fittings and hoses. Leaks can also be found by using a dye that detects leaks or an electronic detector.

It is not a good idea to add Freon to a system that is low. It is impossible to know how much Freon a system contains. If you add too much, you risk damaging the compressor and creating high pressures that can lead to hoses bursting. It is best to start over by completely removing the air conditioner and adding the exact amount of Freon listed on the tag. To perform the recharging process, you will need a set of air conditioner gauges and a vacuum. When you apply more than 17 inches to a system, moisture will be removed because water boils when 17 inches are applied at sea level. To ensure that all moisture is removed, the vacuum pump should remain on for at least 20-30 minutes. The low-pressure gauge has a vacuum side so that you can see how much vacuum is applied. Both gauges will be turned off after 20-30 minutes to allow the technician to observe the vacuum side. Wait about five minutes and check if the vacuum has decreased. If the system has a vacuum, it should also have Freon.

How to Recharge Your Own Devices?

Avoid the DIY recharge kits available at most parts stores. Remember that an inoperative air conditioner could be caused by other factors than the loss of Freon. What if the problem was caused by something other than low Freon? When Freon is added to a system that’s already full, the liquid Freon can destroy the compressor or cause the hoses to burst. All of this is bad.

When working on air conditioning systems, extreme caution is required. Wear safety glasses at all times. If a line bursts and Freon gets into your eyes, it can cause them to freeze instantly and even lead to blindness. These kits should only be handled by professionals. Too much oil will decrease the efficiency of your unit. It is not necessary to add oil unless the system components need replacing.

What Does Dripping Water Mean?

You will see water dripping under your vehicle when the air conditioning is working. It is normal for the condensation to come off the evaporator that has been removed from inside the vehicle. This is an indicator that the condensation drains are plugged in if you see water on the passenger-side floor and not underneath the vehicle. Over time, fungus or mold can develop in the water and plug the drain port. This will most likely need to be cleaned from the underside.

The last and most frequent question I receive is “Why doesn’t the air get cold quickly?” There are several reasons why the air conditioner is not working properly. The first one is the heat from the dash. The dash will cool down in a few moments. A system will also be more efficient if the humidity in the vehicle is removed. It takes a couple of minutes to do this, and you can also see the moisture dripping from the vehicle’s underside. Most newer cars have a cabin filter that, when blocked, will reduce the airflow from the dashboard. This filter needs to be replaced a few times a year.

Before the summer heat, when auto shops are busy, it is a good idea to service and inspect your system. When people are overheated, they tend to spend more than necessary. Shops that claim Freon is worn out and must be replaced are misleading. Many quick-lube shops also promote recharging the air conditioner as an easy, profitable upsell. It is likely that they will just add Freon, and not perform a proper recharge procedure described in this article.

Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now if you need to have your car’s air conditioning checked, maintained, or repaired.

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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/

Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County

Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville