Westchester Auto Repair

When it comes to keeping your vehicle in optimal condition, choosing the right repair shop is crucial. Whether you need routine maintenance or complex repairs, entrusting your car to skilled professionals is essential for safety, reliability, and peace of mind. In this blog, we will provide you with valuable tips that will help you choose the right repair shop that meets your needs and ensures top-quality automotive services. Tip 1: Research and Reputation Start by conducting thorough research on local repair shops. Check online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues, and consider the shop's reputation within the community. Look for certifications, affiliations with professional organizations, and positive customer testimonials. A reputable repair shop will have a track record of providing excellent service and customer satisfaction - or a lot of good reviews online. Tip 2: Certifications and Expertise Consider the ... read more

The drivetrain consists of several key components, including the engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and axles. Each component plays a unique role in power delivery and ensuring smooth operation. Here is a more in-depth look at the components and the system in general: Power Generation The engine generates power by combusting fuel, which is converted into rotational motion. This rotational motion is transferred to the transmission. Transmission The transmission is responsible for controlling the power output from the engine and transmitting it to the wheels. It allows for gear shifting, enabling the vehicle to operate efficiently across different speeds and driving conditions. Driveshaft The driveshaft, also known as the propeller shaft, transfers power from the transmission to the differential. It is a long, cylindrical component that connects the transmission output shaft to the differential input shaft. Di ... read more

If you're a seasoned vehicle owner, you may have heard the term "tune-up" thrown around, but you might not know what it actually entails. To clear the air, we are here to inform you about what a tune-up is, what it includes, and whether or not it's necessary for your vehicle. What is a Tune-Up? A tune-up is just another type of preventative maintenance for your car. It involves a series of inspections and adjustments to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. A typical tune-up may include any of the following modifications: Changing the spark plugs and spark plug wires Replacing the distributor cap and rotor Inspecting and replacing the air filter and fuel filter Checking and adjusting the ignition timing and idle speed Inspecting and cleaning the battery terminals and cables Inspecting the belts and hoses for wear and tear Checking the fluid levels and topping them off if necessary Are Tune-Ups Necessary? In the past, tune-ups were recommended e ... read more

Fluid flushes are an essential part of vehicle maintenance that many drivers overlook. Fluids, such as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, break down over time and need to be replaced. Ignoring these necessary fluid flushes can lead to severe damage to your vehicle and, in turn, expensive repairs. What is a Fluid Flush? A fluid flush is a process in which the old, contaminated fluid is removed from the vehicle system, and new, fresh fluid is added. The service is necessary because old vehicle fluids can break down, become contaminated, and cause damage to your vehicle. Why is a Fluid Flush Important? Over time, the fluids in your vehicle become contaminated with dirt, debris, and other harmful particles. As these contaminants build up, they can cause serious damage to your car's components, such as your engine, transmission, and brakes. A fluid flush removes these harmful particles and contaminants, helping to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. When ... read more

4x4 vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering improved traction and stability on rough terrain. However, driving a 4x4 also comes with additional maintenance requirements to keep it running smoothly. Here are four essential tips for 4x4 maintenance: Transfer case fluid: The transfer case is a critical component in a 4x4 system, and its fluid needs to be checked and changed at regular intervals to ensure smooth operation. Neglecting this fluid can cause serious damage to your transfer case. Differential fluid: The differential fluid helps to transfer power to the wheels and maintains proper lubrication. It should be checked regularly and changed as recommended by the manufacturer. Suspension: 4x4 vehicles often have more complex suspension systems than standard vehicles. Regular inspection and maintenance of these systems are crucial to ensure that your vehicle can handle rough terrain and off-road adventur ... read more

Have you ever noticed your vehicle squealing or vibrating when you stop? If so, a break service is looming. The last thing you want for your car is to experience a brake failure, especially when driving. A car's faulty brakes can result in various dangerous consequences, such as fatal accidents. Besides, a brake service can save you a lot of money eventually. Here are some signs you should watch out for to know that your car or truck's brake service is looming. 1. Brake Light Is On If you notice the break light on your car's dashboard, something is wrong with your braking system. However, you cannot pinpoint the problem because of several things. One may be that your car is past its due date for regular brake servicing, or there is a problem that you are yet to notice because it has not shown enough outward signs. 2. Squealing Noise Visit your mechanic for a brake pad change anytime you apply brakes and hear a squealing noise. This noise is another indicator that your ... read more

Not all exhaust fumes are bad. If you notice thin wispy smoke coming out of your tailpipe after starting your car, you shouldn’t worry about it. However, thick clouds of exhaust smoke can also mean that your vehicle’s internal systems are a cause for concern. Exhaust smoke can be of different colors, white, black, and even blue. Depending on what color fumes you see, it can give you insight into what kind of problem you have on your hands. What Does the Color of My Exhaust Fumes Mean? White Smoke Thick, white exhaust fumes mean that your vehicle is leaking coolant, usually caused by a blown head gasket or cylinder head. If coolant escapes your engine, it can put your vehicle at risk of a breakdown. Your engine can overheat and cause irreparable damage. Black Smoke If you see black smoke coming out of your vehicle, it is a tell-tale sign that your car is burning too much fuel. In most cases, it will smell strongly like gasoline. It means your engine is burning raw fue ... read more

Getting your oil changed is the number one most important aspect of vehicle maintenance. It is also one of the most frequent maintenance items you should have done for your car, SUV, or truck. You might try to change your oil at home, but there are wonderful benefits to having your oil and filter replaced by a professional technician. Here are the benefits of having your oil changed by us! No Clean Ups and No Messes To perform an oil change, you have to pull the oil drain plug to rid of the old and dirty oil that has been sitting in your engine for months. This step requires you to be extra careful. Otherwise, the oil can get everywhere! And oil messes are not easy to clean up and can lead to stains. Therefore, it is best to have it taken care of at our auto repair shop. Save Time We perform oil changes nearly every day at Loyola Marina Auto Care. It is second nature for our mechanics. Whereas, this type of job could take a lot longer for you to ... read more