Sterling Auto Repair

Check Engine Light troubles can be a headache for a car owner, but you shouldn’t ignore the problem it indicates. When your vehicle’s dreaded “Check Engine” light comes on, you usually feel that sinking feeling. The “Check Engine Light” is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong. It can be a very costly issue such as a bad catalytic converter, or something as minor as a loose “gas cap”. What it definitely means, though, is that you will be visiting your trusted auto repair shop to diagnose the issue. Deciphering the CodeDo-It-Yourselfers can buy inexpensive code readers that connect to this standardized onboard diagnostics (OBD) port located under the steering column. You can then search for the code’s meaning on websites such as https://www.engine-light-help.com/. The Check Engine light can even be turned off by some code ... read more

As vehicles age and accumulate miles, it’s common for the timing belt to wear out and become compromised. Timing belt replacement is a relatively simple service to perform. However, if a worn out timing belt snaps, it can seriously damage your engine. This can cost you thousands of dollars. The Role of the Timing Belt Your vehicle’s timing belt is a small rubber belt that connects the crankshaft to the camshaft which controls when the valves open and close. Timing belts are developed to be strong and durable, but they will eventually wear out. When the belt breaks, the valves won’t close in time, and the pistons hitting against them begin to cause immediate engine damage. Replacement of your vehicle’s timing belt is part of the regular auto maintenance recommended by the manufacturer. Timing belt replacement should be done approximately every 70,000-110,000 miles. You should check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. Replaceme ... read more

Deciding whether to tow your vehicle? There are undoubtedly some times when a vehicle, even though it will still drive, should really be towed. Many times, a consumer will drive their vehicle to a repair shop to save money on a tow bill. But at times this can actually cause more damage to the vehicle and, therefore, cost a lot more in repairs when a $75 to $100 tow bill would have saved several hundred dollars in damage. This is where you, the operator of the car, really need to rely on your knowledge of how your vehicle usually performs and your senses to decide if your vehicle is safe to drive or not. Being in tune with smells, how it performs, seeing any unusual smoke or leaking of fluids under the car, or any new and loud sounds created by the vehicle, can be a good indicator of whether a vehicle needs towing or not. Warnings signs to watch, listen and look for: Vehicle is overheating according to the temperature gauge or sudden drop on the gauge. Check Engine Light is flashing. O ... read more

A regular Tune Up is a great help when maintaining your car! Would you like your car to last longer? Do you want better fuel mileage? Then you are at the right place. Our A.S.E. certified technicians will help to keep your vehicle ON THE ROAD. Why are Tune Ups Important? A TUNE UP CAN HELP YOUR CAR: It can extend the life of your car. Helps with your fuel economy. Reduce the cost of car repairs. Improve engine performance. May help prevent break downs on the road. A tune up is as important as an oil change. Regular oil changes and tune ups will make a difference the life of your car. TUNE UP MAY INCLUDE: Replacing fuel filters. Replacing air filters. Inspecting or replacing PCV valve. Fuel induction service. Replacing oxygen sensor. Inspecting distributor cap. Replacing spark plugs. Replacing spark plug wires. A dirty fuel filter and a dirty air filter will, most likely, reduce your fuel economy about 20%. Maintaining tune ups and using quality fue ... read more

Here at Gill’s Automotive, we always try to stress the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. Just to name a few, we take ourselves to the doctor, our pet’s to the vet, run anti-virus software on our computers, and have our furnaces/ac units cleaned to keep them running smoothly. Cars, on the other hand, seem to get put on the back burner for some folks which is sort of silly considering we all use our cars EVERY SINGLE DAY. It can really hit you in the pocket as well. Here is an interesting article on how important regular maintenance really is. Whether your an existing Gill’s customer, or would like to become one of our customers, give us a call TODAY and have a free 27-point courtesy check done on your car. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp