Sterling Auto Repair

At last week’s SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) held in Las Vegas, NV, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler was revealed. We got to see the outside and inside of the new models, but not all the new colors being offered. The blue jeep pictured below is called ocean blue metallic and the green one below is called mojito. Spies did some research, though, and found out what other new colors will be revealed with the new models. According to the list, we will also see a color called Nacho, an orangish-yellow; a Sting Gray, and Punk’d, which is an even orangier orange than Nacho. Also, there will be the usual firecracker red, bright white and black. Read all about the new models here: http://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/more-2018-wrangler-jl-colors-comin ... read more

Earlier in October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sponsored Teen Driver Safety Week which highlighted the dangerousness of Distracted Teenage Driving. This particular initiative only lasted for seven days, however, teen driver safety is a topic that should be discussed all year long. Likely the most pressing concern for safety behind the wheel for drivers of all ages is Distracted Driving. The current generation of teen drivers are among the first to grow up in a completely “connected” society. The allure of social media, email, and games is tough for anybody to resist. Listed below are a few ways to help your teen understand the dangers of Distracted Driving: Provide your teen with real life examples in a controlled environment by enrolling them in an advanced crash-prevention program. Have frequent, open and honest discussions about distracted driving. Share clear and indisputable facts about the real consequences it can have. For example, ab ... read more

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