Sterling Auto Repair

What does it mean when the Oil Engine Light comes on? Your Engine oil light comes on when the engine oil pressure drops below a certain level. Oil pressure is needed in the engine in order to lubricate all the internal workings of the engine. Without good oil pressure, the engine will be damaged and will require very costly repairs. You can avoid this in most cases by turning the engine off immediately and having repairs made… otherwise known as an oil change. It may be as simple as adding some oil to the engine if the level is low. Preventing the engine oil light from coming on is very simple. Check your fluid levels frequently!!! Make sure your engine oil is between the safe and full marks on the dipstick. This is very easy to do yourself. However, you can always swing by Gill’s Automotive, and we will be happy to check your oil level for you free of charge. Most commonly, the light will come on because the oil level is too low. Although another common reason could be be ... read more

“Better do it sooner rather than later” is a phrase that we all use regarding many aspects of our life. When it comes to your vehicle, there are so many components this phrase can relate to. Being an auto repair shop, we’d like to talk about your Spark Plugs. Many manufacturers claim that extended-life spark plugs maintain a precise gap for 100,000 miles. BUT, before you wait that long to replace your vehicle’s spark plugs, we want you to know that when spark plugs hit the 80,000-mile mark, they are 4/5 worn out. Just like we are some days! As the gap in the plug widens, gas mileage and engine performance begin to suffer. Spark Plugs that have been in place for tens of thousands of miles can have a tendency to seize in the cylinder head or the 2-piece designs tend to break. If this happens, it can become a rather costly job to remove them. So, since your car’s spark plugs will require replacement as time goes by and mileage racks up, isn’t it &ldquo ... read more

The rumors are true! Ford Motor Company recently officially announced the 2020 return of the mid-sized 4X4 Ford Bronco. Not many details were revealed about the upcoming Bronco, but it will be built in the United States at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant. What we do know about the Bronco is this… The 4X4 utility will be for thrill seekers who want freedom and off-road functionality, as well as the space and versatility of an SUV. The 2019 Ford Ranger is also slated to be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant. We’ve heard about these rumors for a while now, and it’s very exciting. Ford has confirmed that the Bronco and Ranger will be 2 of 5 new utility vehicles set to arrive by

Cold winter temperatures can be harsh on the health of your vehicle, especially your alternator. Do you know what happens to your car, truck, or SUV when the alternator dies? Listed below are 6 signs that your alternator may be having some challenges: 1. You frequently need to jumpstart your vehicle. 2. Your lights are dim and not as bright as they once were. 3. Your battery light on the dashboard is on. 4. A belt may not be working properly causing a burning rubber smell. 5. You hear weird grinding or whining noises. 6. Your electrical system is not operating properly. The alternator is the generator for your vehicle’s electrical system. What can contribute to the alternator’s failure? 1. If your battery is old or going bad it could contribute to alternator failure. 2. Dirt and corrosion of your battery terminals could cause the alternator not to start. 3. Worn our cables and connections. 4. Alternator belts can often break, drain the battery, and shut down so t ... read more

It all began some 4,000 years ago. Ancient Babylonians are said to be the first people to make New Year’s resolutions as well as the first to hold celebrations in honor of the New Year. Way back then, though, the New Year began in mid-March, when the crops were planted. It was originally a 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, where the Babylonians crowned a new king or reaffirmed their loyalty to the reigning king. Promises were also made to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. It is believed that these promises could be considered the forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions. A similar practice occurred in ancient Rome after the emperor Julius Caesar tinkered with the calendar (circa 46 B.C.) and established January 1 as the beginning of the New Year. As for early Christians, the New Year became a tradition for thinking about one’s past mistakes and resolving to do and be better in the future. Early Methodists held watch nigh ... read more