Stockertown Auto Repair

Most drivers and car owners find it frustrating when the engine misfires. It is crucial to understand how an engine can misfire, what causes it, and what to do when it misfires. What exactly happens when the engine misfires? To understand what an engine misfire is, you need to understand the simple version of how your engine works. All engines use combustion to generate power. Yes, your engine uses fire (from a spark) generated from fuel and oxygen. When your engine misfires, it can be because oxygen, power, or the spark are not introduced to the engine cylinders in time. The ignition process is delicate and requires all components to be presented at the right time for optimal functioning. One cylinder can misfire while the rest work perfectly, so your car will continue working, but you will notice a decrease in performance. How does it feel when the engine misfires? If your engine misfires, you may hear a pop sound accompanied by the smell of bur ... read more

Transmission fluid for your transmission is the same as motor oil for your engine – without the fluid, your car will simply not run. Transmission fluid is a lubricant that helps your transmission system operate smoothly without excess friction. Over time, the transmission fluid breaks down and becomes contaminated. To keep the fluid effectively doing what it is supposed to do, you will need to change the transmission fluid.  What Happens If You Don’t Change Transmission Fluid When you lack a sufficient amount or an acceptable quality of transmission fluid, several things can go wrong. You accelerate the wear and tear on transmission components. As you may know, transmission parts are not cheap. Taking the preventative measures of replacing or flushing your transmission fluid can save you a considerable amount of time and money by limiting the need for repairs. When to Change Your Transmission Fluid When you should change your transmission fluid ultimately depends o ... read more

If you are a road trip enthusiast, getting your vehicle ready for some sun-drenched driving is crucial, especially as the road trip summer season approaches. It helps you avoid dust and dirt flurries, summer's high temperatures, and occasional rain taking a toll on your car's most essential systems. Using the following DIY tips and auto professional assistance, you can summarize your vehicle and help it run safely and smoothly through summer into fall. Summarizing Your Car on Your Own You can check your vehicle's tire pressure using a stick gauge from a gas station or a personal pressure gauge. When exposed to intense heat, vehicle tires' inside pressure increase and decrease significantly. So, monitor the tire pressure regularly to ensure it stays within your car's recommended range. Additionally, regularly monitor your engine's oil level as the engine often gets hotter in the summer, meaning it will need enough oil levels to remain lubricated. Here is how ... read more

A tire bulge is a condition where the tire's sidewall starts to protrude outwards. This can happen for several reasons, but it's due to low tire pressure or hitting something sharp. Why Is A Tire Bulge Dangerous? A tire bulge is dangerous because it weakens the structure of the tire. This can cause the tire to burst or blow out while you're driving, leading to a serious accident. It's important to check your tires regularly for any bulging signs and keep them properly inflated. If you do notice a bulge, don't drive on it and have it fixed as soon as possible. What Causes A Tire Bulge? There are several reasons why a tire might develop a bulge. The most common reason is low tire pressure. When your tires are low on air, they're more likely to flex and bend, which can cause the sidewall to start protruding outwards. Another common cause of tire bulges is hitting something sharp. This could be a pothole, a curb, or even driving over rough terrain. When the tir ... read more

When it comes to being a car owner, we understand that initial worry when you notice something wrong with your vehicle, and the doubt that follows. It is hard to tell when your vehicle might just need a break or will need a mechanic. The best thing to do when you notice something strange is to have it checked out as soon as possible. Much like an illness, catching a problem with your vehicle early on will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run and will prevent more problems from occurring. As soon as you see an early warning sign, bring your vehicle into our shop for assistance. Our auto repair shop has the expert staff and dealer level equipment to accurately diagnose and repair the issue correctly the first time around. If something is wrong with your vehicle, there is no doubt that you will begin to notice some differences, whether in the way your car performs, smells, sounds, or feels. You may feel: Bumpy or rough ride Shaking steering wheel Vibrating/shaking vehicl ... read more

We're sure that you have some fun and exciting road trips planned for 2022. To ensure you stay safe and on time with your future itinerary, you need to stay prepared. Before you hit the highway for your upcoming road trip, it is vital that you pack the essentials. Packing these items below can help you if you come across an accident, a breakdown situation, and any harm to your health in general. Here's what to pack for your next road trip! Jumper cables - just in case your car battery dies on you A spare tire and tire changing kit - in case of a flat tire or tire blowout A first aid kit - including some OTC medicine, band-aids, ointment, gauze, etc. Plenty of water and non-perishable food - to stay hydrated and fed, especially if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere A phone charger - just in case you need to call roadside assistance. Car registration and warranty papers - essential documents to have at the ready just in case you have to file a report Backup dire ... read more

As a vehicle owner, it is not easy to know what is truly important and needed when it comes to vehicle maintenance. With some companies attempting to sell you everything in their books, it is easy to grow pessimistic about car maintenance. However, tune-ups are proven to be essential to upkeep your vehicle. If you have ever wondered why you should have a tune-up performed, here are the four benefits of a tune-up that may convince you. Reliability A tune-up can save you a headache in the long run. When routine maintenance is done well on your vehicle, you reduce the risk of mishaps, accidents, or breakdowns. No matter the age of your car, tune-ups will help preserve the condition of your vehicle. Boost in Fuel Economy If you are not getting the mpg your vehicle should, then that's a clear sign that your vehicle needs a tune-up. This type of service is one of the best ways to go about increasing your fuel efficiency. Believe it or not, something as simple as a dirty air filter or ... read more

As of 2013, all cars must be equipped with an anti-lock brake system or ABS. This secondary brake system helps you steer your vehicle in emergencies and slippery conditions by helping you gain traction of your tires. It essentially prevents the wheels from locking up and skidding. And by preventing a skid will stop your tires from wearing unevenly.   If you seldom drive in snow or rain, you won't know what to foresee when the ABS is activated. When ABS kicks in, your car may vibrate and groan. However, it is all worth it as it helps decrease stopping distances on slippery and dry roads.    Your car has various sensors on its wheels to recognize when your car's tires are on the edge of locking up. Once these sensors make the recognition, they quickly and repeatedly apply the brakes to keep your tires from skidding.   Furthermore, ABS auto-adjusts the brake fluid pressure in each wheel to maintain excellent brake performance. However, the electronic con ... read more

Every automobile in Pennsylvania must undergo a vehicle safety and emissions inspection (rules may vary by county). These examinations are required by legislation to ensure that all modes of transportation on the road are safe to operate. These inspections serve to keep you and other motorists safe from dangerous and fatal roadway disasters.  What is a State Inspection? A state inspection is an auto service that has to be done by a licensed inspector to allow your vehicle for legal operation on Pennsylvania roadways. The inspector will also review your car owner's documentation, exterior, interior, and all its functional systems. They will ensure that all parts and systems function perfectly and are not in severely declined condition. Why Do I Need It? Pennsylvania started this program to meet localized air quality goals and focus on its residents' safety. You're required to get a state safety inspection annually or every year by law. As proof that you passed your ... read more