McFarland Auto Repair

When you first drive a new car, the steering wheel should feel swift and smooth, providing you with a comfortable ride. Every turn or shift you make should feel seamless and effortless. However, after miles and miles, your steering may start to change. Every car has a power steering system, and it requires maintenance. If you do not care for this part of your car, it may suffer from the following problems: Pulsating Steering Wheel A vibrating or shaking steering wheel could suggest that you need a wheel alignment, power steering repairs, or a combination of both. If your steering wheel ever feels unstable, you should have your vehicle checked out by a professional. Vehicle Swerving to One Side Like the previous issue, this symptom can be various: faulty suspension parts, improper tire inflation, bad alignment, and a worn-down power steering system. If your vehicle can't drive straight, it can cause significant problems and put your and your passenger's safety at risk. Pleas ... read more

A radiator leak can be a significant inconvenience and dangerous. Your vehicle relies on a coolant fluid to keep the engine at a stable temperature. Without a sufficient amount of coolant, your engine is susceptible to overheating and more. Here are some reasons why your radiator might leak: Coolant The problem could be the coolant itself; Subpar, cheap, diluted, or even the wrong coolant could harm your engine. When this happens, your radiator is essentially trying to flush it out of the system. Heater Core When the heater core is faulty, it can initiate your engine to overheat. You might notice this problem more in the winter as you won't get a sufficient amount of heat.  Rust Over time, sediment can cling onto the inside of your radiator and its other connected parts. This can be normal, and that is why manufacturers suggest you get a radiator flush every so often. Failing to remove these contaminants and flushing your coolant can cause the sediments to build, causing ... read more

On the highway, you're driving your car, likely listening to your favorite tunes, and have the AC blasting. Then the traffic slows down, and you've noticed that your car vibrates. You may be questioning to yourself, "why does my car feel like an angry massage chair?" when you are driving on a smooth road. Read on to see what causes the car to vibrate and why.   Most Likely Causes of Car Vibration:Alignment Issues If the front end alignment is off balance, it would cause vibration. Another thing that could cause alignment issues is the wheel could be unbalanced. There could also be suspension issues. Either way, you'll want to get this checked as soon as possible, as it's dangerous driving a car that has either issue.   Brake Pad Issues Overtime, the brake pad can be worn out or even damaged. You'll know that it's on its way out when you stop the car, as it will vibrate with squeaking ... read more

If you're always stumped on what gift to get your car-loving friend or family member, you've come to the right place. There is an endless list of possible gifts, but hopefully, several of these ideas will help you get ahead of the holiday shopping rush! Car garbage can: It's so easy to let a pile of trash build up in our vehicles. If you want your loved one to stay tidy, this is a great gift idea. Seat covers: Most people like to eat and drink in their vehicles, which means spills tend to happen. Seat protectors are an excellent way to keep food, drink, and other waste from staining or ruining the seats. They can also make your vehicle look more aesthetic. Air fresheners: Who doesn't love air fresheners? These are great small stocking stuffers. Portable car vacuum: This is an excellent gift for any driver. A portable car vacuum can easily be stored in your car and be able to get into the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. Portable car battery charger: The extreme ... read more

The answer to the title question is, it varies. "On what?" you may ask. Numerous factors can affect the number of miles between each transmission fluid change, and the first deciding factor(s) is your car's make/model/age.   To physically inspect your transmission fluid, you have to determine if your car even has a dipstick for it. It is usually located somewhere under the hood, but you can look in the owner's manual if you can't find it. Keep in mind; some newer models will not have this tool. Our shop has a dipstick or other devices to monitor the levels on vehicles without the transmission dipstick. Your owner's manual will also list your vehicle's maintenance schedule, so it will tell you when you need to service your transmission fluid.   In some cases, newer maintenance schedules will not mention transmission fluid changes, so owners are often left clueless about it. Even in this situation, it is still a good idea to have a professional ... read more