9 Symptoms of a Bad or Clogged Heater Core (And Repair Costs)

bad heater core symptoms

Is your car’s heater blowing cold air despite cranking up the heat? Or maybe you’ve noticed a sweet, syrupy smell in your car that just won’t go away? These could be symptoms of a failing heater core. While some heater core problems are minor, others can lead to expensive repairs if not resolved fast enough. … Read more

Remote Start Not Working? (6 Common Causes and Fixes)

remote start not working

If there’s one car feature that would be hardest to give up on a cold winter morning, it’s got to be remote start. Nothing beats walking out to an already warm car with defrosted windows and a toasty interior. But when you press that button and nothing happens, the disappointment is real. Let’s look at … Read more

5 Causes of Transmission Shudder (And How Much It’ll Cost to Fix)

driving noise

Have you noticed a strange vibration in your car that feels different from typical engine roughness? If you’re experiencing a shuddering sensation, especially during acceleration or gear changes, your transmission might be your problem. While this issue can be concerning, knowing the possible causes can help you understand if there’s a simple fix or if … Read more

7 Reasons Your Steering Wheel Shakes (at Low and High Speeds)

steering wheel shakes

Does your steering wheel shake or vibrate while driving? While some vibration is normal on rough roads, persistent vibration, shaking, or wobbling is not normal. It means there’s a mechanical issue that needs attention. Understanding the cause of steering wheel vibration helps you resolve the problem quickly, preventing more expensive repairs down the road if … Read more

7 Symptoms of a Bad Timing Chain Tensioner (And Replacement Cost)

timing chain tensioner

If your engine is making strange rattling noises and your car isn’t running as smoothly as usual, you might have a failing timing chain tensioner. This small yet critical component keeps your engine’s timing chain tight and functioning properly. Because a faulty timing belt tensioner can lead to severe engine damage, recognizing the symptoms early … Read more

Blown Head Gasket vs Cracked Block (Symptoms and What to Do)

blown head gasket or cracked block

You’ve noticed the signs of major engine trouble… white smoke from your exhaust, losing coolant, or that dreaded milkshake-colored oil. Your mechanic mentioned it could be a blown head gasket or a cracked engine block. Here’s the bad news: without dismantling the engine, there’s no reliable way to know which one you’re dealing with. Despite … Read more

4 Reasons Your Brakes Are Smoking (With Repair Costs)

smoking brakes

The sight of smoke coming from your wheel area along with a burning smell is something that will cause most drivers to get nervous about. But how serious is it really? Smoking brakes can mean anything from a minor issue that often resolves itself to a major safety concern that needs immediate attention. Let’s look … Read more