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

8 Symptoms of a Bad Throttle Position Sensor (And Replacement Cost)

bad throttle position sensor TPS

While small and relatively simple, the throttle position sensor (TPS) is a critical component that tells your car’s computer how far you’re pressing the gas pedal, helping control fuel delivery to your engine. If your TPS fails, you may experience anything from annoying driveability issues to downright dangerous driving conditions. While the symptoms of a … Read more

6 Common Parking Brake Problems (and How to Fix Them)

engage parking brake

A parking brake has ONE job. If it can’t do that job, it’s rather useless. Yet parking brake problems are surprisingly common, affecting both manual and electronic systems. No matter the type of problem, a faulty parking brake can be more than just an annoyance, it’s a safety issue. Let’s look at some of the … Read more

The 4×4 vs 4×2 Debate (Making the Right Choice)

4x4 vs 4x2

When shopping for a new truck or SUV, you’ve likely come across the terms “4×4” and “4×2” in regards to vehicle specs. These designations refer to drivetrain configurations, significantly affecting performance, fuel efficiency, and driving experience. But what exactly does each type mean? Let’s go over the key distinctions between these drivetrains, their pros and … Read more