Palmer Auto Repair

After pulling out of the driveway, you discover something strange where your automobile had just been. You don't know what that small, dark area or that small pool of car fluid is for. There are several different kinds of automotive fluids, some of which are completely normal, while others may cause problems. So what kind of fluid could it be? Fortunately, different car fluids come in different colors, and you can usually tell by looking at them. Oil Spill An oil leak is typically indicated by a little black spot or a black puddle. When oil is put into an automobile, it is amber in color when it first enters the engine. As the oil lubricates the engine, it gradually turns black over time. The oil pan and numerous engine gaskets are the places where oil leaks happen the most frequently. It might be challenging to locate oil leaks because they are typically small and highly localized, but a failed gasket is almost always to blame. Fluid Coolant Leak It's presumably coolant i ... read more

Winter can be harsh on a number of your vehicle’s components, including the battery, tires, and even wipers. However, one underlooked part that motorists tend to forget to check this time of the year is belts and hoses. Read on to learn more about your belts and hoses and why it is important to inspect them before winter: With temperatures already dropping near or below freezing in Palmer, AK, you must know that your rubbery belts and hoses might not be able to withstand it. What you should do is pop open the hood to spot-check your belts and hoses, including the timing belt, accessories belt, radiator hose, and more.  In particular, you should look for the following signs: Cracks or tears Bulges Glazing Overly soft spots Leaks Unusual sounds (while the engine is on) If you are concerned with the condition of your vehicle’s belts and hoses, feel free to bring your car to our auto repair shop. With our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, we can evaluate yo ... read more

What does a catalytic converter do? A catalytic converter (often referred to as a "cat") is part of your car's exhaust system, a metal canister that measures between 10-14" long, generally located near the exhaust outlet. Vehicles with combustion engines emit ‘smog,' which is composed predominantly of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Catalytic converters can reduce up to 90% of a vehicle's harmful emissions and convert them to carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen and oxygen, which are less harmful gasses. How do catalytic converters work? Catalytic converters work by filtering vehicle emissions through a chamber containing two catalysts, ceramic substrates coated in three rare earth metals: palladium, platinum and rhodium. The substrates, which look like a honeycomb, maximize the surface area available for conversion and help retain the high temperature (at least 400°F) required for conversion to take place. As exhaust passes t ... read more

Unless you are a first-time driver, the most experienced understand their cars when something is wrong. However, some issues are glaring, like a brake shudder. This is shaking felt in the pedal or steering wheel when you brake. Causes of Shaking When You Brake Issues with rotors or discs cause a brake shudder. The most common reasons range from minor to major problems. But here are the most frequent causes. Wheel alignment issues If you notice a shudder when you brake at high speeds, it could indicate misaligned wheels. When driving your car and it begins dragging to one side, it's a common indicator of wheel misalignment. Poor brake condition Damaged, worn, and warped brake pads cause shaking and vibrations when you brake. A squeaking sound usually accompanies it. But the brakes could also be dirty from oil, soil, and other debris, causing vibrations when trying to grasp the rotors. Suspension issues Sometimes your car may shake not only when you apply the brakes but also ... read more

Maintenance is one of the best ways to save yourself from future headaches with your car, and this holds true for maintaining your fuel system. Keeping the fuel system clean will prevent issues from gunk buildup in the system, and will keep the system from degrading the components of your fuel system. If you notice any of the telltale signs of poorly functioning fuel delivery, it might be time to bring your car in for a cleaning: Decreased power when going uphill or towing Shuddering and rough starts and idles Spongy feeling gas pedal Slow acceleration If you bring your car in for a fuel system cleaning with our highly trained technicians, you can expect that your car will be put through the 4-Step Fuel System Cleaning. This process was specifically designed to reach even the most inaccessible spots in your car with specialized tools, which will leave your car's fuel system squeaky clean and functioning at top performance for a long time. The 4-Step Fuel System Cleani ... read more

If you've ever driven a car with smelly air coming out of the vents, you know how unpleasant it can be. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, including bacteria, bad smells from the interior of the car, and even mold. In this blog post, we will discuss why your car vents might be blowing smelly air. Bacteria: Bacteria can cause a musty smell in your car. This is because they thrive in moist, dark environments. If you have ever had a wet towel or piece of clothing that sat in your car for too long, you may have noticed a similar smell. The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure that you keep your car clean and free of any moisture. If there is moisture and mold damage deep in the AC System then you will need to bring it to an Auto Repair Shop for further investigation. Bad smells from the interior of the car: If you don't regularly clean your car, it can start to develop a bad smell. This is because dirt, dust, and other debris will build up on th ... read more

The summer season offers an exciting opportunity for road trips and, unfortunately, car problems. Why? A heavy amount of heat can affect your car's crucial components. So, if your summer cheat sheet is filled with trips to the beach, let's help you enjoy the season safely. Go through this checklist before you decide on driving in those harsh weather conditions. Change the oil Summer weather is harsh and can turn your engine smoking hot. That is why lubrication is vital. Never wait too long to change the oil unless you are attempting fate. Your engine is more likely to wear if the oil level reduces. So, ensure your engine is lubricated on regular basis. Check your brake system Inspecting your brakes to ensure they function well is a no-brainer. But checking your braking system is more than just brakes. Inspect brake pads, brake fluid, rotors, etc., to ensure they are all safe to drive even on the steepest slope. Inspect you're A ... read more

  A flat tire is a nightmare. It is always advisable to know what you are doing before starting. This is true for changing a tire as well. If you don't know how to change a tire, it might be best to get someone else to do it for you. If you have a flat tire, it's imperative that you change it as soon as possible. Learn how: What Tools Do You Need To Change a Flat Tire? The first tool you should grab for changing a tire is an air compressor. You can use the tool to inflate tires with air or even replace a flat tire with a spare one. A jack and a set of spare tires are essential tools for changing a tire. A lug wrench is also helpful in loosening the lug nuts. Here are some tools that can help you change a tire. Jack. Tire iron. Tire wrench. Rags. What Are the Steps to Changing a Tire? The process starts by locating the spare tire and jack. The next step is to remove the lug nuts, loosen the bolts, and remove the old tire. The next step is to place the new tire on t ... read more

The exhaust system must function efficiently for proper overall health and performance of a vehicle. The functioning of any system requires the harmonious interaction of all its parts in order to function well. If one part of a system doesn't function as it should, the whole system will fail. Although we hope that things work as they should, the unexpected sometimes happens. The following is a list of typical exhaust system problems. Loud engine When you have an excessively noisy engine, it could be a sign of exhaust problems. The exhaust system will emit an annoying sound if you have a faulty exhaust manifold gasket. The sound is quite loud when the vehicle is cold or accelerating. Reduced Speed and Power You won't be able to accelerate well or quickly if you have a problem with your exhaust, and you won't obtain the same amount of power when you accelerate. This problem will continue to worsen if the exhaust leak remains unaddressed. Reduced gas efficiency The fuel ... read more

One of your car's most essential and inexpensive maintenance items is your windshield wiper blades. They're often overlooked, but they are necessary for preserving visibility, primarily through inclement weather. Knowing when to replace them is vital in protecting you and your vehicle. Here are three key things to look for when checking the condition of your windshield wiper blades! Sound You've probably heard the loud groan/shriek of an old windshield wiper running before. It's loud, annoying, and super distracting. A good set of wipers should run seamlessly without any sounds at all. If your wipers sound incredibly squeaky, it may be time to replace them. Streaks In addition to the irritating sound, you may notice that your windshield wipers aren't working as well as they used to. If your wipers aren't clearing off the rain or snow properly, you may notice streaks that impair your vision instead of helping it. You may try wiping the wipers down with a cle ... read more