Charlotte Auto Repair

You're driving along and look down at your dashboard to see an alert from your vehicle that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. Like most drivers, you may ignore it and continue driving, maybe even for days or weeks. This may not be the case after you read this blog!  When your tire pressure warning comes on, one or more of your tires is 25% below the recommended air pressure. While most drivers don't think that this is a big deal to have fixed right away, the truth is, having the proper tire pressure is important for a number of reasons.  Have you ever driven on the highway and noticed a piece of a tire laying on the side of the road, or what was left of it? This happens when you have a tire blowout. A tire blowout is when your tire essentially breaks open, which can be extremely dangerous while on the road. Tire blowouts are actually mainly caused by low tire pressure, and trust us - you definitely want to avoid this situation.  Another reas ... read more

You get into your car on a cold morning only to find that your heater is blowing cold air - you wait for your car to "warm-up" yet nothing happens. Is your heater broken, and is it a serious issue?  Your vehicle's heating system is actually complex and is directly integrated into your vehicle's cooling system. The warmth that your vehicle uses to warm the air before it is released into the cabin is actually from the heat of your vehicle's engine, transferred through coolant and the heater core.  A problem with your vehicle's heater core or low coolant can actually cause issues with your air getting warm when you turn on the heater. So while you may think a broken heater isn't necessarily a big deal, the truth is that you may have a cooling system problem. Low coolant or a bad heater core can cause some serious issues when it comes to your vehicle's engine. If heat isn't being rerouted from the engine, your engine can quickly overheat w ... read more

The brake system in your vehicle is what ensures the safety of you and your passengers. Even if you notice the slightest difference in brake performance or a strange noise while braking, it is important to have your brakes inspected as soon as you can. If you suspect an issue with your brakes, bring your vehicle into our experts for fast and friendly service. We will work quickly to repair your brakes and get you back on the road safely.  If there is a problem with your brakes, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:  Brake pedal goes to the floor Brake system light is on Loss of brake power Squealing/grinding noise when braking Vehicle pulls to one side/shakes when braking All of the symptoms above can indicate a problem with your vehicle’s brakes. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, stop by our shop as soon as you can. Our auto repair shop has the latest, state-of-the-art computer diagnostic equipment to accurately diagnose and repair ... read more

A good wheel alignment is necessary when it comes to safe car handling. All of your vehicle's wheels need to be properly aligned with each other in order for the tires to travel straight and avoid premature wear. When you drive with bad wheel alignment, your tires will typically wear down quickly and unevenly and you may have trouble steering or controlling your vehicle. This is why recommend getting your wheel alignment taken care of as soon as you notice an issue. There are a few different things that can cause your wheels to be forced out of alignment. They are typically related to bad driving habits, weather and road conditions, and more.  Having regular wheel alignments performed will keep your tires in great condition, saving you money on tires over the years. You'll also get better fuel efficiency, performance, and protect your vehicle's suspension components from unexpected repairs. Misaligned can be caused by a number of different things, including the follow ... read more

The weather is getting warmer, and it is that time of year when many of us start planning road trips and vacations for the summer months. We know that planning the trip itself may be forefront in your mind, however it's important not to forget that your vehicle needs to be in the best condition to embark on a road trip. The last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of the road in an unfamiliar place, and ensuring proper vehicle condition can help you avoid this.  Before you embark on your road trip, we invite you to schedule a pre-trip inspection here at Woodie's Auto Service & Repair Centers. A pre-trip inspection will check all of your vehicle’s major components to make sure they are all in good working condition and can handle a long drive. Our mechanics will also top off important fluids and make sure there are no obvious signs of major repairs needed.  Our mechanics will suspect the following:  Battery Belts & Hose ... read more

Your vehicle's engine is made up of hundreds of different components, all working together to provide you with a seamless driving experience. One such component, the head gasket, is commonly referred to but it often misunderstood. What exactly is an engine head gasket and what is its purpose? While the head gasket is small and doesn't look complex (a flat piece of metal with holes in it) it has a vital job. There are also many different types of gaskets in your vehicle, not just the head gasket. The primary job of these gaskets is to prevent debris from getting into the engine, maintain consistent internal pressure, and to keep fluids and other vital liquids inside the engine.  While we are on the topic of the engine head gasket, let's take a look at all of the different gaskets in your vehicle and what they do.  Head Gasket - the head gasket in your engine's cylinder has the important job of preventing any combustion gases from gettin ... read more

At Woodie's Auto Service & Repair Centers, we want to reassure you that during these trying times, we are designated as an essential business and all locations will remain open during normal business hours for your automotive needs.   The well-being of our employees and customers is our number one priority, so we are now offering both curbside services and complimentary pickup and delivery for your convenience.  We are also implementing the following measures to ensure that we do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19: Our staff members are washing their hands often. Technicians are required to wear latex gloves on every vehicle and will change them often. Advisors are, when available, wearing latex gloves and changing them as often. Customer keys are wiped down before placing them in repair order packets. Technicians are to use steering wheel covers on all vehicles. (When available) Technicians are to use disinfectant to wipe down steering w ... read more

When many people think about their vehicle's electrical system, they think that the battery is the main power behind everything. While the battery does provide charge to start is your vehicle and run your electrical systems, the alternator is actually the component that keeps your battery charged while your car is running. Without a working alternator, you will find yourself with a vehicle that only runs for a short amount of time and then shuts off on you.  While your vehicle is running, your alternator is essential recycling power and charging the battery. The alternator is located in the engine compartment and is a part of the starting and charging systems. If your alternator is working as it should, you will notice one or more of the following symptoms:  Battery warning light has turned on Dead battery Battery starts but doesn't hold charge and shuts off mid-drive Dim interior lights Problems with electrical components such as power windows, radio, etc.  ... read more

If you're a parent of a teenage driver who is just starting out, you may feel anxious or worried every time you know that your child is behind the wheel. You may wonder, have I done enough to prepare them to drive safely and smartly? There are always risk factors involved when a new driver gets on the road, but preparing them as much as possible will give you more ease as a parent of teen behind the wheel.  Here are some tips for how you can help your teenager be a better driver:  Set an example for your teen. Believe it or not, many teenagers will repeat their parent's bad driving habits because they've learned them from seeing you drive throughout the years. Set an example by following the speed limit, driving safely, following traffic laws, and always wearing your seatbelt.  Try to limit the amount of time your teenager drives at night, if possible. Driving at night is harder and less visible, so getting them better at day driving before being allowed t ... read more

It’s that time of the season when we start thinking about what changes or resolutions we plan to make for the upcoming year. 2019 has ended and we all hope that 2020 will bring us health and good fortune. Many people will think about what resolutions to make such as going to the gym more often, eating healthier, and waking up earlier. These are all fantastic resolutions, but have you thought about any changes you will be making when it comes to your car?  Nobody is a perfect vehicle owner, but there are many ways in which the regular car driver can not only take better care of their vehicle but save money on car repairs in the new year. It is a great idea to think of a vehicle resolution that you can make going into 2020 that will help you protect your car investment and save you money on repairs. Here are some of our top vehicle changes to make for 2020: Try to keep your car clean and free of garbage Clean out your trunk - it will give you much better fuel efficiency Ha ... read more