North and South Carolina Auto Repair

Tire pressure might not be something you think about often, but it plays a major role in how your car drives, handles, and uses fuel. What catches a lot of drivers off guard is how much things like weather and elevation can mess with it. One cold night or a drive up into the mountains can be enough to trigger your tire pressure warning light—even if your tires were fine the day before. Knowing how temperature and altitude affect your tires can help you catch issues early, avoid unnecessary wear, and keep your car performing like it should. What Happens to Tire Pressure When the Temperature Drops Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature because air expands and contracts with heat. When the temperature drops, so does the pressure inside your tires. On average, you lose about 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10°F drop in temperature. That means if it was 80°F yesterday and dropped to 40°F overnight, you could lose 4 PSI in each tire without e ... read more

Seeing your check engine light turn on is never a welcome sight, but it doesn’t always mean immediate trouble. Sometimes, it’s a minor issue like a loose gas cap, while other times, it signals a more serious problem that could lead to engine damage. The key is knowing when it’s safe to keep driving and when you should stop and get your car checked out. Ignoring the light for too long could turn a small fix into an expensive repair—are you sure your car is okay to keep going?   What Does the Check Engine Light Mean The check engine light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II) and turns on when the system detects an issue. Sometimes, it signals a minor problem, like a loose gas cap, while in other cases, it indicates a serious issue, such as an engine misfire. A steady check engine light means the problem is not an immediate emergency, but it should be checked soon. A flashing light, however, suggests a critica ... read more

Nothing is more frustrating than getting into your car in the morning, turning the key, and experiencing a slow, hesitant start. A vehicle that struggles to start first thing in the morning is a sign that something isn’t working quite right. While your car may eventually turn over, it’s trying to tell you that something needs attention.   Cold Weather and Battery Performance Temperature plays a big role in how your car starts, especially in North Carolina and South Carolina, where mornings can be chilly in the fall and winter months. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions inside your battery, making it harder to generate the necessary power to start your engine. A weak battery will struggle even more in cold conditions. If your car cranks sluggishly when you start it, or you notice dimming headlights before the engine turns over, your battery may be losing its charge. If your battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea ... read more

If you've ever wondered how your car is able to turn corners smoothly without dragging its wheels, you can thank the differential. This component often goes unnoticed, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that your vehicle’s wheels work together effectively. Let’s take a closer look at how a differential operates and why it is so essential for your car’s performance.   What Does The Differential Do At its core, the differential is a mechanical device that allows your car's wheels to rotate at different speeds while still receiving power from the engine. This might sound complicated, but it’s essential when your car takes a turn. When your vehicle turns, the inside wheels cover less distance than the outside wheels. Without a differential, all wheels would be forced to rotate at the same speed, causing unnecessary strain and wear on your tires and drivetrain. The differential ensures that power is distributed appropriately ... read more