Des Moines Auto Repair

A regular oil change is one of the most important — and affordable — maintenance services you can give your vehicle. At Richman Automotive & Towing in West Des Moines, we provide fast, reliable, and professional oil change services designed to keep your engine healthy, extend the life of your vehicle, and improve performance on the road. Why Oil Changes Are Essential Your engine relies on clean oil to reduce friction, regulate temperature, and protect vital components. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and metal particles. When this happens, your engine has to work harder, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road. Key Benefits of Routine Oil ChangesBetter engine performanceImproved fuel ... read more

When temperatures drop, your vehicle faces harsher conditions that can impact performance, safety, and reliability. At Richman Automotive & Towing, we see firsthand how cold-weather issues can leave drivers stranded—which is why a little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Here are the top winter car care steps every driver should take to stay safe and avoid unexpected breakdowns.   1. Check Your Battery Health Cold weather reduces battery capacity, making it harder for your engine to start. Before winter hits: Have your battery tested for strength and charge. Clean any corrosion from the terminals. Replace batteries that are more than 3–5 years old or show signs of weakness. A strong battery is one of the best defenses against winter breakdowns. 2. Inspect Tires and T ... read more

Winter roads may look scenic, but they hide an enemy—road salt. While it’s necessary for melting ice and keeping roads safe, road salt can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Left unchecked, it can lead to rust, corrosion, and long-term damage to your car’s undercarriage and bodywork. The good news? A few proactive steps can keep your vehicle safe from the harsh effects of road salt all winter long. Why Road Salt is Harmful to Your Car Road salt isn’t just table salt tossed onto icy streets. It’s a mix of sodium chloride or magnesium chloride designed to lower the freezing point of water. While it’s great for preventing icy roads, its chemical properties are highly corrosive to metal surfaces. When road salt sticks to your car, especially in hidden areas like wheel wells and undercarriages, it mixes with moisture and accelerates rust formation. Over time, this can eat away at your car’s metal components, including brakes, suspensio ... read more

Have you noticed the temperature gauge creeping up or a warning light blinking on your car's dashboard? You pop the hood, and, sure enough, your coolant level is low. But what if you’re in a pinch and don’t have any coolant on hand? Is it okay to add water to your car's radiator instead? We'll explain why coolant is essential, what role water plays, and when—if ever—it’s safe to substitute water for coolant in your radiator. Why Coolant Matters in Your Car’s Radiator Coolant, also known as antifreeze, isn’t just a liquid to keep your car from overheating. It’s a specially formulated mixture, typically of water and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, designed to regulate your engine’s temperature in a range of conditions. Coolant prevents your engine from overheating on hot days and keeps it from freezing in cold weather. This blend also includes additives to prevent corrosion, lubricate the water pump ... read more

A sunroof is one of the excellent features of a car—until it stops working properly. Whether it's stuck open, won’t close, or is leaking, a malfunctioning sunroof can turn a pleasant driving experience into a frustrating one. If you’re dealing with a sunroof issue, you may be wondering how to fix it without breaking the bank. While some problems require professional repair, others can be handled with a bit of know-how. Let’s explore some of the common issues with sunroofs and how you can address them. Common Sunroof ProblemsSunroof won’t open or close properly: This is often due to electrical issues or a malfunctioning motor. Leaking sunroof: A leaking sunroof is usually caused by clogged drainage tubes or a damaged seal. Sunroof makes noise: If you hear a rattling or squeaking sound, there could be a misalignment in the sunroof’s track. Sunroof glass is cracked ... read more