Des Moines Auto Repair

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

Driving over uneven terrain can be a bumpy experience, but what happens when your car starts making odd noises from underneath? Those mysterious clunks, rattles, and squeaks may seem minor at first, but they can indicate underlying issues that need attention. Your car's undercarriage plays a crucial role in keeping the vehicle stable and safe in various road conditions. When unusual sounds start echoing from beneath your car, it's a sign that something might be wrong with key components like your suspension, exhaust, or even the drivetrain. So, what exactly causes these undercarriage noises when you're driving over rough roads or uneven terrain? Let’s break down the most common reasons and why it’s important to address them sooner rather than later. 1. Loose or Worn Suspension Components Your suspension system is one of the main players when it comes to handling uneven surfaces. It absorbs shocks and keeps your vehicle balanced, ensuring a sm ... read more

Ignoring regular oil changes might seem like a minor oversight, but it can lead to serious consequences for your vehicle. The engine oil in your car plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation, reducing friction, and preventing excessive wear and tear. Skipping an oil change might save you a few dollars and some time in the short term, but the long-term repercussions can be costly and damaging. Let's explore what happens if you skip an oil change and why it's essential to keep up with this routine maintenance. The Importance of Engine Oil Engine oil lubricates the moving parts, helps maintain optimal engine temperature by reducing friction, and prevents the engine from overheating. Engine oil also captures and holds contaminants and debris, keeping them away from critical engine components. Regular oil changes ensure that your engine operates efficiently and prolongs ... read more