Des Moines Auto Repair

Attention all car owners! Did you know that carbon buildup in your engine can cause serious damage to your vehicle? Over time, carbon can accumulate on engine components and create blockages, leading to reduced performance and even engine failure. To avoid this nuisance, please don't forget to keep your engine as clean as possible. Carbon buildup occurs when unburned fuel, oil, and other contaminants collect on the engine's internal components, such as valves, pistons, and spark plugs. The carbon buildup can create blockages that impede airflow and cause engine components to work harder than necessary, reducing fuel efficiency and overall power. If left untreated, carbon buildup can cause major damage to your engine, and no one wants to be dealt with costly repairs. A professional engine cleaning service can remove carbon buildup and help restore your engine's performance. A typical engine cleaning service may include a combination of the following: Fuel system cleaning ... read more

You cannot skip wheel alignments as it is an essential part of regular maintenance. When discussing the topic of wheel alignment, it refers to the adjustment of the angles of your wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other. Proper wheel alignment improves handling, increases fuel efficiency, and extends the life of your tires. When it comes to wheel alignment, there are two types: two-wheel alignment and four-wheel alignment.  Two-Wheel Alignment As the name suggests, two-wheel alignment only addresses the front wheels of your car. The technician adjusts the camber, caster, and toe-in on the front wheels. This type of alignment is typically recommended for vehicles with a solid rear axle that cannot be adjusted. Four-Wheel Alignment Four-wheel alignment, also known as all-wheel alignment, involves adjusting all four wheels of your car. In addition to the camber, caster, an ... read more

Getting locked out of your vehicle can be frustrating and even dangerous, especially if you're stranded in a remote location or during inclement weather. In such a situation, lockout towing can be a lifesaver. Lockout towing is a specialized service that can help you regain access to your vehicle when you're locked out.  What is Lock Out Towing? Lockout towing is a service that helps you gain entry to your locked vehicle. This towing service is typically provided by professional tow truck companies and is designed to help you when you accidentally lock your keys inside your car. Lockout towing is a relatively simple service that can be performed quickly, often within just a few minutes. How Does Lock Out Towing Work? When you contact a lockout towing service, the first thing that the technician will do is assess your situation. The technician will ask you a few questions to determine the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of lock that is currently pre ... read more

A burnt-out brake light on your car is more than just an annoyance. It is considered a safety hazard. In fact, you can be penalized for not having it repaired soon enough. If your brake light is out, the police can pull you over and even issue a ticket. Plus, you need all your lights to work to pass your vehicle’s safety inspection.  Here are 4 of the most common reasons why your brake light is out: Burnt Out Light Bulb - One of the most common and familiar problems related to vehicle lights is a burnt-out bulb. This can be easily fixed with a replacement bulb. Most newer model cars have LEDs, which last much longer than traditional bulbs. Faulty Brake Light Switch - Every time you press the brakes, a switch signals the light to cut on. These electrical switches go out over time and can be caused by the collection of dirt and dust. Our techs can test your car to determine if the switch is the problem.  Blown Fuse - If we determine that the brake light switch isn&rs ... read more

Your car’s engine needs to stay at a stable temperature range for you to drive smoothly and seamlessly. To make that happen, a fluid called coolant/antifreeze gets pushed throughout the engine to regulate the temperature. Unfortunately, the coolant doesn't stay effective forever. Over time, contaminants and grime can build up in the cooling system. A coolant flush can solve this problem and protects the engine from corrosion, keeping it in the best shape possible. Besides a simple inspection, how can you tell when you need a coolant flush? Low Coolant   You can pop open the hood and visually check your coolant levels. If the fluid looks too low, you may have a leak. Be sure to check if any bright-colored fluid is around or under your vehicle. We can also check for you when bringing your vehicle into Richman Automotive & Towing. Bad Coolant Quality  Another sign that may trigger a need for a fluid flush is if you find the coolant to be contaminated or d ... read more