Des Moines Auto Repair

One of the worst things you can do for your vehicle is to drive with a blown head gasket. The head gasket in automobiles is responsible for sealing the engine’s combustion chamber from the rest of the engine so that oil and coolant don't mix together. Since the engine runs at high temperatures and extreme pressures, the gasket can get blown as a result. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of a blown head gasket. Low Coolant Levels One way to tell if you have a damaged head gasket is by checking if your coolant is under the hood. When your car is cooled down, you can look at the reservoir to see if there is a sufficient amount. When the gasket cracks, a majority of the coolant will leak into the cylinders.  Overheating Engine When your engine can’t get a proper flow of coolant, it will run hotter than before. Plus, the cracked head gasket allows excess heat into the engine. In severe cases, you may even hear the coolant boil or sizzle. You can also tel ... read more

Cruise control can do you a huge favor in certain circumstances. This feature is widely available on most cars today, and it enables you to drive your car at a set speed without you having to press your foot on the acceleration pedal. Cruise control allows you to maintain a steady speed all while giving your leg some rest. Plus, that means more focus on your driving.    For such a great feature, why isn’t everyone using cruise control at all times? It pretty much makes your car 50% self-driving, right? Not exactly. Cruise control is not suitable to use in certain conditions. In this blog, we will go over when you should and shouldn't employ cruise control.  When To Turn Cruise Control On Long Road Trips - When road trips go on for hours and hours on end, it is nice to give your leg muscles some time to relax. Use this time to switch on to alleviate the strain. Light Traffic - If you’re on an open road with little to no cars, feel free to utilize the ... read more

The car tire is the main contact between the road and your car. That's why you need to have a regular tire routine. Proper car tire care helps you maintain the required handling and traction. Read the below suggestions for tire maintenance to help your tires last as long as possible. Regular Tire Alignment: Most cars don't indicate tire alignment as a maintenance routine. Consider alignment when the suspension part is replaced, uneven tires, or severe tire wear. Tire alignment is done with specialized alignment equipment; don't do it at home. Maintain proper tire pressure: Every car has a standard tire pressure that you should maintain. When you check your tire pressure, look at your tires to see if they have any cracks, objects stuck in them, holes, or uneven tread wear. Always use a gauge to check that your tire pressure is within the recommended tire pressure. Adjust the pressure accordingly to prevent excess wear and tear. Spare tire storage: Spare tires should be k ... read more

A catalytic converter is an exhaust system component that is very important to your vehicle’s combustion and emission processes. It is often the part that is causing a vehicle to fail an emissions test or the reason behind a lit check engine light. It plays a vital role.   The catalytic converter is a part that manages and changes the pollutants and toxic gasses released by a vehicle’s engine. It goes through chemical processes to change those unsafe pollutants into a less-harmful forms, like water and carbon dioxide.   The catalytic converter itself is made of precious metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum that act as catalysts in chemical reactions. Because of its high value, it is often targeted by thieves. When this part gets stolen or damaged, you need to get a replacement right away.   Though you may be able to operate your vehicle without one, it is unsafe to do so for long. The catalytic converter is a part you can't do without. As ... read more

If you've taken your car, SUV, or truck to an auto repair shop for an oil change or to an auto supply store, you may have to pick between conventional, synthetic, or semi-synthetic oil. Depending on your vehicle’s engine and the manufacturer’s recommendation, your vehicle may have a preference for one. These types of motor oil have different chemical compositions and offer various benefits: Conventional Motor Oil Conventional motor oil is the most traditional type of engine oil. It has been around for ages. Nowadays, they are best for later-model, light-duty vehicles with simplistic engine designs. Conventional oil has the cheapest price point, and it will do the job right every time. You can expect to change this oil more frequently. Full Synthetic Motor Oil Fully synthetic motor oil is a newer type of engine oil with additives that is more resistant to oxidation and higher temperatures. As a result, it will lubricate your engine components for longer periods. If y ... read more