Des Moines Auto Repair

To put it in simple terms: Yes! Brake fluid can go bad. If you have a hydraulic braking system in your vehicle, the liquid is stored inside a sealed container. And in most cases, it should last you several years before needing a change or flush. However, moisture remains the biggest problem for brakes, and it can escape into the fluid lines and cause a leak. DOT fluid is prone to absorb water from the air. As a result, it will dilute the solution, lower its boiling point, and decline brake performance. Furthermore, the moisture in the fluid can also spread damage to other brake parts by corroding the calipers, cylinders, and so forth.    How Long Does the Fluid Last? The effectiveness of your brake fluid depends on various things, such as the quality and type of fluid and the environment the car is driven in. For example, if you operate your vehicle in a more humid area, you will need brake fluid maintenance more often. Also, high-performing cars that run under hot tempera ... read more

Your car heater does not only make your commute more comfortable, but it also helps your car motor. Your combustion system is unlikely to run efficiently if your heating system is not operating since it is difficult to evaporate gas as temperature decreases. This is especially true for older vehicles that have carbureted engines. Even though you can technically drive newer vehicles unheated without experiencing immediate consequences, you will be putting more strain on your engine with time. If you are experiencing the following, it is time to service your car's heating system:   A Musty Smell If you smell something humid in the cabin, your coolant may be leaking from somewhere. You should confirm by inspecting around your vehicle for a spill. Steam from the Engine Compartment A coolant leak may also be detected by seeing your vehicle smoking from under the hood. If you do not fix the problem by having your car properly serviced, your en ... read more

Winter is upon us in Des Moines, IA, which is why you should make sure your car is conditioned to handle winter's harsh conditions. Furthermore, you should be prepared just in case there's an emergency. Here's a simple winter automotive maintenance checklist to help you prepare for the cold ahead. Get an Oil Change - We usually forget the importance of oil, but the fall or early winter is the perfect time to ensure you've got fresh oil to protect your engine and keep it stable. Check Your Battery - The summer heat can take a severe hit on car batteries, and unfortunately, drivers aren't unaware until cold weather strikes. We recommend that you have your battery tested and replaced (if necessary). Your battery will have to work harder during the winter months, so it's essential to check on it throughout the season. Inspect Your Tires - Take a good look at your tire tread and measure it just in case you need to replace them. If your tires don't have enough ... read more

A bouncy car ride may be funny and silly at first, but it could be very concerning. Besides, it is a little embarrassing to have all eyes on you when you're just trying to go about your day. If you notice that your vehicle is bobbing uncontrollably, please bring your vehicle to our expert mechanics at Richman Automotive & Towing immediately. At our shop, we can diagnose and repair the problem. Usually, three problem areas can cause your car to rock: tires, steering, and suspension. Tires Your tires are a fundamental portion of your vehicle; without them, you'd go absolutely nowhere. Sadly, they can be the reason why your car, SUV, or truck is springing up and down. If you've recently gotten them replaced, they may not have been installed correctly. Or your tires can be misaligned or not precisely inflated. All of these mishaps can cause your car to go wonky. Steering You'd have no control of your car without steering. This system of components enables you to han ... read more

Regular driveline inspections and maintenance are crucial if you want to keep your car or truck going. The driveline, also known as the drivetrain, connects your transmission to the wheels. It is responsible for transferring power from your engine to moving your tires. So if any part of it is damaged, you can count on not being able to go anywhere.   You may wonder, "how does it all work". The engine is the start of most operations in your car, and the motor creates the power, which is modified by the transmission to deliver the correct amount of power when you need it. The driveline moves the mechanical power from the transmission to the wheels, turning all that energy into acceleration. The primary component in the driveline is the driveshaft, and it is a long metal tube that connects the transmission at one end and the wheels at the other.    What Signs Indicate That I Need Driveline/Drivetrain Service? As with most vehicle systems, it's always wise ... read more