Gurnee Auto Repair

A vehicle relies on many different essential fluids to function, and naturally, it can leak. Some fluid leaks require more immediate attention than others; nonetheless, you need to locate them and figure out what kind of leak you have as soon as possible. First, you should never panic at the first sign of a leak. If you're unsure what to do, you can also reach out to the pros at D. Wells Automotive, and our team can help you identify the kind of leak it is. If you want to ease your worries before making a trip to the auto repair shop, here's a quick guide to profile the different kinds of fluid leaks that can occur with your vehicle: Oil  Oil is commonly a brown or black color, and it will usually puddle up underneath where you park. Engine oil leaks can happen for several reasons: damaged oil pan, clogged filter, damaged seals, etc. Coolant or Radiator Fluid Coolant leaks are mostly vibrant in color due to the appearance of antifreeze. It's also more likely to hap ... read more

As you are likely hearing, from many industries, there are shortages of products across consumer and industrial goods. Auto tires are no exception. We started hearing about the possibility of a shortage starting in 2020. In early 2021, it was apparent that tires were going to be hit with a shortage. The reasons are both common and unique. Logistics: transporting tires On the domestic side of things, logistics have been the biggest challenge in the supply chain across categories. Shipping Tires We’ve seen the news. Ports along the west coast have cargo ships waiting at sea to be unloaded. With the impact of COVID, staffing at ports remains low and the pace of unloading ships is still dragging. Despite the recent developments of round-the-clock operations, the backlog remains daunting. Ground Transportation The trucking industry has been struggling with a shortage of drivers seemingly forever. Being a trucker is not an easy occupation, and companies have been struggling to ke ... read more

It's October, which means Halloween is merely weeks away! Regardless of if you are a parent yourself or not, you still have a responsibility to keep everyone in your community safe. You will be seeing many pedestrians on this spooky October night, and most of them will be children. Here are some of our safe driving tips for all motorists for Halloween! Reduce Your Speed – The most important takeaway from this blog is to remember to reduce your speed. The children will be filled with excitement (and sugar), so they may run around and walk out from multiple directions. Avoid Major Distractions (Phone, Eating/Drinking, etc.) - You should divert 100 percent of your attention to the road. That means silence your phone to avoid any possible disturbances. Your hands should also be free and on the steering wheel. Don't Skip a Stopped Vehicle in a Neighborhood – If you see an idling car (with its light on) on the street, there's a good chance they are loading or unloa ... read more

As responsible vehicle owners, we must consistently inspect our car's systems and fluids to keep our vehicle in good health. A sign as alarming as spewing smoke can be very worrying. However, you can quickly diagnose the condition of your car by paying close attention to the color of the smoke itself and using the rest of your senses.    WHITE SMOKE If your exhaust releases white smoke, it's oftentimes just water vapor. This is especially common on cold mornings or cold days. White gases are produced by condensation and naturally accumulate in the exhaust system. However, in rare cases, whitish-gray smoke may suggest that you have a blown head gasket or coolant entering the combustion chamber. The only way to distinguish the problem is by visiting our expert team at D. Wells Automotive Service for an accurate examination.    BLUE OR GRAY SMOKE There is more than one reason to worry if your exhaust is discharging blue or gray exhaust smoke. These colors ... read more

Water streaks and loud squeaks on your windshield can be very annoying to deal with when you're in distress. No driver should have to suffer through poor visibility on their rainy drives. Did you know that an astounding 90% of all driving decisions are based solely on visual cues? This statistic presents the importance of windshield wipers when it comes to seeing in wet weather conditions. If you encounter windshield wiper problems, here are some quick and easy fixes that you can try at home!   HERE'S WHAT TO DO WHEN... YOUR WIPERS LEAVE WATER STREAKS ALL OVER THE WINDSHIELD.  If your windshield wipers start leaving water streaks all over your windscreen, they aren't doing any good. There are a few different reasons why streaking is occurring. The first reason is you may be operating worn wiper blades. Wiper blades are manufactured out of soft rubber, so they wear out and need replacement over time. Most manufacturers suggest a replacement in as little time as ... read more

When leaving a parking spot, pulling forward is always quicker and more convenient than backing out. Depending on where you live, angled parking spots may be more prevalent and challenge you to reverse park. With more vehicles being equipped with modern technology, such as backup cameras and motion sensors, drivers have become much more comfortable operating their vehicles. Below are some reasons why it’s better to back into parking spaces:    Due to more enhanced visibility, backing into a parking space can be done quicker than ever. You can save plenty of time when you don’t have to back out while struggling to look for oncoming traffic.   Better visibility equals higher safety. When reversing, you often have to back out more than halfway out of the space before you can see clearly in all directions. Pulling out forward from a parking space means you’ll need to creep forward no more than 1/3 of the way. Therefore, it is a safer method for other dr ... read more

An overheating vehicle becomes a more common issue when the temperature outside starts climbing. It can be pretty daunting, considering one of the first signs is smoke coming out of your hood. However, do not panic when you notice smoke or when the temperature gauge indicates the red "H". We will help you get to the bottom of the problem. Here are the possible reasons that cause your vehicle to overheat:   Coolant System Leak A leak in the coolant system is the most significant cause contributing to an overheating engine. The system itself consists of the radiator, water pump, head gasket, hoses, and thermostat housing. Always be sure to search under the hood to see if you notice any leaks. If located, sometimes you may be able to patch it yourself. However, if you are uncomfortable with the repair, D. Wells Automotive is happy to do the job.   Not Enough Coolant It is essential to routinely check and top off your coolant when ... read more

Shock absorbers - every vehicle has them! Like all the parts you have on your car, it's good to know as much as you can about your shock absorbers. You want to know what they are needed for, how long they last, and when they need to be replaced. Some may last longer than others, but there are some key things that you can be on the lookout for that will help you know when it is time to replace the shock absorbers on your vehicle. Your shock absorbers are on your vehicle to absorb the shock that is put on your suspension. This is in place, so the passengers in your car don't have to take on the shock as you're driving. You want your car to run smoothly; whenever you drive over a bump, and you also want the impact when you press on your brake to be smooth and comfortable, particularly when you have to make a sudden stop, your shock absorbers will allow that to happen. Not all shock absorbers are the same, although they all do the same thing. There are, in fact, three differe ... read more

Once winter's over, most people often hit the roads to enjoy the warmer weather that accompanies spring and summer. Scheduling a maintenance service around spring can help you avoid car troubles during the upcoming traveling season. Below's a detailed description of the various maintenance solutions that can ensure your vehicle stays in tip-top shape during and after spring. Visiting a Car Wash Spring cleaning isn't exclusively recommended for your home only. Winter conditions can also take a toll on your vehicle. Besides the freezing temperatures, salt from the roads can damage your car's paint job, which is why you should immediately visit a professional car wash service provider before the start of spring. If that's not an option, you can add baking soda to the water you'll use to wash your car if it has significant salt buildup to help preserve the integrity of the automobile's paint job. Checking the Vehicle's Battery ... read more

Whether you're driving a classic muscle car, a beefed-up pickup truck, or a modern sedan, your tires are the most important part of your vehicle. Without functioning tires, your car isn't moving anywhere. So how long do tires last? The average estimate is 50,000 miles, but there's no exact answer. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of your vehicle's tires. 1. Different tires have different treadwear ratings. The tread is different on winter tires and summer tires. Same with performance tires and all-weather tires. Make sure to check the treadwear rating before you purchase a tire, as that impacts the tire's lifespan. The higher the rating, the longer it will last. 2. The type of vehicle affects how long a tire lasts. A heavier vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, puts more weight on tires than a compact sedan. Always make sure to put the appropriate tires onto your vehicle. 3. Your driving style impacts your tire's lifespan. To make tires last long ... read more