Gurnee Auto Repair

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

A clean car is a well-functioning car. The ventilator in your car is no exception. Regular cleanings are necessary in order to avoid encountering problems later on. If you fail to keep up with these cleanings, the air in your car will become unhealthy and could make you and your passengers sick. The standard period of time to go between ventilator cleanings is a year and a half, or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is as long as your cabin air filter can last before it becomes too dirty to do its job properly. When this does happen, you will need to immediately make an appointment with your mechanic. A typical air filter cleaning involves clearing out space where the air enters your car, as well as the housing the filter itself is surrounded by. Depending on the kind of car you have, it has either one or two filters. If your car has two, both must always be cleaned at the same time. When you have your air filter cleaned regularly, it allows your car to use fuel in a more eff ... read more

The timing belt is important because they will force different valves in the vehicle to open and close based on how the pistons move. However, getting this replaced can be expensive, which is why a lot of car owners will wait too long. Waiting too long to replace this belt is going to cause a lot of damage to the engine. Knowing when to replace the timing belt, and getting it done, can help protect your vehicle. When to Replace the Timing Belt? Timing belts, just like all of the other components of your vehicle, will wear out. When this happens, they will do some damage to your engine. It is best if you can replace this belt before it breaks or slips on you. The best time to do this depends on what type of vehicle you drive, but most will recommend that you do this somewhere between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Look at your owner's manual to determine the best time to do this. Is Replacing the Timing Belt Expensive? The timing belt is often difficult to reach in most cars, which m ... read more

Clutch fluid is a vital fluid that is essential for your vehicle to function. The clutch fluid, also referred to as transmission fluid, can reduce over your vehicle’s lifespan leading to an inadequate amount within the transmission system. This can spell trouble for your car. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommendations on specific internals your clutch fluid should be changed. There can be an adequate amount of clutch fluid in some cases but a leak in the clutch reservoir. Leaks that are neglected can also cause significant damage. This makes it essential to check the quality of the clutch fluid regularly. This can help you determine whether it needs to be changed or topped off before costly problems can occur. Below are three common signs that the clutch fluid is low.  There’s vibrating when shifting gears.  When your clutch fluid is filled, your vehicle will switch gears efficiently and without much difficulty. A noticeable vibration ... read more

It can be worrisome to be on your way home only for the check engine light to illuminate. It's not only alarming, but it's also confusing. The check engine light doesn't give you very much information on what the problem is. Is the issue worthy for a mechanic, or is it a minor issue that's easily fixable? Below are five common reasons that will cause the check engine light to come on.   Bad Spark Plugs Spark plugs work to initiate combustion within the engine. Spark plugs can fail over time, but they typically last about 30,000 miles. Higher quality spark plugs can last well over. If you suspect the spark plugs may be the culprit, having them replaced should be quick and affordable.   Loose Gas Cap A loose gas cap is a simple issue but can leave the check engine light glowing. Pullover when it's safe to do so and check that the cap is securely fastened. If it is, it may be damaged or cracked. Gas caps are rel ... read more

Yes, it’s officially fall, and October is just around the corner. Summer is slowly becoming a distant memory, and it’s time to start preparing for the colder months up ahead. Seasonal changes affect your vehicle in various ways. It’s essential to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance to enhance efficiency and promote longevity. The fall love you show your vehicle now will help it ride out the worse winter weather in the future. Below are fall car-care maintenance tips that will protect your investment for several months to come. Check Your Battery. Summer may be over, but hot temperatures may have wreaked havoc on your battery. Have your battery inspected to verify how much life it has left and to stay prepared for future replacement. The last thing you need is to set out for a drive only for your car not to start. Top Off Your Fluids. Check all of your essential fluids like your coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake f ... read more

The next best thing to that new car smell is a great deal on a used one. If you just bought a pre-owned vehicle, you may be itching to take it around the block a few times. You may even start daydreaming about a future weekend road trip. Before you get excited and add some additional miles, below are few helpful reminders on things to do right after purchasing a used car: The Title If you bought your vehicle pre-owned from a dealership, most of the required paperwork would be submitted to the right places. If you decided to finance your car, your lender would hold onto the title until the loan is paid off. If you bought your car from a private seller, make sure they can provide official statements from the banks and other lien holders that any prior loans have been paid off. Automotive Insurance Make sure you secure automotive insurance as soon as possible. Insurance protects you and your vehicle. It’s also essential because most states requir ... read more