Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.
Engine and Drivetrain Problems
Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at RST Automotive Inc..
Vibration While Driving
This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.
Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at RST Automotive Inc..
There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. RST Automotive Inc. has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.
What People Say About Us
I Brought my car in for an oil change. There was a light on the dash panel that I thought was just a reminder to change the oil. Turns out that it was Nissan's version of the check engine light. Roger and his team were able to diagnose the issue and clear the light. Always great service at RST!
I'd have to say after dealing with multiple mechanics in the tri-cities area that, hands down Roger is by far the most honest and professional mechanic I've dealt with to date, I'll be upgrading my 1971 corvette from a Muncie 4 speed to a Tremec 5-speed soon, I'll be contacting Roger again in the near future, to handle this project for me, I can count on his work, and he has the integrity to stand behind his work! Kudos to Roger and the RST staff!!
Butch Thompson, 06/15/2024
I brought my recently acquired American Clipper motor home in to have the coolant system flushed and the chassis lube. Roger took care of my needs on my old motor home and I want to continue to get the same service I have come to expect.
Thank you Roger & Jamie for providing excellent service! Our catalytic converter was stolen from our beloved RV. One of my tenants recommended us to them. Our CC was discontinued, but I was able to find a compatible one. Roger ordered it, delivered next day. We brought our RV in, and it was installed, caged. Not only that, we got it smog checked also. All in 1 DAY!! Thank you for helping us out, and providing speedy service. We will definitely will be back again for service on our RV! Thank-you!
I recommend Roger. He is an excellent mechanic and he does specialize in older cars which is what I have so that's helpful for me as well. Prices tend to be on the more expensive side, but with the older car I previously had, he was one of the few who could fix it.
RST has taken care of my truck since it was born. I trust no one else to work on the truck. When they tell me my vehicle is safe and running well, I feel so secure. I am 84 years old and safe and secure is a MUST. 5 stars does not seem enough.
Janelle Clarke, 01/06/2023
