Do you have car battery problems? Is your car failing to start up in the mornings or dim headlights? This might mean that you have a bad battery. Having a good battery is important as this is the part that starts the engine and gets the car moving. Furthermore, long-term car battery problems can lead to a bad alternator or starter which can place stress upon the engine.
Car batteries are not meant to last forever. The typical car battery only lasts three or four years. After five or six years, the battery starts to corrode and becomes completely unreliable. Fortunately, there are a few warning signs that your battery is in need of a replacement. So, let’s go over the tell-tale signs that your car needs a new battery!
The engine is slow to start, and the check engine light is on
These are the first signs of a battery in need of replacement. The battery supplies energy to the engine which allows it to start. Once the battery starts dying, the engine will take longer to obtain this energy, therefore taking more time to start.
The Dome lights, Headlights and Radio will not turn on
If the dome lights and radio do not turn on when you enter your car and the headlights are dim, this usually means that you have a dead battery. This can happen if you leave the dome lights on overnight, experience extreme weather conditions, or have an old battery that has corroded. In many cases, a jump start can charge the battery and give you some extra time before you have to take your car into the shop.
You can hear the starter when you turn the key, but the ignition will not turn over
If you turn the key and the engine will not start, this can be a battery issue. If the starter sounds labored and chugs slowly or it makes some noise then stops completely, this is a sign of a battery issue. However, if the starter sounds normal and the car still will not start, it’s most likely a fuel or spark issue.
The engine will not start
When a battery is completely dead, the car won’t start at all. You will not hear or feel the car starting when you turn the key to the ignition. If the battery dies completely, you will need a replacement as this signifies corroded wiring.
Here at Mr. Muffler, we have decades of experience in dealing with faulty car batteries and other car services. No one ever wants to have to deal with a bad battery. Fortunately, Mr. Muffler can help with your car battery problems. We can help you install a new battery and dispose of your old, deteriorated battery. Worried about the price? Right now, we are having a special on car batteries. We are offering $15 off a new battery installation. In addition, the new battery will have a three-year warranty that includes a free replacement. It is not every day that car batteries are on sale, especially with a guaranteed warranty.
So, if you are having car battery problems, come to Mr. Muffler and take advantage of our deals on car batteries and other services. Contact us today, we look forward to hearing from you!
You might be wondering if it is time for an oil change. Every car owner knows that you need to maintain your oil regularly. Whether it is a sunny, summer day or a cold, winter day, changing your oil is important. But how does the weather affect your car oil?
Cold weather can have a number of effects on automobile oil. First, as the temperature drops, the oil thickens, which can make it more difficult for it to flow through the engine and lubricate the moving parts. This can increase the amount of wear and tear on the engine and potentially lead to problems if the oil is not changed regularly.
Additionally, cold weather can cause condensation to form inside the engine, which can dilute the oil and reduce its effectiveness as a lubricant. It is important to make sure that you use the proper weight oil for the current temperature and to change your oil regularly to ensure that your engine is adequately lubricated and protected from wear and tear.
Just like cold, warm weather has a major impact on your car’s oil. When you are dealing with hot temperatures, your oil will begin to thin. As a result, the thinning oil can cause increase friction and lead to damage to internal components. During extreme temperatures, your car should not be driven due to overheating issues.
The summer weather will also cause your oil to expand. As a result, you will need more oil in order to lubricate your engine.
It is time for an oil change. However, finding a trustworthy and reliable quick oil change shop isn’t as easy as you might think. We’ve heard horror stories from our customers. Most of the chain shops have young and inexperienced technicians. That’s something you will now see at Mr. Muffler. When it comes to full-service oil changes, look no further. Have a question about your vehicle? Ask our technicians and you’ll get answers from a professional mechanic on site.
Windshield wiper blades are one of the most underrated, yet most needed parts of the car. When they go bad it creates a driving impairment hazard for you and other cars on the road. While easy to ignore, new windshield wiper blades are the simplest way to improve your driving and safety while on the road. You might be asking yourself “How often should I change my wiper blades?” “Are there better wipers for the winter than the summer?” and here at Mr. Muffler, we have the answers!
Seeing the road with a fresh pair of wiper blades is important for road safety!
Other than the annoyance of having streaks on your windshield you limit your visibility and ability to drive safely. Whether it’s a freak downpour or a heavy snowstorm being able to navigate and arrive safely is directly related to how well you can see the road. When you have streaks and unclear views of the road you run a risk of a car accident. Having worn-out and old wipers will directly affect how well you can see the road.
Another reason to change your blades? Wear and tear on your windshield’s glass. Old and worn-out wipers can cause damage to the glass on your windshield which is more expensive to replace than wiper blades.
Yes, there are! Summer vs. Winter blades and structurally different and hold up differently. Winter wiper blades are sturdier and are built to avoid joints freezing. Summer blades, by comparison, are lighter and have less rubber for the blade itself. Since you are only dealing with rain they don’t have to be as hardy as winter blades.
We here at Mr. Muffler recommend changing your windshield wipers every 6 months or every other oil change. We here at Mr. Muffler have stocks of winter and summer wipers available for purchase at your next oil change. Since we frequently run coupons and specials, your next pair doesn’t have to be at full price. Check out coupons and deals pages to see what is on special
Brake wear on black ice is very common during the winter months. Icy conditions always put stress on your car. However, drivers tend to put the most stress because they do not know how to drive safely on icy roads, especially with black ice. So, what kind of break wear is your car going to face and how do you prevent it?
Anyone who’s driven on icy roads can relate to the panic that sets in when your car starts to slide. The first instinct is to slam on the brakes. After all, it’s only natural to press down on the one thing that usually de-accelerates your car. However, this is the worst decision when driving on black ice. Touching the brakes during an icy encounter can cause you to skid and potentially spin out. This can also lead to damage to your breaks. Most people do not have control over their strength when the adrenaline is up, so you might damage your brakes in your desperate bid to stop.
Furthermore, anti-icing methods also can increase brake wear. In order to keep the roads safe, companies will pour salted asphalt onto the roads to thaw the ice. While this salt prevents you from sliding, it does a lot of damage to your brake pads. Over time, this can corrode the pads. Your brakes can even fail due to salt exposure. In addition, winter weather can interrupt the braking process. So, what are some ways to prevent your brakes from wearing out?
One of the best ways to protect your brakes is to reduce stress on them. Knowing how to drive safely on black ice can help. After all, you won’t panic about slamming the brakes if you know how to handle icy roads properly. First of all, you want to be shifted into a lower gear that will provide more control of your car. You also want to ease up on the gas because it will reduce the risk of skidding. It is a good idea to add to your following distance because stopping distance will increase depending on the road conditions.
However, the best option is to pay attention to your car and check on your brake pads.
Before the snow begins to fall, make sure your car is ready for the winter weather by stopping at Mr. Muffler. Since 1995, Mr. Muffler has been providing high-quality auto services for our customers, including brake repair and replacement. Our auto services are available throughout winter to make sure you can travel safely on the roads!
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The first time you have foreign car maintenance, you have to make a choice. Do I take my car to a dealership or to another car mechanic shop? Because of some differences between domestic and foreign cars, people think they have to see a dealership for maintenance. However, that is not the case. In fact, there are many reasons to avoid a dealership and take your car to a local shop!
So, let’s go over the difference between domestic and foreign cars. It is helpful to know where your car is manufactured and where its parts hail from. When cars are first being sold, countries that contribute more than 15% of the parts have to be disclosed upon sale. This contributes to the difference between these two types of cars. To see the difference clearly, let’s go through the pros and cons of domestic and foreign cars.
Domestic Cars
Pros
Cons
Foreign Cars
Pros
Cons
Although many car manuals instruct owners to take their cars to dealer service, it is not always the best option. First of all, dealerships will often charge significantly more than other car maintenance locations. The difference in prices can be astronomical, sometimes 100-225% more than a regular mechanic. It might be beneficial if you are under warranty but even then, you will be spending more money than you need. That is why you need to find a trustworthy mechanic that can take care of your car maintenance needs. Regardless of whether it’s a domestic car like Ford or a foreign car like a BMW.
Mr. Muffler and Brakes specialize in car maintenance services. We offer a variety of services including shock and strut work, electrical work, engine repair, transmission servicing, A/C services and repair, radiator flushes, and front-end work. Customers come from miles around for our excellent auto service and repair! So, don’t go to the dealership. Come to Mr. Muffler for your maintenance needs!