A Non-Starter (Alternator Problems in Cold Weather)
February 20, 2022
As the temperatures dip, we all know there could be problems starting our vehicles. After all, batteries can grow old and not hold a charge as well as when they were newer. Or starters can go bad. But there's one more component to keep an especially sharp eye on during winter: your alternator. T... More
Don't Be Shocked (Shock Absorbers)
February 13, 2022
If you've ever ridden down a rough road on your bicycle, you know how hard a ride it can be. Yet drive down the same road in your car, truck or SUV and it miraculously will smooth out the ride. That's because it is equipped with shock absorbers. They are built to dampen impacts from road irreg... More
The New Blade in Town
February 6, 2022
If your windshield wipers are streaking and chattering when you turn them on in the rain or snow, it's time for a little "blade renewal." And when it comes to new wiper blades, there are some new designs that are worth a look. One of the latest is called the beam blade. It's different than conve... More
Beginning to See the Light (Check Engine Light Diagnostics)
January 30, 2022
It's a light many drivers fear they'll see turn on at the most inopportune time. It's the one on the dash that says "Check Engine," "Service Engine Soon," or it may be simply an engine-shaped light. Your first instinct may be to pull off to the side of the road and turn off the engine. The truth... More
In the Hot Seat (Repair and Maintenance of Seat Heaters)
January 23, 2022
It's chilly outside. You flip on that switch that looks like a picture of a seat with little heat waves rising from it. You expect soon you'll feel that warmth but wait! It's not getting warmer. Oh no, what's wrong with my seat heater? There could be lots of reasons it's not working, and it cou... More
Upgrade Shocks for Better Handling in Troy
January 16, 2022
Many Troy drivers probably don't think of their shock absorbers as an important safety system; but that's just what shocks and struts are. They're all about ride control keeping your vehicle tires in contact with the road and managing body motion.Every time you hit a bump or pothole on a Troy r... More
Not a Good Vibe (Driveshaft Failure)
January 9, 2022
When you feel your vehicle vibrating as you're driving down the road, one cause could be something you may not have ever seen: your driveshaft. It is underneath the vehicle and most drivers don't climb under there to take a look very often. The driveshaft is a cylindrical part that helps conduc... More
Don't be Fuelish (Signs Fuel Pump is Failing)
January 2, 2022
A driver of a large SUV loaded with equipment was heading on a 7-hour work trip when he stopped at a gas station to refuel. When he went to restart his SUV, it turned over but wouldn't catch. Try as he might, he was never able to get it started again. Of course there are many things that can c... More
Such a Little Part (Climate Control Resistor)
January 1, 2022
You expect your heater/air conditioner to work like it should. You have a control for temperature and one for fan speed. You even have a control for what vents the air comes out of. Don't be surprised one day if your blower fan develops a mind of its own and starts going crazy. Most of the ti... More
NOT JUST ANOTHER CUSTOMER (Finding the Right Service Facility)
December 26, 2021
You might remember a hit TV sitcom that was set in a bar, a place where "everybody knows your name." The idea, of course, is people feel more comfortable where they aren't just another customer among many; they're special because their relationship goes back a few years. That comfortable relat... More