Jerry's Auto Repair Blog
Planning a road trip can be exciting, but before you hit the highway, it’s essential to make sure your car is ready for the journey. Even if your vehicle seems to be running fine, a professional inspection can reveal hidden issues that could cause trouble on the road. Taking the time to visit a mechanic before your trip can help ensure a smooth, safe, and stress-free adventure. Here are four important reasons to schedule a pre-trip inspection. Prevent Breakdowns One of the last things you want on a road trip is to be stranded on the side of the road due to a preventable mechanical failure. The mechanic can check your engine, transmission, battery, belts, and hoses to make sure everything is in working order. They can also look for signs of wear and tear that might not yet be noticeable during regular driving. Catching potential problems before you leave can help prevent breakdowns far from home. Help Ensure Tire Safety and Performance Tires play a critical role in both safety and fuel-efficiency. The mechanic can check the tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition to make sure they’re ready for long-distance travel. If your tires are underinflated or worn, it could lead to poor handling, reduced gas mileage, or even a blowout. Having your tires inspected is a crucial step in preparing for any extended trip. Check On Fluid Levels/Potential Leaks Your car relies on a variety of fluids to operate smoothly, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Your mechanic can top off or replace these fluids as needed, and they can also check for leaks that could cause issues over a long drive. Maintaining proper fluid levels is essential for avoiding overheating, brake failure, and other serious problems while on the road. Enhance Safety and Peace of Mind Above all, getting your vehicle inspected before a road trip provides peace of mind. Knowing that your brakes are responsive, your lights and signals are working, and your vehicle is roadworthy allows you to focus on the fun and adventure ahead. You’ll be less likely to face surprises, and you’ll feel confident knowing your car has been cleared by a professional. Auto Maintenance in Grandview, MO For auto maintenance in Grandview and the surrounding area, contact Jerry’s Auto Repair at (816) 722-2344 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Keeping up with your vehicle's oil change schedule is one of the simplest and most effective ways to promote long-term engine health. While it might be tempting to delay an oil change, staying consistent with this basic maintenance task offers several important benefits. At Jerry’s Auto Repair, we provide full-service oil changes in the greater Grandview, MO area. Here are four reasons to always follow your oil change schedule. Improved Engine Performance Engine oil plays a crucial role in lubricating moving parts and reducing friction. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with debris. When that happens, it loses its ability to effectively protect and lubricate the engine. Regular oil changes help ensure that your engine runs smoothly, with fresh oil helping parts move freely and efficiently. The result is better performance. Extended Engine Life Routine oil changes help reduce wear and tear on the engine. Dirty or degraded oil causes increased friction, which can lead to engine damage. By keeping the oil clean and at the right level, you help minimize internal strain and extend the overall life of the engine. Vehicles that receive timely oil changes are far more likely to reach high mileage without major mechanical issues, making oil changes a smart investment in your car's future. Better Fuel-Efficiency When your engine is well-lubricated, it doesn’t have to work as hard to produce power. This means your vehicle uses less fuel to get where it’s going. Old or dirty oil increases resistance within the engine, reducing efficiency and driving up fuel consumption. Staying on top of your oil change schedule can help improve gas mileage, saving you money at the pump over time. Reduced Risk of Overheating In addition to lubrication, engine oil helps to dissipate heat. As oil circulates, it carries heat away from critical engine components. When oil becomes old and contaminated, it can lose this cooling ability. Without proper cooling, engine parts can overheat and become damaged. Regular oil changes help prevent overheating by ensuring the oil can continue to absorb and move heat efficiently. Oil Change in Grandview, MO For auto maintenance in Grandview, MO and the surrounding area, contact Jerry’s Auto Repair at (816) 722-2344 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
Ignoring early signs of engine trouble can result in more extensive damage, costly repairs, or even complete engine failure. To avoid major headaches down the road, it's important to recognize and address engine problems as soon as they arise. At Jerry’s Auto Repair, our local ASE-certified mechanics provide expert engine repair in the greater Grandview, MO area. Here’s a look at four common engine issues that should be resolved ASAP. Overheating If your temperature gauge starts to climb or you notice steam coming from under the hood, pull over as soon as you safely can. An overheating engine can be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken water pump, a coolant leak, or a clogged radiator. If not fixed quickly, high engine temperatures can warp internal components, destroy gaskets, and even crack the engine block. Knocking Sounds Hearing a knocking or pinging sound from your engine is a red flag that something is off internally. Engine knocking is often the result of improper combustion. If left unresolved, this symptom might lead to serious damage to vital engine parts. Addressing it early can help you avoid a costly rebuild or replacement. Oil Leaks Finding oil spots under your car or noticing a burning oil smell while driving can indicate a leak somewhere in the engine. Low oil levels can lead to poor lubrication, causing the engine to overheat or seize. Regularly checking your oil and having leaks repaired quickly will keep your engine running smoothly and help extend its lifespan. Check Engine Light When the check engine light illuminates on your dashboard, it’s easy to ignore if the car seems to be running fine. However, this light is your vehicle’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. It could be triggered by issues ranging from a loose gas cap to a serious engine malfunction. A diagnostic scan at the shop can pinpoint the issue and help you resolve it before it turns into a more expensive problem. Engine Repair in Grandview, MO When you need auto repair in Grandview, MO and the surrounding area, contact Jerry’s Auto Repair at (816) 722-2344 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
