Raleigh Auto Repair

When it comes to car maintenance, being proactive is key to ensuring the longevity, reliability, and optimal performance of your vehicle. Preventative maintenance is a common topic when it comes to this type of procedure, but what is it? Well, if you read along, you will find the answer to that question and also a few benefits your car gets.  What is Preventative Maintenance? Preventative maintenance involves a series of scheduled inspections, routine servicing, and proactive replacements of various components in your car. The goal is to detect and address potential issues early on, reducing the risk of breakdowns, costly repairs, and compromised safety. This approach helps maintain your vehicle's reliability, performance, and overall longevity. Increased Reliability and Performance Regularly performing preventative maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid top-ups can significantly improve your car's reliab ... read more

Summer is a time for road trips, outdoor adventures, and fun-filled days under the sun. To ensure a smooth and worry-free summer driving experience, it's essential to properly maintain your vehicle. The hot temperatures and unique challenges of summer driving require special attention to keep your vehicle in top shape. In this blog, we present a summer maintenance list that will help you prepare your car for the season ahead. Fluid Levels Fluids play a vital role in the performance and longevity of your vehicle, especially during the summer months. Start by checking the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant/antifreeze, and power steering fluid. Ensure they are at the correct levels and look for any signs of leaks or contamination. Topping up or replacing fluids as needed will help prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance. Check The Cooling System The cooling system is crucial for keeping your engine temperature in check during hot s ... read more

Engines are what power the vehicles we drive and see on the road. They have a lot of moving parts, complex electronics, and sensors that work together to make them work smoothly. But how do they work exactly? Why are they split into two types: diesel and gasoline? We will answer exactly these two questions while still sticking to a simple and easy-to-understand explanation. Continue reading if you want to learn more about how engines work. Diesel Engines Diesel engines are typically stronger and produce more torque, which is beneficial when carrying heavy loads or towing. To make things easier, we'll look at the main processes that happen in it, so here they are: The first step all engines go through is the intake of air. It is usually collected from the outside by the different openings your vehicle might have. When the air is collected, it is injected into the cylinder alongside the fuel. When the mixture is in the cylinder, it starts to move up (compress). Th ... read more

With all the variety and options, choosing the right tires can be difficult. On top of that, the numbers and specs they have just make it that much more confusing. But, don't worry, we are here to help! Below, you will find a couple of tire types and what they are good for, but keep in mind that whichever one you choose, they have to be aligned and changed regularly All-Season Tires As the name implies, all-season tires are for all four seasons. They have a universal pattern, and they are made out of a material capable of withstanding heat and cold. Despite them being very convenient, there are drawbacks. In certain extreme conditions, they start to lose their grip or start performing badly. But if you live in an area with normal weather all year, this is a good pick. Seasonal Tires By seasonal tires, we mean tires that match the season they will be driven in. For example, winter tires for winter and summer tires for summer. While the extra has ... read more

Of all the components in your car, the battery is one of the most important. Without a properly functioning battery, your car won't start or will act weirdly, leaving you stranded and frustrated. Unfortunately, batteries don't last forever, and some signs indicate your car battery is starting to fail. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a failing car battery that you should be aware of. Slow Engine Crank  One of the most common signs of a failing car battery is decreased cranking speed. When you try to start your car, you may notice that it takes longer than usual for the engine to turn over. This is a sign that the battery is weak and may not have enough power to start the engine. Dim Headlights And Interior Lights If you notice that your headlights or interior lights are dimmer than usual, it's a sign that your car battery is losing its charge. This is especially noticeable at night or when you turn on the headlights, as they may appear to be flickering ... read more

Winter is a magical and beautiful season, but the snow and frigid cold can be hard to handle. Cooler winter temperatures will substantially affect your vehicle. Knowing the adverse effects the weather can have on your car to fully protect it. The following is how cooler winter temperatures affect your vehicle: Tire Pressure Fluctuation Cold temperatures make air pressure decrease and will hence affect your tire pressure. You will notice your car's tires looking slightly deflated after some time in the snow. However, when you start driving, the tires and the air inside will warm up. Therefore, the tire pressure will increase. The constant tire pressure fluctuation due to the temperature differences is stressful on car tires, and they will hence experience significant degradation during winter. Thickening Of Fluids Your vehicle contains many fluids that allow the engine to function optimally. These include coolant, transmission, and power steering fluid. There is also the oil. D ... read more

Knowing how often your radiator needs to be flushed is an important part of maintaining your home's heating system. Most standard radiators should be flushed every two to three years to remove any built-up dirt, rust, and other debris that may have accumulated over time. This is especially important if you live in an area with water that contains high levels of iron or other minerals that can be corrosive. Flushing your radiator can help keep it operating efficiently and prevent it from leaking or damaging any parts of your heating system. It's also important to check the radiators for any signs of rust or damage which should be fixed as soon as possible. If you're unsure how often your radiator needs to be flushed, it's best to consult with a professional heating technician for advice. They can inspect your radiator and give you an accurate assessment of how often it needs to be flushed. Keeping your radiator well maintained is essential for the overall health of you ... read more

The importance of maintaining proper wheel alignment.  Wheel alignment is arguably one of the most overlooked services among car owners. That is partially due to the inaccurate information surrounding this important topic. The objective of this article is clearing doubts and myths regarding the importance of maintaining proper wheel alignment in your vehicle. What does wheel alignment do? There is a misconception (even among car enthusiasts) about what does wheel alignment does, mainly because some confuse this service with wheel balancing. Simply put, wheel alignment restores tire contact angle to that specified by the car manufacturer. Don Lee's Tire & Auto’s certified technicians achieve this goal by adjusting your vehicle suspension components using a state-of-the-art wheel alignment machine that ensures accurateness and quality and therefore optimal results. How do you know if you need an alignment? It’s safe to assume that your car needs wheel align ... read more