Peoria Auto Repair

If you drive a manual transmission, you must know the "third pedal," otherwise known as the clutch. For some people, driving a manual is the ultimate skill. Not only do you get better fuel economy, but you overall have better control over your car. The clutch pedal allows successful gear shifts for manual vehicles by spinning its flywheel and the engine. If the clutch ever malfunctions or fails, you will not be able to shift gears, making it very dangerous to drive your vehicle. Below are the top 3 signs that indicate you need a clutch inspection and repair: Burning Odor If a strong burning smell plagues your nostrils when you're driving, it could mean that there is a severe problem with your clutch. When its plate wears thin, it will cause this smell, indicating a need for a replacement. Slipping Out of Gear If your manual transmission automobile slips out of gear or falls into neutral abruptly, there's a possibility that the clutch plate is aging and needs to be ... read more

Driving with your automobile's wheels out of alignment can not only affect the handling and steerability of your car, but it can wear down your tires unevenly and prematurely. You're probably curious how to determine if your car needs a tire alignment.  How to Distinguish Misaligned Wheels Having a wheel alignment from a professional will help straighten the angles of your wheels so that your car can travel in the right direction you want it to. Over time, your wheels can naturally fall out of alignment. Other times, it can occur when you get in a car accident or bump into a curb or pothole. To be on the safe side, we recommend having it done every two years, no matter what. Below are some symptoms to check for to determine whether you need an alignment service soon: Do a test drive to see if your vehicle can drive straight. If you experience any difficulty doing this, like pulling left and right, it may be a sign that you're due for an alignment.  While you ... read more

Cars are an investment, not just a possession. The better you take care of them, the better they serve you. Too many vehicle owners don't take good care of their cars. They don't keep up with inspections and maintenance, and they only take the car to an auto shop when there's a significant problem. One of the ways that people abuse their cars is through lousy driving habits. How you drive your car contributes to how well it'll function and what kind of life it'll have. Cars that get driven rough all the time break down much faster and develop long-term mechanical problems. Speeding On Rough Terrain It would be best if you didn't speed on rough terrain unless you're a professional rally driver. When you race over speed bumps and slam into potholes, you compromise the integrity of your suspension. You could also blow out your tires, mess with the wheel alignment and steering linkage. Over time the ride becomes bumpy even on flat surfaces because of the dama ... read more

If you are undecided about buying a used car, you have the option to take it to Elston Auto Care for a pre-purchase inspection. This service is often forgotten about or neglected in the used-car purchase decision, but it is very important to guarantee you are making a wise purchase.    A pre-purchase inspection is never a bad idea as it offers the following benefits: A pre-purchase inspection gives you a better idea of how the car drives and handles. Often, the mechanic will conduct a thorough road test to better understand the vehicle's conditions. It can start up possible negotiations. If one of our automotive mechanics uncovers a hidden problem, you (the buyer) can bring it up to the seller. With the informative report given to you after the inspection, you can try to get the price down on the vehicle. As mentioned, you can find any problems that the previous owner may not have known or tried to hide from you. This ensures you're dealing with an honest, trustwo ... read more

Your vehicle's timing belt is a vital part of your vehicle because of its essential job. The timing belt is in charge of synchronizing and managing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. Without this seamless movement, the engine valves would not open and close at the right time. The belt has ribbed teeth to provide a consistent and timely rotation. If the timing is off by the littlest bit or the belt is displaying visible wear and tear, it could cause immense damage to your engine and other related parts. For timing belt inspections and replacements, please visit our team at Elston Auto Care.   Your timing belt can malfunction in various ways: The teeth on the belts wear off The belt's fibers unwind The belt breaks or snaps (rare) Improper tension—the belt is too tight or too loose Signs That You Require a Timing Belt Replacement You see visual signs of belt wear—cracks, glazing, or grimy build-up on the belt You hear a ticking sound coming from ... read more