Category: Auto Repair Shop

How to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly at 150k Miles and Beyond

Your car should be in it for the long haul, and it can be with a little help from you! No matter your car mileage, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that keeps your car running smoothly.

Seeing your miles creep closer to 150k and getting nervous? There’s absolutely no need to be if you follow these tips.

Tips for Keeping Your Car Running Smoothly with High Mileage

Here are our top suggestions for keeping your car running smoothly with high mileage.

1. Follow Your Owner’s Manual Maintenance Schedule

You should always make sure to double-check your owner’s manual to see when certain items need to be replaced and when regular maintenance needs to be done. Some things are based on mileage, and others are based on time, so it’s important to stay on top of your regular car maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire pressure/tread depth, lights, tire rotations, etc.

While regular car service may not always be as convenient, it’s vitally important. Replacing items and checking aspects of the car before they become a problem will keep your car going for years to come.

2. Save Money for Repairs

It is also important to note, however, that even with regular car service, your car will need repairs at some point. These won’t usually be cheap, so it’s vital that you put some money aside for when the time comes.

Save as much as you can, even if it’s not much. Trust us, you will thank yourself when your car breaks down and must go into an auto repair shop.

3. Fix Problems as Soon as They Happen

Make sure to listen for any odd sounds coming from your car, and look out for any electrical glitches, tears, and/or breaks in the vehicle. Whether it’s a really small problem or something more serious, it’s best to just fix it right away to ensure your car keeps running smoothly.

Following tip #2 and saving up your extra dollars and cents will really make a difference in making sure problems can be fixed as soon as possible!

4. Use High-Quality Replacement Parts

If you decide on fixing an issue with the car yourself, make sure that you choose high-quality replacement parts. The cheapest option is not going to be the one that keeps your car running smoothly. You can also look at used part options as well – this may be a great way to find something of higher quality without paying that higher price.

For those not sure what parts to go for, discuss the viable options with a part store or local mechanic/auto technician at an auto repair shop.

5. Avoid Rust

Lastly, for those of you living somewhere with snow in the winter, make sure that you are washing your car regularly if the temperature is above freezing. When the roads are covered in salt to keep you safe while you drive, it tends to stick to your car and can turn to rust if it isn’t removed quickly.

If you don’t typically deal with snow, it’s still a good idea to wash your car regularly to prevent damage, promote safety, and remove things like bugs, dirt, and debris. 

Getting Started with Regular Car Service

One of the most important things to do is to regularly have your car serviced to ensure that your car continues to run smoothly.

For excellent service at a local auto repair shop in Old Hickory, Tennessee, reach out to the Car Doctor today to get started!

How to Become an Auto Technician

Do you love to work with your hands and solve intricate problems?

There are a lot of pros to becoming an auto technician or an auto mechanic – for those of you that really love to work with your hands and solve intricate problems, it’s a fantastic choice.

So, what goes into becoming an auto technician? Here are the steps you will need to take and the opportunities you will want to seek out.

What Goes Into Being an Auto Technician?

There are a lot of different tasks that can go into an auto technician, and the job may vary quite a bit depending on your specific work environment.

These technicians will work on many different types of vehicles, which includes trucks, cars, motorcycles, and even boats sometimes.

The job is slightly different from that of an auto mechanic. Typically an auto technician will focus more on the technical and computer aspects of the vehicle and handle a lot of what goes on in the diagnostic center, while an auto mechanic will work more on the actual working parts of the car. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be slight differences.

Schooling

So, what about schooling? How much education do you really need to become an auto technician?

The minimum education you will need is a high school diploma or GED in many areas. While no, you don’t need higher education for the job necessarily, it is not a bad idea.

For those that do want to further their education for a career as an auto technician, a degree in something like automotive systems technology is ideal.

auto-mechanic-apprenticeships

Mechanic Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to get your foot in the door as an auto technician or auto mechanic. Not only does it give you the experience and opportunity that you need, but it also allows you to make money while you learn.

As an auto technician apprentice, you will work directly under a master mechanic. Master status typically requires at least two years of work experience, as well as completing exams that are offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (also known as ASE).

You can be an apprentice hired directly into a training program, or you can work your way up from other positions in an auto repair shop like lube technicians. It really depends on where you become an apprentice and the path you take to get there.

Internships can be an option as well, it’s just important to note that these are typically unpaid positions. However, for younger people and/or those still in school, it might be a fantastic and viable option.

Auto Technician Opportunities

No matter where you are located, when you get started, or whether or not you work in an auto repair shop already, it’s important to seek out local opportunities and see where they can take you.

Consider doing some work on your own car for practice, enrolling in certification courses, find local auto repair shops that want apprentices, and update your resume. Preparing as much as possible will help better opportunities comes your way. The Car Doctor Auto Repair is always looking for additional great mechanics to join our team!

Looking for more information on taking care of cars and the work of an auto technician? Check out our blog!

Emissions Testing and TN State Vehicle Inspection

The Car Doctor Auto Repair is an Emissions Testing and TN State Inspection Station where we offer emissions inspections, as well as full multi-point inspections. We work to ensure vehicle safety for Old Hickory, Madison, Hermitage, and surrounding area residents. Although emissions inspections are mandatory, they don’t have to be painful. We get them done for you thoroughly and quickly.

What is included in the Emissions Inspection?

This quick test takes about 4 minutes should there be no issues. They are offered on a first come first serve basis, so stop by today or please feel free to give us a call at 615-357-0337 to book an inspection. If you would like any other services completed during this visit, just let us know.

Have your inspection done at The Car Doctor Auto Repair since the State does allow vehicle owners to select the inspection station of your choice.

Vehicle Emissions Testing Equipment

Isn’t this sort of testing optional?

Although there may have been mentioned that this program may be phased out in the near future, the program remains in effect as a legal requirement for now. Should this change, we will update our information to keep you informed.

When should you have your vehicle tested for emissions?

The inspection may take place starting up to 90 days prior to the expiration of your registration and it must be completed before the expiration.

How much will an emissions inspection cost me?

The fee for a vehicle emissions inspection is $9.00.

Cash (bills under $20) and credit cards are the payment methods accepted, as per the State guidelines.

What if my vehicle fails the inspection?

If your car happens to fail the inspection, don’t worry! As required by the State, we will provide a report outlining the reasons your car hasn’t passed the inspection. However, we will also perform comprehensive diagnostic services in order to fully understand the issue and then work to resolve it for you so that you can then pass a new inspection. So long as the new inspection is conducted within 90 days of the initial one, the re-inspection after repairs will be free of charge.

If your car happens to be a gasoline vehicle model from 1975 – 1995, or a diesel vehicle, it is required to undergo the full anti-tampering and emissions tests. Newer gasoline vehicles from 1996 onward will only need to be re-inspected for the failed areas.

Emissions and pollution testing

As per, the official [Tennessee Vehicle Inspection Program Website](http://www.tnvip.org/vehicle-failures/what-to-do-next/), “The next re-inspection will cost $9.00 with the following re-inspection (if needed) free. This cycle will continue, pay for an inspection, receive a free inspection until the vehicle passes.”

Why would my car fail the inspection in the first place?

Vehicles can fail the emissions test for many reasons. For gasoline vehicles from 1996 to present, the on-board diagnostics may return a failure message for reasons such as Air/fuel mixture out of control rang or catalytic converter efficiency too low.

For a more comprehensive list of common failure reasons for all vehicles types, please visit the Tennessee  Vehicle Inspection Program Website at http://www.tnvip.org/vehicle-failures/common-reasons-for-failure/.

Are any vehicles exempt from the program?

Yes. They are listed as follows:

  • New motor vehicles being registered for the first time
  • Heavy-duty motor vehicles (more than 10,500 lbs. GVWR)
  • Motorcycles
  • Antique motor vehicles
  • Electric powered light-duty motor vehicles (excluding all hybrid vehicles)
  • Gasoline-powered light-duty motor vehicles with a designated model year prior to 1975

On the other hand, please note that the following vehicles are not exempt from inspection:

  • Hybrid vehicles
  • Salvaged vehicles
  • Rebuilt vehicles
  • Homemade vehicles

*Information adapted from [Envirotest’s the Tennessee Vehicle Inspection Program Website] (http://www.tnvip.org/)

Let The Car Doctor Auto Repair perform your Emissions Testing and TN State Vehicle Inspection today! We will get you in and out in a jiffy and back on the road!

Factory Recommended Services

New vehicles come with factory recommended services that ensure your car’s warranty. The recommended services covered vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they are all “written promises by the manufacturer or a third-party to repair or replace defects with the vehicle it sells to you”.

In many cases, warranties don’t actually cover everything the owner assumes. It’s important to review your warranty to be certain on exactly what is covered, and in what circumstances, that way you will know what to expect ahead of time. Regardless of your specific warranty, it can come in handy because it will offset the cost of care for your vehicle. 

Types of Factory Warranties

Factory, or manufacturer, warranties are backed by the manufacturer of your automotive vehicle. The manufacturer deal with the cost of parts and services for the repairs covered in their warranty.

Standard warranties are typically based on set time or distance, whichever comes first. They tend to cover mechanical defects and items related to the safety of the vehicle. 

Service warranties typically apply to new vehicles, though some pre-owned programs may include similar coverage. Some younger used vehicles may also have remaining coverage. This covers things from brake pads to oil changes. 

Extended warranties are often sold as up-sells on new vehicles and may be transferable; they extend the warranty coverage beyond the original term. The extension could be anywhere from 3-5 years. 

Your Responsibilities

Just as with any other contract, you will have some responsibilities in regard to maintaining the validity of your warranty. As always, the requirements will vary from warranty to warranty, but some common examples include requiring maintenance to be performed by certified mechanics and you to keep proof of this. There are often also clauses around the circumstances under which a warranty may be transferred to a new owner.

If you will be adding in any special features or parts, we recommend checking your warranty in order to confirm whether or not it may void your warranty. It’s also important to take note of when buying a used vehicle from an individual.

Manufacturer Recommended Service 

There’s a lot of conflicting information as to whether or not you should follow your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules. If you have any doubts, be sure to swing by and see us so we can outline how to get the most out of your vehicle, while staying safe and allowing it to last.

General Guidelines

To keep things simple, the Care Car Council has created a  Service Interval Schedule to track your maintenance, which you can find here.

We also advise reviewing your Owner’s Manual in its entirety in order to understand exactly what your vehicle needs. This is where the manufacturer will detail any vehicle-specific maintenance requirements that differ from the standard.

No matter the make or model of your vehicle, you should be frequently checking the following: 

  • Dashboard Indicator Lights
  • Lights
  • Tire Pressure and condition 
  • Fluids
  • Engine Oil Level 

Other parts should be checked at regular intervals from 3,000 miles/3 months to 12 months/12 miles to see if they need maintenance. The Care Care Guide lists all of these, but again, your Owner’s Manual will refer to the exact maintenance your model needs.

Our Recommendations and Service

At The Car Doctor, we recommend also recommend service checkups at every 30,000 miles in order to ensure that everything is running smoothly and assess your vehicle’s needs. Our checks typically include the following:

  • Oil Change
  • Inspect and replace filters (air, cabin, fuel, etc)
  • Replace fluids (cooling system, brakes, steering, etc.)
  • Tire rotation and balance, check and adjust tire pressure
  • Visual inspection of parts & systems: tires, wheels, brakes, lights, belts, hoses, drive train, fuel system, etc.
  • At higher mileage, spark plugs, timing belts, etc. may need replacement
  • Vehicle road test

Service Lights

Many newer vehicles have service lights that indicate services required at certain mileage intervals. Some vehicles also have a maintenance light that indicates when service is required. This is based on information from a sensor in your engine. For specific details on your vehicle, please refer to your Owner’s Manual. 

Factory recommended services and vehicle warranties can be confusing but they don’t have to be timely or expensive! Call The Car Doctor Auto Repair today to book your check-up or service or to simply ask us what’s best for your vehicle. We are the auto repair shop people have come to rely on and trust in Old Hickory, Hermitage, and Nashville, TN.

Does My Car Need a Tune-up?

Tune-up, No Tune-up, that is the question.

Knowing if your car or truck is in need of a tune-up may depend on a few factors. What is the age of your vehicle?  Are you having any current mechanical issues? Are you following the suggested factory recommended service?

Car Age is Important

Yesteryear’s car tune-ups.

There was a time when a mechanic could fix ignition timing by listening to the “tune” of the engine as it was running. The cars and trucks of yesteryear needed a regular tune-up, where everything from ignition points to carburetor screws needed adjustments – nearly every 30 -35,000-mile intervals.

Now with today’s makes and models, automobiles certainly last longer due to modernized and precision engine parts and sensors that control the flow of fuel and limit carbo buildup.

The tune-ups of today are often pitched as complete service at your local auto repair shop. They are completed fast and keep you confident while on the road. You can even do a tune-up yourself, but your time is valuable and you’ll have peace of mind with an honest mechanic getting the job done right.

Time for a tune-up!

You may need a tune-up if:

Stalling Vehicle

Does your call stall when running? If so, this may indicate dirty connectors or failing spark plugs. Pay specific attention to when the vehicle stalls – When it’s cold? When it’s hot? When the A/C is running?

Trouble Starting Your Car

Not wise to ignore if you’re having trouble starting your car. It could be a weak battery or fuel pump or even an ignition problem. Whatever the reason, don’t get stranded. A diagnostics check by a mechanic will let you know for sure.

Rough Idle/Acceleration or Knocking Sounds

A sign of engine inefficiency is if your vehicle knocks while accelerating. Also, if the car seems to roughly idle or accelerate, it could indicate that one or more spark plugs are failing. A tune-up could solve the problem, but perhaps not. Your trusted auto repair shop will let you know for sure.

Poor Fuel Economy

Poor fuel efficiency is a sign your car isn’t burning fuel as it should; which is often the result of faulty or dirty spark plugs or fuel injection issues.

A note about lower fuel economy: It’s to be expected go down at least a little during the colder months, Colder temperatures make your engine and charging system work harder. A tune-up won’t make winter cold effects disappear.

Know your vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Do note though that it isn’t necessary to take your vehicle to the dealer for tune-up services – your trusted local auto repair shop can perform this service efficiently and typically be more affordable than a dealer.

A good mechanic near you can run a few tests to help diagnose the problem, just like if you went to a doctor and you weren’t feeling well.

Your auto mechanic will change dirty air filers and more from your automobile.

There are instances that the same symptoms can suggest different problems, and there are often several possible solutions. Consulting the best, more honest mechanic near you like The Car Doctor Auto Repair in Old Hickory, to have your car properly diagnosed is a wise choice. You won’t have to ask the owner Michael for a tune-up. Just tell him what you’re experiencing and he’ll find out the cause. Whether just a tune-up or something different, he’ll fix it for you.

Tips to Finding An Honest Auto Repair Mechanic

The time will come when you will have to bring your car to an auto shop whether for routine service or a more serious car problem. However, you don’t know much about cars. Hmm … how do you find an honest auto repair mechanic who will not take advantage of your lack of knowledge? The following tips will help!

Any honest mechanic or shop will show and explain the car services and costs to their customers.

1. Do Your Research – Check Out the Competition – Review Your Options

Above all, don’t panic and settle on the first mechanic or car repair shop that shows up in the search engine or on Google. Be aware and educate yourself by doing your research first and knowing your options. Very quickly you should have a substantial list of potential local mechanics and auto repair shops to research further.

2. Read Reviews – Look at Websites – Track Online Presence

Reviews are paramount! Look at the dates of the reviews too. How long ago were they? Did the auto repair shop respond to both positive and negative reviews? Note the tone of the responses, if they legitimately addressed the feedback, and how timely it was. Make a mental note of red flags like snarky responses, blaming the customer, etc. (Consider as well that sometimes there is no pleasing any customer and it’s not always the fault of a company or owner either. Use your best judgment and don’t discount your instincts.) Also, be aware if there aren’t any reviews at all. Any auto shop that has been in business for a good period of time should definitely have a review or two.

3. Longevity in Business – Certifications – Number of Auto Mechanics – Rates

Contact the car shop(s) you find with your internet search and reference the above questions. Any legitimate and honest auto repair mechanic is happy to provide this information to you prior to you scheduling an appointment. This phone contact will help narrow down the list of potential mechanics quickly.

Don’t Have ‘Service Only’ Tunnel Vision

Don’t just be focused solely on the services of a business, ask ABOUT the business. How long have they been in business? Are they privately owned or a chain or franchise? Is there a customer loyalty program? Are they running any promotions or specials currently? First-time customer discounts?

Go for a Test Drive – Do a Test Run

Just like you would take a test drive when considering a new car purchase, do the same with a potential mechanic. Bring your car in for a routine service like an oil change or tire rotation. Note the service you receive from start to finish and how you feel overall about mechanic, employees, and shop ‘vibe’. This test run should give make it clear if you trust them moving forward or need to look for another honest auto mechanic for you and your needs.

The Car Doctor Auto Repair is an honest auto mechanic and shop for you and your family.

Like the relationship you have with your hairdresser or banker; finding an honest, local auto or car repair shop is no different – it takes a bit of effort and time to build that trust, but it’s totally worth it.

Old Hickory, Madison, and Hermitage residents have come to trust and rely on The Car Doctor Auto Repair for all their car care and auto repair needs. Owner, Michael Barbuto, has been in business locally for over 10 years and has over 35 years’ experience as an auto mechanic. Michael welcomes your questions and looks forward to becoming your trusted auto repair mechanic and shop for years to come. Give him a call today!