Acworth Auto Repair

When it comes to caring for our vehicles, understanding the various fluids and their functions is essential. Two terms often used interchangeably are "coolant" and "antifreeze." While they are related, they do not mean the same thing as you will see shortly. Are They Different? Coolant is a general name for the fluid that cools down the engine and prevents corrosion. Anti-freeze is a special kind of coolant that also protects the engine from freezing in low temperatures. Not all coolants have antifreeze properties, but all antifreeze fluids are coolants. When you buy coolant for your vehicle, make sure it meets the requirements and offers enough freeze and boil protection for your weather conditions. Coolant: The Multifunctional Fluid Coolant is a vital fluid that helps regulate the temperature of the engine, preventing it from overheating. It is a mixture of water and additives designed to transfer and dissipate heat efficient ... read more

Your vehicle's exhaust system is responsible for releasing the gases created by your engine, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other harmful impurities. While some exhaust smoke is expected, the color of the smoke can indicate potential issues with your vehicle. Keep reading to find out what different colors of exhaust smoke can mean: White Smoke White smoke often indicates coolant or water in the combustion chamber. This type of leak can be caused by a blown head gasket, a cracked engine block or cylinder head, or a faulty intake manifold gasket. White smoke can also be caused by burning transmission fluid in rare cases. Blue Smoke Blue smoke indicates oil is burned in the combustion chamber. Oil can seep through worn piston rings, damaged valve seals, or a damaged PCV valve. Blue smoke can also be caused by overfilling the engine oil or using the wrong type of oil. Black Smoke Black smoke means that there is an excess of fuel being burned in the combustio ... read more

You anticipate that, depending on how firmly you depress the gas pedal, your car will accelerate in response. The projected takeoff should occur for vehicles that are receiving enough fuel and are otherwise in good condition. When this doesn't happen and the automobile instead hesitates or accelerates slowly, the fuel or emissions system may be malfunctioning. In order to avoid putting oneself in danger, a car that struggles to accelerate should be fixed right once. This is especially important when attempting to ascend hills, merge onto freeways, or at crossroads. Combustion engines are built so that fuel can be given to the engine and exhaust gases may be released outside of the vehicle. The combustion process, which powers your car forward, requires the cooperation of numerous parts and sensors. In the event that this system fails, the vehicle can have issues with acceleration. These problems more frequently result from a gasoline system breakdown. Your car's inability to ... read more

Did you know that your vehicle’s wheels' performance relies on its constant velocity (CV) joints and axles? It doesn’t matter whether you drive a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicle; CV joints are necessary for proper steering, braking, and overall driving of your vehicle. They can be found at the ends of the drive shafts. CV joints support the weight of your vehicle and play a pivotal role in bringing engine power to your wheels. The CV joint and axles are prone to wear out over time. If they break, you should not drive your vehicle at all. To ensure your older vehicle doesn’t give out, we recommend getting a visual inspection of the CV axles, CV joint, and the surrounding areas to keep you and your passengers safe. What Are the Signs of Bad CV Joints?  Knocking, clicking, grinding sound Vibrations while driving Leaks Tear on boot If your CV joint and axles fail, it is super risky to drive. You run the chances of losing complete control of t ... read more

Many people do not believe that changing the car air filter is very necessary. But it will be very important since it will be of great help for many reasons. The air filter helps prevent contaminants from entering your car such as dust, smoke, or even exhaust gases from other cars and toxic waste from the environment. Now, there is the cabin air filter and another air filter that is for the engine. They perform similar functions, but they are not the same. The cabin filter is responsible for filtering the air that you as a driver will receive. While the engine filter, as its name indicates, is responsible for filtering air that will go to the engine. It is recommended to change the cabin filter every 12,000 to 30,000 miles, but if you live in a rural or dusty area, it is recommended to change the filter sooner. The Placement of the Cabin Filter The cabin filter is usually located behind the glove box, under the dash or under the hood. That depends on each car model. You can repla ... read more

Your spark plugs may look tiny, but they are a powerful piece in preserving your vehicle. They continually transmit electrical signals to the ignition coil to get your car from point a to point b. Spark plugs provide the "spark" that ultimately powers your engine. We highly suggest that you regularly inspect your spark plugs to ensure you're getting optimal performance from your machine. Here are some symptoms that indicate your current spark plugs are declining: Stalling or Misfiring Engine Old spark plugs have a more difficult time creating the spark to your motor. When the wire connection to your spark plugs is loose or damaged, the engine will feel stuttery. If your car stalls when trying to turn it on, it is likely that the problem can be traced back to your spark plugs. Lowered Fuel Economy If you notice that you have to stop for gas more often than usual, you should see if your spark plugs need replacement. Failing spark plugs will result in an overconsumption ... read more

We spend so much time in our cars that we get used to things, like the steady sound of the engine at normal operating speed. When something sounds different, we know right away. It's a good thing because strange sounds can signal something going wrong inside the engine. You shouldn't ignore the five noises: popping, knocking, hissing, squealing, and rumbling. Popping: a leaking or failing exhaust system can lead to popping noises, like small backfires. When the exhaust leaks the engine performance decreases because gasses that should go out the tailpipe are backing up into the combustion chambers. They should only have gas and air at a precise mixture for peak performance. Knocking: If you've ever stepped on the gas and heard your engine knock as your car is slow to react, you'll know the knocking sound. This means your engine systems aren't working properly. A leaking exhaust and a clogged air filter can both cause engine knocks. Hissing: The most common cause ... read more

If you’ve spent your fair share of time on the road, you know that sometimes windshield damage is unavoidable. You might’ve caught minor chips, scratches, or even cracks on your windshield. But in your eyes, they are so minuscule that you choose to avoid it. Fast forward to summer, and you realize that it was a mistake. Can the summer heat worsen your windshield damage? – the answer is that it can!   To understand how this can be, you’ll need to understand that most windshields consist of two layers. Therefore, minor damage typically only impacts the outer layer. During the summer, our cars can get extremely hot. With higher temperatures, more pressure is put on the glass to cause it to crack or expand.   What can also worsen the damage even more is when you try to cool your car down. When you crank the A/C up too fast, it can cause a temperature shock from the inner layer of glass. And as a result, the damage can spread quicker.   Instead ... read more

A cooling system flush is a process of cleaning the various components of your car's cooling system. This includes the radiator, water pump, and thermostat. There are various reasons why you might need to flush your cooling system. The following are six common signs that indicate your cooling system needs to be flushed: 1. Your car is overheating If your car overheats, it could signify that your cooling system needs to be flushed. Overheating can cause damage to various engine components, so it's important to address the problem as soon as possible. 2. Your car is leaking coolant If you notice that your car is leaking coolant, it's a good idea to get the cooling system flushed. Leaks can lead to overheating and other problems, so it's essential to take care of them immediately. 3. The radiator hoses are cracked or damaged If the radiator hoses are cracked or damaged, it can cause coolant to leak out. This can lead to overheating and other problems, so it's imp ... read more

Last month, we went in-depth on the vehicle’s timing belt and all the things it does. But did you know that your car has more than one belt? One of them is called the serpentine belt, and it has the ability to run all your car’s vital accessories.     This snake-like belt runs through various parts of your vehicle. It has a pulley attached to the engine, where it gets its power from. The serpentine belt powers your power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and so much more. Without this powerful belt, none of these would work.   At KAMS Auto Service, we understand the importance of the serpentine belt. Without one, you won’t get very far. Over time, this rubber belt can wear down, crack, and even break. That is why it is imperative you inspect your belt often. One of our technicians at KAMS Auto service would gladly check it for you when your car is due for service.    Your automaker has a recommended interval or ... read more