Acworth Auto Repair

You've probably heard the term "catalytic converter" many times. But do you know what it is? Its function is quite easy to understand, even though its name sounds complex. A catalytic converter deters vehicle pollution. Found between the engine and muffler, it uses assorted metals, or "catalysts", to change pollutants into non-harmful gases. When Things Go South Located underneath vehicles, catalytic converters have the potential to sustain damage due to poor road conditions. Driver error can also cause harm. Aside from this, catalytic converters, just like everything else, age. The average lifespan is over ten years. Ultimately though, it's somewhat inevitable that a vehicle could possibly require at least one catalytic converter replacement in its lifetime. Here are some of the major symptoms that show when a catalytic converter goes bad. 1. A Rattling Sound The breakdown of catalytic converter components is a common occurrence. Wear and tear over ti ... read more

After driving for long enough, every car will need a tune-up at some point. But it isn't always obvious when the time comes. In its own way, your car is trying to tell you when it needs a tune-up. You just have to know what signs to watch out for. 5 Signs That Your Car Needs a Tune-Up   1. Shaking If your car shakes or vibrates in the steering wheel or seat while you're steering, braking or starting it up. This shouldn't happen and it could point to a number of issues. Make sure you take your car in to find out what the problem is. 2. Brake Problems If your car isn't braking properly or is making a lot of noise when you brake, this is not a good sign. Brakes are important when you're driving and they protect you and your loved ones so you want your brakes to be in top shape. You wouldn't want your brakes to fail while you're driving on a busy street. 3. Stalling If your car suddenly stalls while you're driving, it could indicate a problem wit ... read more

You step on the gas pedal as you attempt to merge into traffic, but your car is slow and seems to lose power. Why? This is a sure sign of problems in the fuel or emission systems. There are three major reasons for sluggishness. First, your car has fuel system troubles. It may have a clogged fuel filter. When that happens, your fuel pump needs to work harder to do its job. A clog will impede flow of fuel to the combustion chamber. Or your fuel injector may be clogged or faulty. Normally, the injector controls the rate of fuel flow properly. When it doesn't, fuel delivery becomes difficult. Or it could be a defective fuel pump. The pump draws fuel from the tank into the injectors. When it fails, gas won't get to where it needs to go. Second, you may have a worn-out clutch. When your clutch can't engage your transmission with the engine properly, you will suffer from acceleration issues. If the clutch feels loose or if your car decelerates or accelerates wi ... read more

Regularly maintaining your vehicle is essential for its overall performance, longevity, and driving experience. Regardless of how little or how much you drive your car, you'll need to change the oil regularly. Why Is an Oil Change Important? Oil changes are a crucial part of your car's maintenance. Oil changes help with: Better engine performance Improving gas mileage Less harmful emissions Extended engine life Prevention of dirt and debris buildup What Do the Car Experts Say? Mechanics recommend getting an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Many car owners believe that changing their oil more frequently than recommended will help their car, which is a myth. Changing the oil more times than suggested will not help or harm your car. Four Common Oil Change Intervals Every 1,000 miles or every six months Every 3,000 miles Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles Every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or every six months Changing Oil FAQ Can oil go b ... read more

The Importance of Getting Your Oil Changed   A car’s engine is made up of many different parts. In order for the engine to run properly, all those parts need to remain lubricated. This is why it is important for there to be oil in the engine. Over time, the oil breaks down and collects dust, dirt, and debris making it contaminated and not able to properly do its job.    Making oil changes a part of your car care routine will help the engine continue to work properly and prevent costly repairs down the road. Below are a few reasons why oil changes are important for both you and your car:    Maintains engine lubrication. All of the different parts of the engine move at very high rates of speed frequently. These parts create heat and will wear down if they are not properly lubricated. You can refer to the owner’s manual to find out the specific weight and grade of oil your vehicle requires.   Keeps the engine components cool. Without proper ... read more

We love our cars, and without them we wouldn’t be able to get to the places we need to go. So it is important to keep your automobile in the best shape possible so you don’t run into any unnecessary problems. Your car is primarily mechanical, no matter how many computers or other equipment is added. Therefore, all mechanical things need care and regular maintenance.    We are here to give you a few tips on how you can better assist your vehicle's needs and avoid those costly auto repair bills.    Tip #1: Listen to your car  Is your car making an usual sound? Don’t ignore it! Your car is making a sound for a reason, and putting it off could result in more repairs than originally needed.    Tip #2: Read your owner’s manual  May seem like a daunting task but the car manufacturer created the manual for a reason. It is important to get to know your vehicle and how it works, so you are able to care for it properly. I ... read more

We all fear that time of spring when everything turns yellow in color and everyone we know seems to come down with hay fever. The effects of pollen on air quality during spring are obvious in indoor and outdoor settings, but it’s really important not to neglect the effects of pollen on your car. When you think about it, our cars are on the front lines of the war on pollen. Imagine if you went out for a jog one spring day, but you magically acquired a new super power that enabled you to run at 50 miles per hour. It’d be a total blast at first, but after the first few blocks you’d be wheezing and sneezing from all the pollen suddenly rushing into your face and lungs. Why are air filters so important? We tend to think of our cars as solid, and totally protected from the elements like rain and wind. But lots of air flows through our vehicles when we drive, both into the interior cabin of the car where we sit, and under the hood into the engine and machinery. That’s why the ... read more

It’s a busy weekday morning. You barely get out the door in time, and when you get to the car, start the ignition, and a dashboard warning light comes on- the check engine light. The check engine light is probably every driver’s most hated warning light. It gives no details about what’s wrong, and the list of potential problems goes on and on, ranging from minor malfunctions to costly problems. NOTE: If your check engine light comes on and is flashing, this indicates a serious problem and you should get to the nearest auto repair facility immediately. Top 3 Most Common Causes of the Check Engine Light Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensors in your car helps determine how much fuel you burn. A defective oxygen sensor effects mileage calculation and leads to a decrease in fuel economy. While oxygen sensors are a relatively easy and inexpensive part to replace, failing to replace them in time can eventually destroy your catalytic converter. And depending on the ... read more

Adjusting to the winter months takes some effort, and some of that effort should go into winter automotive maintenance. No matter where you live, the changing seasons present a challenge to your vehicle, and probably more than you realize. A lot goes into keeping your ride riding smoothly, and any car maintenance issues that you ignored in the summer could create an additional hazard in the winter. Winter automotive maintenance includes anything that prepares your car for winter, from protecting sensitive components to ensuring proper visibility. Auto repair shops approach the process in two ways; preparing the car for the worse possible weather conditions and making important repairs that insure the long-term functionality of your car. You might have to grit your teeth and personally gird yourself for a long harsh winter, but winter automotive maintenance is much easier than most people think. Most importantly, any efforts you put in now can increase safety while decreasing t ... read more

Having the correct tire pressure is an important part of regular maintenance of your car, and it's also a necessity for being a good driver. The amount of air pressure in your tires has an immediate effect on the quality of your driving, especially when braking and turning. Aside from these concerns, seasonal temperature changes can also effect the performance of your tires, and the overall pressure within them. Let's start with the basics, of tire pressure. Like most maintenance suggestions and requirements, always check the user manual and manufacturer's schedule for when to have certain repairs and what is required. Your car's user manual and maintenance handbook will also tell you the exact psi requirements for your tires, and you can also find this information on the tires themselves. Always check the psi in your tires regularly, during scheduled maintenance and tune-ups (your mechanic should always do this for you), and it's a good idea to go it before going on long car ... read more