Planning a road trip is exciting, filling you up with anticipation of the unknown and the freedom of the open road. However, before you hit the highway, it's crucial to ensure that your vehicle is fully ready to handle the journey. At Jake’s Auto Repair, we can complete auto maintenance tasks to prepare your vehicle for a safe and smooth expedition. Here are six important maintenance tasks to complete before a road trip. Oil Change Fresh oil lubricates the engine, reduces friction, and helps to dissipate heat, helping to ensure optimal performance. Before your road trip, have your mechanic change the oil and replace the oil filter as necessary. Tire Inspection Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making them critical for safety and performance. Before setting off on your road trip, have the mechanic inspect the tread depth, tire pressure, and overall condition of your tires. Properly inflated and rotated tires provide better traction, handling, and fuel-efficiency, essential for a long journey. Fluid Check and Top-Up Your vehicle relies on various fluids to operate smoothly, including coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Before hopping on the interstate, it’s important to check the levels of these fluids and top them up as needed. Battery Inspection and Testing A dead battery can quickly turn a road trip into a nightmare, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Before setting out, it’s wise to inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, check the battery's overall condition, and perform a load test to ensure it's holding a charge effectively. Check Lights and Wipers Good visibility is crucial for safe driving, especially during inclement weather or nighttime travel. Before your road trip, check all exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, to ensure they're working correctly. Also, it’s important to inspect and replace worn wiper blades to help ensure clear visibility. Brake Inspection Reliable brakes are essential for safe driving, especially during long trips with varying road conditions. Before your departure, it’s important that an inspection is completed that looks closely at brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels to ensure they're in optimal condition. If any components show signs of wear or damage, they should be replaced promptly. Auto Maintenance in Phoenix, AZ If you need auto maintenance in Phoenix before a road trip, contact Jake’s Auto Repair at  (623) 323-5038  . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

When signs of engine trouble emerge, it’s important to address them ASAP. Otherwise, the issue could soon escalate and become a lot more expensive to fix. At Jake’s Auto Repair, we provide expert engine diagnostics and repair in the greater Phoenix, AZ area. Here are five warning signs of engine trouble. Check Engine Light If your check engine light comes on, it doesn’t automatically indicate that disaster is just around the corner. But you should promptly get to the shop for diagnostics so the underlying issue can be identified and addressed before it gets worse. Common reasons the check engine light illuminates include issues with catalytic converters, O2 sensors, and spark plugs. Reduced Performance A decrease in your vehicle's overall performance—such as reduced power, sluggish acceleration, or poor fuel-efficiency—may indicate engine trouble. Issues with the fuel system, ignition system, or exhaust system can all contribute to a decline in performance. Unusual Noises If you hear knocking, banging, hissing, or any other sounds that are out of the ordinary, it's important to investigate further. Strange noises could be a sign of worn-out components, loose parts, or issues with the combustion process. Ignoring these sounds may lead to more severe damage. Discolored/Excessive Exhaust Smoke The smoke’s color can provide clues about the underlying problem. Blue-tinted smoke is a sign of an oil leak. White smoke could indicate a coolant leak. Black smoke is a symptom of a fuel mixture that is overly rich. Fluid Leaks Keep an eye out for any puddles or spots beneath your parked car. Fluid leaks can indicate problems with various components including the engine, transmission, coolant system, or power steering. Fluid leaks can lead to major problems and should be brought to the mechanic’s attention ASAP. Engine Repair in Phoenix, AZ When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Jake’s Auto Repair at  (623) 323-5038  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment! And be sure to check out all of our current special offers !