by Network Automotive | Feb 24, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
There are a lot of small things that can go wrong with your car before anything serious goes wrong. That doesn’t mean you can ignore the small issues and wait for something more severe to happy. Taking care of small problems as soon as they occur can help prevent more serious issues and help you avoid costly repairs. If you are experiencing any of these issues, don’t ignore them. Instead, bring your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair company. Network Automotive Service Center can help you with all your repair needs.
Car Won’t Start
If your car won’t stop or if it takes you a few times trying to start it to get it running, you may need automotive repairs. While you may be relieved when it finally starts, the fact that it takes several tries is a sign that something is wrong. If you don’t deal with the problem now it will only get worse and eventually, it may not start at all. This can leave you stranded and unable to get where you need to go. An auto repair shot can identify the problem and fix it so your car starts the first time every time.
Consistently Low Fluids
If you check your fluids often and they are always low, there may be a problem. Your vehicle uses different fluids for different things, but it should not use a lot over a short period of time. Your fluid could be leaking out due to a crack, or a busted line. This can be dangerous and also cause issues with your engine. Let an experienced auto repair shop inspect the fluids and reservoirs to ensure there are no crack or leaks and make any repairs if necessary.
Battery Goes Dead
Sometimes your battery can go dead if you leave something on in the car, or even leave your door open. These are obvious causes and aren’t a reason for concern. If your battery seems to go dead often and you don’t know the reason, it could mean that there is something else wrong. Your battery may be bad, or you may need a new alternator. It takes a professional mechanic to identify the actual problem and repair it. Once repaired your battery should work well again and you shouldn’t have any issues starting your car or worrying about it stalling on you.
If you are experiencing any of these issues or other small problems with your car, you may be in need of service. You can bring your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair company to have the issue diagnosed and get the repairs you need. You can make a service appointment by calling Network Automotive Service Center at (480) 407-6091. You can also stop by our auto repair facility near you at 1021 N. Gilbert Rd. #108 Gilbert, AZ 85234. We know that little problems lead to big ones and we want to help you keep your car in good working condition so you can avoid costly repairs. Just give us a call today to learn more about our services.
by Network Automotive | Feb 17, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Owning a vehicle means you have to do whatever is necessary to keep it running properly. Vehicles are expensive and without proper maintenance and repairs, they won’t last long enough to make them worth their cost. Knowing when to have your vehicle serviced is sometimes tricky. If you decide you need to have it inspected or no it is in need of repairs, be sure to take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. At Network Automotive Service Center we want you to be aware of these problems that could be a sign that your car needs to be serviced.
Warning Lights
A lot of people make the mistake of ignoring warning lights on their vehicles. They assume they will go away or because they don’t actually notice any problems, they think the lights must just be popping up for no reason. Don’t ignore warning lights on your dash. They are meant to alert you of a problem before it becomes severe enough for you to notice it. Take your vehicle to a shop as soon as you notice a warning light to determine the cause of the problem and get the proper repairs. Ignoring the lights will not make them go away and will only make the problem worse over time.
Hesitation
If your vehicle tends to have trouble starting or hesitate when you start it, you may have a problem on your hands. Your vehicle should start easily each time. If it’s stalling or doesn’t seem to be running as well as it should, you should take it to get serviced. You never know when the vehicle could just fail to start at all one day or stop running while you are driving and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. To avoid such a scenario, have your vehicle serviced regularly.
Wet Spots Under Parked Car
When you drive away or return home, do you notice there are wet spots on the road or in your driveway? This could be a sign that your vehicle is leaking fluids. Your vehicle needs these fluids to work properly and if they are leaking out, it’s a sign that there is something wrong. It also means your vehicle doesn’t have the right amount of fluids and could be at risk for mechanical issues.
If your car has any of these problems or if you are worried that it may be in need of other types of repairs, be sure to bring it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. At Network Automotive Service Center we are happy to check out your car and find the reason for any problems you may be experiencing. We will make the repairs in a timely manner and have you back on the road as quickly as possible. If you are ready to make an appointment for repairs, call us at (480) 407-6091. You can also stop by our shop at 3007 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85213 or at our other location in 104 E. Main Street Mesa, AZ to learn more about the services we offer.
by Network Automotive | Feb 10, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you have a vehicle that you use every day for your daily commute to work or school, it likely gets a lot of wear and tear. Your vehicle is designed to last and get you where you need to be each day. You need it to be dependable but without proper maintenance, it may not be able to do that. When you are driving your car every day, anything can go wrong. Taking your vehicle to a Gilbert, AZ auto repair shop can help prevent small problems from becoming worse and ensure that your car is drivable each day.
Tires and Brakes
When you are driving on the highway each day or even on city roads, you have to use your brakes a lot. Your tires also get a lot of wear and tear. You could run over something and get a flat or just wear down your tires to the point that they have no treat left. If you are thinking to check on these things often you may not know there is a problem until it’s too late. Don’t wait until you are stranded, let an auto repair shop keep your tires and brakes in good condition.
Fluids
Your vehicle needs fluids to run properly and if they are leaking, it may be a sign that you have a problem. It can also lead to other problems. Fluid reservoirs and even radiators can become cracked when a car is driven often and it that happens the fluids can leak out. Your vehicle needs these fluids and without them, serious mechanical issues can arise. Once the reservoirs are replaced or sealed, the vehicle will hold fluids and operate better.
Battery and Electrical Components
Most people have experienced a dead car battery either from leaving something on such as the radio or headlights or due to a mechanical issue. A dead battery can prevent you from getting to and from work each day. If your battery is not working as it should or if there are issues going on with the electrical components of your vehicle, you may need to have it serviced. Sometimes it’s as simple as replacing your battery and other times the problems with the battery are just the result of another issue.
If your daily commute vehicle is acting up, seems to be running poorly, or won’t start, you need the help of a Gilbert, AZ auto repair shop. Sometimes simple maintenance can go a long way and it can improve the life of your vehicle. You depend on your vehicle for a lot of things, so it’s important to ensure that it is running well at all times. If your car needs maintenance or repairs, stop by Network Automotive Service Center. We are located at 1021 N Gilbert Rd #108 Gilbert, AZ 85234. You can also call us at (480) 539-8277 to make an appointment for service. We are here to help keep your car on the road and make your commute easier.
by Network Automotive | Feb 3, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
You have the hotel booked, the bags half packed, and a route mapped out. The one thing many drivers forget to plan for is the car itself. A long road trip puts more stress on your vehicle in a few days than most commutes do in a month, and a small problem that barely shows up around town can turn into a breakdown two hundred miles from home. Scheduling an inspection at a trusted Chandler area auto repair shop before you leave is one of the cheapest forms of vacation insurance there is. Here is what a good pre-trip inspection covers and why each piece matters.
Fluids Are the First Thing to Check
Your engine, transmission, brakes, power steering, and cooling system all depend on fluids that break down or run low over time. On a long highway drive, low or dirty fluid is one of the fastest ways to end up on the shoulder with the hood up.
A pre-trip inspection should include a look at:
- Engine oil, both the level and the condition. If you are close to your next change, do it before the trip rather than after.
- Coolant, which matters more in Arizona than almost anywhere else. Summer highway driving through the desert pushes cooling systems to their limit.
- Transmission fluid, since long climbs and sustained highway speeds generate heat in the transmission.
- Brake fluid and power steering fluid, where a low level often points to a leak that needs attention.
- Windshield washer fluid, which sounds minor until a dust storm or a swarm of bugs coats your glass.
Regular fluid service is the backbone of vehicle reliability. If you tend to put this off, our oil change and maintenance articles cover how to build a schedule that fits the way you actually drive.
Tires Take the Brunt of a Road Trip
Nothing on your car works harder during a road trip than the tires. Hot pavement, heavy loads, and hours of sustained speed are exactly the conditions that expose a weak or worn tire. Arizona heat makes this worse, because high pavement temperatures raise tire pressure and accelerate the breakdown of rubber that is already aging.
Before a long drive, a technician should check tread depth, look for uneven wear patterns, inspect the sidewalls for cracking or bulges, and set all four tires (plus the spare) to the correct pressure. Uneven wear is worth paying attention to even if the tread is still legal, because it usually means an alignment or suspension issue that will get worse with every highway mile.
If your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel sits crooked when you drive straight, have that looked at before you leave. An alignment problem that is mildly annoying around town becomes genuinely tiring over a six hour drive, and it eats your tires the whole way.
Brakes and Suspension Deserve a Close Look
Long descents, unfamiliar roads, and heavier than normal loads all demand more from your brakes than everyday driving. A pre-trip inspection should measure pad thickness, check the rotors, and look for any signs of leaking brake fluid. If you have noticed squealing, grinding, a soft pedal, or a vibration when you slow down, get it diagnosed before the trip rather than hoping it holds.
Suspension components matter too. Worn shocks and struts hurt your control in emergency maneuvers and make the car wander at highway speed. If the ride has been getting bouncier or the nose dives hard when you brake, mention it when you drop the car off so the technician knows to look closely.
Arizona Heat Is Hard on Batteries and A/C
Drivers in cold climates worry about batteries in winter. Here in the Valley, heat is the real battery killer. High temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside a battery and evaporate the fluid, which shortens its life significantly. A battery that cranks fine in your driveway can fail suddenly on a trip, and there are few worse places to find out than a gas station in the middle of the desert.
A quick electrical test tells you whether the battery and charging system are healthy or living on borrowed time. The same goes for your air conditioning. If the A/C has been blowing a little warmer than it used to, have it checked before you commit to hours in the car, especially with kids or pets aboard. Summer travel in Arizona without working A/C is not an inconvenience, it is a safety issue.
If you would like both checked before your trip, call Network Automotive Service Center at (480) 444-0242 and let us know when you are leaving so the work is done with time to spare.
When to Schedule Your Inspection
The most common mistake is waiting until the day before departure. If the inspection turns up something meaningful, a worn belt, a marginal battery, brake pads at the end of their life, you want enough time to have it fixed without rearranging your travel plans.
A good rule of thumb is to schedule the inspection one to two weeks before you leave. That leaves room to order parts if needed and gives you a few days of normal driving afterward to confirm everything feels right. It also means you are not competing with every other family trying to get their car looked at the same holiday week.
Bring a short list with you: any new noises, warning lights, smells, or changes in how the car drives. Those details help the technician focus on what matters instead of guessing.
Head Out With Confidence
A vacation should start when you pull out of the driveway, not after a tow truck ride. Network Automotive Service Center has been family-owned since 1995, and we have prepped thousands of East Valley vehicles for summer trips, holiday drives, and everything in between. Take a look at our services, then call (480) 444-0242 to schedule your pre-trip inspection. We will make sure the only surprises on your vacation are the good kind.
by Network Automotive | Jan 20, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If your vehicle is in need of repairs, you may be worried about the cost, time you will be without your vehicle, and how well the repairs will be done. It’s normal to have a lot of questions about your vehicle’s repairs, especially if you don’t have a lot of knowledge of auto work. If you are looking for the right Mesa, AZ auto repair shop, be sure to stop by Network Automotive Service Center. Here are some tips to help you choose the right auto repair center near you.
Experience
Experience matters for any industry and it’s very important for car repair shops. You want to take your car to someone who has experience with all types of repairs and can easily complete the ones you need. If a mechanic is familiar with the type of repairs you need, he or she is more likely to perform them well and get the job done faster.
Services
You may be in need of specific types of repair services. If this is the case, you will need to check with the shop to make sure they offer those services. While many shops like our specialize in various types of repairs or just general repairs, some only offer a few different types of services such as tire changes, battery services, and brake services. Be sure to ask for the services you need to be sure the shop offers them.
Cost
Most people worry about the cost of repairs and shop around for the best value. Keep in mind that the lowest price and best value are not the same things. You don’t just want the cheapest automotive repair services, you want the best for your money. Compare prices and keep cost in mind, but don’t let it be the deciding factor for choosing the repair company.
Customer Reviews
If you want to know if an auto shop is offering good deals and services, just look at what other customers have to say. Check websites and social media pages to read customer reviews or testimonials. If you know someone who has had a shop work on their vehicle, ask them about their experience. They will likely be happy to share the information and answer any questions you might have.
If your vehicle is in need of repairs and you are trying to find the right Mesa, AZ auto repair shop, consider Network Automotive Service Center. We offer a variety of automotive repairs and are happy to help you with anything you need. Whether it’s regular maintenance, repairs after an accident, or just helping you ensure your vehicle is safe for the road, we do it all. You can call us to make an appointment at (480) 649-0839. You can also stop by 104 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201. We know that choosing the right automotive repair center isn’t always easy but we hope we can help make your decision more easily. Call us for all your repair needs.
by Network Automotive | Dec 30, 2019 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Auto repairs can be daunting for the average person. Most of us are not familiar with the technical terminology and advanced technology used by today’s automotive service shop technicians. To find a trustworthy, professional mechanic here in the Mesa, AZ area that will take the time to answer all your questions and concerns in laymen’s terms and explain each service is invaluable. Following is an outline of a few common auto repair services and terms that you might encounter. This may help you become familiar with some of the concepts used at your auto repair shop.
Computerized Diagnostics
Engines in modern vehicles are computerized and a bit complex to understand. Federal regulations require new vehicles to use electronic engine control systems to control carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. Today, advanced control systems take the place of simple engine components making old tune-up services less important and computerized analysis an important part of maintaining your vehicle. Regular services such as oil changes, new spark plugs, and filter replacements are still necessary, but the overall auto repair environment has completely changed and requires service by well-trained technicians.
Alignments
There are many reasons your car to go out of alignment. Most vehicles need an alignment after a collision of any kind. Even a minor collision can cause damage to your car’s frame. Sometimes even less significant things such as driving through a pothole or grazing a curb can cause the problem.
If you have trouble steering or notice unusual wear on your tires, it is probably time for an alignment. Driving without proper alignment decreases gas mileage and the life of your tires and adds stress to your car’s steering equipment and structure. A misaligned vehicle pulls and drives away from a straight road and can put you at risk. If your tires have excessive wear due to poor alignment, this can lead to tire blow-outs and poor traction.
Check Engine Light
We have all been there. The check engine light comes on and you have no idea why. This does not have to be disturbing, but it should not be ignored. Letting the check engine light warning go unchecked for too long can lead to problems down the road. The Check Engine Light (CEL) shows you that your auto’s computer has found a problem in your emissions control system. This can be something as simple as your gas cap is not on tight enough or it can mean there is water in the engine somehow or your spark plugs are not functioning properly. It takes an electronic scan tool or a diagnostic computer to determine the actual problem. So, when you see “check engine”, “service engine soon” or a red engine picture light come on, visit your auto repair shop for a quick diagnostic test to fix the problem and eliminate future issues.
These are just a few of the basic services available for your vehicle. Finding a trusted mechanic to handle all of these routine issues as well as more critical repairs is vital to ensuring optimal performance for your car. The best practice is to find a dependable and honest auto repair shop in Mesa, AZ before your need important services. Visit Network Automotive Service Center today. We are located at 104 E. Main Street Mesa, AZ 85201. We can be reached at (480) 649-0839. We would be delighted to serve you.