by | Apr 4, 2022 | Transmission
If your car is acting up the best thing to do is have it inspected by a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. It may be hard for you to identify the problem. Sometimes things can be wrong with your car and you won’t even notice it or maybe ignore the problem because you don’t understand it. If you see any of these things, it could mean you have a transmission problem. Take your car to a repair shop immediately to get the proper repairs.
Vibrations
When you start feeling, vibrating or grinding while driving on the street, you probably have trouble with your driving. Automatic transmission is usually thought to try to move “equal to” instead of liquid while handy gearboxes start with the loop when rotating the clutch and displacement accelerates. If you keep the problem, shaking and grinding will probably be violent. We recommend leaving your mechanics until you start with these problems, check and fix your car.
Color
Check the fluid first. Automatic transmission fluid is usually a red color and has a slightly sweet smell when everything is working correctly. If it is a weird color or has a bad smell, you may need to replace the liquid. You should also check the transmission for problems. Bad-smelling fluid usually means the transmission has overheated and requires the attention of a professional mechanic.
Rough Idle
If the car decides to idle while driving on the road, it means that the clutch that holds the gear in place is faulty in the transmission. Don’t hesitate to have your vehicle inspected if this happens to you. This is a serious threat!
Leaks
A leaky transmission can cause malfunctions in a short time. Fluid leaks can result from crankcase gasket damage, shaft seal leaks, fluid lines, and more. Any system component that is punctured or damaged could be the source of the leak. While losing transmission fluid doesn’t mean you can’t drive a car, it’s not recommended. They can cause permanent damage and make the original problem worse. Immediately check for gear oil leakage.
Lights
Sensors are in cars for a reason and shouldn’t be ignored. When the check engine light is flashing, it can indicate several things, including the transmission. It may not seem like a problem, but these sensors can start picking up issues long before you notice them.
If you want to make sure your car is in good condition or if you think something is wrong and want to make sure it’s not your transmission, you will need to take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop for an inspection and to ensure that the repairs are done correctly or on time. You can schedule an appointment today to make sure your car is inspected. We are happy to help you and are ready to make sure your transmission problems are behind you, and your car is ready for the road.
by | Mar 28, 2022 | A/C & Cooling System
If you notice coolant leaking out of your car and are worried that it could be caused by a serious problem, it may be time to take your vehicle to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. Here are some things that can cause coolant leaks.
Broken Or Loose Hoses
The hoses associated with the radiator can likewise be a guilty party; as they get more damaged, your hoses will get hard and weak, and that implies they won’t seal also. In the spots where they connect to the radiator, there is always a chance the coolant for leaks out of the hoses where they are damaged or loose.
Loose Radiator Cap
The radiator cap might be a little loose, yet it can cause serious problems. The radiator is tightly compressed, and the cap has to be able to make a tight seal that keeps the coolant at the right tension. In any case, with time, its seal can break down or the spring may begin to wear out, which can permit coolant to escape through the cap.
Blown Head Gasket
Your vehicle’s head gasket plays a tremendous part in how well your motor performs. At the point when a head gasket blows, you probably won’t know it for a long while. You could travel for quite some time before you start to see an issue. The head gasket needs to deal with a wide scope of temperatures and it can control both incredibly high and extremely low strain in the motor. It sits between the chamber head and the motor square and when it fosters a break, it is alluded to as “blown.” A blown head gasket can allow the coolant to leak.
Failed Water Pump
The water pump helps guarantee that coolant is being circled all through the engine. It is typically determined by a belt and is situated on the lower part of the motor, close to the drive belts. It associates with the lower hose of the radiator, yet at times that hose can turn out to be loose or even broken. It might also have some damage No matter what the reason when a water pump has an issue that keeps it from moving coolant all through the framework, your motor is in the long run going to overheat.
Coolant Tank Holes
To assist with providing coolant to your radiator, vehicles have an extension tank, which is that plastic compartment next to the motor. It is generally associated with the radiator by an elastic hose and takes care of or gets coolant to and from the radiator as the motor warms up or chills off. With time and temperature changes, that plastic can break down and crack or have holes in it. This can allow the coolant to leak out.
When you notice coolant is leaking from your car and need to find the cause, you can take it to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. Call the Network Automotive Service Center. We are happy to assist you with all your car repair needs.
by | Mar 21, 2022 | Battery & Electrical
If you notice that your car battery has a lot of corrosion, there could be some serious issues. Understanding the cause of the corrosion will make it easier to prevent it. If you need help with battery issues you can take your car to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop.
Electrolyte Leakage
Batteries are made to hold the acid in a protected and solid case, spills are still possible. Assuming the acid spills out and aggregates around the battery terminals and doesn’t get cleaned up quickly, it could cause some serious erosion to the battery and the terminals. Cleaning the battery can help but find the reason for the leak is the most important method of fixing it.
Water In The Battery
Taking care of your car battery with an excessive amount of water can mean something bad. You should be cautious with regards to just fixing the water and removing it from the battery as this will not fix the problem. If water is getting into your battery there is a problem and it needs to be fixed. Water in the battery can also prevent it from allowing the car to start or cause it to stop running in the middle of a drive.
A Chemical Reaction In The Copper Clamps
Most quality clasps that touch the battery to the wires are generally made of copper. If the copper touches the cables and there is any type of chemical reaction, the copper clamps might be the problem. You may need to replace the clamps or keep the batteries clean in between charges or jumps to prevent corrosion.
To Much Charge
They say that a lot of everything is awful, charging batteries isn’t a special case. Astonishingly, charging your battery too much or too often can prompt battery problems. It will raise the battery temperature which makes the acid grow in volume. This can cause the acid to leak out over the battery and react to the sides of it. You may need to charge your battery or jump it often when you are trying to get it to start, but this may lead to more good than bad. This leads to corrosion.
Hydrogen Gas
The battery produces hydrogen gas. There’s some in the air we inhale each day and it is really innocuous in a small amount. Be that as it may, as innocuous as it appears it can cause erosion once it mixes with different gasses. The gas can mix with the acid and lead to corrosion. While there is no way to prevent the gas, you can prevent the corrosion by cleaning off the battery terminals and any leaks you notice coming from the battery.
If your battery has signs of corrosion and you need to have your car serviced, be sure to consider taking your car to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. You can drop your car off and have it inspected for battery problems. If you are ready to make an appointment for your car, call Network Automotive Service Center.
by | Feb 28, 2022 | Oil Change & Maintenance
If you are trying to get better gas mileage with your car, there are a few things to consider. Of course the best option is to have it serviced by a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. If you are looking for some other tips that can help until your next service appointment, be sure to keep some of these suggestions in mind.
Remove The Roof Rack
Anything that makes your car less aerodynamic is your enemy in terms of fuel economy. The problem with roof racks, or other bars that you can attach to your car, is that they add drag, which means your car can’t drive efficiently and you use more gasoline. As we’ve learned, any extra weight is also detrimental to your fuel economy. So if you’re not using a shelf, remove it. It is not that hard. The sooner you delete it, the faster you can do it.
Choose The Right Fuel
When you visit your local gas station, you will find that you have many options for refueling. Most motorists look at the price difference and simply opt for cheap goods. But there is a reason gasoline is more expensive. Some cars are not designed to run on cheaper, lower octane gasoline, but they work better and more efficiently on higher octane gasoline. The car manual tells you which type of gasoline is suitable for your car.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
We have already learned the importance of always having your tires inflated to the optimum pressure, but it is also important that your vehicle has the correct tires. When you have a new car, the manufacturer makes sure that the car is fitted with the correct tires for the car. However, if you’ve bought a used car or changed your tires since purchasing it, it may be worth double-checking that they fit.
Reduce The Weight
In an effort to save money, some of us like to turn our vehicles into trucks or vans, lots of luggage and other items that we can store in drawers or even bunk beds. Unfortunately, this increases the weight of our car, which makes the engine faster, which makes it difficult to work with. As you already know, an engine that runs at high speeds or requires about twice as much fuel as normal.
If you are planning a road trip, have just bought a new car, or you just want to save money on gas there are a few things you can do. The above suggestions are just a few things to consider. If you want to make sure your car is in the best condition and will get the best gas mileage, be sure to have it inspected and tuned up at a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. When your car is working properly, it won’t work as hard and will use less gas. Call today to make an appointment to have your car checked. Network Automotive Service Center is happy to help you. Call today to learn more.
by | Feb 21, 2022 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you have kids and spend a lot of time in your car, chances are you have a lot of things in the car that take up space and make everyone excited. When you have kids, it’s easier to keep all of your exercise equipment, blankets, toys, and other essentials in the car than it is to remember to pick them up every day before you go out. If you’ve drowned in everything you keep in your car, it may be time to clean it up with these tools. If you are worried about making sure your car is safe for your kiddos, be sure to keep it in good condition. You can make an appointment with a Mesa, AZ auto repair.
Trunk Organizer
Large items and sports equipment are often thrown into the trunk of a car but are rarely organized. This makes it easy for you to lose your soccer shoes or baseball gloves. The luggage compartment organizer can hold and organize all your bulky items and helps create more storage space in the luggage compartment. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are reasonably priced in most stores.
Toy Organizer
If you have a young child, you may want to keep small toys, toys, colored pencils, and coloring books in your car. Instead of throwing these things on the floor and between the chairs, keep them in the backseat organizer. Bag organizers can hold a lot of things and everything in one hand.
Storage Boxes
Do you use the space under your seats? Otherwise, you will lose a good place to keep hats, gloves, baby wipes, snacks, books and other small items that are often stowed in the car. Find a storage box small enough to fit under your seat and put all of your belongings in it.
Coin Sorter
You never know when you will need money to buy a snack or drink at a soccer game or on your way to school. By arranging coins in your machine, you can take all of your money off the floor, take it out of your seats, tidy up and easily collect it when needed.
Expandable File Folder
The children have enough school papers, license forms, registration forms and registration papers to keep, sign and return. These papers are easy to store in the machine so you can keep them when you need them. The best way to organize them is to use an expandable folder. The folder can neatly store your papers and fits easily between the chair and console.
If you have kids you know how hard it is to keep your car clean and organized. The above tips can help you come up with some ways to organize all the things in your car. If you want to make sure your kids are safe while you are driving, be sure to make a tune up appointment with a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. You can schedule your appointment by calling the Network Automotive Service Center. We are happy to help ensure that your vehicle is safe for your kids. Call today to get your appointment.
by | Feb 14, 2022 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Everyone has a favorite thing about their car. For some drivers it is the seat heaters on a chilly desert morning; for others it is the backup camera, the power liftgate, the premium sound system, or simply air conditioning that gets properly cold. These comfort and convenience features are a big part of why you chose your vehicle, and when one quietly stops working, most people just live without it. The window switch that only works sometimes, the vent that never blows cold on the passenger side, the seat that stopped adjusting: they get demoted from features to annoyances. Here is the case for fixing them, and how an auto repair shop approaches the features drivers assume are not worth repairing.
Small Failures Are Often Small Repairs
Drivers frequently assume a broken convenience feature means an expensive, complicated repair, so they never even ask. In reality, many of these failures come down to inexpensive causes: a blown fuse, a failed relay, a worn switch, a corroded connector, or a small motor at the end of its life. A power window that stopped moving may need a regulator or just a switch. A dead 12-volt outlet is often a fuse. A seat heater that quit can be a relay rather than the heating element.
The diagnostic process is what separates guessing from fixing. Modern vehicles route most comfort features through electrical modules and fuse boxes, and a technician who works on battery and electrical systems every day can trace a dead feature to its cause quickly. You may be pleasantly surprised how often the answer is minor.
Some “Comfort” Features Are Really Safety Features
It is worth separating the nice-to-haves from the need-to-works. Several features that feel like conveniences are actually part of how you drive safely:
- Air conditioning: In Arizona, working AC is not a luxury. Driving through a Phoenix-metro summer without it is a genuine health risk for children, older passengers, and pets, and a fatigued, overheated driver is a less safe driver.
- Power windows: A window stuck down is a security problem; more importantly, windows you cannot open are an emergency exit you do not have.
- Backup cameras and sensors: If you have adapted your parking habits around a camera, driving without it removes a layer of protection you actually use.
- Defrosters and climate control: Clear glass on a monsoon evening or a foggy winter morning is basic visibility.
When one of these fails, repair belongs on the schedule, not the someday list.
Deferred Small Repairs Tend to Multiply
There is a practical reason not to let broken features accumulate. Electrical problems often share causes: a chafed harness, a corroded ground, a weak battery pushing odd voltages through sensitive modules. The mystery rattle and the flickering dome light can be chapters of the same story. Addressing failures as they appear keeps diagnosis simple, because there is one new symptom to trace instead of five old ones that may or may not be related.
Heat plays a role here too. Arizona’s extreme summers are hard on switches, connectors, displays, and motors, and small electrical components age faster in our climate than in mild ones. A car that spends its life in the East Valley sun will accumulate these little failures sooner, which makes a shop that sees heat-related wear constantly a better diagnostic partner.
There is also a resale angle. When you eventually sell or trade the car, a list of broken features becomes a list of negotiating points against you. Fixing them on your own schedule is almost always better than discounting them on a buyer’s.
What an Honest Repair Conversation Looks Like
Fixing a favorite feature should start with a diagnosis and a straight answer, because not every repair is worth it on every vehicle. A good shop will tell you what failed, what the fix costs, and whether it makes sense given the vehicle’s age and your plans for it. Sometimes the answer is an easy yes: the part is minor and your daily comfort is worth far more. Occasionally the honest answer is that the repair is significant and worth weighing. Either way, you deserve the information rather than a shrug. That is the kind of conversation we have been having with East Valley drivers for a long time; Network Automotive Service Center has been family-owned since 1995, and you can read about the shop on our about page. If you want a quick read on whether a broken feature is likely a small fix, call (480) 444-0242 and describe it; that costs you nothing and often settles the question.
Fixes Drivers Are Glad They Finally Made
Some examples of features that commonly come back to life with straightforward repairs:
- Power windows and door locks that respond intermittently or stopped entirely
- Seat heaters, power seats, and memory settings
- AC that cools weakly on one side or takes forever to get cold
- Backup cameras with dark, flickering, or missing images
- Audio systems with dead speakers or steering wheel controls that stopped responding
- Key fobs, interior lights, and power outlets that quit working
Each of these has a real diagnostic path and, more often than drivers expect, a modest fix at the end of it.
Make a List, Then Make One Appointment
Here is a practical tip: walk through your car this week and note everything that does not work the way it used to. Buttons, vents, seats, cameras, speakers, lights, locks, the works. Bundle the list into a single visit. Diagnosing several small issues in one appointment is more efficient than five separate trips, and you get your whole car back at once, working the way it did when you fell in love with it.
Your car’s features exist to be used, and living without them is a choice, not a requirement. If your favorite feature has been broken long enough that you have stopped noticing, explore our services or call Network Automotive Service Center at (480) 444-0242 to schedule a visit. Let’s get your car back to being the car you actually paid for.