by | Apr 26, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Spring in the East Valley is the season everyone waits for. The mornings are cool, the afternoons are perfect, and the roads fill up with everyone trying to enjoy it before summer arrives. It is also the single best time of year to get your car ready for what is coming, because the brutal months are ahead of you, not behind you. A little preparation in March and April prevents the breakdowns that fill repair shops in June. Here are the spring driving tips we share with our own families, from a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop that has watched this cycle repeat since 1995.
Test Your Air Conditioning Now, Not in June
This is the most important item on the list. Every spring, drivers turn on their A/C for the first warm afternoon and discover it blows weak or warm. The ones who address it in spring get it fixed comfortably. The ones who wait discover the problem during the first 105-degree week, when they need it most.
Run your A/C on a warm spring day and pay attention. Air that is cool but not cold, airflow that seems weaker than last year, odd smells from the vents, or noises when the compressor kicks on are all early warnings. In Arizona, air conditioning is a safety system, not a comfort feature, and spring is your window to get ahead of it. Our A/C and cooling system articles cover the common failure signs in more depth.
Check Your Tires Before the Pavement Gets Hot
Summer heat is merciless on tires. Hot pavement raises tire temperatures dramatically, and a tire that is worn, underinflated, or dry-rotted is far more likely to fail in July than in March. Use spring to get ahead:
- Check tread depth on all four tires, including the inner edges where wear hides.
- Inspect sidewalls for cracking, a common result of year-round Arizona sun exposure.
- Set pressures to the door jamb specification, and recheck monthly as temperatures climb.
- Rotate and align if it has been a while, so the tires you have last as long as possible.
Give the Cooling System a Once-Over
Your engine’s cooling system is about to work harder than at any other time of year. Spring is when to confirm the coolant is at the right level and in good condition, hoses are firm and crack-free, the radiator is unobstructed, and there are no slow leaks leaving telltale spots on your driveway. Overheating is one of the most common summer breakdowns in the Valley, and nearly every case gives warning signs weeks in advance. A cooling system inspection now is cheap insurance against a tow truck later.
Replace Wipers and Wash Off Winter Dust
It may seem backwards to think about wipers as the rainy season ends, but Arizona sun destroys wiper rubber faster than rain ever wears it out. Blades that sat baking all last year will smear and skip when you need them. They are inexpensive, so replace them annually.
Spring winds also kick up dust that coats the windshield, headlights, and cabin air filter. A dirty cabin filter makes your A/C work harder and lets dust and pollen into the car, which allergy sufferers notice immediately during spring bloom. It is a quick, low-cost item that makes a real difference in comfort.
Plan Ahead for Spring Road Trips
Spring is prime road trip season, whether it is spring training games, hikes, or a weekend getaway before the heat. Before any longer drive, top off fluids, check the spare tire, and make sure your emergency kit is stocked with water, snacks, a flashlight, a phone charger, and basic first aid supplies. Water matters even in mild months, because a breakdown on a remote stretch of Arizona highway can mean a long wait in the sun.
If your car is due for service anyway, schedule it before the trip rather than after. Long highway drives have a way of finding the weak points in a vehicle. If you want a pre-trip inspection, give us a call at (480) 444-0242 and we will look the car over before you go.
Watch for Spring Driving Hazards
The season brings its own road conditions worth respecting. Spring winds can push dust across roadways and reduce visibility in an instant, so slow down and add following distance when it is blowing. Weekend traffic swells with visitors and events, which means more congestion and more distracted drivers. And glare gets stronger as the sun climbs, so keep sunglasses in the car and the windshield clean inside and out, since a film on the inside glass scatters light badly at dawn and dusk.
Have the Battery Tested Before the Heat Returns
Spring is the smartest time of year to test a car battery in Arizona, because the season you are preparing for is the one that kills them. Extreme summer heat evaporates electrolyte and accelerates corrosion inside the battery, quietly stealing capacity. A battery that survived last summer and limped through winter may not have enough left for another round of triple-digit months.
Testing takes only a few minutes and gives you a straightforward answer about remaining capacity. While you are at it, look for the physical warning signs: white or greenish crust on the terminals, a swollen or bulging case, or a starter that cranks slower than it used to. Any of those means the battery deserves attention now. Replacing a battery on your schedule in April is a minor errand. Replacing one in a parking lot in July, with the temperature over 110 and the family in the car, is a very different experience.
Get Summer-Ready While It Is Still Pleasant
Everything above can be handled in one spring visit: A/C performance, tires, cooling system, wipers, filters, and a general health check. Taking care of it now means you head into the hottest months with confidence instead of crossed fingers. Network Automotive Service Center is family-owned, serving the East Valley since 1995. Browse our services, check our current coupons, and call (480) 444-0242 to schedule your spring checkup. Your summer self will thank you.
by | Apr 19, 2021 | Diesel Repair
If you are planning to take your diesel to a Mesa, AZ auto repair, you might be wondering if it needs a tune-up. A tune-up can help your vehicle run better and help you get the most out of it. While a tune up can mean a lot of things, there are certain things that can be done to ensure your vehicle is running properly. You always want to make sure you are choosing a qualified repair service to make the repairs. Here are some signs that your diesel may need a tune-up soon.
Slowing down
You anticipate that your car should go when you press the gas pedal, yet a failing motor could falter, speed up gradually, or even slow down totally. This absence of force isn’t just irritating, yet it can likewise cause a dangerous circumstance out and about. To address slowing down issues, get a check up and get the repairs you need. This will help you keep your vehicle at the right speed and ensure it runs properly at all times. It can also help reduce the likelihood of other problems.
Dash Lights
It’s difficult to tell what’s happening under your hood, which is the reason your vehicle’s PC turns on a notice marker when something’s incorrectly. At the point when your vehicle’s check motor light switches on, it very well may be anything from a free gas cap to a leak in a gasket. In the event that you see this sign on your instrument board, make an arrangement for servicing of the vehicle quickly. Not only will this get rid of the annoying light, it will give you some peace of mind in knowing your vehicle is running as it should be.
Lessened Fuel Economy
A motor is intended for most extreme gas proficiency, yet it just takes little issues in planning, fuel stream, or air supply to distract everything. In the event that you’re not getting however many miles as you normally escape each tank, it very well may be an indication that a tune-up is important. When you are not getting the best fuel economy you are paying more to drive all the places you need to go. You could also be making things harder on your engine. You want your vehicle to get the best mileage possible and that could be as simple as scheduling a tune-up.
These are three signs that your vehicle may be a tune-up, yet don’t stop for a second to acquire it for administration at whatever point something doesn’t feel right to you. At Network Automotive Service Center, we manage a wide scope of vehicular issues and we’re prepared to give our brand name administration to your vehicle. To plan a meeting with one of our professionals, reach us on the web or call the shop today. We anticipate hearing from you and helping you with all your Mesa, AZ auto repair needs.
by | Apr 12, 2021 | Exhaust & Emissions
If you notice that your car’s exhaust is leaking or seems to sound funny, it could be a sign that there is a more serious issue. You exhaust is more important than most people realize and if it’s not working right, it could be causing you to get poor gas mileage, sound bad, and lead to bad fumes and smells. If your exhaust needs to be repaired, you can take it to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. Here are some things to look for to ensure that your exhaust does not have any issues.
You Hear A Hissing Sound
While driving, listen intently for a murmuring commotion from the motor, and furthermore check for this clamor while the vehicle is sitting. As a rule, a murmuring sound will be irregular yet relentless – you may not hear it for some time, yet it will consistently return on occasions. Moreover, you can check for murmuring by leaving the vehicle running and going to remain close to the tailpipe now and then, you may see a clearer hissing there. This is an indication that you have an exhaust leak and that it requires repair quickly.
You Have Reduced Fuel Efficiency
On the off chance that you have an exhaust leak, you might actually see a reduction in your eco-friendliness. If you’ve understood that your vehicle is getting less and less kilometers from a tank of petroleum, it very well may be on the grounds that an exhaust spill has influenced the oxygen sensors, causing them to consume more petroleum than is required. While the expense to fix the problem now might be expensive, holding out until later can cost you even more money in gas and likewise put your wellbeing in danger.
Your Car is Shaking
Despite the fact that there can be a few potential reasons that your vehicle is shaking, an exhaust leak is something that you should check for first. In the event that your guiding section, gas pedal, or brake pedal appears to shake surprisingly while driving, it very well may be on the grounds that your exhaust is corroded because of the muffler getting away. Indeed, even tiny exhaust leaks can make the pipes rust rapidly and subsequently, your vehicle will shake as it works to adapt to the harmed exhaust framework.
You want your car to run nicely and sound nice but if your exhaust is not working as it should, you may not be able to enjoy your drive or ride as much as you should. The above issues are all common signs that your exhaust is not working like it should be. If you need help getting your vehicle going, be sure to think about taking your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. You can make an appointment at Network Automotive Service Center to get your car running great again.
by | Apr 5, 2021 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires
If you have a vehicle and you are experiencing some issues with it, you might need to have your car inspected. If your car’s suspension is not working as it should, it could be causing some issues with your comfort and safety. If you are looking for Mesa, AZ auto repair services be sure to watch for these issues that could mean it’s time to get service.
A Rough and Bouncy Ride
Present day suspension frameworks are intended to give a smooth and agreeable ride. At the point when suspension issues are available, you will see an adjustment in how your vehicle works. In the event that the ride your vehicle is giving begins to feel fun and harsh, you need to make a move. Feeling each and every hindrance can be truly awkward, which is the reason getting the suspension issues causing these issues analyzed and fixed rapidly is basic. Much of the time, an unpleasant and fun ride will be brought about by destroyed stuns. Supplanting this fundamental piece of your suspension framework is intricate. This is the reason employing an accomplished technician to accomplish this work is an insightful move. With their assistance, you can get your vehicle back out and about and riding easily in the blink of an eye.
Lopsided Tire Tread
Checking the state of your tires consistently is the most ideal approach to remain safe while in the driver’s seat. Cruising all over on tires with restricted track can be risky because of the diminished halting force these harmed tires have. While assessing your tires, you need to investigate the track. The track on your tire should wear out at a similar rate. In any case, if parts of the tire track look more worn than others, this could be a sign that a suspension issue is available. On the off chance that the suspension framework on your vehicle isn’t standing firm on the tires at an even situation, this lopsided wear issue will happen. Holding back to get this issue tended to can bring about your tires extinguishing and leaving you abandoned. This is the reason placing your vehicle in the shop and sorting this issue out is significant.
The Car is Pulling to One Side
Another difficult you may see when suspension fix is required is that your vehicle pulls aside. Sometimes, an over or underinflated tire can cause this issue. In any case, if your tires are appropriately swelled, you are presumably managing a harmed caster or camber. Sorting out which suspension segment is causing this issue is just conceivable with some expert help. When a specialist finds the harmed suspension part, they can get it supplanted in a rush.
If you notice that your vehicle is doing any of the things above, it could be time to get Mesa, AZ auto repair services. You can get the services you need by making an appointment with Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to help with all your vehicle repair needs.
by | Mar 22, 2021 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires
If you notice that your car is not handling the road well and seems to be bouncing when you drive it, there could be several things that are wrong with it and need to be repaired. Getting the repairs done as fast as possible is important because it will help prevent you from dealing with more difficult repairs in the future and could help keep you safe on the road. If you need to help of a Chandler, AZ auto repair, be sure to consider asking for help with these issues.
Tires
If your tires have some issues, it could be causing your car to bounce. There might be wires sticking out of them, they may need to be balanced, there could be a problem with your wheels, or your tires might just be old and need to be replaced. Your tires can have a huge effect in how well your car handles the road and can be a reason that it bounces. A repair shop can check your tires, balance and change them if needed to ensure your road trips are smooth and safe.
Brakes
If your car seems to be bouncing when you try to stop, it might be a sign that there is something wrong with your brakes. If they aren’t working right, they could be catching as you try to slow down and stop and this could make the car feel like it’s bouncing. It can also happen if you try to stop quickly and your car is hesitant to slow down and bounces before coming to a complete stop. Once the brakes are repaired, the car should be able to stop more smoothly, stop bouncing and be safer for you to drive.
Suspension
Your car’s suspension is what helps it hit bumps and still drive smoothly. It’s meant to move the car slightly while still allowing you to have control of it while driving. You will notice that your car bounced for a long time after hitting a bump or going over a speed bump in the parking lot. While it’s normal to feel a little bounce, if the bounce is too obvious or it seems to be lasting longer than normal, it might mean that your struts or shocks are wearing down and need to be replaced. An auto repair shop can help you with that.
If you are noticing that your car is bouncing around on the road, you might be concerned and confused. There are a few different problems that could be causing the bouncing to occur. The above are just a few of those things. If you need help finding the cause of the bouncing and you want to get the repairs quickly, be sure to consider calling a Chandler, AZ auto repair. You can reach out to Network Automotive Service Center. We can help with a variety of car issues. Just give us a call today to make arrangements for your service appointment.
by | Mar 15, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Handing your teen the keys for the first time is one of parenting’s biggest deep-breath moments. You have spent months on driving practice, but there is a second half to teen driving safety that gets far less attention: the condition of the car itself. New drivers are the least equipped to notice a failing brake or a worn tire, and the most likely to be flustered when something goes wrong on the road. Making sure the vehicle is mechanically sound, and teaching your teen a few basics, goes a long way toward peace of mind for everyone. Here is a practical checklist for Mesa area parents.
Start With a Full Inspection
Before your teen starts driving a car regularly, have a professional look it over bumper to bumper. This matters most for the typical teen car, an older hand-me-down or an inexpensive used purchase, because age and miles are exactly what create hidden problems. A thorough inspection covers brakes, tires, suspension, steering, belts, hoses, fluids, lights, and the battery, and it surfaces issues you would never spot in the driveway.
The goal is not to gold-plate the car. It is to find the things that actually affect safety, fix what needs fixing now, and know what is coming later. An honest shop will separate the two, so you can budget instead of guessing.
Prioritize Brakes and Tires
If you only invest in two systems on a teen’s car, make them brakes and tires. They determine whether the car stops in time, and new drivers rely on hard stops more often than experienced ones because they read traffic later.
- Brakes: have pad thickness, rotors, and brake fluid checked, and take squeals, grinding, or a soft pedal seriously. Our brake articles explain the warning signs in more detail.
- Tires: check tread depth, even wear, and age. In Arizona, heat ages rubber from the inside out, so a tire can look fine and still be past its safe life. Correct pressure matters too, and it changes with our big seasonal temperature swings.
Good tires and confident brakes also make the car more forgiving of the small misjudgments every new driver makes.
Put Maintenance on Autopilot
Teens are not going to track oil change intervals, so build the system for them. Put service reminders on the family calendar, schedule appointments in advance, and treat maintenance dates like any other commitment. Consistent oil changes, fluid checks, and tire rotations are what keep an older car reliable, and reliability is safety when the alternative is a teenager broken down alone.
Arizona driving deserves special attention here. Extreme heat is hard on batteries, which often fail with little warning in the summer, and it stresses cooling systems and A/C. A car that strands your teen in 110 degree heat is a genuine safety issue, not just an inconvenience, so keep the battery tested and the cooling system serviced on schedule.
Teach the Basics Every Driver Should Know
A safe car still needs a driver who notices problems early. Spend an afternoon covering:
- What the main dashboard warning lights mean, and which ones mean pull over now (oil pressure, temperature) versus schedule service soon
- How to check tire pressure and add air, and where the correct pressure is listed (the driver’s door jamb, not the tire sidewall)
- How to check the oil level
- What to do in a breakdown: get off the road, turn on hazards, stay in the car in traffic, and who to call
- Why new noises, smells, or changes in how the car drives should be reported to you right away
That last habit is the most valuable. Teens tend to ignore problems because they do not want to lose car privileges, so make it clear that reporting a problem is always the right move.
Build a Simple Emergency Kit
Every teen’s car should carry water (non-negotiable in Arizona), a phone charger, a flashlight, jumper cables or a jump pack, a basic first aid kit, and a card with emergency contacts and insurance information. Show them where the spare tire and jack live, even if the realistic plan is calling for help. Knowing the kit is there reduces panic, and panic is what turns small roadside problems into dangerous ones. If you want help deciding what the car itself needs before your teen starts driving, call us at (480) 444-0242 and we will walk you through it.
Involve Your Teen in the Car’s Care
The fastest way to raise a driver who takes care of a car is to include them in the process from the start. Bring your teen along to service appointments and let them hear the technician explain what was found and why it matters. A teenager who has seen a worn brake pad next to a new one understands braking distance in a way no lecture achieves.
Give them age-appropriate ownership too. Make checking tire pressure a monthly job that belongs to them. Have them keep a simple log in the glovebox of fuel fill-ups and any warning lights, which builds the habit of paying attention. When the car goes in for an oil change, let them schedule it or drop it off. These small responsibilities cost nothing, and they turn the car from a magic appliance into a machine the teen respects.
It also changes the conversation when something goes wrong. A teen who feels like a partner in maintaining the car is far more likely to tell you about the curb they clipped or the new rattle they heard, and early honesty is worth more than any single repair.
Peace of Mind for the Whole Family
You cannot ride along on every trip, but you can make sure the car is ready for the ones you are not on. Network Automotive Service Center has been family-owned since 1995, and we understand exactly what is riding on a teen driver’s car because we have been there as parents too. Explore our services, then call (480) 444-0242 to schedule an inspection before your new driver hits the road.