by | Sep 21, 2020 | Oil Change & Maintenance
When fall is in the air you might be thinking about pumpkins and leaves, but don’t forget about your car. Fall is the perfect time to do basic maintenance on your car because you can repair any issues that occurred in the summer before the cold winter weather hits and you can’t take the chance of being stranded or not being able to drive due to poor road conditions. Here are some basic fall maintenance tips you should keep in mind when you take your car to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop.
Check Your Belts and Hoses
You might not think about checking your bikes and hoses often or regularly, but you do need to check them at least a few times a year. The fall is a great time to check them because the weather is mild and you can make the repairs quickly and without worry about your car breaking down on you when the weather is severe. If you don’t want to check the belts and hoses yourself, you can take your car to a repair shop and have them checked there by a professional.
Check Your Fluids
You want to make sure your vehicle’s fluids are at the appropriate levels. This will ensure your car doesn’t overheat or get too cold and stall out on you. You need to check each fluid level and refill them if necessary. If you think your fluids are leaking and seem to be going through more fluids than you should in a reasonable amount of time, you may want to have a repair shop fix check for a leak. They can also tell you when certain fluids need to be changed and change them for you.
Check Your Brakes
Your brakes are one of the more important aspects of your vehicle and you need to make sure they are working properly before you drive your car. In the fall, you should remember to change your brakes or at the very least have them checked. You may need to have new brakes and rotors installed or your brakes may be in good condition. It’s best to have them checked so you know where you stand and can feel confidant driving your car when more severe weather. Sometimes you just need to add brake fluid to keep your brakes working as they should.
If you are ready to get your car ready for fall weather or want to take advantage of the mild fall temperatures so you can work on your car and get all the maintenance done, be sure to check the above suggestions. You don’t have to worry about working on your car on your own. You can take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop and have them inspect the vehicle for problems and make any necessary repairs. If you need help with car repairs, be sure to reach out to Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to help with all your car repair needs.
by | Sep 14, 2020 | Engine & Diagnostics
If you have a car there’s a good chance you have looked at your dash and seen at least one light. The lights are mean to alert you when there is something wrong on your vehicle and it needs to be repaired. Some people don’t think these lights are a big deal and just ignore them or reset their battery to make them go away. This doesn’t solve the problem; it only hides it. Ignoring dashboard lights can lead to more serious problems. Here are some of the most common dashboard lights that may require Chandler, AZ auto repair.
Read also: How To Learn More About A Chandler, AZ Auto Repair Shop
Battery Light
This light is pretty obvious. On most vehicles, it looks just like a battery. On some cars, it may just say the word battery. If you are seeing this light it means your battery is not at full power. It may need to be charged if the car has been running off auxiliary or it may mean your battery is not charging or giving the vehicle with full power. You can have your vehicle checked at a repair shop. In some cases, the battery may just need to be charged or replace. In other cases, there could be a more serious problem.
ABS
This light is for the brake system. If you are seeing it, it means there is a problem with your brakes. You should never ignore a brake warning because if the issue is not addressed, the brakes could eventually fail and cause you to get into an accident. You can take your vehicle to a shop to have them find out why the light is on and make the necessary repairs. You may need your brakes and rotors changed or you might just need to have some brake fluid added to your car.
Coolant Temperature
It’s never good if your vehicle is overheating and there are often warning signs before it happens. You can watch for the coolant temperature dash light. This light comes on if your vehicle is running hot. It could mean you need to add coolant to the car or it could be a sign of a problem with your radiator. You don’t want to ignore this problem because if the vehicle overheats, it could cause your engine to blow up and leave you with a more serious issue that requires even more expensive repairs.
Read also: What To Do When You Can’t Drive Your Car Due To Chandler, AZ Auto Repair
If you want to make sure your car is always able to get you where you need to be, you need to maintain it and make sure it is working as it should. That means taking your car to Chandler, AZ auto repair shops when you notice dash lights. The above lights are just a few that may show up on your dash. You may also see others. Don’t ignore these lights or think they will go away on their own. You need to have a professional look at your car and make the necessary repairs. If you need help with your vehicle, be sure to call the Network Automotive Service Center for help.
by | Sep 7, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
When it comes to being a safe driver, it means making sure your car is in good condition and ready for the road no matter the conditions. When winter arrives, the snow and ice can make it hard to keep your car on the road. There are certain things you can do including Mesa, AZ auto repair that will ensure your vehicle is ready for winter weather and any bad road conditions you might encounter when the temperatures outside drop.
Tires
Your tires need to be checked before you take your car on the road in the winter. If your tread is not good or if your tires need to be balanced or replaced, you will want to have that take care of before the bad weather approaches. Your tires need to be able to get good traction on the road and if you happen to slide or get stuck, they will need to have all the tread and traction they can get to get you back on the road and headed in the right direction. You can check your tires yourself or have them checked by professionals to ensure they are in good condition.
Heater
The last thing you want to happen is to find out your heater has stopped working on a cold winter day. You may not even think about using your heater or testing it until the first chilly morning when you need it. Your heater can stop working with little notice and just because it was blowing warm air fine last year doesn’t mean it will do the same this winter. If you notice that your heater is not working as well as it should be, you may want to take your vehicle to a shop to have it checked and repaired if necessary.
Fluids
It’s important to keep your fluids topped off in your car no matter what time of year it is, but if you fail to do so in the winter, it could lead to a cracked radiator or engine. This can be costly and could even cause you to have to leave your car at the shops for several days while the repairs are made. If you want to avoid any problems with your car, you should take it to ta repair shop before winter arrives to ensure your fluid levels are where they need to be and your car is ready for the cold.
Getting your car ready for winter doesn’t have to be difficult. There are plenty of things you can do that will ensure your vehicle is capable of getting your where you need to go safely in cold weather. If you need help checking your vehicle to ensure it’s ready for winter weather or if you are having problems with your car and need repairs, be sure to take your car to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. You can trust Network Automotive Service Center for all your auto repair and maintenance needs.
by | Aug 24, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Your car is in the shop, and life does not pause while it is there. Work still starts on time, kids still need to get to school, and the refrigerator still empties itself on schedule. For most households in the Chandler area, being without a car for even a day takes real planning. The good news is that you have more options than you might think, and a little strategy makes repair downtime far less painful. Here is how to get around while your car is being repaired, and how to keep the downtime as short as possible.
Start by Getting a Realistic Timeline
Before you solve the transportation problem, find out how big the problem actually is. Some repairs are done the same day, while jobs that involve ordering parts or deeper diagnostic work can stretch longer. When you drop the car off, ask the shop for their honest estimate and ask them to call you if anything changes.
Knowing whether you are bridging one afternoon or several days changes everything about your plan. Borrowing a ride from a friend works for a day. For a week, you may want a more structured solution like a rental or a transit pass. A good shop will keep you posted as the work progresses so you are never guessing.
Rideshare and Public Transportation
The East Valley has more transportation options than it did even a few years ago. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are the simplest solution for point-to-point trips, especially for getting to and from the repair shop itself. For daily commutes, Valley Metro buses and the light rail system can cover a surprising amount of the Phoenix metro area, and fares cost far less than daily rideshare trips.
A few tips make transit smoother. Check the route and schedule the night before rather than the morning of. Leave earlier than you think you need to, since connections add time. And in the summer months, plan around the heat: waiting at an exposed bus stop at 4 PM in July is genuinely draining, so carry water and look for shaded stops where possible.
Carpool With Coworkers, Friends, or Family
If someone you know drives a similar route to work or school, a few days of carpooling is an easy ask. Most people are happy to help when they know it is temporary, especially if you offer to cover gas or return the favor later. Parents can often trade school runs with another family for the week.
The key is to ask early rather than scrambling each morning. Send the text as soon as you know the car is going in. If your repair has a scheduled date, you can line up rides before the car ever leaves your driveway, which turns a stressful week into a minor inconvenience.
Bike, Walk, or Combine Your Errands
If your daily destinations are close to home, car-free days can be an opportunity instead of a hardship. Walking or biking to work, school, or the store is realistic for many trips under a few miles, and the East Valley’s flat streets make cycling easier than in most cities. In summer, go early in the morning or after sundown and carry water, because Arizona heat is nothing to take casually.
Also consider simply consolidating. Batch your errands into one rideshare trip, lean on grocery delivery for a week, and postpone the trips that can wait. Most people discover that several of their usual drives are more habit than necessity.
Reduce the Odds of Being Stranded Next Time
The least painful repair downtime is the kind you schedule on purpose. Vehicles rarely fail without warning signs: a noise that was not there before, a warning light, a change in how the car brakes or steers. Acting on those signs early means repairs happen on your calendar, when you can arrange rides in advance, instead of as an emergency.
Regular maintenance is the other half of the equation. Consistent oil changes, fluid services, and inspections catch small problems while they are still small. Our car care and driving tips cover simple habits that keep surprise breakdowns to a minimum. And when something does need attention, calling (480) 444-0242 at the first symptom, rather than after the car quits, usually means a shorter and less expensive visit.
Consider a Rental for Longer Repairs
If the repair stretches past a couple of days and your schedule cannot flex, a short-term rental car may be the sanest option. Before you book one, check two things. First, look at your auto insurance policy, because some policies include rental reimbursement coverage that many drivers pay for and never use. Second, if the repair is related to an insurance claim, the other party’s insurer may be responsible for providing a rental during the repair.
When comparing costs, weigh the rental against what a week of rideshare trips would add up to for your actual routine. A commuter who drives many miles a day usually comes out ahead with a rental, while someone who mostly needs two short trips a day may spend less on rideshares. Booking the rental near the shop or having a family member handle the pickup logistics keeps the transition simple.
One more practical note: clear out anything you will need from your car before you leave the shop, garage door openers, parking passes, sunglasses, car seats, and chargers. It is a small step that prevents a surprising amount of mid-week frustration.
We Will Get You Back on the Road
Being without your car is disruptive, and a repair shop that communicates clearly makes all the difference. Network Automotive Service Center has been family-owned since 1995, and we work to diagnose accurately, explain your options plainly, and keep you informed from drop-off to pickup. Explore our services, then call (480) 444-0242 to schedule your repair. We will help you plan around the downtime and get you back behind the wheel as soon as the job is done right.
by | Aug 17, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Owning a car is a lot of fun, but it is also a big responsibility. You have to be able to drive the car responsibly and make the necessary repairs on it. No matter how new your car is, there will come a time when it needs repairs. Many people dread these repairs because they can take a lot of time and they can be expensive. Sometimes the most common repairs are the ones you have to be ready for a most aware of. Taking care of little problems when they occur instead of putting them off and help prevent bigger and more costly problems. Here are some things you may likely have to fix on your car. When these problems do arise, be sure to take your vehicle to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop.
Tire Problems
Your tires take a lot of wear and tear and they need to be in good condition to keep you safe on the road. If you notice your tires have wires sticking out of them, seem to be missing tread or they may even be pulling the car to one side. There are a lot of things that can go wrong with your tires so it’s important to have the checked, aligned, and changed when necessary to ensure you can drive your car safely.
Exhaust
If your exhaust seems to smell bad or if there is suddenly a lot of exhaust fumes coming from your car, you may be worried about what the problems could be with it. Your exhaust is an important part of your vehicle so you need to make sure the system is working as it should. If you feel like something is wrong or if it is making a strange sound, it may be necessary to take it to a repair center.
Fluids
Your car depends on fluids to run properly if those fluids are leaking or if they have run out, your car could be at risk for damage. You can easily check and maintain your own fluids, but if there is a hole or a loose hose somewhere, those fluids may not stay in your vehicle. If you suspect there could be a problem that is causing the fluids to leak or be used faster than they should, you may need to have your car inspects and repaired.
If you have a car that is in need of repairs and want to make sure it stays running properly, you need to take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop to have it inspected and have those repairs made. Not all problems are obvious, and most repairs aren’t expensive. You want to choose a repair shop that has plenty of experience with your type of vehicle and the type of repairs you need. Just call Network Automotive Service Center to make an appointment to have your vehicle serviced today. We are here to help you keep your vehicle safe and running.
by | Aug 10, 2020 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you have a car, there will come a time when it needs to be repaired. Hopefully, those repairs will just be minor and are something that won’t take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. When you do need repairs, you will have to find a Chandler, AZ auto repair center who can make them. You may have a lot of options, but you need to take your time and choose wisely. Here are some things to look for when you choose the right auto repair company.
Experience
You can’t trust just anyone to work on your car or make the repairs, you want to make sure the company you choose has plenty of experience. You should check to see what types of education and experience the mechanics have or even ask them if they have ever worked on cars like yours or fixed similar problems before. This will let you know if they can handle your car problems easily and give you some peace of mind in knowing that your car is going to be cared for by someone who knows that they are doing and will do it well.
Customer Service
You don’t want to feel like a burden when you take your car in for repairs. In fact, the service center should be happy to have your business and should be kind and friendly to you. You want to make sure you choose an auto repair company that has great customer service. They should be happy to answer any questions you may have about the services needed and address your concerns. They should also explain everything and why it is necessary, so you know you aren’t be taken advantage of but are having the problems dealt with properly.
Affordability
Whether the repairs are big or small, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on them. You want to be able to afford to drive your car and be able to have the repairs done when they are necessary. Nobody should have to park or sell their car because they can’t afford to have the repairs. Be sure to compare the prices of different repair centers and garages to find the one that is offering the best deal. You don’t just want to find the cheapest price; you want to find the best value.
When it comes to making sure your car is working and running properly there are a lot of things to keep in mind. There will probably be a few times during the lifespan of your car that it needs to have repairs. When it comes time to get those repairs, there are certain things you should look for when choosing the right Chandler, AZ auto repair center. The above points are just a few of those things. If you are in need of quality car repairs, be sure to reach out to Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to help you get your car back on the road and running smoothly.