the Garage Reviews

Coffee stains on car interiors are a common problem that many vehicle owners face. They can be unpleasant and difficult to remove, especially if left untreated for a long time. Keep reading if you're interested in some tips and tricks on how to remove coffee stains from your car's upholstery and carpets. Blot the Stain Immediately The first thing you should do when you spill coffee on your car's upholstery or carpet is to blot the stain right away. Use a clean paper towel to soak up as much of the coffee as possible. Make to avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it and make it harder to remove. Use a Stain Remover After blotting the stain, you can use a stain remover to help remove any remaining coffee. There are many commercial stain removers available in the market that are specifically designed for car interiors. You can also use a combination of dish soap and water to create your own DIY stain remover. Apply the stuff to the affected area and let it sit before ... read more

It's easy to overlook a small chip or crack in your windshield. However, this is a common (and costly) mistake that drivers often make. Delaying or procrastinating repairs to a damaged windshield can actually lead to more damage and put your safety at risk. In our blog today, we'll discuss some of the reasons why you should not wait to repair a compromised windshield. It can lead to further damage A small chip or crack in your windshield may not seem like a huge deal at first, but (more often than not) it can grow and spread. The damage can worsen from drastic changes in temperature, moisture, and road vibrations. If it gets worse for you, you'll end up having to replace the entire replacement, which can be expensive. In contrast, repairing a small chip or crack early on save you money. It can impair your vision A broken windshield can get in the way of your driving. If the crack or chip is in your line of sight while driving, it can increase the risk of accidents. Eve ... read more

As hybrid vehicles become increasingly popular, it is crucial to understand the different types of hybrids and how their maintenance needs may differ. There are three main types of hybrid vehicles that we will discuss in this article. Series Hybrids Series hybrids, also known as range-extended electric vehicles, have an electric motor that powers the wheels and a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator to recharge the battery. The gasoline engine does not directly power the wheels, so the vehicle is always in electric mode. Series hybrids typically require less maintenance than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles because the gasoline engine runs less often and experiences less wear and tear. However, it is important to ensure that the gasoline engine is properly maintained and that the fuel matches the factory-recommended fuel grade to prevent damage to the engine and maintain optimal fuel efficiency. Parallel Hybrids Parallel hybrids have b ... read more

A timing belt is an essential component in any internal combustion engine that ensures proper valve timing. A timing belt, also known as a cambelt, is responsible for the synchronization between the camshaft and the crankshaft. In other words, the timing belt helps to control the timing of the opening and closing of the engine's valves. A failure in this component can lead to serious engine damage, making it crucial to keep an eye on its condition. What Does the Timing Belt Do A timing belt is a toothed belt made of rubber that is responsible for synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft. The camshaft operates the valves that allow air and fuel into the combustion chamber, and the crankshaft turns the pistons that move the engine's internal components. The timing belt ensures that the valves open and close at the right time to allow the air and fuel to enter and the exhaust gases to exit properly. When to Replace the Timing Belt The timing belt is a critical component that ... read more

If you've been in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath. Being involved in an accident can be a traumatic experience, and it's important that you remain calm and collected. The following are five steps you should take if you've been in a car accident: 1. Check for Any Injuries and Call for Medical Help if Necessary If you've been in a car accident, the first thing you should do is check for any injuries. Injuries may not be immediately obvious, so it is important to take the time to make sure everyone is safe and unharmed. If someone has been injured, call for medical help right away. 2. Exchange Information with the Other Driver If you've been in a car accident, you should do is exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, contact information, and insurance information. You'll need this information when filing a claim with your insurance company or if you decide to take legal action. 3. Take Picture ... read more

Brake pads and brake shoes are integral parts of any vehicle's braking system. As a car owner, it's important to understand the differences between these two components as well as their purpose in keeping you safe on the road. In this blog, we'll explain the difference between brake pads and brake shoes so you can better understand your vehicle's brake system. What are Brake Pads? Brake pads are the most commonly used type of brakes, found on most cars today. They consist of a friction material that is supported by metal plates and attached to the brake caliper. The brake pad presses against the brake rotor when you press down the brake pedal, causing friction which helps slow down and stop the vehicle. The brake pads are held in a flexible caliper that applies pressure on both sides of the rotor. When you take your foot off the brake, springs inside the caliper push the pads back away from the rotor, releasing pressure and allowing for smoother braking. What are Br ... read more

The holidays are about being jolly and bright, but it can be hard to stay in the festive spirit when dealing with challenges on the road. With poor weather conditions, partial daylight, and traffic jams lasting (for what feels like) forever, it can be rough. To make your holiday travels easier and safer, here are some of our top tips. Plan to Leave Early - If your schedule is flexible, we recommend avoiding peak times. Leaving early in the morning before sunrise is a good time window. Some people leave a few days before Christmas Eve to avoid the busy traffic. Look At the Weather and Traffic Conditions Beforehand - Manage expectations better by looking at the weather forecast, as rain and snow can slow down traffic even more. Plus, you can use GPS apps to learn where traffic is congested along your route. It will also give you alternative options to avoid traffic. Be Well Rested and Stay Alert - If you drive for hours on end, make ... read more

Taking care of your car tires is important for both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Tires are one of the most essential parts of a car, and they need to be properly inflated, rotated, and aligned in order to function correctly. There are a few different ways to take care of your tires, but the best way is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Here is a complete guide on how to take care of your car's tires. Check Your Car's Tire Pressure Regularly It is important to check your car's tire pressure regularly in order to ensure that they are inflated to the correct pressure. Check your car's manual or consult a professional to find the correct pressure for your tires. Over-inflating your tires can cause them to blow out, and under-inflating them can lead to wear and decreased fuel efficiency. It is important to rotate your tires every 7,500 miles in order to maintain their life span and prevent them from becoming flat. Inspect Your Car's ... read more

On average, your vehicle's air conditioning only needs to be recharged every several years. Of course, you should still practice proper maintenance and have the overall AC system regularly to ensure optimal performance. However, an AC recharge service isn’t necessary if you are cool and comfortable on your summer drives.   Your vehicle's AC system has a consistent circulation of refrigerant or Freon to keep your vehicle cool. It is packed in an enclosed system that always needs to be pressurized. Over time these components and hoses are prone to develop leaks, which can lead to a significant loss in refrigerant levels. And as a result, your car’s air conditioning will malfunction. How To Tell If An A/C Recharge Service is For You AC Clutch Not Engaging When your car’s air conditioning is working fine, you may hear an initial click or clunking sound whenever you turn it on. If you stop hearing the click, it is most likely due to a failure in the system ... read more

Buying a car is an exciting process. Whether it Is your first car or you have had others before, the thought alone of owning another machine is exhilarating. However, this process is also delicate and should be handled carefully while observing all the necessary cautions. Unfortunately, most purchasers of pre-owned cars fail to perform due diligence, opening them to many unfortunate situations. For instance, why would you, as a buyer, invest thousands of dollars on a pre-owned car but only look under the hood and take a test drive around the block to indicate its worth? Therefore, we will highlight the importance and benefits of taking a pre-owned car to an independent auto repair shop for an inspection before you purchase it. Why Is Pre-Purchase Inspection Important? A pre-purchase inspection is where you take a car previously owned by someone else to an independent auto repair shop for evaluation before purchasing it. It is also crucial to note that although most sellers will offe ... read more