Montello Auto Repair

A vehicle that refuses to start in the morning can feel random, but the causes are usually predictable. Sorting what you hear and see will narrow the problem quickly and keep you from throwing parts at the car. Use these five common culprits to zero in on the fix and get back on the road without drama. 1. Dead or Weak Battery Most no-starts begin with the battery. Cold weather steals cranking power, and aging batteries can sound fine at noon yet struggle at dawn. Corroded terminals or loose ground straps add resistance that drops voltage during crank. Typical clues include a rapid clicking from the starter relay, dimming interior lights, or a dash that resets after a long attempt. A quick load test and a proper terminal cleaning restore more “starts” than any other repair we see. 2. Starter Motor or Circuit Trouble If the dash lights are bright but the engine does not turn, focus on the starter and its control path. Worn starter brush ... read more

A firm, predictable brake pedal builds confidence every time you slow down. When that pedal feels soft or sinks farther than it used to, something is wrong in the hydraulic system. The car may still stop, but the margin of safety is smaller, and the stopping distance increases. A spongy pedal is not a quirk to live with. It is a sign that air, moisture, or a leak is getting between your foot and the calipers. What “Soft and Spongy” Usually Means Brakes rely on incompressible fluid to transfer your foot pressure to the calipers. If the pedal feels springy or you can press it closer to the floor than normal, air is likely trapped in the system. Air compresses under pressure, which steals force from the pads. The other common cause is degraded fluid that has absorbed moisture. Water lowers the boiling point of brake fluid. Under heat, that moisture turns to vapor bubbles and the pedal goes soft. Air in the Lines After a Repair or Low Fluid Event ... read more

That little engine symbol on your dashboard usually glows steadily when something in your vehicle needs attention. But if it starts flashing, it’s a whole different situation. A flashing check engine light is not a casual reminder. It is your car’s way of telling you that something is seriously wrong and continuing to drive could cause real damage. Many drivers in Montello see the flashing light and hope it goes away on its own. Unfortunately, that delay can lead to costly repairs that might have been avoided with prompt action. What Does a Flashing Check Engine Light Usually Mean? In most cases, a flashing light indicates a severe engine misfire. That means one or more cylinders in your engine are not firing correctly. When this happens, raw fuel can enter the exhaust system, overheat the catalytic converter, and cause long-term damage to engine components. Unlike a steady check engine light, which could point to something minor like a loose gas cap, a ... read more

Every vehicle owner eventually faces a tough choice when engine problems appear: should you replace the engine entirely or opt for an overhaul? For most drivers, this decision comes down to cost, reliability, and how long they plan to keep the vehicle. Understanding when an overhaul is practical and when replacement is the smarter option can save thousands of dollars and keep a car on the road for years. What an Engine Overhaul Includes An engine overhaul is often described as “breathing new life” into your existing motor. Instead of replacing the engine with a new or used unit, technicians remove and disassemble it. Worn parts such as bearings, gaskets, piston rings, and seals are replaced, while other components may be machined, cleaned, or restored. The goal is to rebuild the engine so it operates close to factory condition. Overhauls are particularly useful when the main structure of the engine (the block and cylinder head) remains solid. In these ca ... read more

When it’s time for an oil change, one of the first questions you might face is whether to use conventional or synthetic oil. While both lubricate your engine and help it run smoothly, they’re made differently, perform differently, and may impact your vehicle’s longevity and efficiency. Understanding the key differences between these two types of oil can help you make a more informed decision during your next service. Let’s explore what sets synthetic and conventional oil apart, and how to choose the right option for your vehicle and driving needs. How Conventional Oil Is Made Conventional motor oil is derived directly from crude oil. After being extracted, it’s refined to remove impurities and blended with additives that help protect your engine. This type of oil has been used in engines for decades and remains a common choice, especially for older vehicles or those with low-mileage engines. Because it’s less processed than synth ... read more