Concord Auto Repair

After a long drive, you park your car, turn off the ignition, and step out, only to notice something strange – the engine fan is still running. Are you wondering why this happens? While it might seem like an unusual occurrence, there are actually a few reasons your car's cooling fan keeps working even after the engine is off. Let’s explore what is going on under the hood and whether you should be concerned. 1. Engine Temperature and Cooling One of the most common reasons your car’s engine fan keeps running after you’ve turned off the ignition is the high engine temperature. Even after you switch off the engine, it continues to retain heat for some time. The fan’s job is to cool down the engine and prevent overheating, which can damage critical components. In many modern cars, the engine control unit (ECU) monitors the temperature, and if it detects that the engine is still too hot after shutting down, the fan will stay on until the ... read more

Hearing a strange noise when you press on the accelerator is a surefire way to raise concern. While it can be tempting to ignore it, those unusual sounds are often a sign that something is wrong under the hood. It’s important to pay attention to the type of noise and when it occurs, as this can provide valuable clues to help you determine the root of the issue Common Noises and What They Mean When your car makes an odd sound while accelerating, it could be due to a variety of mechanical issues. Below, we’ll cover some of the most common noises and what they could indicate: Squealing or Screeching One of the most common reasons for a high-pitched squeal when you accelerate is a worn-out or loose serpentine belt. The serpentine belt powers essential systems like your air conditioning, alternator, and power steering. Over time, it can wear out, become misaligned, or lose tension, causing that telltale squeal. A belt adjustment or replaceme ... read more

Selling your car is more than just slapping a "For Sale" sign on the windshield and hoping for the best. If you want to get top dollar, you'll need to invest some time and effort to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Buyers are more likely to pay a premium for a car that looks great, runs smoothly, and has a well-documented history of care. So, how do you get your car ready for the market? Let's break it down. First Impressions Matter When a potential buyer comes to check out your car, the first thing they'll notice is its appearance. A clean, shiny exterior can make a significant difference in how much someone is willing to pay. So, start with a thorough wash and wax. Pay special attention to details like the wheels, tires, and windows. But don't stop there—make sure the interior is spotless, too. Vacu ... read more

Navigating steep downhill roads can be thrilling but also nerve-wracking, especially if you're worried about your brakes. Brake fade, a phenomenon where brakes lose their effectiveness due to overheating, is a common concern during downhill driving. Understanding how to prevent brake fade can make your downhill drives safer and more enjoyable. We'll explore the causes of brake fade and the steps you can take to avoid it. What is Brake Fade Brake fade occurs when the braking system overheats, causing a reduction in braking power. This can happen for several reasons, such as prolonged braking on steep descents or frequent hard braking. When brake components, like pads and rotors, become excessively hot, they can no longer provide the friction needed to slow down the vehicle effectively. This can lead to a dangerous situation where your vehicle doesn't ... read more

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, tires often don't get the spotlight they deserve. Yet, they are crucial to your car's safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Understanding and regularly performing basic tire services like rotation, pressure checks, tread depth measurement, and alignment can save you from potential hazards and costly repairs down the road.  What is Tire Rotation Tire rotation is one of the most straightforward yet vital maintenance tasks you can perform on your vehicle. But why is it so important? Over time, tires wear down at different rates depending on their position on your car. Front tires, for instance, tend to wear out faster than rear ones due to steering and braking forces. Regular tire rotation involves moving each tire to a different position on the vehicle, ensuring even wear across all tires. This extends the lifespa ... read more