The Ultimate Guide to Under Hood Care: Keeping Your Vehicle in Top Shape

Common Reasons a Car Shakes When Accelerating Worn engine or transmission mounts can wear over time or even crack. The extra movement causes your car to vibrate during acceleration, especially when you shift from park to drive or give it gas. Another issue causing shaking could be bad CV axles or driveshaft. If you have a Front Wheel Drive vehicle, a damaged CV axle can cause heavy shaking when accelerating. Rear Wheel Drive vehicles might experience the same problem from a bent or unbalanced driveshaft. Unbalanced tires or misaligned tires cause uneven weight distribution creates vibration. You'll usually feel it more at higher speeds. Getting your tires balanced and rotated can quickly solve this. A misfire happens when one or more cylinders aren't firing properly. It could be a faulty spark plug, ignition coils, or fuel system issues leading to uneven engine operation, causing the engine to stumble or shake under acceleration. If your check engine light is on, this might be the reason why. Suspension or steering issues like loose control arm bushings, tie rods, or ball joints can cause your vehicle to feel unstable or cause shaking, especially when you speed up or hit bumps. If the vibration feels like a shudder during gear shifts or when speeding up from a stop, the issue could be with your transmission fluid, torque converter, or differential. What to Do When Your Car Shakes -Inspect your tires and wheels looking for wear, bulges, or missing wheel weights, look for broken or leaking motor mounts, and make sure all lugnuts are tight. -Note when it happens. During takeoff? It could be the drivetrain (axle, mount, engine). At highway speeds? Likely a tire or wheel balance issue. During gear shifts? Possibly transmission-related. Only under load? These clues help narrow it down. Its best to get a professional inspection by a trusted mechanic here at Faithful Auto and Truck Repair. A mechanic can check for bad mount, axle issues, or engine misfires. Simple issues like a tire balance or spark plugs are quick fixes- but if ignored, they can cause costly damage. A shaking car isnt something to ignore- it's your vehicle asking for help. It just doesn't feel bad- it can damage your tires, suspension, or drivetrain if ignored. At Faithful Auto and Truck Repair, our ASE certified technicains will pinpoint the cause of your vibration and get you back on the road fast.

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When you start your car and head out on the road, there's a lot happening under the hood that most drivers never think about. One of the most important parts working behind the scenes is the timing chain. While it might not get the psotlight like brakes, tires, or batteries, it plays a critical role in keeping your engine running smoothly. What Is a Timing Chain? A timing chain is a strong metal chain inside your engine that connects the crankshaft and camshaft(s). Think of it like the conductor of an orchestra- it makes sure all the engine's moving parts stay in perfect rhythm. The pistons and valves have to move at exactly the right time, and the timing chain makes that hapeen. Without it, the engine simply wouldn't run. Do All Cars Have Timing Chains? Not all cars use a chain. Every enegine needs a timing system, but some manufacturers use a timing chain (metal) while others use a timing belt (reinforced rubber). Both do the job, but chains generally last longer, while belts need replacement sooner. Why Is The Timing Chain So Important? The timing chain ensures precision inside your engine. If it stretches, skips, or breaks, the engine's timing is thrown off- and that ca lead to serious and costly damage like bent valves, piston damage, or even complete engine failure. In other words, when the chain fails, it can take the whole engine with it. How Long Do Timing Chains Last? One of the benefits of a chain over a belt is lifespan. Timing chains are designed to last a very long time- often 150,000-200,000 miles, and sometimes for the entire life of the vehicle. That said, they aren't invincible. The chain itself can stretch, and the guides or tensioners that keep it tight can wear down over time. Maintenance and Warning Signs Timing Chains are lubricated by engine oil, so the best way to take care of them is by keeping up with regular oil changes. Dirty or low oil can speed up wear and tear. Some common warning signs of timing chain touble include; -Rattling noises from the engine, especially at startup, -A check engine light, -Rough idling or misfiring. If you notice these symptoms, it's a good idea to have your vehicle inspected before the problem turns into something bigger. Why Do Timing Chains Need to Be Replaced? Eventually, even tough metal chains wear out. they can stretch, lose tension, or their guides can fail. Replacing a timing chain isn't cheap, but it's still much less expensive than repairing or replacing an engine after the chain has failed. The Bottom Line Your timing chain might not be something you think about often, but it's one of the hardest-working parts of your engine. With regular oil changes and good maintenance habits, it can last for years without trouble. But keeping an ear out for warning signs- and addressing them early-can save you from major engine damage down the road.

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A heater core is a small radiator-like component inside your vehicle, usually located behind the dashboard. It is part of your car's cooling system and heating system. It looks like a mini radiator, with tubes and fins, and it carries hot coolant from the engine. When the temperatures drop, most drivers don’t think twice about turning the heat on in their car. But behind that blast of warm air is a hard-working little part called the heater core. Understanding what it does and why it’s important can help you spot issues early and keep your car comfortable and safe. How does it work... your engine produces heat while running, and coolant circulates through the engine and absorbs that heat. Some of that hot coolant is routed into the heater core. A blower fan pushes air across the heater core's hot fins; in turn, the warm air is sent through your vents and into the cabin. So every time you turn your heater or defroster on, you're relying on the heater core to deliver that heat. Why the heater core matters... The heater core is more than just a comfort feature- it plays several key roles. It keeps you warm during cold weather. It directs warm air to your windshield to clear fog and ice for better visibility. The heater core regulates engine temperature by pulling heat from the coolant, preventing your engine from running too hot. Like any other car part, the heater core can wear out or leak over time. Be sure to watch for these symptoms: foggy windows inside the car, a sweet smell (from coolant) inside the vehicle, coolant leaking onto the passenger-side floor, no heat, or weak heat coming from the vents, and or engine overheating caused by low coolant levels. Why you shouldn't ignore heater core issues... A faulty heater core isn't just uncomfortable- it can leave you stranded. If it leaks, you'll lose coolant, which can cause your engine to overheat and lead to serious engine damage. Plus, driving without a heater or a working defroster is a safety risk in winter conditions. The heater core may be small, but it plays a big role in keeping your car safe, comfortable, and reliable. If you notice signs of heater core problems, it's best to have it checked out right away before it turns into a bigger repair. Check out our video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qnsqRA0J9hI

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Why Does My Car Battery Keep Dying? A dead car battery is frustrating, and if it keeps happening, there’s usually an underlying issue. The most common cause is simply an old or weak battery—most only last 3–5 years. If yours struggles in cold weather or needs frequent jump-starts, it may be time for a replacement.

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It's crucial for fluids to stay clean, especially the fuel. If it gets dirty, it can lead to problems with your engine, which can lead to expensive repairs.