Rockville Auto Repair

With thw change of season from fall to winter definitely comes some challenges when it comes to driving. Driving in the snow can be tricky, especially during those heavy storms. Getting stranded in a snow storm is never fun, but luckily there are ways that you can help yourself be more prepared in unexpected situations during the winter months.  A great way to stay prepared for any situation in the snow is to have a winter kit packed in your vehicle's trunk. Think of it as a way to put your ducks in a row. The more prepared you are for an emergency situation, the better off you'll be!  We recommend making sure that you have the following items packed in your trunk this winter:  Spare tire Tire changing kit - jack, wrench, wheel wedges Flashlight Emergency phone numbers Car charger Blankets and extra coats/warm clothing Water Non-perishable food Flares Small cones in case of an accident Jumper cables Gloves First aid kit These are just some of the m ... read more

We understand that seeing a warning illuminate on your dashboard is never a fun experience. You start to wonder if the issue is major, and whether or not you can continue driving your vehicle without it breaking down. There are various types of dashboard warnings lights that can indicate different things, and you may not be familiar with all of them. Understand what certain warning lights mean and how serious they are can help you know if the issue is critical or if you have more time to get your car into the shop.  Let's look as some of the most common vehicle dashboard warning lights, their meaning, and just how serious they are: Battery Warning Light You’ll recognize a battery symbol. This means your battery is short on charge, which could be caused by the battery itself or the charging system.  Engine Temperature Warning Light The engine temperature warning light is shaped like a thermometer in the ocean. The meaning of th ... read more

Your vehicle's brakes are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. They allow you to slow down or stop when you need to, and a problem with your brakes can definitely put you at risk for an accident. So when it comes to your vehicle's brakes, how do you know if you have an issue? Is it as simple as hearing a strange noise, or do you need to feel a total loss in brake power to know that your brakes are bad?  The brake system itself runs on many different components, from the brake pads to the rotors to the calipers. All of these parts working together to stop your wheels when you press down on that brake pedal. With all of these working parts enduring so much pressure and heat every time you drive, it's no wonder that they tend to wear down and need to be replaced over time. Brake pads need to be replaced the most often and rotors are also serviced frequently, but other issues can occur, too.  So, what are the signs that your brakes have a probl ... read more

The belts and hoses in our vehicles have important jobs, keeping systems running smoothly and also circulating fluids. Over time, both belts and hoses can begin to break down and wear out. The best way to catch a belt or hose repair early is to have your vehicle inspected regularly. At Auto Clinic Care in Rockville, MD, we are the experts when it comes to belts and hoses on all makes and models of vehicles. Our ASE certified mechanics will help you take proper care of your vehicle’s belts and hoses and can repair or replace any part when needed. Important belts in your vehicle, such as the drive belt and timing belt, will wear out over time and may begin to crack. Damage to any belts can cause those belts to snap unexpectedly. Often times, damage to these belts cannot be seen with the naked eye, which is why it is important to replace your vehicle’s belts according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Hoses also need to be inspected regularly for leaks or corrosio ... read more

If you haven't been using your car a lot lately - you're not alone. Many Americans have been sheltering in place and distancing themselves from public places in the midst of our current pandemic. With the decrease in travel and staying home more often, you may find that your vehicle isn't being used, either not much or at all.  We've gotten this question a few times recently, and wanted to share our take on it - does oil go bad sitting in an engine? We get this question from car owners who haven't used their cars in weeks and are worried if they need to have an oil change sooner than planned. Let's look at some of the effects that an idle vehicle can have on the engine oil and whether or not it goes bad while sitting unmoved.  What can happen to your car's engine oil if you don't drive for weeks at a time? Engine oil is notoriously for breaking down quickly - that is why you have to have an oil change more frequently than any other service. I ... read more

The transmission is an integral part of your vehicle, and an issue with the transmission is one that needs to be addressed quickly. Typical transmission problems can mean extremely poor performance and can progress very quickly. We understand that transmission issues can be stressful, which is why we want to help you to be able to identify a transmission problem when it happens to get it fixed right away. The longer you drive your vehicle with a faulty transmission, the more damage that will need to be repaired.  If you notice any of the following symptoms while on the road, we invite you into Auto Clinic Care as soon as possible for a transmission inspection:  Transmission won't stay in gear or doesn't engage - if you put your vehicle in gear and it doesn't move, you have a transmission problem.   Shifts are delayed - if your vehicle seems to take a lot longer to actually get into gear, this can be a sign of low transmis ... read more

The brake warning light is definitely a cause for concern. You've probably heard those horror stories of people's brakes completely going out while on the road, and worry that at any moment your brakes will fail you. Luckily, brake fade, or brake failure, is more uncommon than many other causes for brake issues. Chances are, your brakes will continue to work until you get your car into the shop. However, we do recommend that you get your vehicle into Auto Clinic Care as soon as you can to get the issue identified and taken care of just to ensure your safety on the road.  So, why is your brake warning light on? Let's look at some of the reasons that can cause the light to illuminate, and how serious these issues are.  Brake Fluid One potential cause for the brake warning light to turn on is a loss of hydraulic pressure or an indication that your brake fluid is extremely low. Typically if there is a loss of hydraulic pressure, fluid is the issue ... read more

A vehicle is an investment - it cost thousands of dollars, and will require regular maintenance for upkeep and proper operation. For most, it is in your best interest to protect your investment by taking excellent care of your vehicle. The better you take care of your car, the more money you'll save yourself on major repairs and the better resale value it will have if the day ever comes where you decide to trade in or sell. To ensure that your vehicle lasts long and runs at its best, it is vital to keep track of your car's recommended maintenance and service.  As an auto repair shop, we commonly see some important maintenance items ignored or overlooked that we feel can significantly increase your vehicle's lifespan, and also help save you money. All of these items are manufacturer recommended services that are typically needed based on mileage intervals. We understand that most drivers ignore these services because they don't want to spend the money - however, th ... read more

We know that panic has ensued among Americans and our community here in Maryland surrounding the growing outbreak of COVID-19. Many of us are struggling to find essentials that we need to protect ourselves from contracting the virus, such as hand sanitizer and soap. We want to share with you today a DIY recipe for hand sanitizer for those of you who can't find any in stores.  This is great to keep in your car during this time, especially if you are using your vehicle to travel to the store or continue going into work. Here is our recipe for DIY hand sanitizer:  What you will need: 3/4 cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent) 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel 10 drops of essential oil or lemon juice (optional, but recommended) Mix all ingredients in a spray or squeeze bottle. Keep in your car and remember to sanitize your car’s door handles, steering wheel, and middle console controls regularly. In order to accommodate those customers who are exp ... read more

You just dropped off your car at the garage and you’re hoping like all get out that the mechanic does what he promised. It can lead to more than a few sleepless nights, especially if you’ve been burned before. A mechanic that knows his/her job is to have the knowledge and tools to accomplish the job at hand. If you have questions about an auto service and their skills, certification and training, it's probably a good idea to take your business elsewhere. Is There a Doctor in the House? Just like a field medic, a trained mechanic can evaluate all of the mechanical systems, and make necessary repairs. If the vehicle doesn’t have body damage, and the owner needs an engine light checked or some engine noises looked at, a mechanic is the way to go. For anything involving the vehicle’s appearance, it’s time to move on to an auto body shop. When your car needs repairs in Potomac, MD, the first stop for most people is a rep ... read more