Auto Repair in Stillwater

Wheel alignment is crucial to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. When your wheels fall out of alignment, your car might start to drift to one side, the steering wheel might not be centered, and your tires might wear out unevenly. Misaligned wheels can also decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency, which can lead to costly repairs in the future. In this blog, we'll explore what causes wheels to fall out of alignment and what you can do to prevent it. Causes of Misaligned Wheels Hitting Potholes and Curbs: One of the most common reasons for misaligned wheels is hitting potholes or curbs. These impacts can cause the suspension components to bend or break, resulting in a change in wheel alignment. Even minor impacts over time can eventually lead to misaligned wheels. Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear can also cause misaligned wheels. Over time, suspension components such as the ball joints, tie rods, and control arms can wear out, c ... read more

Steering systems are a critical component in the functioning of any vehicle. They allow drivers to control the direction of the vehicle and ensure safe maneuvering on the road. There are various types of steering systems, each with its own unique components and working mechanisms. Understanding how these systems work can help you diagnose and fix any issues you may be experiencing with your vehicle's steering. Rack and Pinion Steering System This is the most common type of steering system used in modern vehicles. The system consists of a gear-like mechanism, known as the rack and pinion, that connects the steering wheel to the wheels. The steering wheel rotates, which in turn moves the pinion gear. The pinion gear then moves the rack, which then turns the wheels. This type of steering system is highly efficient, easy to maintain, and provides precise control over the vehicle's direction. Power Steering System Many modern vehicles come equipped with power steering systems, w ... read more

Having a good heater can make a big difference in the cold winter days. Most drivers aren't worried about it being a problem, but what happens when it stops working? While causes may vary it is a much more common issue then you would think. Here you will find some answers to why it happens and how to stop it from repeating itself. Coolant Problems The heating unit in your car depends on coolant to work. If it isn’t filled up or has completely dried out, hot liquid can’t travel to the heater core and warm up the air around it. That's why you should keep an eye on your coolant level, especially in the winter. Be sure to have it checked regularly so you can avoid this from happening. Broken Thermostat Your car has sensors all over it, from front to back and one of them is called a thermostat, and its job is to track the temperature. This is the most common issue that causes problems in the AC and heating, not only that but with the engine as well. Without this sens ... read more

A stalling car can be very frustrating, especially when you're unaware of the cause of the problem. Read on to find out why your car might be stalling. 5 Causes of a Stalling Car A stalling car is not a rare occurrence and there are several possible causes. The main purpose of a vehicle is to get you around in time so, stalling defeats that purpose. Let's look into some possible causes of a stalling car. Malfunctioning alternator The alternator is a significant part of the vehicle that is responsible for many functions. When the alternator is malfunctioning or about to die, it can cause a vehicle to stall. Fuel Deficiency The first step you should take if you notice your vehicle stalling is to check your fuel level. If the fuel warning light is on then that might be the cause of the stalling. The next and obvious step is to fill up your gas tank and your car will return to its full function. Clogged Air Filter A clogged or dirty air filter will interfere with your vehi ... read more

Headlight replacement may not be as easy as changing a light bulb in your home. If you know what you’re doing, it may be close. But there are certain steps that you need to take to successfully renew your headlights. Read on to learn more about headlights and how to replace them. Your vehicle’s lighting system is straightforward. It includes the bulb, relay, fuse, and switch. Whenever you turn your headlights on, the switch activates a relay and provides an electrical current between the bulb and the battery. This process allows your headlights to shine bright, so you can see the path ahead of your vehicle. It also lets other vehicles know that you are behind them. That is why impaired headlights can be a major safety hazard. In most places, it is illegal to drive without working headlights. Headlight problems are either an electrical problem or a physical failure with the bulb dying out. Today, we will be discussing how to repair the latter. When your headlight bulbs di ... read more

Sure, the maple donuts smell is sweet and inviting, especially when it comes from your dining table or kitchen. However, if that sweet smell emanates from your car, it can be a red flag for a serious problem, usually a coolant leak. A coolant is a mix of water and antifreeze. It is used to regulate the temperatures of your vehicle's engine and prevent overheating. It is also a temperature transferor used in your vehicle's defrosting and heating systems. The liquid also has anticorrosive properties that help keep your car components healthy. It has an extremely sweet smell that most drivers liken to maple syrup. Should You Be Worried? A sweet maple smell in your car signifies a coolant leak. A leak can significantly reduce the amount of coolant in the system, and the remaining amount might not be sufficient to cool down the engine system. This can lead to engine overheating. If you continue operating your vehicle with a low coolant, it can translate to costly or irreversible ... read more

If you are new to driving, you are in a constant state of learning. in case you didn't know, just like all other fluids in your vehicle, your transmission fluid also needs to be changed once in a while. But how will you know it is time to change it? When to change your transmission fluid Keep track of when you last had your transmission fluid changed since it has an expiration date. Although you shouldn't change it as frequently as your engine oil, you need to remain vigilant and develop a routine of monitoring it on a regular basis. The lifespan of transmission fluid can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles, with synthesized fluid surviving the longest. However, an automatic transmission normally needs the fluid replaced more regularly than a manual transmission. You will have to replenish your transmission oil more frequently if you are operating your car in circumstances that exert additional strain on the transmission. If you frequently rest your leg on the clutch pedal b ... read more

When considering the various systems your vehicle has, the suspension system rarely comes to mind first. With over 30,000 working parts in the average vehicle, it can be difficult to know what all they are let alone what they do. However, we believe the suspension system should not go unnoticed. Specifically, the shocks and struts are key in providing all of us with a safe, smooth, and comfortable drive.    When you operate your car on rocky terrain or bumpy surfaces, you may feel the tiniest bit shaky. Overall, it shouldn’t surprise you or send a jolt up your car. The suspension system is responsible for absorbing the road impacts so that you can continue driving.    The shocks are the part of the suspension that dampens the initial shock to prevent your vehicle from bouncing excessively when going over bumps. In other words, they absorb the kinetic energy. The struts are more so a structural component of the suspension system, and they support the weight ... read more

A car's fuel system is an essential component that requires regular maintenance. Periodically checking the fuel system ensures that all system components are clear of dirt and debris coming from normal wear and tear. The condition of your car's fuel system has a big impact on performance and fuel consumption. Below are the signs that your fuel system needs cleaning. Poor Gas Mileage If your engine does not receive sufficient fuel for the air/fuel mixture, it will burn more fuel. It may seem that blocked injectors would enhance fuel economy since less fuel is being forced through, but this is not the case. The fuel-deprived engine will consume more fuel to operate. Misfiring Engine Your car's engine may misfire if the injectors are clogged or dirty. If this happens, it will seem like your engine is sputtering, which may cause your car to shake or lurch when driving. Your engine is sputtering and misfiring because the fuel injectors aren't supplying enough fuel for th ... read more

On a hot summer day, the last thing you’d want is for your car's air conditioning to stop working or break down. Instead of having to sit through the warm air and sweat, you need to do something about it. Read on to learn more about what could be causing your auto A/C to blow warm air. Leaking Freon/Refrigerant If your car vents are only blowing warm or hot air, it could be due to low levels of refrigerant. Freon or refrigerant is the substance that gets circulated throughout the air conditioning system to eliminate the heat and humidity from the air. Over time, worn valves and faulty evaporators can cause the refrigerant to leak out. At X-tra Mile Auto Care, can help you look for leaks and recharge your A/C. Broken Condenser The condenser is in charge of cooling down the hot freon after it passes through the compressor. When the condenser is affected, you will get a blast of warm air whenever you power your A/C on. Bad Wiring Poor wiring can stop your car’s A/C f ... read more