Our Auto Repair Service Blog – Bucaro Brothers Auto Care

Water is essential for human survival. Likewise, our vehicles must have certain fluids to operate effectively without breaking down. As a vehicle owner, you need to know what these fluids are and what they do. Oil This one is perhaps the most vital of them all. The primary function of motor oil is to lubricate the engine’s components and prevent them from overheating. As a responsible owner, you need to check the oil level frequently and add oil when needed. When it comes to changing the oil, for most vehicles this should probably be done every 5,000-7,500 miles. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended schedule for oil changes. Windshield Wiper Fluid This fluid is sometimes overlooked, but it’s extremely important, especially during winter when windshields ice over, limiting your vision. Just remember to use winter fluid that won’t freeze on the windshield and helps loosen ice and snow from the glass. Brake Fluid This fluid is absolutely essential for your brakes to operate effectively in slowing and stopping your vehicle. If your brake pedal starts to feel “mushy” or soft when you brake, have your mechanic check the fluid level. Transmission Fluid This fluid lubricates your transmission, like the… Read more

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If you don’t spend time under the hood of your vehicle, you may not be familiar with the timing belt, but it’s a vital part of your engine. So, what is the timing belt, and why is it so important? Please read on as we try to explain. Timing Belt Perhaps the best way to describe the timing belt is to compare it to a bicycle chain. As you crank the pedals, the chain keeps the front and back sprockets working together, moving the bike forward. In a similar way, the timing belt keeps the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine working in sync. The timing belt is made of rubber and has hard teeth that interlock with the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshafts. This coordination ensures that the engine’s intake and exhaust valves are opening and closing in time with the pistons. If the timing belt is extremely worn or broken, these engine components won’t operate in sync. Consequently, they can damage each other, your vehicle won’t run correctly, and you’ll be left with a costly repair bill. Signs of Trouble Here are some warning signs indicating you may need to replace your timing belt: Engine overheating Vibration… Read more

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When the temperature is freezing, you wouldn’t think the heating and cooling system in your vehicle could overheat. That can happen, however, and there are several things that can cause the problem. 1. Low Coolant Coolant is a vital part of your vehicle’s engine. The engine produces heat through a combination of combustion and friction. This heat is transferred to the coolant circulating through the engine and carried to the radiator. There, air passing through the radiator dissipates the heat, preventing the engine from overheating. Leaks can occur, however, and if you don’t have enough coolant in the system, engine heat is not transferred to the radiator. The end result is an overheated engine, no matter the outside temperature. 2. Faulty Thermostat This is a second problem that can lead to an overheated engine. Though it’s a vital component of your engine, the thermostat is a simple device. Basically, it’s a valve located in the cooling system that is opened and closed with a spring, piston or other thermally controlled device. Its job is to regulate the amount of coolant circulating through the engine and radiator. That keeps the engine operating within an acceptable temperature range, whatever the outside temperature…. Read more

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If you’re in the market for a new car, be prepared to pay a hefty price. According to experts who track auto pricing in the U.S., the average cost of a new car in September 2021 was slightly over $45,000, with no plateau in sight. Normally, most car owners want to keep their vehicle running as long as possible, and that’s especially true today, with new car prices approaching $50,000. To help you get the maximum return on your investment, your specialists in car engine service in Lincoln Park offer these 7 tips to help extend the life of your car. 1. Read Your Owner’s Manual We believe this is a first and essential step that’s frequently overlooked by new car owners. All too often, the owner’s manual is ignored and gets buried under a mountain of napkins and receipts in your console or glove box. This is unfortunate because the owner’s manual contains a wealth of information on scheduled maintenance. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations helps keep your car out of the shop and on the road as well as ensuring you get the full benefit of the manufacturer’s warranty. Also, if you have a question about how something works,… Read more

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The holiday season is here, and you may be planning a road trip as part of your year-end festivities. If so, having the check engine light come on while you’re away is the last thing you want. To help you avoid any problems, here are some things to do to get your vehicle ready for the holiday trip. Tires First, make sure you have at least 2/32nds of the tread left on your tires. Your tire dealer will be glad to check the tread wear, or you can do it yourself using a penny. Place a penny in the tread grove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, you need to replace your tires. If the president’s head is covered, you still have more than 2/32nds of the tread left. Beyond tread depth, if you’re going to be driving through snow, you might consider installing winter tires. The rubber compound and tread design of winter tires are designed to grip snow and ice and help you maintain control of your vehicle. If you’re still driving with your original set of tires, maintain the air pressure recommended by the car’s manufacturer. If you have… Read more

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