Our Auto Repair Service Blog – Bucaro Brothers Auto Care

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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To state the obvious, winter is on the way, and it can play havoc with your vehicle. Plunging temperatures, road-salt residue, dirt, mud, and ice can all cause problems. With a little preventive care, however, winter vehicle troubles can be minimized, and you can save a lot of your hard-earned money. The relatively small amounts you spend on preventive care can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands in costly repair bills. With all that in mind, here are 9 winter tips that hopefully will keep your car operating smoothly during the coming months. 1. Check Your Battery Winter weather puts a heavy strain on your vehicle’s battery, and to help reduce that strain make sure all the terminals are secure and there’s no corrosion on them. Also, remember that car batteries last an average of 3–4 years, and if you have an older battery, you might want to replace it before winter arrives. 2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure Whatever tires you’re driving on, it’s important to maintain proper tire pressure. Your tires tend to deflate when the temperature drops below 32° and lower pressure decreases your gas mileage and can cause the tires to wear out faster. Check your… Read more

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Prepare for Summer with Car Engine Diagnostics in Lakeview We all know that Chicagoland winters can play havoc with your car, but did you know that our summers can be equally challenging and potentially damaging to your vehicle? At Bucaro Brothers we’ve performed both car engine diagnostics and car air conditioning services in Lakeview on many cars that have fallen victim to summer’s searing heat. Consequently, we know how important it is to prepare your car for the coming summer months. We hope these tips will help you avoid any difficulties so you can thoroughly enjoy the summer driving season. De-Winterize Your Vehicle This process is important if you took steps to winterize your car. If you changed over to snow tires, you’ll want to replace them before summer arrives, as they will slow you down and decrease the efficiency of your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean the underside of your car to remove any deicing salts and mud that have accumulated, as these substances can continue to cause damage to your car by holding moisture against the metal. While you’re at it, give your paint job a good bath as well to remove winter’s accumulated… Read more

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