Morgan Automotive Repair

Chances are you have heard of aftermarket and OEM parts yet you might not know what these terms really mean.  OEM is an acronym that is short for original equipment manufacturer.  Aftermarket parts are used parts.  Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two in an effort to help you select the right type when receiving service at a car repair shop.

OEM Parts

OEM parts are those made by the automobile manufacturer.  Automotive experts agree OEM parts are optimal for vehicles.  Though some used parts will prove functional for years to come, there is a greater chance that OEM parts will stand the test of time, proving fully functional across posterity.  Specific OEM automotive repair procedures are now used when auto repair technicians work on vehicles that require highly nuanced repairs.  If the unique OEM repair procedures are not followed in a detailed manner, the vehicle could be compromised.  The only potential downsides to OEM parts is their comparably high price and the potentially lengthy wait necessary for the parts to be shipped to the repair shop in the event that they are not already in stock.

Aftermarket Parts

Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of repair shops that rely on aftermarket parts.  As noted above, aftermarket parts are basically used parts.  Though aftermarket parts are often cheaper and can be added faster than OEM parts, some automotive technicians will cut corners when adding such parts in an attempt to complete the project and move on to the next one.  Furthermore, it is much more likely that an aftermarket part will falter as opposed to an OEM part.

In some cases, technicians rely on aftermarket parts as opposed to OEM parts as the wait time is shorter.  Furthermore, auto insurers prefer the cheapest possible repair, meaning they are partial to aftermarket parts.  However, aftermarket parts have the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles.  In fact, some aftermarket parts can even compromise vehicle safety features.  The bottom line is some safety systems damaged in accidents must be replaced with OEM parts as opposed to aftermarket parts.  If these highly unique systems are not repaired with OEM parts, their nuanced features might not work.  The failure of such parts greatly increases the chances of an accident.

Which is Better?

In certain situations, there is not a choice to be made between OEM and aftermarket parts.  As an example, if aftermarket parts are not yet available for newer vehicles, OEM is the only option.  If you are an automotive purist and want an exact replica of the original part used on your vehicle, you will be partial to OEM parts.  However, OEM support eventually ends when vehicles age or brands become obsolete.  However, if you need a part right away, waiting for an OEM part might not suit your schedule.  In the end, the answer to this question hinges on the unique circumstances of your specific automotive repair project.

Morgan Automotive Repair is at Your Service

If your vehicle needs any type of repair, lean on our team of auto experts for assistance.  We will repair your vehicle in a timely and thorough manner, helping you get back on the road as soon as possible.  Reach out to our auto repair shop today to find out more about our car repair services and schedule an appointment.  You can contact us by dialing (209) 836-4909 (Tracy location), (209) 825-9335 (Manteca location) or (209) 952-7901 (Stockton location).  You can also request an estimate online.

Drive your car long enough and the “check engine” light will eventually illuminate.  However, you probably don’t know what part of the engine requires analysis or whether the warning light’s illumination is an indication that a serious problem looms or is already wreaking havoc below the hood.  Let’s take a quick look at the best course of action after your vehicle’s check engine light illuminates.

Double Check the Lights

Plenty of drivers mistake the check engine light for the “service soon” or “service now” light.  These lights are not one and the same.  Each serves its own unique purpose.  If your service now/service soon indicator is illuminated, it is a clue that it is time for the vehicle’s regularly scheduled maintenance session.  The illumination of this light does not indicate there is a mechanical issue with the vehicle.

Take the Light Seriously

If your car could talk in order to communicate what is going wrong when the check engine light illuminates, it would likely state there is a meaningful problem under the hood such as a flawed oxygen sensor.  However, there is a chance the illumination of the check engine light indicates there is more of a minor issue such as a gas cap that is loose.  In general, flashing or blinking check engine indicators are a clue that the problem is serious as opposed to minor.  If the check engine light remains lit as opposed to flashing or blinking, it is a sign that one of several problems is occurring.  However, both a consistently illuminated check engine light and a flashing light are justification enough to request assistance from the automotive experts.

Ask for Assistance From the Professionals

As is often said, it is better to be safe rather than sorry.  Consult with the automotive experts for assistance in the aftermath of your check engine light’s illumination.  Our team is here to determine what the real problem is.  If your check engine light flashes or blinks, don’t take any chances.  Pull over to a safe part of the road or a parking lot.  Turn off your vehicle’s engine.  Call a car towing service so your vehicle can be towed to one of our locations for analysis and repair.  Alternatively, if your check engine light is consistently lit as opposed to flashing, you can continue driving, though it is prudent to bring the vehicle to our repair garage as soon as possible.

Morgan Automotive Repair is at Your Service

If your car, truck or SUV’s check engine light has illuminated, don’t wait until something goes terribly wrong and you are stuck with an egregiously expensive repair or replacement project.  Be proactive by reaching out to our auto repair shop for assistance.  We perform timely and thorough auto repairs, ensuring our customers get back on the road without waiting any longer than necessary.  Reach out to our car repair shop today to schedule your car repair.  You can reach us by dialing (209) 836-4909 (Tracy location), (209) 825-9335 (Manteca location) or (209) 952-7901 (Stockton location).  You can also request an estimate online.

Your brakes play a vital role in getting your car to come to a fast and complete stop when needed. If your brakes are failing, your car may take longer to stop, which can be detrimental if you are trying to avoid a collision. Fortunately, your brakes will give you many signs that they may be in need of repair, allowing you to take your car to a car repair shop for the needed repairs. Here are some of the most common signs that your car may be in need of brake repair. 

Hearing Squeaking and Squealing

One of the most common signs that your brakes may be in need of repair is hearing squeaking or squealing when pressing down on your brakes. When you first hear squeaking or squealing, you should attempt to rise off the tires and brakes, as dirt and dust can cause some squeaking as well. If that does not solve the issue, if you have this issue in conjunction with another potential brake issue, or if the squeaking or squealing gets louder or is followed by grinding, you will want to have your brakes looked at in a timely manner. 

Having a Soft Brake Pedal

Another sign of a potential brake issue is having a soft brake pedal, also referred to as having a spongy brake pedal. If your brake pedal is soft or spongy, you will be able to press your brake pedal down much further than normal, or even be able to press it all the way down to your floorboard. A soft brake pedal typically indicates there is air in the brake lines or a lose of brake fluid, both of which can impact your ability to stop in an emergency. Bring your car to a mechanic anytime you experience a soft brake pedal. 

Seeing Brake Fluid Under Your Car

The final sign of potential brake problems is seeing brake fluid underneath your car. Typically, brake fluid will be found near the base of the tires. Unlike other types of auto fluid, brake fluid is clear. If you suspect your car is leaking brake fluid, check your brake fluid level. If it is low, you likely have a leak. You should immediately bring your car to a repair shop if your car is leaking brake fluid. Losing brake fluid can cause you to lose the ability to stop, which can be disastrous. 

If your vehicle is showing one or more of these signs, you should bring your car to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection. From there, a mechanic can determine what may be going on with the brake system and make the needed repairs to ensure your car comes to a timely stop upon hitting the brake pedal. Here at Morgan Automotive Repair, with locations in Manteca, Tracy, and Stockton, we can help you with all of your car repair needs, including brake inspections and repairs. Schedule an appointment at one of our shops today. 

Having a car and keeping it operating safely requires maintenance. No one wants to end up waiting on the side of the road with their vehicle for a tow truck because of a serious mechanical issue. Such scenarios can be avoided with timely visits to a reputable auto repair shop.

Car repair may be required when you have one of these common car issues. While some may be able to be fixed by the owner of a vehicle, other problems often require the experience of one of our auto repair mechanics. Get a better understanding of some of the most common car problems seen by our car repair shop today.

Faulty Starter

Even with regular maintenance, your starter may fail. As a driver, you will hear a clicking sound prior to starting your vehicle and you will see that your car simply takes longer to start up. Thankfully, this is a relatively easy fix. However, get her in when the issue begins to be noticeable, as you do not want to end up stranded.

Faulty Windows

Gone are the days of those trusty roll-up windows. With more automation and power windows in today’s models, car owners can experience windows that refuse to roll up completely. This annoyance will not interfere with the operation of a car. That being said, it should be addressed as a larger gap can make it easier for the elements like water and snow to damage the interior of a vehicle. It is also an opportunity for theft. Problematic power windows can be easily addressed at any of our Morgan Automotive Repair locations.

Auto Paint Defects

Chipping, scratches, and paint discoloration can be an eyesore. Even more, these car problems can actually make a car vulnerable to the development of rust spots and structural issues. Most cars do not stay in pristine condition throughout their lifetime. However, our auto repair specialists can address such cosmetic and structural issues potentially helping to increase resale value.

Transmission Fluid Leaks

Your transmission needs constant lubrication to reduce the friction between its components. Transmission fluid works to protect sensitive parts and is also a coolant and hydraulic fluid. Over time, small holes may form in the transmission system, permitting transmission fluid to escape. With worsening leaks, your transmission may not operate at its optimal level or may fail completely. If you observe a large red puddle under your car, you may need to check your transmission.

Not addressing smaller issues, can lead to a larger problem down the road. Unusual noises or leakage can be some of the earliest indicators that your vehicle needs attention from an auto repair mechanic. Understand more about how to address and avoid common problems when you bring your car down to a car repair shop. Depend on our expertise for any of your auto repair needs at our convenient locations in Manteca, Stockton and Tracey. Call Morgan Automotive Repair to schedule your appointment today.

You may not pay much mind to your car’s windshield. However, the windshield plays an important role for your automobile. It supports the roof on your car, helps to prevent you from flying out in an auto accident, and helps you to properly see the road and what is going on outside of your vehicle. If your windshield is damaged, it may not be able to function as it should. Properly defrosting your windshield can help you to maintain the integrity of the windshield. Here is what you need to know about defrosting your windshield. 

Reasons Why It Is So Important to Properly Defrost Your Windshield

It is so important that you properly defrost your windshield because you can damage your windshield if you fail to properly defrost it. The most common way that a windshield can be damaged is by being scratched. Many people are in such a hurry to remove the ice that they grab some type of tool or knife to scrape away the ice. Metal scrapers or items with sharp edges can scratch your windshield, which can impair your vision while you are driving. 

Another problem that can occur with improper frost and ice removal is cracking on your windshield. Pouring hot water over an icy windshield can cause the glass to contract quickly. This can cause your windshield to crack or even shatter. 

How You Can Properly Defrost Your Windshield

When it comes to defrosting your windshield, the best way to defrost your windshield is to simply give yourself time and be patient. Turn on your car’s defroster and allow it to slowly melt the ice, using your windshield wipers to wipe away ice as it slowly melts away. 

For those who are in a hurry, there are two alternatives to waiting for ice to melt from a windshield. One option is to use commercially sold sprays that melt ice, or make your own. Simply mix one part isopropyl alcohol with two parts room temperature water and spray it on your windshield. The alcohol mixture helps to melt ice. The second option is to use a plastic ice scraper. Lightly scrape away ice without digging into your windshield. Pushing the plastic scraper into your windshield can cause scratching or etching, so be sure you are only scraping away the surface of ice and stop once you reach the windshield itself. 

Properly defrosting your windshield can help to prevent damage from occurring to your windshield. Unfortunately, if damage has already occurred, you may need to bring your car to an auto repair shop to have your windshield replaced. When you are in need of a reputable car repair shop that you can depend on for all of your automotive repair needs, turn to us at Morgan Automotive Repair with locations in Manteca, Stockton and Tracey. Call us now to schedule an appointment. 

The holiday season is in full swing. If you are planning on visiting family this holiday season, you may be gearing up to take a road trip. Prior to taking a road trip, many people take the time to clean out their car, but this is not the only step you should take to prepare your car for the journey it is going to take. Here are a few of the most important steps you should take to ensure your car is ready for a holiday road trip. 

Ensure All Routine Maintenance is Up-To-Date

Before heading out for that holiday road trip, be sure your car’s routine maintenance is up-to-date. If your car is due for an oil change, get it done before you head out. If you have been putting off a routine 60,000 mile maintenance appointment, now is the time to do it. Taking the time to complete these services helps to ensure your car is ready to go, while also helping to increase fuel efficiency. 

Inspect Your Car’s Battery

Another key thing to do before you head out for a road trip is to inspect your car’s battery. You should inspect the battery for corrosion and loose connections. If the battery is corroded, clean the connections. Also consider having your battery tested if it is older than a year in age. If your battery is testing low, it is better to replace it. The last thing you want is to find yourself unable to start your car after taking a pit stop in an unknown area. 

Check and Inflate Your Tires

It is recommended that you check and inflate your tires on a monthly basis. This is also extremely important to do prior to heading out for any type of long road trip or drive. As you inspect your tires, look for any bubbles, nails, or pulling along the seams. You also want to look for bald spots or signs your tires are wearing. If your tires are worn or damaged, replace them prior to hitting the road to help prevent a tire from blowing out. Properly inflating your tires also helps to prevent blowouts, uneven tire wear and helps to increase fuel efficiency. 

Have All Of Your Belts and Hoses Looked At

Finally, before you head out for a holiday road trip, bring your vehicle to a car repair shop and have all of your belts and hoses looked at by a professional. Belts that are worn can suddenly snap and hoses that have holes can cause fluid to leak. Both of these issues may leave you stranded on the side of the road. Having your belts and hoses inspected, and replaced if needed, prior to a road trip can help decrease your chances of something going wrong with your automobile on your trip. 

Prior to heading out on a holiday road trip, it is best to bring your car to an auto repair shop to ensure your car is ready to make the trip. Here at Morgan Automotive Repair with locations in Manteca, Stockton and Tracey, and a new location opening soon in Sacramento, we can help you get your car ready for a road trip. Schedule an appointment with one of our convenient locations to ensure fast and timely service.