Morgan Automotive Repair

It is reccommended that you bring your vehicle to a car repair shop each spring for an air conditioning check-up appointment. This appointment should be done, even if your air conditioning seems to be running well. It helps to check for problems that can prevent your cooling system from failing to work when you need it most during the summer months. If you have never had this service performed before, you may be wondering what it entails. Here are a few of the steps that are conducted during an air conditioning check-up services with an auto repair center. 

Cleaning the Condenser Coil

One of the services that is done during an air conditioning check-up service is cleaning the condenser coil. The condenser coils hold the refrigerant as it circulates and helps to cool air that passes by the coil. Think of the coil like an ice cube once it’s filled with refrigerant. If you touch an ice cube, your finger gets cold. As air runs over the refrigerant-filled coil, it becomes cold. If the coil is covered in dirt and gunk, it may not cool air as well as it should, which can make the air coming into your car feel warmer. 

Calibrating the Thermostat

Calibrating the thermostat is another important part of an air conditioning check-up service. If your thermostat is not properly calibrated, it may not be able to test the temperature of the air properly. In turn, your unit may think it is cooling air to a temperature that is higher or lower than you desire. Calibrating helps to keep you comfortable and ensure the temperature is where you want it when you are driving. 

Checking the Refrigerant Levels and Looking For Leaks

During an air conditioning check-up service, the refrigerant levels are also checked and the unit is inspected for refrigerant leaks. If there are leaks or your unit is low, your unit may struggle to cool air. Refrigerant is a vital part of cooling air within your car’s air conditioning system, and without it, your car’s system will eventually fail to produce cold air. 

A Thorough Examination of the Other Parts

Lastly, a thorough examination of all of the other parts that make up your vehicle’s air conditioning system are inspected and examined. This includes the electrical parts, the blower belt and the motor. At this time, bolts and nuts may be tightened. If the belt is showing signs of wear, such as fraying, cracking or splitting, it will also be replaced. The motor will be tested and if it is not working correctly, it may need to be repaired or replaced. 

Here at Morgan Automotive Repair, with locations in Manteca, Tracy and Lodi, we offer air conditioning check-up services at our auto repair shop. If you are looking for maintenance services or car repair services, let us assist you. Contact us today to get started. 

As spring weather brightens into summer, it’s the ideal time to send your vehicle for a thorough checkup at your local, trusted automotive repair shop. Proactive maintenance helps reduce the long-term ownership cost of your vehicle as well as ensuring that you and your family are safe on the road for your summer travels and vacations. Each time you hit the road, you need to be confident that your vehicle will safely deliver you to your location — and that you won’t need to overspend on repairs once you get there! Here are a few quick ways to help get your vehicle in shape as the weather continues to become warmer. 

Check Your Vehicle for These Signs of Damage

Over time, it’s not unusual for your tires and brakes to feel some wear and tear. Even if you’re in an area that doesn’t see a great deal of ice or snow, there can still be some damage to your vehicle that’s not immediately noticeable. Look for the following signs of damage:

• Inspect tires, checking for any damage to the sidewalls or gouges in the tire
• Test your battery, ensuring that all connections are secure, clean and tight
• Pay close attention to your brakes, listening for any unusual sounds
• Top off engine oil, brake and coolant fluids, power steering and transmission fluids
• Add some extra windshield wiper fluid and replace blades as needed
• Review the cooling capacity of your air conditioner before the weather becomes scorching
• Replace or repair any aging belts and hoses

Are you nearing one of the standard service mileages for your vehicle? Now’s the perfect time to check in with your local auto repair shop to stay safe on the road.

Finding the Right Auto Repair Shop

You know you need to make a few updates to your vehicle, but how can you be sure that you’re going to receive an estimate for just the repairs or upgrades that you need? There’s a certain peace of mind knowing that your local car repair shop is recommended by friends and family members. It’s also important to seek out auto repair options that offer warranties and other guarantees on their services and that have been operating in your area for many years. Look for extra services such as convenient hours, drop off and pick up services and free shuttles to round out your experience.

Proactive maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle over time. You deserve the confidence of knowing that your car, truck, van or SUV is receiving the best possible treatment at the hands of your repair shop, which is why so many families in California trust Morgan Automotive Repair! Contact us at one of our four convenient locations or make an appointment online to ensure that your vehicle is ready to withstand all of the rigors that summer living will throw your way. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable auto repair professionals have been serving the greater Central Valley area for nearly 10 years, and are always willing to answer questions and provide you with the car repair insight needed to extend the life of your vehicle. 

If your vehicle’s battery indicator or charging system light illuminates, you will understandably be tempted to continue driving and deal with this potential automotive problem later on.  Do not fall into this temptation!  If you are like most drivers, you will delay addressing this issue for a couple trips, assuming you will have it tended to in the upcoming days.  Days eventually turn to weeks and the vehicle subsequently fails to start. The illumination of a battery indicator light or charging system icon on the dashboard is cause for serious concern.  Ignoring this problem is certainly convenient at the moment yet inaction has the potential to wreak havoc down the line.

What the Battery Indicator Really Means

The illumination of your battery indicator light means the alternator is not replenishing the battery’s juice.  In other words, the power necessary to operate the engine management system, electrical systems and fuel delivery system is dwindling.  The bottom line is the illumination of this light is a clue that major trouble is coming sooner rather than later.  Though a failure of the charging system might not cause significant mechanical damage, it should not be ignored.

How to Proceed After the Charging System Light Illuminates

 Ideally, you will immediately shut down all of the unnecessary electrical loads ranging from the air conditioner to the heater and radio.  Instead of putting the problem on the back burner, assuming you will address it later on, the better course of action is to bring your vehicle to a car repair shop for in-depth inspection as soon as possible.  For the most part, drivers have a minimum of 15 minutes worth of driving time before their dilapidated battery voltage is reduced to the point that the ignition system does not function as designed.  If you continue to drive beyond this time limit, you run the risk of the engine completely quitting.

However, it is sensible to restart the vehicle far away from traffic in a safe location to see if the light re-illuminates.  Turn off the engine, let everything cool down for a few minutes then turn the engine back on.  It is possible the battery light won’t illuminate.  However, if the battery light illuminates once again, you should refrain from driving but for the short trip over to our car repair shop.

The Potential for Battery Replacement

The illumination of the charging system light does not necessarily indicate your vehicle needs a completely new battery.  The charging system might cause the vehicle battery to discharge.  However, this does not indicate the battery needs to be replaced with a new one right away.  Our car repair team is here to check out the entirety of your vehicle’s system to determine the appropriate course of action.

Morgan Automotive Repair is Here to Help

 If your vehicle needs any type of repair, do the smart thing by leaning on our team for assistance.  Reach out to us today and we will slot you in for timely yet comprehensive auto repair.  You can schedule an appointment at our auto repair shop by dialing (209) 836-4909. You can also request an estimate by filling out our convenient online contact form.

If you grew up around cars, have a passion for automobiles or are an engineer, you have likely pondered the prospect of performing your own automotive repairs.  Though DIY (do it yourself) car repairs are certainly tempting, they are likely to backfire in a big way.  Let’s take a look at why you should strictly rely on the experienced mechanics for auto repairs as opposed to self-reliance.

Body Work is not as Easy as Most Assume

There is a common misconception that performing body work is a job anyone can do.  However, some items necessary for body work such as body filler are toxic and unsafe for inexperienced individuals to use without the proper training.  Furthermore, you need years of practice, the proper tools and the optimal work area with extensive ventilation and illumination to get this complex work done right.  In other words, this is a job for the pros. 

Why bother making a mess of your garage, exposing yourself to noxious fumes and spending your limited time on a DIY body work repair or paint job when our team is here to do the work on your behalf?  Furthermore, if you make a mistake during this DIY project, you will end up with sanding gouges, bubbles or other problems such as an insufficient paint coat that makes your vehicle look unsightly.  It is quite possible you will spend your time and money on a DIY repair attempt that necessitrates even more corrective work soon thereafter or down the line.

Car Repairs Require Skill and Training

Do not fall into the trap of assuming automotive repairs will prove easy and quick simply because you do not need a four-year college degree to become a mechanic.  The little-known truth is auto mechanics are quite skilled and extensively trained.  Experienced mechanics understand vehicle systems of all different types.  Instead of burning through several hours when stuck on a specific repair as occurs with DIY attempts, these automotive gurus troubleshoot challenging problems in surprisingly little time.  After all, they have passed through in-depth training and have the hands-on experience necessary to tackle automotive repair challenges in a timely and accurate manner. 

The Peace of Mind Every Driver Deserves

Automotive mechanics work on vehicles every single day.  Their detail-oriented repairs tend to all the subtleties of the vehicle, ensuring it functions like the well-oiled machine it was originally designed to be.  In contrast, even if your DIY diagnosis of the repair problem is spot-on, there is a good chance you will overlook one or several important components of the repair project.  Why spend a single second worrying about whether your DIY analysis and repair was actually done right when our repair professionals are guaranteed to provide flawless repairs on the first try?  You will sleep that much better at night knowing your vehicle was properly repaired and will prove safe on the road.

Schedule an Appointment at Morgan Automotive Repair

Our auto repair shop is here during your time of need.  Let our car repair team get your vehicle back to normal and you will return to the road in surprisingly little time.  You can schedule service at our car repair shop by dialing (209) 836-4909.  Alternatively, if you would like to obtain an estimate request for an auto repair from the web, fill out our convenient online form.

A catalytic convertor is an essential part of your vehicle that helps to break down unburned gasses, rather than allowing them to be released into the air. This has reduced the amount of smog and pollution that is created as a result of people driving their automobiles. Many catalytic convertors are designed to last the entire lifespan of your car. However, if you have a high mileage vehicle, an older vehicle or if your vehicle has sustained oil leaks or major engine problems, your catalytic convertor may go bad. Failing a smog check is one of the signs that your catalytic convertor may be at the end of its lifespan, but there are a few other signs that the unit may be failing to be on the lookout for. 

You Are Suddenly Not Getting As Many Miles Per Gallon After Filling Up

One of the signs that your catalytic convertor may be failing is suddenly not getting as many miles per gallon after filling up. As your car ages, it may slowly get worse gas mileage. But, when the catalytic convertor has a crack or other issue, you will suddenly notice a large decrease in your fuel efficiency. If you notice this, it may be time to have your vehicle inspected. 

Your Vehicle is Slow or Sluggish When It Comes to Accelerating

Another sign that your catalytic convertor may be nearing the end of its lifespan is your car is slow, sluggish or seems to hesitate when you are trying to accelerate. Unfortunately, this can be a sign of many issues, ranging from needing your transmission fluid flushed to needing spark plugs replaced to a failing catalytic convertor. A car repair shop can diagnose the cause of slow or sluggish acceleration in your vehicle. 

You Smell Gas or Sulfur When Starting the Car

When you start your car, you do not expect to smell gas or a sulfur or rotten egg-like scent. But, if you do, you may be dealing with an issue with the fuel injectors or the catalytic convertor. When you start your car, ask someone to stand behind your car and look at the tailpipe. If they notice white or gray emissions or can strongly smell the scent behind your car, the catalytic convertor is the likely culprit. 

The Check Engine Light Comes On In Your Car

Lastly, if your catalytic convertor needs to be replaced, the check engine light in your vehicle will likely come on. The check engine light monitors not only your engine, but the emissions system in your car as well, which includes the catalytic convertor. 

A catalytic convertor is a major repair, and unfortunately, it is also a pricey one. As such, you want to have the repair done by an auto repair shop that you can trust and rely on. At Morgan Automotive Repair, we can help you with all of your car repairs, including diagnosing catalytic convertor issues and replacing this part. We have three convenient locations in Tracy, Manteca and Stockton, California ready to serve you. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our car repair shops. 

Seeing a light become illuminated on your dashboard can be alarming. If a light lights up on your dashboard and you do not know what it is, refer to your owner’s manual to determine what the light may mean. If it is your check engine light that has a glow to it, or in some cases may be flashing instead of solid, you may be wondering what this could mean and what you need to do. Here is what you can expect and should know if your vehicle’s check engine light comes on. 

Why Does the Check Engine Light Come On? 

The check engine light can come on for a number of different reasons. Contrary to popular belief, the check engine light does not only come on if there is an issue with your engine. While the light may come on if your engine is misfiring, it may also come on due to problems with your spark plugs, problems with your fuel emission system, problems with your thermostat or due to issues with fuel injectors. A faulty or leaking gas cap may also trigger your check engine light to come on. In newer vehicles, a check engine light may be solidly illuminated for minor issues and may flash for more pressing issues.

Should You Continue to Drive Your Vehicle With the Check Engine Light On? 

It is not recommended that you drive for prolonged periods of time with the check engine light on. The check engine light can indicate relatively small problems, but can also be indicative of larger problems that need to be repaired right away. Continuing to drive the car if a larger problem is present, such as engine misfiring, can cause more damage. Instead, you should bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop. They can run a diagnostic test that can help them to pinpoint why the check engine light is on. From there, repairs can be made to the vehicle so that the problem is fixed and the light shuts off. 

Why Should You Bring Your Vehicle to a Car Repair Shop If the Check Engine Light is On? 

Having the check engine light on should be warning enough for you that your vehicle needs to be inspected and repaired. However, another reason why this needs to occur is because in many states, including California, your vehicle will automatically fail a smog inspection if the check engine light is on. As such, if your vehicle is due to be smogged, have an illuminated check engine light attended to prior to moving forward with your smog check. 

If your check engine light comes on, you need to bring your vehicle into an auto repair shop as quickly as possible to have the car diagnosed and determine why the light is on. Here at Morgan Automotive Repair, we have locations in Tracy, Manteca and Stockton, California to help you with all of your car repair needs. If your check engine light is on, bring your vehicle to us to diagnose and properly repair your vehicle.