McFarland Auto Repair

Whether you are a newbie driver or an experienced one, we all have our own bad driving habits. Some of them are more forgiving than others, while others can cost you additional fuel and repair bills. The good news is that you can always correct your habits to prevent problems down the line. Read on to learn more about some terrible habits that could be hurting your car: Running Over Potholes There are many different areas of the car that you can potentially hurt from speeding into a pothole. If you tend to do it often, it can harm your suspension parts, wheel alignment, and steering components. Plus, it can also burst your tires. It is best to slow down if possible when driving over potholes. Speeding Over Speed Bumps The whole point of a speed bump is to slow down your car. Similar to the pothole, this can also hurt your shocks and struts, tires, and steering system. Plus, you don’t want to damage your bumper or undercarriage either. Next time, try taking it easy. Forgettin ... read more

If you have somewhere to be, there’s nothing more frustrating than getting into your car just to be greeted by engine cranking or a dead battery. If your car can’t start up, it is very likely that you have a dead battery. A drained battery is never fun to deal with especially in the midst of summer, which is typically when your batteries die much quicker.   Here are some tips on how to avoid a dead battery this summer:  Try parking your vehicle in parking garages, out of the sun, and/or in the shade. Heat is your car battery’s worst enemy. So if you want to keep it healthy, please be cautious of how long your car stays sitting in the sun. Have your vehicle charge tested before, especially if you have a road trip or long drive to take. If it has been a while since your last battery check-up or replacement, it doesn’t hurt to have your battery charge tested at our auto repair shop. It can help you better anticipate when you might need to replace it ... read more

  Whether you're seeking something crispy and salty or something sweet and refreshing, there's a single-serving snack to meet your cravings on your road trip—and believe us, they will taste far better than gas station French fries. Here are the 8 best snacks you should bring on your next road trip. 1. Popcorn Popcorn is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which will keep you regular and provide you energy while driving. Make sure it's not chemical-laden microwave popcorn. Instead, have one made with just maize, salt, and oil. 2. Protein Bars Choose protein bars carefully. Many protein bars include just sugar and unknown chemicals and preservatives. The best protein bars have natural ingredients that provide your body with the nourishment it craves without a sugar crash. 3. Grape When you're on the road and hungry but don't want to stop for a meal, take some grapes with you. Grapes will keep you from becoming bored since they're good for yo ... read more

Did you know that driving with worn tires, or tires with little to no tread, is extremely dangerous? Worn tires can alter your car's performance and affect your and your passenger's safety. But how do you know whether your tread is too low? Fortunately, you can track your tire tread depth at home, all by using a penny. Today, we'll be going over the penny test hack and why tread depth is so important. How to Do the Penny Test According to transportation laws in the US, your tires need to be at least 2/32" to pass your vehicle inspection. Once they've worn down close to that point, you will need to replace the tires. However, 2/32" is challenging to measure because it is so small. If you don't have a fancy, specialized tread measuring tool lying around, you can gauge your tread depth with the penny test. STEPS Place the penny with Lincoln's head upside down into one of the ridges in your tire. If any part of his head is covered by the tire, it mean ... read more

When you first drive a new car, the steering wheel should feel swift and smooth, providing you with a comfortable ride. Every turn or shift you make should feel seamless and effortless. However, after miles and miles, your steering may start to change. Every car has a power steering system, and it requires maintenance. If you do not care for this part of your car, it may suffer from the following problems: Pulsating Steering Wheel A vibrating or shaking steering wheel could suggest that you need a wheel alignment, power steering repairs, or a combination of both. If your steering wheel ever feels unstable, you should have your vehicle checked out by a professional. Vehicle Swerving to One Side Like the previous issue, this symptom can be various: faulty suspension parts, improper tire inflation, bad alignment, and a worn-down power steering system. If your vehicle can't drive straight, it can cause significant problems and put your and your passenger's safety at risk. Pleas ... read more