McFarland Auto Repair

  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

A radiator leak can be a significant inconvenience and dangerous. Your vehicle relies on a coolant fluid to keep the engine at a stable temperature. Without a sufficient amount of coolant, your engine is susceptible to overheating and more. Here are some reasons why your radiator might leak: Coolant The problem could be the coolant itself; Subpar, cheap, diluted, or even the wrong coolant could harm your engine. When this happens, your radiator is essentially trying to flush it out of the system. Heater Core When the heater core is faulty, it can initiate your engine to overheat. You might notice this problem more in the winter as you won't get a sufficient amount of heat.  Rust Over time, sediment can cling onto the inside of your radiator and its other connected parts. This can be normal, and that is why manufacturers suggest you get a radiator flush every so often. Failing to remove these contaminants and flushing your coolant can cause the sediments to build, causing ... read more

On the highway, you're driving your car, likely listening to your favorite tunes, and have the AC blasting. Then the traffic slows down, and you've noticed that your car vibrates. You may be questioning to yourself, "why does my car feel like an angry massage chair?" when you are driving on a smooth road. Read on to see what causes the car to vibrate and why.   Most Likely Causes of Car Vibration:Alignment Issues If the front end alignment is off balance, it would cause vibration. Another thing that could cause alignment issues is the wheel could be unbalanced. There could also be suspension issues. Either way, you'll want to get this checked as soon as possible, as it's dangerous driving a car that has either issue.   Brake Pad Issues Overtime, the brake pad can be worn out or even damaged. You'll know that it's on its way out when you stop the car, as it will vibrate with squeaking ... read more