You probably know how your vehicle sounds when it's running properly. Listening to your car can help you troubleshoot problems. If you hear a strange sound, pay attention and react accordingly.

You hear a high-pitched squeal that stops when you shut off your engine: Readjust or replace the belt. These belts should have about half an inch of play and shouldn't be frayed, cracked, or glazed on the underside.

You hear a continuous high-pitched sound that may continue after the engine's shut off: Check the radiator pressure cap. The rubber gasket may be worn.

Something ticks rhythmically while your engine idles: Shut off the engine, wait ten minutes for the engine to cool and the oil to settle, and then check the oil level. If you have enough oil, have a mechanic check the valve adjustment.

If you hear a loud tapping or knocking sound in your engine, pull to the side of the road and call for road service. The source may be a loose rocker arm or carbon buildup inside the engine, but if it's a loose bearing or a faulty piston, it can destroy the engine.

Mild knocking or "pinging" may be the result of using fuel

Hitting the Road...

Being in Phoenix we have so many options for road trip travels. Within hours we can be in the mountains skiing or hiking or at the beach sunning and surfing. As you plan that next trip we have a few items you shouldn't forget and a few things to double heck before you leave!

Lights - Be sure other drivers can see your headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals. Some headlights can be polished instead of being replaced when you see they are becoming cloudy from the weather.

Wipers - Because we don't seem to use them that often here in Arizona, we forget about how our hot summers can cause our wipers to become dry and cracked and they won't clean your windshield. Don't wait until you need them to find out they need to be replaced.

Battery - The average lifespan of a car battery in Arizona is less than 3 years. Don't find out the heat zapped it half way through your trip.

Filters - With our monsoon summer storms, your filters can be really dirty and causing a dirt smell inside your vehicle . Besides affecting airflow and quality in your car, dirty filters can also hurt fuel efficiency

Come see us before you make that blind purchase. Let us look at what you can't see! We want to help make sure you get the best for your money!