Proper wheel alignment is an essential criterion for keeping your vehicle operating at it optimally. Unfortunately, other maintenance tasks such as oil changes and fluid top-offs can overshadow wheel alignments. It causes them to become overlooked and forgotten. Regardless of their easy fix, drivers may not be aware their vehicle displays poor wheel alignment signs. Below are five signs it may be time to schedule a wheel alignment.

Your vehicle pulls to one side. 

If you're cruising down a straight and level road, your vehicle should continue to drive straight even when you aren't steering. Your car may not go in a completely straight line, but it should not drift too far left or right. If your vehicle veers to one side, it's time to have the alignment inspected. 

There's abnormal tire wear.

Tire wear tells a lot about the health of your vehicle. Automotive experts can use tire wear to determine if tire pressure is off, the suspension is damaged, or the wheels are misaligned. If the tire tread is wearing unevenly, consider having a wheel alignment performed to increase your tires' lifespan.  

The steering wheel is crooked. 

If you're driving on a straight, flat road, the steering wheel should be centered. The emblem on the steering wheel should be level. If you notice that the steering wheel is off-center by a few degrees, the wheel alignment should be inspected. An alignment will correct the steering wheel and improve overall drivability. 

The steering wheel feels unstable. 

If you're driving and notice you have to use more grip to control the steering wheel, this can indicate a problem. A loose or sloppy steering wheel may mean it's time to have the alignment addressed to restore full functionality.  

The steering wheel is vibrating. 

If you haven't noticed by now, the steering wheel can give a lot of information on the alignment's health. If your wheels are misaligned or unbalanced, the steering wheel will shake. A vibrating steering wheel can also be a sign of other significant problems with the brake rotors. The moment the steering wheel starts to vibrate, have your trusted automotive mechanic look into the issue. 

Wheel alignment in Merritt Island, FL

Robbie's At Your Service is a full-service automotive shop with over 40 years of experience serving the Merritt Island community. We perform alignments on all vehicle makes and models, including two and four-wheel trucks. If you suspect your car has an alignment problem, reach out, and we'll be happy to perform an inspection. 

Click here to schedule an appointment or give us a call at 321-638-6853.

Visually inspect your vehicle.
Check your vehicle for rust spots in areas that are difficult to see. Grab a flashlight and check under the body molding and trim. Also, look around the antenna, sunroof, wheel wells, and other small crannies. A small amount of rust in these areas can spread and result in more considerable damage. 

Regularly wash your vehicle.
Try to wash your vehicle at least every two weeks. A spin through a drive-through car wash will be enough to do the trick. Don’t forget to get a wax as well. A wax as properties within the ingredients can make your vehicle less vulnerable to rust and paint damage. 

Use WD40.
Coat any rust-prone areas on your car with WD-40. After washing your vehicle, WD-40 can penetrate the paint and prevent harmful oxidation that causes rust. WD-40 can offer protection against humidity by keeping critical components dry. 

Take a few extra precautions.
Park your car in the shade in a covered parking spot. This protects your vehicle from bird drips that can eat at the paint. Over time drippings can cause scratches that are a potential breeding ground for rust. Rain is a bit sporadic in Merritt Island; try to avoid parking over gutters or puddles of water. Rust can accumulate and weaken the underbody of your vehicle. 

For more suggestions on removing rust from your vehicle, don’t hesitate to give our professional service advisors a call. This list is not all-inclusive, and we may have a tip or trick better suited for your vehicle. We are a family-owned and operated auto repair shop that has been servicing the Merritt Island community since 1988. We have ASE certified technicians readily available to address your concerns. We work on all vehicle makes and models, specializing in BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota. 

Click here to schedule an appointment. 

Or give us a call at 321-638-6853 Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Your car's motor oil is vital. It lubricates the engine, making sure the moving parts do not create too much heat. But as the oil breaks down, it becomes less effective in doing its job. For this reason, oil changes are a part of your car's regular maintenance schedule.

You may have heard that synthetic oils last longer between changes and are more fuel efficient than conventional oil. It's true. Synthetic oils and blends are highly refined to reduce breakdown of the fluid and increase the stability of the oil. But which oil is actually better for your car really depends on a few factors.

Vehicle type

Best practice is to always follow the manufacturer's recommendation in regards to oil type. That said, there are some instances where you may want to consider synthetic oil or an oil blend over conventional oil. If your vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it, the older engine may start to experience friction-related issues. A synthetic oil or blend can help fend off this issues for a little while longer. For those that live in dusty or dirty climates, a synthetic blend might be key in keeping the vehicle running more cleanly and efficiently.

Price

You should also be aware that synthetic and synthetic blend oils are significantly more expensive than conventional oil. Keep this in mind when purchasing a new vehicle: If the vehicle you are purchasing requires synthetic oil, then you must use it.

For cars that do not require synthetic, the additional cost may even out since you can go longer periods of time between oil changes. If you're considering synthetic oil over conventional oil, our mechanics are more than happy to provide advice on the best choice for your vehicle.

Due for an oil change? We invite you to bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today.

Inspecting your brakes to make sure that they are in excellent condition involves your sense of vision, listening capabilities, and touch. Altogether, this will provide you with a fairly good estimate of when it's time to replace your brake pads for a simpler and more secure driving experience.

Your brakes might have to be replaced if you observe any of the subsequent signs:

Squealing noise:

Some screeching noise originating from the brakes is anticipated under normal driving circumstances, which depends upon the cleanliness of your brakes, the substances used on your brake pads as well as weather conditions.

Though, a loud squealing sound is a warning message that brake pads might have to be replaced. Certain brake pads use a partially metallic layer inside the brake pad material or an exterior sensor which is intended to screech whenever the brake pad is due to be replaced. This squealing noise may be heard even after the brakes are not in use.

If you are waiting for a long time at this stage, the squealing sound will be substituted by a grinding sound which suggests the brake pads have worn out entirely and possibly can create extra costs by eroding the brake disc.

Indication Lights

Various cars have an indicator light that will allow you to see when your brakes require servicing. Most detectors have a similar amount of durability as the brake pad, so they will have to be replaced together with the brake pads. If you depend on this approach, the best thing to do is to look at your owners' handbook as not all vehicles are equipped with brake pad sensors.

Car is being pulled to one side

If your vehicle feels like it is dragging to on one side or another while you're behind the wheel, it may be a sign of eroded brake pads or that piston is getting stuck.

Conduct a visual check

It's a great idea to visually inspect your brakes on a regular basis, for instance, every 10,000 miles (approximately 16,000 km). This is particularly significant if your vehicle is not equipped with sensors. You can inspect the brake pads by examining the spokes of the vehicle's wheel. If 3mm or less of the brake pad can be seen, then it is necessary for them to be replaced.

Check the vibrations

If you are feeling your car vibrate as you brake, it's an indication that your brake discs could be unusually worn or have sustained thermal damage following harsh braking.

If you need brake repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) monitors the speed at which the wheels are rotating as well as other parameters such as the steering angle. When you lose the steering control or traction, the ESC tries to reduce the engine power or engage the brakes to help you regain control of the vehicle.

The ESC system does not work the same way on all vehicles. As such, it is always important that you refer to your manufacturer's manual to understand how yours works. Generally, the ESC light illuminates when the car is losing control and stays illuminated when a malfunction has been detected or the system has manually shut off.

What Does The ESC Light Warning Indicate?

The simplest way to know why your ESC light is on is to take it to a certified technician for diagnosis. The technician uses a scanner to decode trouble codes from the brake control module, and within no time, you get to know what is ailing your car. However, before you get there, below are a few hints on what might be wrong:

Faulty Wheel Sensors

Each of your car's wheels has sensors that communicate the loss of traction to the Electronic Stability Control system. When these sensors are covered in dirt, they cannot detect whatever is happening, leading to the ABS and ESC system's malfunctioning.

Issues with The Wiring

It is the wires that facilitate communication about traction from the wheel sensors to the onboard computers. If these wires happen to be broken, improperly connected, or the ESC fuse is blown, the warning light will not illuminate.

A Malfunctioning Steering Angle Sensor

If the steering angle sensor is faulty, misaligned, or damaged, the ESC warning light may be constantly on.

Is It Safe to Drive When The ESC Light Is On?

You can still drive even when the ESC light is illuminating, but you need to take precautions such as slowing down. Also, have all issues affecting the ESC addressed by a certified technician as soon as possible.

If you need electronic stability control repair, give our auto repair shop a call today!

Vehicles have an onboard diagnostic system (OBD). The system involves a computer connected to sensors that monitor and control vehicle performance. Whenever the system detects trouble with your vehicle, it alerts the driver through different signals. The check engine light constitutes the OBD system. Most people get a sinking feeling in their stomachs when the check engine lights up. This is because it could be alerting you about a minor issue with the vehicle or a major issue that requires immediate diagnosis and repair.

The check engine light illuminates in two different ways. There are moments it comes on and stays solid, and there are moments in keeps flashing on the dashboard.

A Flashing Check Engine Light

A flashing check engine light is alarming, and there is a need to check the cause with immediacy. When this happens, you need to stop the vehicle immediately and drive it to the nearest auto repair shop for a diagnostic test. It is a sign that warns you before an emergency and indicates potential troubles and vehicle damages. A flashing light may indicate;

• Failing catalytic converter

A failing catalytic converter is a major problem that is costly to fix. Problems to the converter might be too much to repair. Sometimes the vehicle might require replacing the converter with a new one which is very costly.

• Possible breakdown

A flashing check engine light might be warning the driver of an impending breakdown. You, therefore, need to stop the vehicle and let an ASE-certified mechanic perform a computerized car test to determine the issue at hand.

A Steady Check Engine Light

A steady check engine light might indicate different car troubles but not as severe as a flashii8ng signal. Some of the problems could include

• Loose gas caps

• Transmission troubles

• Engine timing issues

Whether the check engine light flashes or continues to light up continuously, immediate diagnostic tests are vital. You don't want to get stuck on the road. Driving with a warning might result in road accidents since the car might become immobile without warning. If you need any check engine light computerized tests and repairs, drive to our auto repair shop today. We shall complete convenient repairs and get you back on the road with a guarantee for your safety.

Summers can get really hot and make your car's engine overheat faster if not cooled properly. Your car's engine must have coolant supplied consistently throughout your engine. That's the duty of the water pump - it is the engine component that maintains a consistent flow of coolant. When it's not working correctly, your engine will overheat, and it won't run smoothly. This can also damage other components of your engine.

Here are some symptoms of a failing water pump in your car.

Coolant Leaks

When you notice some coolant leaking from the front of the car at the center, it may indicate that your water pump is compromised. When the seal and gaskets that prevent the coolant from leaking come off, the flow of the coolant to your engine will be disrupted, and the coolant will leak.

The Water Pump Makes Whining Sounds

A loose water pump belt (pulley) makes whining sounds. A whining noise coming from the motor area is an indication that the water pump has developed some problems. A loose pulley creates a whining or buzzing sound when the car is moving. The sound can also be produced when the bearings operating the water pump wear out.

Overheating Engine

As stated earlier, it's the water pump that helps keep the engine cool. This is because it helps circulate the coolant throughout your engine. So if the water pump fails or is about to fail, your engine will overheat. If you don't repair the water pump sooner, your engine will get damaged further.

The Radiator Produces Steam

When driving and you notice steam coming out from the front of the motor, that's an indication that your engine is overheated. If the water pump is working correctly, you won't see any steam coming from the car as you drive. Steam is a sign of an overheated engine.

So if you notice steam coming from the car, pull over and call your mechanic. Don't drive a car when the engine is overheating. If a mechanic can't reach where you are, you'd rather have the car towed to the repair shop.

Only an expert can help solve your water pump problems. For all your water pump repair needs, bring your car to our auto repair shop today!

There are many things we can do to keep our vehicles on the road. One of the most essential steps is to keep it well maintained. What are some of the things we can do to keep it properly functioning? Why would we want to continuously do routine maintenance on the car? Finally, when should these jobs be done on your automobile? Here is a list of some of the most important maintenance jobs to keep up with on your car and how often you want to perform it.

Short-Term Checkups

The following is a list of the many checkups we must perform on our cars regularly:

• Oil and Coolant Levels
• Air Filter
• Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
• The Headlights, Brake Lights, Turn Signals, and Parking Lights
• Oil and Filter
• Rotating the Tires
• Waxing the Car

Long-Term Checkups

Much like your short-term checkups, long-term checkups are an essential part of the maintenance of the car. Here are some of the checkups you should perform periodically:

• Check the Transmission Fluid
• Transfer Case Fluid
• Make Certain the Shocks and Struts are Functioning Properly
• The Coolant Fluid Exchange
• Spark Plugs
• Serpentine Belt
• The Front and, or Rear Differential Fluid

These regular maintenance items are typically recommended during 30/60/90K mile services.

Seasonal Checkups

Just like routine maintenance checkups and long-term checkups, your car will need checkups depending on the time of the year. Here is a list of checks you should run regularly depending on the season and the driving conditions the season brings.

• Replacing Windshield Wipers
• A Battery Performance Check
• Changing the Tires
• Checking Coolant Levels

Sticking to a regular schedule of when and how to check your vehicle's fluids and working components will aid you in keeping the vehicle on the road. Do these checks regularly to avoid costly repairs.

Is it time for you to perform some of these checks on your vehicle? If so, don't hesitate to bring it to us for our licensed mechanics to take a look at it. If you need something replaced or changed, we will provide you with a written estimate first. Call us today!

Your car is one of your most valuable assets and one of the most convenient means to travel. While paying attention to its service and repair needs are essential, keeping your car spotlessly clean is equally important. This is why:

A Clean Car is Healthy and Comfortable to Ride

You spend a lot of time in your cars, and as such, its interior is bound to get dirty. Sometimes, you will drop food particles or spill a few drops of coffee, especially when driving in a rush. Besides, dust, road salt, and dirt are constantly tracked each time we get into the vehicle. It can even get worse when you have a family.

Like rooms, dirty cars can become a viable breeding site for bacteria that can harm your health and that of your passengers. Always be sure to wipe down and regularly vacuum your car to maintain a clean, safe space for you and your loved ones.

To Protect Your Paint

Your vehicle is exposed to a wide range of weather conditions, some of which can be pretty harsh. Sometimes, road debris such as mud and road salt is thrown from the ground onto your car, causing scratches and even getting attached to the car paint. Therefore, it is crucial that you always have your vehicle thoroughly cleaned before this dirt accumulates in large amounts and scratches your car paint even more.

Appearance

If you think that people only judge you by the type of car you drive, you can never be more wrong. Mold, dirt, and grime can take a tremendous toll on your vehicle as it impacts its paintwork but its upholstery too. Suffice to say; this might cause a negative impact on your vehicle's resale value as buyers are known to shun away from poorly maintained vehicles.

For Utmost Safety

A dirty car might present plenty of distractions that might affect your driving and, therefore, road safety. For instance, dirty windows affect your visibility which puts you at the risk of accidents.

If you are looking for reliable car service and repair experts, we invite you to contact us or visit our auto repair shop today.

We rely on our vehicles days in and days out to get us where we need to go. Since it is so easy to hop in the driver's seat and get going, we often take our automobiles for granted. Have you stopped to consider all the wonderful things your car has done for you? The next time you're on the go, think about these incredible facts and you'll be grateful for the existence of your car!

1. There are 50 organic compounds that make up that "new car smell" that we all love so much.
2. There are approximately 1 billion passenger vehicles currently in use around the globe every minute.
3. 60 million cars are produced every year! That's 165,000 vehicles a day, 6,875 an hour, and 115 a minute — crazy, right?
4. 18 percent of American drivers are capable of driving a manual transmission.
5. Did you know that 80% of an average car is recyclable? In the U.S. alone, 12 million automobiles are recycled every year. Because of this number, automotive recycling is the 16th largest industry in the U.S.
6. There are more cars than people living in the city of Los Angeles.
7. It is unfortunate, but almost 95% of a car's lifetime is spent parked.
8. In case of a crash or a heavy impact, airbags are designed to inflate in just 30 milliseconds. 
9. The Toyota Corolla is the world's best-selling car of all time. The infamous vehicle is sold in over 150 countries and regions, and the company sells 1 Corolla every 15 seconds (CRAZY!!).
10. An average car has 30,000 car parts, including all its nuts and bolts.

Yep - 30,000 parts. At Robbie's At Your Service Auto Repair, we can service nearly all of them. We hope you enjoyed these fascinating facts about cars. If your beloved vehicle requires maintenance or repairs, give us a call or visit our shop in Merritt Island, FL, today!