Raleigh Auto Repair

Driving a car with unbalanced wheels can be uncomfortable and have negative consequences. Without proper wheel balancing, you could experience steering shake, steering issues, noise, vibration, tire and wheel wear, and overall poor driving performance. Here are five reasons why wheel balancing is vital for your car: 1. Improved Handling: By balancing your wheels, you can reduce steering shimmy and improve your car's maneuverability and overall handling. A properly balanced car ensures better control over the vehicle, making it safer and more enjoyable to drive. 2. Increased Tire Life: Unevenly distributed tire weight can cause tire and wheel wear, as well as increased fuel expenses due to increased friction. With regular wheel balancing, tires last longer, and your overall expenses for car maintenance are reduced. 3. Improve Safety: Unbalanced wheels can i ... read more

When it comes to brake systems in automobiles, one of the most critical part is the brake fluid. Brake fluid, or DOT fluid, transmits force and pressure from the brake pedal to the brake pads or shoes, stopping the vehicle. The braking system can stop working without the proper brake fluid and enough brake fluid, leading to dangerous driving situations. What is DOT Fluid? DOT fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used in hydraulic brake and clutch systems. It is called DOT fluid because the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) sets the safety regulations for brake fluid. There are different types of DOT fluid, and each has a specific set of characteristics that make it suitable for particular types of vehicles. Types of DOT Fluid There are four types of DOT fluid: DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1. Here are some key characteristics of each type: DOT 3: This type of fluid is the most commonly used in vehicles. It has a boiling point of 401°F and is glycol-based. It is su ... read more

Your windshield wipers are an essential safety feature of your vehicle, providing visibility in rainy and snowy conditions. However, over time, the wiper blades can become worn, reducing their effectiveness and potentially putting you at risk. In this blog, we'll look at when to change your windshield wiper blades to ensure optimal performance and safety. When the Wiper Blades Are No Longer Performing As They Should If your wiper blades are no longer cleaning your windshield effectively, it's time to replace them. Signs of poor performance include streaking, smearing, or skipping, which can be dangerous in heavy rain or snow. If your wiper blades are leaving behind a film or making noise as they move across your windshield, it's a sign that they are worn out and need to be replaced. When the Wiper Blades Have Been On Your Vehicle for More than a Year Even if your wiper blades appear to be in good condition, they should be replaced at least once a year or every 10,000 to ... read more

Catalytic converters are one of the most important components of a modern vehicle's exhaust system. They are designed to clean up harmful pollutants in the exhaust gases produced by a car engine, making them environmentally friendly. In this blog, we'll explain what catalytic converters are, how they work, and why they are so crucial to the health of our environment and our vehicles. A catalytic converter is an exhaust device that is mounted in a vehicle's exhaust pipe, between the engine and the muffler. It contains a ceramic or metallic honeycomb-shaped substrate that is coated with catalysts like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. When the exhaust gases flow over this substrate, the catalysts trigger chemical reactions that convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions. The primary pollutants that catalytic converters help to clean up are nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO). NOx is a major contributor to smog and air pollution, wh ... read more

Whether you notice a couple drops or a large, dark puddle of engine oil, oil leaks are overall a major concern. After all, your engine needs oil to operate fully. Ignoring such problems can cause extensive damage to your vehicle down the line. Today, we will discuss what are the most common causes of oil leaks in motor vehicles.  Reason #1: Old or Poorly Installed Filter A common culprit of oil leaks is a dirty or expired oil filter. When a filter is left in an engine for too long, it can cause engine problems. Another explanation is for the poor installation of an oil filter. That is why we recommend bringing your vehicle to Torque Automotive for a full oil change service.  Reason #2: Loose Oil Plug or Cap The oil cap is the best place to look for following a detection of a leak. If the plug wasn’t secured, you’ll notice a leak right away. The cap is located on top of the engine. On the other hand, the plug is underneath the engine on the oil pan. These are ... read more