Ebner's Auto

If you notice a puddle of fluid has formed under your car, check it out. If it’s only water, it’s probably just condensation. Nothing to worry about. If the fluid is yellow-green, reddish or black-brown and oily, it’s time to call the repair shop.

If you use your pickup truck for work, and consistently carry or tow the maximum allowable loads, have the shock absorbers inspected periodically to make sure they are still in good shape and that they are the right ones for the job.

If your car’s catalytic converter is in need of repair, the signs of this are going to be fairly obvious. A failing catalytic converter will sound like someone is shaking a box of rocks whenever your vehicle is idling.

If you hear an unusual sound with your car, there are certain details you need to pay attention to you. This includes where in the vehicle the sound is coming from, when it happens, and at what speed is it the worst.

Weather extremes can take a tremendous toll on the belts and hoses in your car engine. Extended periods of cold can make the materials brittle and they can crack and break. High ambient air temperatures can make the material too soft and susceptible to failure.

When it is raining, and you turn your windshield wipers on, you expect the wipers to work. When they don’t, there is a problem. First, check the fuse to make sure it has not blown. If it is still in working order, the problem may be with the wiper motor or the switch itself.

Did you know that if you drive your vehicle with less than a quarter of a tank on a regular basis, this can lead to a clogged fuel pump? Other issues can be caused by a dirty fuel filter. Auto repairs commonly have to do with the fuel system.

When your engine is warm, and it is still hard to restart after you have been driving, have it checked. Clogged air or fuel filters, or problems with the thermostat or various valves could all be interfering with consistent starts.

It is a good idea to periodically check the oil level in your car’s engine, especially as it nears time to have the oil changed. Not only does it tell you how much oil is in the engine, you can get an idea of how dirty the oil is.

On certain imported vehicles, struts can be rebuilt rather than replaced. The housing on these struts has a removable nut that makes access easy and cartridge installation simple – a great time and money saver.

Poorly maintained vehicles cost owners more than the expense of regular maintenance. They are more likely to be in accidents. When repairs are necessary, they are more costly. They also lose value more quickly and have shorter lives than cars that are regularly serviced.

Did you know that leaving your car running on idle for long periods of time eats up gasoline? The Car Care Council says you'll use less gasoline restarting your vehicle than letting it idle.