Cromwell Auto Repair

The serpentine belt, also known as the belt that wraps around the alternator, is a belt that helps run various vehicle accessories. The serpentine belt can be a v-belt or flat ribbed. Sometimes, it can solely work in conjunction with the alternator. Other times, it can be responsible for powering the power steering pump, water pump, A/C compressor, and more. Since the serpentine belt is made of rubber, it will inherently go through wear and tear over multiple years of usage. A worn serpentine belt is definitely a concern. In the case that it fails, the alternator won't be able to supply power to other parts of your car, meaning you may experience electrical malfunctions and even a dead battery.  You may notice one or more of the following signs when your serpentine belt is aging: Dim interior or exterior lighting Battery warning light has turned on dashboard Your engine stalls  You hear a flapping or clicking noise of a damaged belt under the hood ... read more

There is nothing more inconvenient and frustrating than having to deal with a flat tire on your way to work or an important event. They usually happen at the worst times too! Today, we will be discussing the top causes for flat or underinflated tires:   Temperature Fluctuations: If you've ever encountered a dramatic drop in temperature overnight, you may have also noticed the "low pressure" or TPMS light on your dashboard the morning after. When the temperature suddenly decreases, your tires contract and lose pressure. When the temperature increases, your tire pressure expands and increases. While both can be a problem, you should keep your eye out for underinflated tires in the winter to avoid risking a blowout or premature tire wear.   Leaking Valve Stem: The valve stem on your tire is the cap you open and close to adjust your tires' air. The valve stem is in charge of sealing everything in. If the valve stem becomes dirty, damaged, or even missing alt ... read more

Like the lights in your home, your vehicle headlights dim out over time. As a result, dim-lit headlights can jeopardize your safety on the road, especially if there's an imbalance between the two. When one of your vehicle lights burns out, you may wonder if you should only replace one or both. The truth is that you should try to replace your light bulbs simultaneously to avoid this distraction. Here are some other reasons you should replace your vehicle lights in pairs. Life Expectancy  Factory-made bulbs usually have the same life expectancy. So when one of them burns out, you can assume the other one isn't far off from dying out too. You might as well get them repaired at the same time. Not only that, but driving with a headlight out is unsafe and gets you a ticket. Consistent Visibility With one new and one old light bulb, you're not as visible to other drivers, and you may even be a distraction for some. With two new headlights, you have full visibility and get ... read more

As you may know, the winter months are the most challenging months for drivers on the road. It takes the most toll on vehicles, regardless of driving a sedan, SUV, or truck. Your automobile may endure salt damages, low tire pressures, frozen fluid lines, and slick tires. Today, we will go over some essential car care tips that will make your vehicle survive through the brutal winter. Tip #1: Consider getting winter tires.  Winter tires are highly recommended for those who live in icy or snowy areas. They have more profound rugged tread patterns that help provide better traction when turning or stopping on cold surfaces. If your lifestyle requires you to be on the road, even in deep snow, you should definitely invest in good winter tires. Tip #2: Check tire pressure often. During the colder months, your tire can wear down a lot quicker due to low pressure. Before hitting the roads, check and refill your underinflated tires. Tip #3: Monitor fluid levels. Your essential fluids ... read more

Now that it's November, it's technically appropriate to start decorating for Christmas, right? If you're planning to do some road travel for the holidays or spend a lot of time driving in general, you should think about decking out your car for the holidays. Holiday car decor doesn't have to be elaborate, as long as it helps you get into the festive spirit! We've put together a list of cute ways to accessorize your car for the holidays! Rudolph nose and antlers This one's a classic, and you've probably seen them on the road before. There are plenty of auto shops and superstores (including Amazon) that sell car antlers this time of year. If you can't find Rudolph's nose for the front of your car, you can look for an extra-large red pom-pom or puff at a local crafts store.  Window decals Window decals are made to apply and remove from your auto glass. They are super easy, mess-free, and worry-free. It's an excellent option for those who do ... read more