Cromwell Auto Repair

Oil filters are an essential component of any vehicle, as they play a vital role in maintaining the engine's health and longevity. In this blog, we'll explore what oil filters are, how they work, and why they're important. What Is An Oil Filter? An oil filter is a device that removes contaminants from the oil that circulates through the engine. The oil is responsible for lubricating the engine's moving parts - reducing friction, and carrying away heat. However, as the oil circulates, it can pick up debris such as dirt, metal particles, and other impurities. Over time, these contaminants can cause damage to the engine, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to premature wear. That's when the oil filter steps in by catching all the particles that may harm your engine. How Do Oil Filters Work? Oil filters work by trapping the contaminants and debris present in the engine oil as it circulates through the filter. Most oil filters are made up of a paper or sy ... read more

Proper tire inflation is crucial for the safety and performance of your vehicle. When tires are under-inflated, they can overheat and cause a blowout, which can be dangerous. Under-inflated tires also affect your car's handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. On the other hand, over-inflated tires can wear out the center of the tire more quickly, and cause a rougher ride. It's important for you to monitor your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Your vehicle's owner's manual will have the recommended tire pressure for your specific make and model. If you're unsure of the correct pressure, you can also find it on a sticker located on the driver's side door or in the glove box. You should also keep an eye on the tire's tread depth. Tires with worn-out treads can decrease your vehicle's grip on the road, especially in wet weather conditions. A simple way to check the tread depth is by using the penny test. Simply place a penny headf ... read more

The timing belt might seem like a peripheral part of your vehicle until it breaks down, then you will discover how crucial it is. Most car owners do not know how important their timing belt is, or even what it is. When the timing belt breaks you might be left stranded, clueless about what to do. Read on to know what happens when your timing belt breaks: What Is A Timing Belt? A timing belt is a single loop or belt, which coordinates the timeline of the opening and closing of the valves with the upward and downward motion of the pistons. The belt ensures the camshaft, pistons, valves, and crankshaft are working in sync. Importance of The Timing Belt A timing belt is essential because, without it, the valves, and pistons will collide, leading to engine failure which is what happens when the belt breaks. With the engine parts turning thousands of times a minute, disaster is imminent when the timing belt breaks. The valves typically experience the most significant damage and bend whe ... read more

Mother Nature may do a number on your vehicle with winter coming soon to Cromwell, CT. Our vehicles are heavy-duty machines, but they still require maintenance to fight against the difficulties that winter brings. To prevent short-term and long-term damage, we recommend following these four maintenance tips this winter. Wiper Blades Whether it is snow, rain, or ice, your windshield needs to be clear for safe driving. It is advised that you change your windshield wipers every 6-12 months. If it has been on your vehicle for longer, please replace them ASAP. Remember to top off on windshield washer solvent too. Tires Expecting snow and ice soon? It may be wise to look at your tires. Are their treads deep enough to track over snow (more than 4/32”). If you’re looking for maximum performance, consider swapping out your tires for winter tires. They have deeper treads for better traction. Battery  The winter months can be the harshest on your car battery. When you comb ... read more

The driving experience has been greatly improved by modern autos. The capacity of cars to speak directly with you, is another significant advancement that has occurred over the history of the automobile. In more detail, the modern automobile is far better equipped to alert you when something is wrong. This will be accomplished through the warning lights on your dashboard. Understanding the significance of each light is crucial. However, knowing what to do when you see each light is much more crucial. Oil Pressure Light Typically, this warning light will resemble an antique oil can. Although it is often red, some cars may have it in amber or deep orange. Why Does It Matter? It is one of the lights that is first most frequently misunderstood. Many individuals believe that this light indicates that your oil level is low. While it may be the case, it does not imply that it always is. You may actually have an issue with the oil pump or the oil filter. TPMS Light It will differ from veh ... read more