Cromwell Auto Repair

When the thermometer rises and the stars disappear, your car will be ready for the summer with this checklist! For most people, the idea of a vacation means packing away the work clothes and getting your car ready for its annual summertime wash. But what do you need to know beyond a summertime car wash routine? We're going to go over it in detail. It's finally time for summer break. Whether you're heading out on a road trip or just buying a new wardrobe and going away on vacation, one thing is sure: it's going to get hotter outside in no time! What are you waiting for? Get your car ready now, so it's not sitting in some garage gathering dust come late July. 1. Change your oil and oil filter Summer is coming! Oil and oil filter changing is especially crucial if it has been a long since your last oil change. Intense weather conditions apply more demand on your oil and oil filter. The filter will also clog up over time and start to restrict the flow of oil through y ... read more

When traveling with infants and toddlers, safety is a key factor when planning your trip. When you are going on the road, you want to make sure you and your children arrive at your destination safely. What are some tips for parents traveling with babies and toddlers? How do you keep your children safe on the road? Tips to Keep Your Children Safe on the Road As a parent, you are responsible for your child's overall safety, including travel safety. Here are some tips to keep your baby or toddler safe on a road trip. Seatbelts save lives. This simple step can keep your child safe while you travel. Practice defensive driving everywhere you go. Check your mirrors often, and know what is going on around you. Put down your cellphone, and avoid other driving distractions. Know what the minimum requirements are in your state, then go above the minimum for added safety. Learn what car seat your child should sit in and use one designed for their height and weight. Keep your child rear f ... read more

The fuel system, like all other systems in your car, requires regular maintenance. The four signs listed below indicate that your fuel system is in trouble. A clogged fuel filter, blocked fuel injectors, or an issue with the fuel pump might be the source of your problems. The following problems may be resolved by having our Auto Service clean your fuel system and replace your fuel filter. Gas Mileage Problems Gas mileage will be affected by a slow and unclean fuel system. You'll notice a difference in your pocketbook whether the engine is receiving too much gas or not enough. The engine will burn up any surplus fuel if it receives too much. It will put more effort to function if it isn't receiving enough. Both of these conditions, however, lower your car's fuel efficiency. Reduced Stress Power The engine of your car is stressed by towing, overloading, or simply driving up a steep slope. If you find your car losing power while driving in these circumstances, the fuel sys ... read more

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