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If you've ever had an overheating engine, then you know how stressful the experience can be. Learn what to do when your car overheats and a couple of key car maintenance tips to prevent overheating in the future. more What To Do When Your Car Overheats If you're on the road and notice that your vehicle is overheating, pull over. You may need to wait for 15 minutes or longer for the engine to cool down before you can drive to your dealership for service. If you have coolant in your vehicle, you can pop the hood after 15 minutes and top up your coolant level before you get back on the road. However, if your engine overheats and there is smoke or steam coming from beneath the hood, you should pull over, shut off the engine, and exit the vehicle. Sometimes, a blown fuse or driving with an engine that consistently overheats can lead to an engine fire, so exiting the vehicle and calling for a tow truck to take your vehicle to your dealership's service department is the best thing to do. Signs to Watch Out For In addition to the temperature gauge on your dashboard, there are other warning signs that can indicate your vehicle is running hot. For example, you may notice that your air conditioner is blowing out hot air even when you have it turned to the coldest setting. Some drivers may notice loud sounds from the engine that could indicate poor cooling fan or radiator function. What Car Maintenance Tips Can Prevent Overheating? The best way to stop your car from overheating in the future is to stay on top of your vehicle's recommended service schedule. Much of the time, the root cause of your engine overheating is low coolant levels, which should be checked at least once every couple of years, depending on your make, model, and the age of your car. Keeping your car clean at home is another maintenance tip that can reduce the likelihood of engine overheating. Your vehicle's front grille is designed to provide airflow to the engine to help keep the engine cool, so if your front grille is dirty or full of road debris, you might experience overheating when you're on the road. Make sure to keep the front grille clean each time you wash your car as part of routine at-home maintenance. Whether your vehicle is consistently overheating or the engine has overheated once, you should schedule service at your local dealership as soon as possible. Ignoring engine overheating can lead to engine damage over time so it's best to uncover the cause of overheating quickly. Book your next service appointment at Dann's Discount Auto Sales in Tulare, CA.

If you're having vehicle problems, you need the help of a reliable mechanic you can trust. That's why Dann's Discount Auto Sales offers quality car maintenance and repair services at a fair price. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked by our customers, and where to find one of our auto shop locations near you. more 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Dann's Auto for Car Maintenance 1. What Kind of Maintenance Services Do You Offer? At Dann's Auto, we're proud to offer a comprehensive list of vehicle maintenance services designed to keep your car in top condition. This includes critical care tasks like: Tire replacements Balance and rotation Suspension services Engine diagnostics Vehicle tune ups Battery testing Fluid refills 2. How Do I Know What Services My Car Needs? Making sure your car gets the right kind of service at the right time can be intimidating. We can create a custom maintenance schedule based on key information like your car's make and model, your driving habits, and how much time has passed since your last service. This makes it easy for you to stay on top of your vehicle upkeep and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns or other serious mechanical issues. 3. How Long Does a Maintenance Appointment Take? You also need to know approximately how long your appointment will last, so you can plan to take time off work or arrange for childcare if you have kids. Some maintenance tasks take only a few minutes, while others are more involved and require more time to complete. Our mechanics will estimate the length of your service based on what you're having done, the age and value of your car, and other individual factors to let you know what to expect. 4. How Much Does It Cost? It's always a good idea to get an accurate estimate of how much your service will cost before you have it done. We take the time to give you an itemized quote and answer your important questions, so you know exactly what's included and what you can expect to pay for it. 5. Where Can I Schedule Service? At Dann's Auto, we have three locations for your convenience. You can visit us at our Tulare dealership next to Carroll's Tire Warehouse, or in Hanford on E 7th St by the Carnegie Museum of Kings County. We're also in Visalia on Center Ave, just East of the ImagineU Children's Museum and The Planing Mill pizza restaurant. When you need an experienced mechanic to take care of your vehicle, you can count on us. Contact our team at Dann's Discount Auto Sales in Tulare, CA to book your service appointment today.

Regular vehicle maintenance is vital for keeping your car in optimal running condition for as long as possible and helps avoid costly repairs. You should always check your owner's manual for specific requirements as maintenance recommendations vary between different models, but these general car maintenance and service tips from Dann's Auto body shop covers the basics for most consumer vehicles. more Dann's Auto Body Shop Car Maintenance Checklist and Service Tips Oil Change Dirt and debris naturally build up in the engine oil during normal operation, which is why regular oil changes are important to keep your gas or hybrid engine running smoothly and avoid damage. Typical intervals range from 5,000 to 10,000 miles, but yours will depend on the recommendation for your specific vehicle, so it's best to consult your manual to avoid waiting too long, or scheduling unnecessary services. Since oil changes are usually the most frequent routine service your vehicle will need, it's convenient to have your technician perform inspections and other services during the same appointment, such as wiper and lightbulb replacements. Fluid Flushes and Changes Changes in coolant pH happen naturally over time and can damage head gaskets and other parts if it isn't flushed regularly. This typically only needs to be done every couple years, but be sure to check your manual for the best recommendation. If your car is equipped with all-wheel drive, the rear differential fluid also needs to be changed according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, approximately every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Tire Balancing and Rotation Front tires tend to wear out faster than the rear ones, so it's a good idea to rotate them periodically to help them last as long as possible. You should definitely schedule this service when you notice uneven tread wear, but it's also something a technician can check for during a routine oil change and likely perform the same day, if necessary. If you notice your tires are vibrating as you drive, you'll need to have them balanced to help prevent premature wear on the brakes, wheel bearings, and other parts of the suspension and restore smooth operation. Brake Pads Your car's ability to stop correctly and safely is essential, so it's important to replace your brake pads promptly when they wear out, usually between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. Having them inspected at every oil change will help you stay prepared and keep your brakes in top shape. Next time your car is due for routine maintenance or any other service needs, contact Dann's Discount Auto Sales in Tulare, CA for an appointment with our dedicated service department. Our professional technicians are ready to help ensure you get the best possible performance and longevity from your beloved vehicle.

Routine car and engine maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle in prime condition, but there may be times that your car needs attention urgently. Strange noises from your engine should never be ignored, but there are some sounds that are particularly concerning. Below is a list of the top five noises that you should always get checked out right away. more Essential Engine Maintenance Tips: 5 Noises That You Should Never Ignore 1: Grinding A grinding noise will make any driver's heart sink, as it's a clear sign of a problem. However, there are a variety of issues that can cause this type of noise, and some are easier to rectify than others. If you're able to determine where the sound is coming from, it might give you a hint what the cause may be. For example, a grinding noise while braking could indicate critically worn brake pads. Other possible causes of grinding noises include: Clogged air filters Worn gearbox Insufficient lubrication Damaged timing belt Faulty alternator Worn bearings 2: Whistling Your vehicle may make a whistling noise when it's idling, running, or sometimes even when it's parked. You may also notice that the noise is either constant or intermittent. Being able to describe when the noise occurs and how long it lasts will help your garage pinpoint the underlying cause. Whistling can often be due to problems with the airflow somewhere but can also be due to mechanical faults. Intermittent whistling can indicate a problem with the spark plugs or valves, while a more constant whistle may mean a clogged exhaust or worn-out bearings. 3: Squealing A squealing noise can set your teeth on edge, but there are lots of potential causes. A loose serpentine belt is one of the most common reasons, but it could also be due to worn bearings, faulty spark plugs, or a clogged catalytic converter. Dirty or worn brakes can also sometimes cause a squealing noise, but you'll notice this only occurs when you are braking. 4: Knocking A knocking sound coming from your engine isn't always loud, so it's easy to miss, especially if you play music while you're driving around. You might notice a knocking sound more clearly when you are accelerating rather than just cruising or idling. Knocking can be caused by faults with the ignition timing, the fuel delivery system, spark plugs, or excessive carbon deposits. It can also be used by using a fuel that doesn't have enough octane, which is why it's vital to always follow manufacturer instructions when choosing your gas. 5: Clicking Sometimes also described as a ticking sound, clicks coming from your engine aren't normal. They can suggest there is an issue with lubrication, so you could try topping up your oil to the suggested level. If this doesn't resolve the clicking immediately, there may be damage to the valves, rods, spark plugs, or oil filter. If your car or truck is making any strange sounds, don't delay in getting it checked out. Give us a call here at Dann's Discount Auto Sales in Tulare or Visalia, CA to make an appointment.