Car Repair

What Will a Car Diagnostic Tell You?

A proper car diagnostic scan is a key part of our process because it accesses every control module in your vehicle, each capable of generating trouble codes. This full-system approach allows us to collect live data such as fuel trim levels, O2 sensor voltages, EVAP leak values, and steering angle calibration, providing real-time insight into your vehicle’s performance.

By combining this data with road test results, we’re able to detect hidden issues before they escalate into serious mechanical failures.

Why Is Your Check Engine Light On?

A glowing check engine light can be alarming, but it doesn’t always mean your car is about to break down. The light is connected to your vehicle’s onboard computer, which monitors dozens of sensors and systems. When something isn’t working properly, the system triggers the light to warn you.

Some of the most common reasons the check engine light comes on include:

• Loose or faulty gas cap
• Oxygen sensor failure
• Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils
• Mass airflow sensor issues

• Catalytic converter problems
• Vacuum leaks
• EGR valve issues

We connect your car to advanced diagnostics tools to read the error codes, confirm the problem, and fix it.

Why Does Your Car Pull to One Side?

If your car pulls to one side while you’re driving, it could be caused by a few common issues. Most often, this happens because the wheels are out of alignment, which means they aren’t properly adjusted to keep your car driving straight. Uneven tire wear or sticking brake calipers can also cause the problem, making it harder to handle your car. To fix this, we use special alignment tools to adjust everything back to where it should be.

What Does It Mean When Brakes Feel Spongy?

Soft or spongy brake pedal response usually signals air in the brake lines, low brake fluid levels, or worn components, such as brake pads or hoses. These issues can compromise your car’s ability to stop effectively, posing a major safety risk. Our team can diagnose the issue, flush the brake system to remove air or contaminated fluid, replace any worn parts, and restore your braking performance to ensure safe driving.

How Long Should Brake Pads Usually Last?

The lifespan of most brake pads ranges from 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but it depends on driving habits, vehicle type, and road conditions. We recommend having your brakes inspected at least once a year. We’ll measure pad thickness, check for uneven wear, and listen for squealing or grinding that signals replacement is needed.

Why Is Your Car Making a Grinding Noise?

A car grinding sound is a sign that something is worn, loose, or damaged.

Common reasons for grinding noises include:

• Worn brake pads: Metal-to-metal contact when pads are too thin
• Damaged rotors: Grooves or warping create grinding when braking
• Failing wheel bearings: A steady grinding sound that gets louder with speed
• Transmission problems: Grinding when shifting gears points to worn synchros or low fluid
• Suspension issues: Loose or worn components can cause grinding over bumps

Ignoring it can lead to larger, more expensive repairs, so it’s important to track down the cause early.

What Causes Strange Car Smells From the AC?

Strange smells coming from your car’s air conditioning are often caused by mold or mildew growing in the vents or a dirty cabin air filter. Over time, moisture can build up in the AC system, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive, which leads to those unpleasant odors. A dirty cabin filter can also trap debris and dust, making the air smell stale. To fix this, we thoroughly clean out the system and replace the cabin filter if needed, so your air stays fresh, clean, and healthy.

Do Auto Shops Offer Car Repair Protection Warranties?

Yes, at Master Auto Care, we take warranty coverage seriously. We offer protection on parts and labor to give you added confidence in our work.

Here’s what’s included with our car repair services:

• Parts Warranty: 1-year coverage
• Labor Warranty: 30-day coverage