Wellington Auto Repair

While most vehicle drivers practice safe and responsible driving, there are always those outliers who decide to drive aggressively and erratically. If you do find yourself driving nearby an aggressive driver, you may start to feel anxious and unsure about your safety.  Here are our top tips on how to deal with aggressive drivers on the road:  Never try to "compete" with an aggressive driver - in other words, if you find yourself having to speed because someone is riding the tail of your vehicle or trying to pass you illegally or unsafely, the best reaction is to just drive safely as you know how to and let the aggressive driver react how they are going to.  Dealing with an aggressive driver can be stressful, so remember to stay calm and take a breath.  Report dangerous drivers. Look up the appropriate authorities to report dangerous driving to in your area and keep that number handy. You may save someones life by doing so! Try to be a good example on ... read more

Your vehicle's brakes are super important to the overall safety of your car. This is why it is so important to stay on top of your brake maintenance and have regular brake inspections performed on your vehicle. Brake pads are a key component in your brake system, which is why you should understand when to have them replaced and what the symptoms are that can indicate your brake pads are worn down.  The job of the brake pads is to gently stop your tires from rotating when you step on the brake pedal. As you apply pressure on the brakes, the brake pads will press against the rotor to slow down or stop the wheels from moving. Worn brake pads will allow metal to metal contact, which can lower brake efficiency and cause damage to other components.  Brake pads usually last anywhere between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, with the average around 40,000 miles. However, how long your brake pads will last will also depend on how often you drive your vehicle and your driving habits.  ... read more

Factory recommended services are something that most car owners have heard, but may not fully understand what they are. The simple explanation is that they are services that your vehicle manufacturer recommends at certain intervals. These recommendations are based on estimations on how long certain components will last and how often certain services will be needed to maintain your vehicle.  These recommendations are based on a number of things, including keeping warranties valid, making sure your vehicle stays reliable on the road, keeping you safe at all times, and helping you protect the overall integrity of your vehicle. These recommended services are also planned out in order to help save you money on repairs over time. That is why it is in your best interest overall to stay current with these services.  If you take a look at your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you will find a list of factory recommended services for your specific vehicle, along with specific mil ... read more

When summertime rolls around, we begin planning a vacation, family time at the beach, or a chance to get away and enjoy the outdoors. But as temperatures rise, it’s important to find ways to keep cool without breaking the bank. Here are a few simple, practical ideas that can help you beat the heat: Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing in light colors and airy fabrics. Stay hydrated by drinking water and juice. Avoid hot foods and consider cooler options like chilled soups, fruit or garden salads, cold pasta salads or sandwiches. Set your air conditioner to re-circulate. This not only keeps the air cooler, but makes it easier on your vehicle to maintain the desired temperature. Consider traveling during the milder morning and evening hours and finding shelter inside when the sun is at its most dangerous (10am – 4pm). Dampen a handkerchief or washcloth and use it to keep your face, arms and neck cool. Window vents are an affordable option that allows warm air to ve ... read more

A dead car battery can strike at the worst times, especially when you get into your car in the morning to head to work and your car won’t start. On average, the typical car battery lasts between 3-4 years, depending on your vehicle and driving habits. However, accidentally leaving an electrical component on for an extended period of time, like the lights or radio, can cause your battery to die prematurely.  A car battery can die due to a number of different reasons, whether from the battery itself or the charging and starting system. If you ever suspect an issue with your car battery, you can always take your battery into your local auto repair shop for testing to see how much life it has left.  Signs of a dying battery include:  Failing power locks and/or windows Car starts up slow or takes multiple tries Problems with the radio Dim interior lights Battery warning light is on As soon as you notice any of the issues above, you should have your vehicle inspec ... read more