Auto Repair In Fairbanks

Do you notice your headlights or taillights flickering or dimming while driving? It's a common issue that many car owners face, and it can be a significant safety concern if not addressed promptly. Dim or flickering lights can compromise your visibility while driving at night or during bad weather conditions, which is why it's important to have your car checked by a professional mechanic if you notice these symptoms. There could be several reasons why your headlights or taillights are flickering or dimming. One of the most common causes is a faulty alternator or battery. If the alternator or battery isn't supplying enough power to the lights, they'll start to flicker or dim. Another reason could be a loose or corroded wire connection, which can prevent the proper flow of electricity to the lights. In some cases, the center of the problem could be with the voltage regulator, which r ... read more

Spring is a great time to give clean and recover your vehicle after the long, harsh winter. Taking care of your car not only ensures it runs smoothly but also helps to extend its lifespan. Here are some spring car care tips to help get your vehicle ready for the warmer months ahead: Change the Oil and Oil Filter: Regular oil changes are key to keeping your car running smoothly. Spring is the perfect time to get your oil changed and have your oil filter replaced. Oil change services done at University Chevron can ensure that your motor is protected and running at peak performance. Check the Tires: The harsh winter can take a toll on your tires, so please remember to check them for any signs of wear and tear. Check the tire pressure and make sure it’s at the recommended level for your vehicle. Also, check the tread depth and look for any cuts, punctures, or bulges. Inspect the Brakes: Your brakes are one of the most critical saf ... read more

The cooling system in a vehicle plays an integral role in maintaining the engine's temperature, ensuring it runs right, and doesn't overheat. The system is made up of several different parts, each with its own important function. Let's take a closer look at what parts make up the cooling system. Radiator: The radiator is the most recognizable part of the cooling system. It is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the engine coolant to the air passing through it. The radiator is typically located behind the grille at the front of the vehicle. Water Pump: The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine and the cooling system. It's usually driven by a belt connected to the engine's crankshaft. Thermostat: The thermostat is a temperature-sensitive valve that regulates the flow of coolant through the engine. It stays closed until the engine reaches its operating temperature, then opens to allow coolant to flow through the system. Coola ... read more

The timing belt is one of the most important components in a vehicle's engine. It is responsible for synchronizing the engine's camshaft and crankshaft, which ensures the engine's valves open and close at the correct times. A worn or aging timing belt can cause significant engine damage, so it's important to be aware of the signs that your timing belt may need to be replaced. Age: Timing belts are typically designed to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. If your vehicle is approaching the upper limit of its timing belt's lifespan, it may be time to have it inspected. Cracks and fraying: A visual inspection of the timing belt can reveal signs of wear and tear, such as cracks and fraying. If you notice these signs, it's important to have your timing belt inspected as soon as possible. Engine misfires: If you're experiencing engine misfires or a decrease in engine performance, it could be a sign of a worn o ... read more

The fuel system is one of the most underrated parts of the motor vehicle. It has the important task of bringing the right amount of fuel to the engine at the right time. Otherwise, too much or too little fuel can cause significant performance issues.  Over time, the parts of the fuel system can get messy. To maintain your vehicle’s efficiency and consistent performance, you must have the injectors, and other critical components cleaned. It is a part of maintenance that tends to get overlooked, but it can make a world of difference in how your car runs. Let’s discuss the fuel injectors specifically. They are part of the fuel system most likely to have carbon buildup. The injectors are the parts the fuel passes through before it gets burnt. When the injectors get clogged, it can severely impact how your vehicle runs. To get a nice balance of fuel and air for the engine, you will need to flush and clean out the build-up. It can be professionally done here at University ... read more

If you're driving your car and notice it vibrates when you brake, this is usually a sign of an underlying issue. While some vibrations may be expected and not indicative of any problem, others can point to potentially dangerous issues with the brakes or other vehicle parts. In order to keep yourself safe while driving, it's essential to understand why your car is vibrating when you brake and what steps you should take in response. What Causes Vibration When Braking? Generally speaking, cars tend to vibrate while braking due to one of three potential causes: Warped rotors - Warped rotors occur when the metal part of the rotor becomes distorted from heat, causing it to vibrate while braking. Worn-out brake pads - Worn-out brake pads are the most common cause of vibration when braking; they can be caused by age, excessive use of brakes, or poor driving conditions. Faulty calipers - the part that holds the brake pad against the rotor -can also cause a car to v ... read more

The car defroster is essential for drivers in Fairbanks, AK. However, they stand to be one of the most confusing parts of a car. It is a part of your vehicle’s HVAC system, and it plays a major role this time of year. Read on to learn everything you need to know about auto defrosters. Front vs Rear Defrosters The most commonly known defroster is the one located on the front of your vehicle. Your car engine generates heat that goes through the HVAC to point the air on your windshield. There’s also the rear defroster, which doesn’t use engine heat. Instead, it uses thin heated lines in the glass to defrost your back windshield. They both serve to defog and clear ice off your glass surfaces. To turn on your defrosters, look for the symbol with arrows pointing upward towards a windshield or rear windshield.  What Temperature Should You Set It? The temperature setting to which you should set the defrosters on should depend on whether you need to defog or defrost ... read more

Whether you are packing up the family for a trip to see your in-laws or just taking the ones you love on a national tour of the most spectacular holiday lights in the US, one thing that should never interfere with the holiday cheer is car trouble. In order to avoid trouble on the road, here are six maintenance musts to get your car ready to get out on the open road. Battery Most car batteries last about three to five years. However, you don't want to get halfway to Grandma's to find out that your battery's life has come to an end. A routine maintenance check with professionals to clean the battery's connectors or simply replace one damaged beyond repair altogether, will keep your holiday plans moving along as designed. Fluids and Filters Make sure your car's fluids are full. Your engine's oil and coolant (antifreeze), windshield washer fluid, power steering and transmission fluids should all be at manufacturer-recommended levels to make certain you are cove ... read more

Engine oil is the blood life of your engine, and without proper lubrication from the fluid, your engine parts would suffer from friction damage. Your car motor works under extreme pressures and temperatures, and it relies on this one fluid to keep running. As automobiles get older, however, parts tend to wear out. If one of these engine oil-related pieces goes wrong, it can inevitably lead to oil leaks: Worn Gaskets Old gaskets are a common cause of oil leakages. Gaskets are essentially rubbery seals that provide a cushion between metal pieces within the engine. Like most rubber materials, they can break down from extreme pressures/temps and wear and tear over time, causing oil to seep out. Clogged Oil Filter  The oil filter is responsible for sifting out filthy and nasty contaminants from the oil before letting it go back into the engine. If you have neglected to replace the filter, oil can leak out from the clogged filter. Additionally, poor-fitting and incorrectly installed ... read more

For drivers, a tire blowout is worse than a flat tire. Tire blowouts are a quick and explosive loss of tire pressure and are almost always unrepairable. The scary thing about them is that they happen out of nowhere. You might be wondering, “what can cause a tire blowout”.  Underfilled tires Uneven and thin tread wear Damage (from nails, glass, etc.) Hauling too heavy of items Tire defects Tire blowouts cannot go unmissed, as they make a loud, disruptive sound. Additionally, a tire blowout may also produce a strong, burning rubber smell as the tires pop. If you catch any of these signs, the first thing to remember is to stay calm. Do not slam on your brakes as that could lead to an accident and worsen the damage. Instead, we recommend using your hazards to signal to other drivers that you need to get out of the road. Once you are able to pull off to a safer spot, call for roadside assistance immediately.    Prevention Tips Tire blowouts are unfortunate ... read more