5 Engine Noises You Need to Pay Attention To
When your car talks to you, it would be smart to take a moment and listen, and we aren’t just talking about your vehicle’s speakers! Sometimes, our car will make an unusual noise, and it means something. If your vehicle is making an unusual noise, we recommend bringing your vehicle to our team at Dick’s Automotive right away. It is our job to decipher what that noise means, and we take our job very seriously.
If you are hearing any of these noises, we recommend bringing your vehicle to our auto repair shop in Clovis right away:
- Squealing or screeching when you brake: if you are hearing this noise when you brake, it can indicate that some part of your braking system is worn down, resulting in a pad not properly releasing, which in turn causes excessive heat and noise. This noise can mean that you need new brake pads, or your brake rotors need to be resurfaced or replaced. These repairs will make sure you can stop safely and quietly.
- Grinding sounds when you brake: If you hear grinding noises as soon as you step on the brakes, it usually means the pads need to be replaced or something is rubbing against the brake rotors the wrong way. Your brake pads may be extremely worn, or it can even indicate that your brake calipers or pistons are grinding against the rotor.
- Rumbling or rattling exhaust noises from under your car: If your vehicle sounds louder than normal, it may mean that there is a hole somewhere in your exhaust system. Exhaust system are usually simple — our team might reattach a loose pipe, replaced a corroded pipe, or attach a new muffler.
- Chirping or squealing noise from under your hood: Your vehicle’s serpentine belt is a single belt that transfers power produced from your engine to components throughout your vehicle, such as your air conditioning, power steering, and alternator systems. Over time, your serpentine belt can wear down and slip, which can result in a squealing sound.
- Growling or roaring noise when driving down the Clovis streets: Tires that are beyond their time will make a growling or roaring noise. However, this noise can also indicate a problem with your wheel bearings. Either way, our technicians will figure out the root cause of that pesky noise and put your mind at ease.
These noises can indicate a variety of different issues — sometimes they can signal a more serious repair or a simple fix. The team at Dick’s Automotive is here to be your vehicle translator, to figure out what your car is trying to tell us! Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
It is Always Better to Be Safe than Sorry: Here is What to Put in Your Roadside Emergency Kit
When it comes to your vehicle, it always better to be safe than sorry. If you are planning any road trips anytime soon, an emergency kit is a definite must. The team at Dick’s Automotive is here to help. We don’t want you to leave out any essentials if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. Here is what to put in your roadside emergency kit:
- Jumper cables.
- Flares or triangle reflectors.
- A quart or more of motor oil
- A gallon of coolant
- First-aid kit
- Blanket or space blanket
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, pocket knife
- A can of tire inflator and sealant.
- Tire pressure gauge
- Paper towels
- Spray bottle with washer fluid
- Ice scraper (if you live in an area with snow)
- Pen and paper
- Granola or energy bars
- Bottled water
The team at Dick’s Automotive wants you to avoid being broken down on the side of the road. Preventative maintenance is the key to doing so — it will keep you and your vehicle happy and healthy cruising down the Clovis streets.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
What Makes an Excellent Technician
It can be a challenge to find a truly excellent technician — a technician that goes above and beyond for their customers and puts their safety above anything else. Fortunately, the team at Dick’s Automotive strives only for excellence, and we meet and exceed that standard each time you visit our auto repair shop in Clovis.
What exactly makes an excellent technician? Here are 4 key qualities:
Technicians have strong work ethics. They get the job done right the first time, making sure to go above and beyond for their clients to ensure their safety and security.
An excellent technician solve even the trickiest of problems on the finickiest of vehicles. They don’t balk when faced with a tough problem; instead, they love the challenge and eager to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
An excellent technician will have strong technical skills. Nowadays, cars are more like computers on wheels, and technicians need a firm grasp and understanding of technology.
Communication is essential, not only to their team members, but to customers. An excellent technician will be transparent and upfront about the services their vehicles need immediately, and which services can wait until next time.
For a team of excellent technicians, you are in the right place. The team at Dick’s Automotive possess those four qualities and more. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
New Year’s Resolutions for Becoming a Safer Driver
The team at Dick’s Automotive is here to wish you a happy and healthy New Year’s! We wish you and your vehicle only the best in 2020 and the new decade! An imperative part of New Year’s is holding yourself accountable, and the team at Dick’s Automotive is here to help. We have developed a list of four New Year’s Resolutions that will help you become a better driver:
- No more speeding. This one sounds relatively easy to accomplish but it is much harder than it seems, especially when you are running late to that morning meeting. These speed limits are posted there for a reason. Try to follow them as much as possible in the New Year.
- Don’t forget your turn signals! As we older, we can’t help but become more confident in our abilities as drivers, and we sometimes “forget” to use our turn signals. Not only is it better to be safe than sorry, but other, less confident drivers need to know where you are going, and turn signals do just that.
- Put down the phone! This resolution may seem obvious but you would be surprised by how many people don’t follow this important rule. Out of sight, out of mind! Put your phone away in a spot you can’t reach for while driving.
- Keep up with regular maintenance. So many expensive and complicated auto repairs could have been prevented with preventative maintenance. You can think of it as bringing your car to the doctors — just like how you need physicals, your vehicle does too! A properly, well-maintained vehicle means you can drive safer.
Start 2020 off right with the team at Dick’s Automotive! Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
New Year’s Resolutions for Being a Better Car Owner
2020 was a year like we never expected. The team at Dick’s Automotive is so appreciative of each of our clients who continue to choose our shop for service. We couldn’t be more grateful for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year for your next service. We want to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!
The team at Dick’s Automotive wants you to get the most out of 2021, and the best way to start the New Year off on the right foot is coming up with resolutions. We are here to help, as we have compiled New Year’s resolutions for being a better car owner:
- Pay close attention to preventive maintenance. To keep your vehicle running in pristine condition for as long as possible, regularly scheduled visits at Dick’s Automotive is of utmost importance. By routinely servicing your vehicle, we can prevent bigger and often more costly problems from happening.
- Drive courteously and kindly. This year has been hectic, to say the least. We know how easy it is to feel frustrated while driving, but the team at Dick’s Automotive encourages you to take a moment, breathe, and remember to treat other drivers on the road how you would want to be treated.
- Don’t forget about your fluids! Just like you need fluids to stay happy and healthy, your vehicle does too! Certain fluids in your vehicle, including your oil, brake fluid, and coolant, need to be serviced at regular intervals. The team at Dick’s Automotive can help you stay on top of maintaining these essential fluids.
- No more distracted driving. Did you know that, on average, nine people die a day from distracted driving? We can’t emphasize this enough — put your phone away, and keep your eye on the road. Distracted driving is more than just texting and driving; but it also includes eating and drinking and changing your music while driving.
- Safety first for your little ones. If your child is age eight and under, they should be in a car seat, and if your child is age 12 and under, they should be in the back seat. We recommend following these rules for optimal safety.
Together, we can start 2021 off on the right foot by bringing your vehicle to our shop for preventive maintenance. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
Automotive Gifts for Your Tech-Savvy Friends
Are you struggling to figure out what to give your car-loving friend? You know they love cars, but you can’t figure out what to give them. There seem to be so many options, and how exactly do you narrow it down? The team at Dick’s Automotive is here to help. Here are the best automotive gifts for your tech-savvy friends:
Pilot Automotive Dash Camera
Classic Accessories Winter Windshield Cover
Automotive Cufflinks
Stringback Driving Gloves
Audi Pullovers & Sweaters
Covercraft Weathershield HP Car Cover
SCT iTSX Wireless Programmer
Shinola Rambler 600
Griots Garage Orbital Buffer Kit
A visit to the technicians at Dick’s Automotive
It is easy to forget about your car this holiday season, but a visit to our shop is a gift that keeps on giving. Our auto mechanics will perform a thorough inspection to ensure each component of your vehicle is performing in pristine condition. Not only is this a gift to you, but it is a gift to your vehicle. Our technicians recognize how much you rely on your vehicle, and we want to male sure it stays that way.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
What’s on the Horizon for Automotive Technology?
The automotive industry is continually changing. Think about where we were 20 years ago — hybrids were not around, no one had even heard of self-driving cars, and what about all the new safety technology? The automotive industry continues to surprise. The team at Dick’s Automotive tries to stay ahead of the curve, by continuing to receive ongoing training and immerse themselves in all the technology.
What have we learned? Here is what is on the horizon for the automotive industry:
- Electric vehicles will have increased mileage between charges to combat climate change.
- More and more autonomous vehicles will be seen on the roads. This will happen in stages, as certain degrees of self-driving cars will be gradually released on the road. You might begin to see this with self-driving semi-trucks.
- Car sharing will be become increasingly popular, happening in Europe first. 60% of Europeans said they would share their car for money.
- Vehicles will be connected via the internet and Cloud to minimize traffic.
- Expect vehicles to be updated more frequently, as there will be more software updates needed to be completed.
For an auto repair shop that stays on the cutting-edge of the automotive industry, you are in the right place. The team at Dick’s Automotive recognizes that in order to service your vehicle properly, they need to be “in-the-know” of the automotive industry. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We aim to keep your vehicle safe and secure for many more months and miles! We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
The Automotive Industry Doesn’t Need to Be Scary
Sometimes, the automotive industry can sound a little scary — you are entrusting your precious vehicle with an auto repair shop you often don’t know. It can understandably be a lot, as for many of us, our cars are an integral part of our everyday life. At Dick’s Automotive, we make it our mission to ease your worries and ensure you don’t stress about bringing your car to our shop.
Auto repair can often sound like a foreign language, and it’s our job to make sure you understand exactly what is going on with your vehicle from start to finish. We want you to understand the “what, why, and how,” so you can make an informed decision right for you, your family, and your budget. If a certain repair can wait, we will let you know, and if a service simply cannot, we will also let you know.
We recognize that often the automotive industry doesn’t have the best reputation. Dick’s Automotive has earned a stellar reputation among Clovis and the surrounding communities, as they trust us to look out for their best interest time and again. With us, the automotive industry doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, we can turn an unfortunate situation — a broken down car, for example — into something a bit more positive.
Save the spookiness for Halloween this season. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified and honest technicians. We aim to keep your vehicle safe and secure for many more months and miles! We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
How People in the Automotive Repair Industry Help Keep You Safe
When your car is not performing properly, your safety is in jeopardy. Imagine you are driving to pick up your little one from school, and you see a stop sign approaching. You need to slow down, but your brakes are slow to respond, and next thing you know, you find yourself running through the stop sign. This is a dangerous situation and one we want to avoid at all costs. On a daily basis, people in the automotive industry, from technicians to service advisors, play a part in keeping you and your family safe and secure on the road.
Individuals in the automotive repair industry recognize the importance and value of proper maintenance and auto repair. Each service we perform has the goal of maintaining the safety, driveability, and longevity of your vehicle. We aren’t looking to just rack up a hefty invoice. From service advisors to technicians, we genuinely care about your safety and security, and we recommend services geared toward those goals.
We are also all about helping you determine which products and parts are right for your vehicle. For example, you may be wondering if synthetic or organic oil is better for your car. Organic oil is derived directly from crude oil, and it has many properties to allow for lubrication at higher temperatures. Organic oil can also maintain stability for long timeframes. Synthetic oil, actually originates as conventional oil; however, the protective and lubricant properties are improved and modified. Some synthetic oil is designed to increase the lifespan and driveability of a high-mileage car, while others may be engineered for high-performance engines. Together, at Dick’ Automotive, we can figure out which products and part, including oil, is suitable for your car.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified technicians. We aim to keep your vehicle safe and secure for many more months and miles! We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
The Dog Days of August and Traveling with Pets
For many of us, summer means road trips, and also for many of us, we want to bring our pets along. Driving with pets is often fun, but it does have its challenges, as our furry friends sometimes don’t like to sit still for very long. At Dick’s Automotive, we want your time on the road to be as pleasant as possible, whether that means performing a thorough inspection or providing you with some helpful tips and tricks for traveling with your pet:
- You can put your pet in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Make sure it is large enough for your pet to comfortably walk, lie down, and turn around. It might be smart to allow your dog to get used to it before the car ride, letting your pet adjust at home.
- If you are planning for a long car drive, you can take them on several short drives first, making sure your pet can handle those and then gradually increasing them, if problems arise.
- Feed your pet three to four hours before hand. Don’t feed your pet during the drive since this might lead to unexpected bathroom trips.
- Never your dog alone for extended periods of time.
- Pack a pet’s traveling kit, including bottled water, a bowl, leash, grooming supplies, plastic bag, and their favorite toy for comfort.
- Don’t allow your pet to ride with their head outside the window for a long period of time.
- Rubberized floor mats and waterproof seat covers are an excellent option if you plan on taking your dog on more trips.
We hope these tips can help you travel safely and securely with your pet. We are also here to make sure everything goes smoothly. Contact us today to set up an appointment with our qualified technicians. We are conveniently located at 1550 Tollhouse Road in Clovis, CA. 93611, and we look forward to seeing you and your vehicle soon!
