Auto Repair in Alachua

From ICE to EV: The New Rules of Battery Care The days of the “simple” car battery are long gone. Today’s vehicles are smarter, more efficient, and more computer-controlled than ever before — and your battery has to keep up. Even if you’re not driving an electric vehicle, your car’s battery plays a critical role in powering the dozens of sensors, computers, and modules that help it start, shift, brake, and communicate. At Transmission Doctor & Auto Care, we’re seeing more battery-related issues than ever — not because batteries are worse, but because vehicles are doing more. Here’s what that means for you, and how to keep your car running reliably in the age of advanced electronics.   ⚙️ More Power Demand Than Ever Before A modern battery does far more than crank your engine. It powers your: Transmission ... read more

5 Signs Your Vehicle Is Overheating (And What to Do Next) Summer heat is brutal on both people and cars. When temperatures rise, your vehicle’s cooling system works overtime to keep the engine running at a safe temperature. But when something goes wrong—especially during a Florida summer—overheating can happen fast and lead to serious (and expensive) damage. Here are 5 key signs your car may be overheating, what causes it, and what to do if you’re stuck on the side of the road with a steaming engine.   🔧 1. Steam or Smoke Coming from Under the Hood If you see white steam billowing from the front of your car, your engine is likely overheating. This is a warning sign that coolant is boiling over and the system is under serious stress. What to do: Pull over safely and turn off the engine immediately. Continuing to drive can cause the engine to warp or seize.   🌡️ ... read more

The Truth About A/C Recharge Kits: Should You DIY or Let Us Handle It? When that brutal Florida heat kicks in, your car’s air conditioning becomes more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. So what do you do when the A/C starts blowing warm air? For many drivers, the quick fix seems to be a can of A/C recharge from the local parts store. But before you pop the hood and give it a shot, let’s talk about what these recharge kits can actually fix, when they might work, and when it’s best to call in the pros. What Do A/C Recharge Kits Actually Do? A/C recharge kits typically contain refrigerant (often R-134a), a pressure gauge, and sometimes a stop-leak additive. They’re marketed as an easy way to refill your system and get cold air blowing again. What they can help with: Slight refrigerant loss from natural seepage over time Very minor cooling issues in an otherwise healthy system What they can ... read more

Thinking About a New Car? Here’s Why Fixing the One You Have Might Be the Smarter Move It’s easy to daydream about a brand-new car—shiny paint, new tech, that “new car smell.” But when your current vehicle needs a repair, it's worth hitting the brakes before jumping into a new purchase. At Transmission Doctor and Auto Care, we talk with a lot of customers who are on the fence: “Should I fix it or just trade it in?” Here are a few things to consider that might make sticking with your current vehicle the better move. You Know Your Vehicle You know how your car drives, what’s been repaired, what hasn’t, and how well it's been maintained. That kind of history has real value. When you buy something new—or new to you—you’re stepping into the unknown. Even brand-new cars can have issues, and used ones might come with surprises no matter what the listing says. New Cars ... read more

Check Engine Light On? Here’s What It Could Mean—and Why a Proper Diagnosis Matters Seeing the check engine light pop up on your dashboard can feel a little unsettling. Sometimes the car drives just fine, and other times you might notice it running a little rough or using more fuel. Either way, that light is your car’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not quite right.” So, what should you do next? Let’s break it down.   What the Check Engine Light Is Really Telling You Modern vehicles are built with systems that constantly monitor performance. When something falls outside of the expected range—whether it’s a sensor, the emissions system, or even the transmission—the computer logs a trouble code and turns on the check engine light. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap or a more complex issue affecting how the vehicle runs. The light doesn’t mean panic—but it ... read more