Auto Repair in Alachua

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

The Importance of Timely Oil Changes: Protecting Your Engine and Variable Valve Timing System Regular oil changes are one of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks for your vehicle. Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly, prevents excessive wear, and ensures key components—such as the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system—function properly. Ignoring oil changes can lead to severe consequences, including excessive oil consumption, engine failure, and costly repairs.   How Oil Affects Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Modern engines use Variable Valve Timing (VVT) to enhance performance, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions. The VVT system relies on clean, high-quality oil to control the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. When oil becomes dirty or breaks down, it can clog the tiny oil passages and VVT solenoids, leading to: Reduced engine performance ... read more

Understanding Your ABS and Traction Control Lights Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of warning lights that help alert drivers to potential issues. Two of the most important lights related to vehicle safety and performance are the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light and the Traction Control light. If either of these lights illuminates on your dashboard, it’s important to understand the potential causes and the impact on your vehicle’s overall function.   What Do the ABS and Traction Control Lights Indicate? The ABS and Traction Control systems work together to help maintain vehicle stability and prevent wheel lockup during braking. These systems rely on sensors and control modules to monitor and adjust braking force as needed. When one or both of these lights come on, it could indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.   Common Causes of ABS and Traction Control Light ActivationF ... read more

The Importance of Power Steering Maintenance Your vehicle’s power steering system plays a crucial role in making driving easier and safer. Without it, turning the steering wheel would require significant effort, especially at low speeds or when parking. However, like any other system in your car, power steering requires regular maintenance to function properly and avoid costly repairs down the road. What is Power Steering? Power steering is a system that assists in turning the wheels by using hydraulic or electric power. Most modern vehicles use hydraulic power steering, which relies on a pump, fluid, and hoses to create pressure that helps move the steering mechanism. Some newer vehicles use electric power steering, which replaces hydraulic components with electric motors and sensors. Regardless of the type, both systems require maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.   Essential Power Steering Maintenance ... read more