custom exhaust NH
custom exhaust NH

Like all vehicle parts, exhausts need a little TLC every once in a while.  However, unlike vehicle parts that have a routine maintenance schedule, your exhaust will let you know when it needs repair.  Here at RK Auto Repair, we specialize in all exhaust systems, especially custom exhausts in NH.  If your exhaust system is showing any of the following signs, it may be time to give our team a call.

Engine Noise

One of the sure signs of exhaust failure is increased noise.  Similarly, increased noise is typically the first sign that most drivers will notice.  Because the system’s function is to keep engine noise down, a leak in the exhaust will result in loud rumbling grabbing the attention of the vehicle owner and all that pass by.  A typical spot for a leak to occur is in the exhaust manifold.  However, your engine may also leak at the manifold, which could cause possible harmful effects to both the driver and passengers.  Thus, it’s always best to have your vehicle looked at as soon as possible if you’re noticing an increase in exhaust noise.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Another sure sign that there’s a leak with your exhaust system is a decrease in fuel efficiency.  However, this sign is a bit easier to overlook if not paying close attention to your mileage.  The reason for efficiency loss could be that your engine is operating at hotter temperatures than usual.  If you notice you’re making more trips to the gas stations than usual, give your local auto repair shop a call.  It’s always better to catch potential issues sooner than later.  If small problems go ignored, they could become more costly headaches for you in the future.

Vibrations

Paying close attention to the normal conditions of your vehicle is imperative to noticing when something is off.  For example, some older cars provide their owners with a massage when driven, and this is somewhat normal for them.  However, if your vehicle suddenly provides feedback from the steering wheel or gas pedal, you may be facing an exhaust leak.  Although it may not seem like too much of a concern, if left unattended, the vibrations could increase making vehicle handling a difficult task.

Here at RK Auto Repair, our team of experienced professionals can help you determine if your NH custom exhaust needs repair.  For more information, visit us online at https://rkautorepairll.wpengine.com or call to schedule your next appointment 603.595.7575.   

exhaust repair NH

One thing you can count on is that your vehicle will not be shy when it comes to letting you know it needs exhaust repair.  As one of the most worked components in your vehicle, the exhaust manifold is the most common area in need of repair.  The constant heating and cooling creates expansion and contraction in the manifold.  Thus, manifolds have been known to commonly crack over time. However, there are several components when dealing with an exhaust system. RK Auto Repair knows exhaust repair in NH.  Below, RK Auto has created a list of four tell-tale signs that your vehicle’s exhaust system requires a little TLC.   

Rumbles and Hissing

One of the most noticeable signs that you may need exhaust repair services is the presence of unusual sounds.  Loud rumbles or hissing are commonly heard by vehicle owners if there is a leak in the manifold.  This type of leak can increase engine volume.  Although other components of the exhaust system can lead to increased volume, the manifold tends to be the most common.

Foul Smelling Fumes

Another component of your exhaust system is the catalytic converter.  This component helps to transform harmful pollutant gases into less harmful ones.  Thus, if the converter goes, you may be sitting in some pretty foul smelling fumes on your ride across town.  Often associated with a sulfur smell, when a catalytic converter goes, you can be sure you’ll know.  Another sign of a failed converter could be rattling noises from under the vehicle.

Decrease in Fuel Efficiency

Perhaps you’re finding yourself at the gas pump more often than usual.   A leaky exhaust system makes it harder for your engine to power the vehicle.  Thus, you will find a decrease in fuel efficiency may occur.  Be sure to pay special attention to your vehicle’s performance when you step on the gas pedal.  If you notice any type of lag, it may be time to call your local auto repair shop.

Loud Noises       

Even if you’ve never heard of the above-mentioned components, chances are you know what a muffler is.  As part of the exhaust system, your vehicle’s muffler helps to reduce emissions and noise.  Cracks in your muffler can become a serious concern as you and your passengers may no longer be protected from hazardous fumes such as carbon monoxide. 

exhaust repair NH
auto repair nashua NH

If any of these things are happening with your vehicle, consider contacting RK Auto Repair for the best exhaust repair in NH.  The experienced team can detect even the slightest crack or potential problem with their high-tech diagnostic systems.  Visit RK Auto Repair online to learn more on how they can help your vehicle. 

Types of Custom Exhaust Systems

You love your car but need a change.  Upgrades to your vehicle are a great way to give your vehicle a new look and feel.  Custom exhausts can be the simplest and cheapest way to accomplish your need for change.  With the proper size exhaust, your car will have a new look and sound.  Beyond the appearance, you’ll notice benefits on improved fuel economy and performance.  However, exhausts are not one size fits all.  When you decide it’s time for your new custom exhaust in NH, contact the professionals at RK Auto Repair.  With over 30 years of experience, the staff will be sure to customize the best exhaust type suited for your vehicle.


Axle-back

One of the quickest exhaust upgrades you can choose is the axel-back.  This type of exhaust replaces the stock system from the rear axle to the muffler.  Hence the name.  Requiring no cutting of stock components, the typical turnaround time on installation is less than an hour.  The driver will notice a small change in power.  The most noticeable difference will be the sound your vehicle puts out.  Overall, the axle-back has the least effect on performance and fuel economy enhancements. 

Cat-back

A step up from the axel-back system, a cat-back exhaust will provide drivers with more noticeable enhancements.  This custom exhaust replaces stock components from the behind the catalytic converter to the muffler. The replacement provides a fairly decent increase on the original performance and fuel economy.  Some upgrades can make a vehicle noncompliant with smog emissions.  One of the best features of a cat-back system is that your emissions will remain the same. 

Header-back

The header-back system is a complete replacement of stock components with aftermarket components.  If your goal is to have the most significant impact on performance and fuel economy, this is the upgrade for you.  That being said, not all vehicles are ready for this type of upgrade.  In most cases, preparations need to made to the vehicle before installation can occur.

With Spring around the corner, now is the best time to consider a custom exhaust in NH. Depending on the vehicle and desired results, choosing the type of exhaust system can be tricky.  Contacting your local professionals at RK Auto Repair will ensure the best and safest installation for your vehicle.  Contact them today at (603) 595-7575. 

Common Sense: Telltale Signs You Need Custom Exhaust in NH

brake repair in NH

The phrase, “your car is worth more than the sum of its parts” is a statistical fact. Having all of these parts moving in sync and working together to get you where you’re going is invaluable to many Americans. However, the phrase “a chain is only as strong as its weakest length” is also accurate. When one part of your car is acting up, it can create a domino effect of disaster throughout your vehicle. One vital part of your vehicle is the exhaust. When your exhaust is damaged, you’re driving on an unsafe vehicle. The signs you need custom exhaust in NH can be broken down into four of the five senses: sight, scent, sound, and touch. (NOTE: nobody should ever taste an exhaust. That’s just wrong.)

Custom Exhaust in NH

Look

You can see signs that you need custom exhaust in NH. Something to keep your eyes peeled for includes the smoke. If the smoke coming out of your exhaust is thicker than usual, there may be a problem with your exhaust. The smoke looking whiter than usual is also a warning. You should try to keep your eye on your gas mileage as well. If you’re getting fewer miles to the gallon, there may be a leak in your exhaust.

Smell

You know what your car smells like. You use it every day. Although that new car smell is long gone by now, the inside of your vehicle will carry a scent that is recognizable to you and probably smells a lot like you. You should also know what exhaust smoke smells like. When the inside of your car begins to smell like exhaust, that’s a problem. Head to a mechanic if the fumes of your exhaust are starting to fill your cabin.

Listen

The goal of an engine is to hum like a bumblebee. Hypothetically speaking, the quieter and engine, the better your car is running. When you start to hear noises coming from your engine, that’s a bad sign. While there are plenty of things that can cause an engine to make strange noises, your car exhaust is one of them.

Feel

Nobody knows how your car drives as well as you do. You know the movements of your vehicle, and when your car is moving differently. Feeling rumbling and rattling that you don’t usually feel while driving can be connected to the exhaust. If your car starts shaking, be safe and bring your car to a mechanic.

Every part of your car has an expiration date. When you start to notice any of the signs above, it’s time to consider getting a custom exhaust in NH. For all your auto mechanic needs, contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.

auto repair in Nashua, NH

Whether it’s because the place you go to for repairs is closing, you’re dissatisfied with the service, or some other reason you need to find a new repair shop, it’s crucial to locate a shop that’s well worth your time. You’ll see that when you need auto repair in Nashua, NH it’s better to seek a family-owned shop like RK Auto Repair for several reasons. Bigger names may be more convenient, but there are benefits unique to local shops you’ll love.

  • Personal customer service

Better-known names do care about customers, but there are so many of them that it can be hard to make each interaction personal. When you visit a local shop, you get to have much more face time with employees or owners of the facility. They have more room to talk to you and provide details about the work they do, so you can feel like you get the attention you need. RK Auto Repair always strives to make customer service a priority, and we always will.

  • Deep passion

Now, we’re not saying that every person who works at a big-name auto repair shop dislikes their work. That’d be an unfair and untrue assumption to make! Still, there’s no denying that local garages come from the owner(s)s’ heart. They have a strong passion they love enough to build an entire business form it. That dedication ensures that you get quality service and understanding every time.

  • Location

Sometimes, even well-known brands don’t have spots in your town. It’s frustrating, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on searching for auto repair in Nashua, NH. Shopping local will ensure that you find a garage that is close to you and is much easier for you to get to when you need it. If the visit is successful, you’ll have a solution that is local that you can turn to whenever you need a fix.

  • Giving to the community

We may not be aware of it sometimes, but the things we do every day can make a difference in our communities. For example, if you give money to a family-owned business, they can use that money to better the neighborhood around them. They have an attachment to the area, a cause for giving back, and may have the goal to improve their surroundings in their head already.

Visiting a family-owned business for auto repair in Nashua, NH is great. We suggest you try it with us. Give RK Auto Repair a call at (603)-595-7575 and see what we can do for you today!

tires in Nashua

Tires are four pillars of vehicles we consistently rely on. It is imperative that they are in good condition, and work well enough for us to get by. Quality should not be compromised. This is why it is best, in most cases, to go for brand name tires for your vehicle. Observe why you should opt for quality tires below, and always contact us if you need assistance with your tires in Nashua, NH.

1.) They Will Last

You can guarantee that plenty of time and research has been given to brand name tires and their respective companies. Quality is on the mind of these brand name manufacturers. You will be able to have peace of mind and know that these tires are going to stand the test of time if they are name brand. However, they will still need to be changed every now and then – even quality tires cannot last forever.

2.) More Options

If you need a more specific tire with extended functions, a brand name is more likely able to accommodate you. There will definitely be room for more types of tires if the company is well-established and has plenty of funding. For example, if you need all-weather tires or larger sizes, you will be able to turn to a brand name to satisfy your needs, as they will more likely have the option available.

3.) Mechanics Know Brands

When you encounter any issues with your tires that require a slightly involved fix, your mechanic will need to be able to work with the tires and provide solutions. Due to popularity and demand, mechanics know brand names better than lesser-known companies. This means your mechanic will have likely worked with your model or brand before, and can provide you quality care by drawing from their experience. RK Auto Repair has a staff full of expertise, so visiting us when you have to fix your tires in Nashua, NH is worth your time.

4.) Availability

Demand and popularity will translate into sales, which will make way for a name brand to appear in plenty of shops. A quality tire will be desired by plenty of drivers, so the manufacturer needs to keep up with the demand and market. As a result, a quality name brand tire is going to be readily available for you. Chances are, an auto repair shop is going to be able to offer a brand if it has enough appeal and popularity in the public.

5.) Less Money Spent on Your Vehicle Overall

Though shelling out money for a brand name set of tires may seem like a heavy expense, it is going to work out in your favor. By purchasing quality tires, you are making a sound investment in your vehicle. With breaks, poor pressure, and other issues unlikely, you are actually going to save money with proper tires – they will not eventually become difficult to keep up with, and no additional tire expenses outside of routine maintenance will be expected.

Keeping your vehicle safe and drivable is a necessity. Quality, brand name tires are a component of the vehicle that will certainly have advantages and pay off. Go for the extra quality and shop brand name when you can, and always give us a call for assistance with tires in Nashua, NH!

When you operate something as efficient and strong as a motor vehicle, safety is of paramount importance. Not only will safe driving prevent damage to your vehicle, but, more importantly, you will stay safe and keep those traveling with you well also. Practicing safe driving is something you can do each and every day, and are fairly easy to keep in mind as you apply it to your life. Vehicle safety requires efficient driving habits, ones that you can implement easily to keep things safe. Below, see which driving habits can keep you safe and prevent damage to your vehicle. For quality auto repair in Nashua, NH, contact RK Auto Repair!

1.) Obey the Speed Limit

It is posted, enforced, and observed for a reason. Plenty of thought and consideration goes into establishing these limits, and obeying them will keep you safe on the surface as you drive. Speeding can cause accidents, tire damage, and many more problems that compromise you and your vehicle’s safety.

2.) Stay Focused

A distracted driver is a dangerous driver for themselves and others. If your eyes are not on the road, you cannot see any hazards on the path or other conditions that may cause harm. Be sure to stay completely focused on the road when you drive, and always be aware of your surroundings. It is one of the few ways you can be 100% sure of your safety.

3.) Change Tires

Tires become worn down from excessive travels or damagers on the road when they do not have regular maintenance or pressure. Stay on top of your tires’ condition, fill them with air regularly, and change them as frequently as manufacturing standards suggest. You will avoid blowouts or other hazards that can bring your car down, and leave you on the side of the road.

4.) Change Oils

Oils are essential for your vehicle’s parts to function, for each and every part. However, they have expiration dates and become ineffective after a set amount of time. For your gas and other parts of your vehicle to work efficiently, you need to change your oil frequently and put the right types of oil in the vehicle.

5.) Be Careful

If you are wandering into an area that you are unsure of, or that is facing some hazardous weather, it is best to tread lightly. Of course, if possible, you should avoid driving in hazardous weather as you drive. That aside, always drive a bit more slowly and carefully when you encounter areas that are unfamiliar to you, undergoing maintenance, or filled with dodgy traffic that can cause unsafe road and driving conditions.

Safe driving habits help you stay well, and will keep your vehicle in good shape if you practice them each and every day. Be a cautious driver, and you will arrive to your destination without any worries. However, accidents can happen. Routine maintenance is also necessary. For those needs and more, you can visit us for excellent auto repair in Nashua, NH.

auto mechanic in Nashua

Any vehicle owner knows just how important it is to maintain your vehicle. After all, you use it every day and do your best to make sure it looks great and functions well. However, it can get quite expensive. For that reason, people tend to avoid “check engine” lights if it doesn’t seem like there is a glaring issue. While it may save you money in the short-term, it’s never a good idea to avoid visiting an auto mechanic in Nashua to get your vehicle’s problems fixed for a few reasons.

  • Pay now, save later

People hesitate to get routine maintenance because they just don’t want to pay for something that seems simple enough to fix or something that doesn’t directly impact their driving experience. However, it’s well worth it: if you ignore any malfunctions, it will only get worse and end up costing you much more money down the line. It’s better to pay for a simple repair now so you can have peace of mind and not have to shell out a ton of money later.

  • Safety

You may not see or feel the impact of a malfunction underneath a vehicle’s hood, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. It’s always better to take care of a problem, so you don’t have to risk your safety. If you ignore an issue, your vehicle could quickly break down and potentially cause harm to you as you drive – especially if the problem leads to catastrophic engine failure or something of the like.

  • Extend vehicle life

It’s critical that the vehicle you use is reliable and gets you from Point A to Point B. A lot of vehicle owners like to own their car for a while and love when their car still runs after a long time with little to no hiccups. When you visit an auto mechanic in Nashua and get your vehicle fixed as soon as possible, you ensure that your car is in the best shape possible and potentially make your vehicle last longer. The quicker you keep up with vehicle maintenance, the more likely it is that the car will last for a while.

Going to a garage for a minor vehicle problem may seem unnecessary, but it is critical and keeps you safe. For quality service, visit RK Auto Repair and talk to an auto mechanic in Nashua about your car. We’ll get it back on the road in no time. 

auto repair in Nashua, NH

It may seem like spring is far away during the colder months, but it is finally here! After New England winters, a new season is welcome and feels like a new beginning. People love to take care of their lawns and ensure everything else is ready for the new season. That includes vehicles. If you haven’t prepared your car for the spring, consider the following ways you can ensure that your car works well for the season and is ready for its challenges. For all of your auto repair in Nashua, NH needs, contact RK Auto Repair!

1.) Observe tire pressure

Fluctuating temperatures can have an impact on tires. While spring is far more mild and less effective against your tires than winter or summer, it can still present challenges. The temperatures will suddenly warm up, and that can increase tire pressure. When in doubt, measure it and keep an eye on it. Bring it to a professional if you have any doubts.

2.) Check alignment and brakes

As snow and ice coat the roads you drive on during the winter, they leave an impact. Not only do you have to look out for your safety but you also have to deal with any residual effects the road have on your vehicle’s mechanisms. Brakes and alignment may be out of line since they encounter pot holes, salt and other residual grime, and other issues. Make sure they work well.

3.) Get a wash and wax

Salt can do a number on your vehicle. After consistent exposure, your car is bound to show signs of salt damage and look a bit worse for the wear. However, that can get remedied with a quality wax and wash. While auto repair in Nashua, NH is crucial, maintaining an appearance is excellent, too. What better way to welcome a new season than a new look on your car?

4.) Look under the hood

After harsh conditions and consistent driving, there’s no doubt that the items under your car’s hood may get worn down. Take a peek under the hood and see if any belts or hoses are loose and check oil levels. If you need to get them fixed, go to a professional as soon as possible.

Spring is a favorite season, and we’re happy to ensure your car is ready for it. For quality auto repair in Nashua, NH, call RK Auto Repair at (603)-595-7575!

Part of maintaining a vehicle is knowing when things are going south. When it’s time to fix cars, it’s best to go to a certified mechanic. One of the most dangerous things that can happen is brake failure. Unfortunately, brake failure isn’t always apparent or visible. So, with that said, look for these indicators that show you need quality brake repair in NH from RK Auto Repair.

1.) Lights

Thankfully, most modern cars have flashing lights to show you when something is going on with your brakes. It usually appears near your speedometer. If this light flashes, you should safely transport your vehicle to a garage and get it checked for any faultiness. Even if it’s something small, it’s far better to be safe than sorry and get your car assessed, so you have peace of mind.

2.) Harsh noises

If you hear squealing, screeching, or grinding noises when you drive, it’s not a good sign. These sounds are clear indicators that your vehicle’s interior isn’t working as it should or is experiencing significant stress from weight or wear. Get to a mechanic for brake repair in NH ASAP if you continuously deal with harsh, loud noises that could spell danger for your vehicle.

3.) Lack of response

Brakes, if they’re in stable enough shape, are immediately useful and respond at once to pressure from your body. They need to stop at once for them to be effective. If you can’t seem to get a feel for your brakes or they aren’t responding as soon as you touch them, get them assessed as quickly as possible. It could be an indicator of serious issues within the brake system.

4.) Wear

Though auto parts are usually robust, they’re bound to age and, eventually, stop working. That’s why maintaining your car and getting replacement parts or changing oils when necessary is so essential. If your brake pad is old and rundown, it’s time to take a look at it and get it assessed so you can have more peace of mind and drive safely. Once something gets worn, it doesn’t work as well.

If you’ve experienced any of the signs above while you drive, it’s time for you to contact RK Auto Repair for expert brake repair in NH. We’ll get you back on the road safely in no time. Give us a call at (603)-595-7575 and see what we can do for you today!