As anyone who lives in New England can tell you, there’s a significant difference between driving your car in the summer and driving in the winter. Aside from the frost on your windows and ice on the roads, the cold weather impacts how the different parts of your vehicle work. If you don’t let your car warm up before taking off, you may end up searching for auto repair in Nashua NH.
How Brakes Work
It seems simple. You press on the brakes, and your car slows down. This is a process of cause and effect. You step on the brake pedal, and the brakes apply hydraulic pressure to the brake pads, so they press against the rotor. This slows the vehicle down. One thing to be remembered is that energy isn’t created or destroyed, only converted into heat. The heat is released through the vents in the rotor. When it’s cold outside, the process remains the same but with different results.
Cold Weather
The energy that moved your car is converted to heat through friction. Friction, in turn, results in heat. Brakes can become so so hot that they stay heated long after you’ve turned your car off. Heavy braking can result in brake fade over time. On cold days, you won’t experience any difference in brake performance. However, the lifespan of your brakes will be affected. Because cold days often come with wet roads, the moisture acts as a lubricant on your tires. This allows them to heat up at accelerated rates. So, your brake pads will wear away faster, forcing you to seek auto repair in Nashua NH.
Living in New England means that winter is unavoidable. The cold weather shows up around mid-October and sticks around until mid-March. Knowing how the cold affects the maintenance of your car is essential for any responsible driver. It can help you to avoid accidents. When you do need auto repair in Nashua NH, contact RK Auto at 603-595-7575 or visit us online.
To the rest of the country, New England is this idyllic region with apple orchards, beautiful trees lining the streets, and people who talk without pronouncing their R’s. It’s essentially a perfect place. Those of us who live in New England know better. Winter in the area is never as lovely as it looks on Christmas cards. We usually don’t see snow until it’s most inconvenient. Once we do get snow, it takes three months of shoveling to get rid of it. Winter driving conditions can get hazardous quick. Be prepared this winter and consider getting winter tires in Nashua for your car.
Air Capacity
Here’s a little science lesson: as temperatures rise and drop, air expands and retracts. It’s similar to how wooden doors warp when it’s hot out and return to their regular shape in cold weather. If you’re driving on old tires in Nashua, the temperature can cause issues that result in flat tires. New tires are durable and can handle the change in temperatures during the winter.
Tread
The best way to judge your tires’ tread is the penny test. If you place a penny in the tread of your tire and can still perfectly see Abraham Lincoln’s face, your tread may not be up to snuff. The tread of your tires is what keeps you on the road. It grips the surface you’re driving on so you can move forward and brake.
Handling
Tires have a lot to do with how your car moves. For one, their spinning motion causes the rolling that gets you going. However, other factors such as turning become much harder with old tires. If you find you can’t take turns as naturally as you could, or you hear skidding as you change directions, it’s time for new tires.
Peace of Mind
With advanced safety features, driving is theoretically getting safer every year. However, nothing is certain. The best way to feel safe in your car is to know it is prepared for anything. If you’re entering the winter on old tires, you’re increasing your risk of an accident. Give yourself the peace of mind you need to get through the winter by investing in new tires.
Don’t take any chances with your safety or the safety of others. New England winters are nothing to joke about, and road conditions can be hazardous. Invest in winter tires in Nashua this season. Contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
October is the month where all the fun of the fall takes place. The weather is still warm enough to head to the pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Halloween is right around the corner, and you’re having a blast planning your costume for the festivities. However, as fun as October can be, there are some hazards that come with the fall. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that driving conditions change with the seasons. Before you get into an accident and need to find auto repair in Nashua NH, take note of the hazards that come with driving at this time of year.
Animals
2018 was quite the year for roadkill. The reproduction rate in squirrels was at an all-time high, meaning their food supply couldn’t sustain them. Critters like squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, and others that compete for nuts have been taking to the road and dying as a result. Watching out for their bodies, so your car doesn’t slide. Also, deer like to wander about in the fall. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for animals this fall.
Leaves
Sure, the leaves this time of year are beautiful. The golds and reds in the tree are almost enough to keep you from remembering they’re just dying. As the leaves die and fall to the ground, they clump together and create slick surfaces on the road. If you hit a patch of leaves, especially wet leaves, you may lose control of your vehicle. Be safe to avoid needing auto repair in Nashua NH.
Rain
The spring and the fall are New England’s primary wet seasons. Sure, the winter has snow, but that’s more miserable than wet. The rain in the falls can come in quick and leave the streets slippery. Even worse, the rain can come and decide not to leave, worsening visibility for drivers.
Pedestrians
Safe drivers are always looking out for pedestrians in the road. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to see PED XING signs, or crosswalks to let you know if an area has high foot traffic. Still, kids are back in school and trick-or-treaters are coming sooner rather than later.
Distracted driving can results in accidents and collisions on the road. With fall fully underway, you need to know what to look out for in the street. If you do need auto repair in Nashua NH, contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online!
As you drive your car, the engine runs and heats up as it does. As the engine runs, it can reach temperatures of over 500° Celsius. Overworking your engine can cause your car to overheat and break down. Luckily, your car is equipped with a coolant system to keep your engine temperature in check. Of course, just like any part of your vehicle, your coolant system can get damaged over the years. If you’re worried about your car’s coolant system, consider getting auto repair in Nashua. Here are three warning signs that your coolant system may need to be checked.
Leaking
A warning sign of low coolant levels is white smoke coming from your exhaust. Yes, you will always see smoke coming from your exhaust, but the smoke to look out for will be thick and white. This is an indicator that there is a leak in your coolant system, allowing the heat to burn up your antifreeze. Another sign of a leak will be pooling of a green substance under your car. No puddle is too small. If you ignore a small puddle, chances are the leak will get worse. In instances of white smoke and green puddles, consider auto repair in Nashua.
Sweet Smell
While sweet smells can be a sign of good things like cookies or fruit, a sweet smell in the cabin of your car is not. Not to say an air freshener isn’t a good idea, but an unusual, sweet smell popping up should raise a red flag. Antifreeze smells sweet, and the scent can waft into your car if your coolant system is leaking or overheating. When a sweet smell pops up in your car, get to a mechanic to run diagnostics on your coolant system.
Steam
500° Celsius is the equivalent of 932° Fahrenheit. The average person starts complaining at around 83° Fahrenheit. This extreme temperature can cause your engine to overheat and release steam if your coolant system isn’t running correctly. The moment you notice white smoke or steam coming from the hood of your vehicle, pull over immediately. This is a surefire sign you need auto repair in Nashua.
You’ve heard the phrase “A car is worth more than the sum of its parts,” but your car isn’t worth much if those parts aren’t functional. Your coolant system is a necessity when it comes to keeping your engine at a manageable temperature while driving. If you notice any of these three sings, find auto repair in Nashua. Contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online today.
The winters of New England are no joke. Weather drops below freezing, so the air hurts your face, and the snow pummels everything. Driving becomes much harder in the winter than in other seasons due to the ice and snow. In extreme cases, roads are closed off. It can be intimidating to drive when you know the weather is going to get rough, which is why it’s important to make sure your car is prepared for anything. Here are a few tips to get your vehicle winter-ready from the best mechanics in Nashua.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure and tread depth are going to play significant roles in how your car handles in winter weather. As the temperature fluctuates, the air in your tires expands and retract. This causes your tire pressure to fluctuate as well. You can test your tire pressure with a gauge and fill it with an air compressor to your manual’s recommendation. As for tread depth, you can use a penny to test that. Place a penny in the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head pointing up. If you find his head is still visible at the top, it’s a sign to replace your tires before winter hits.
Supplies
As a safety precaution, you should make sure you have a supply kit in the trunk of your car. While you should always keep an emergency kit in your car, you should make sure it is well stocked as winter comes around. Your kit should include essential items like road flares and a flashlight, a first aid kit and a radio. To customize the kit for winter, you should add blankets, a warm change of clothes, an ice scraper, and a bag of sand to get traction on the road.
Coolant
Making sure your car’s coolant and antifreeze levels are ready for winter is the key. The only thing keeping your engine from freezing and stalling in the winter chill is your coolant. You can check your coolant levels at home with a kit or bring your car to the best mechanics in Nashua to make sure it’s done right.
Driving in the winter is an intimidating thought that becomes less intimidating when you know you’re prepared. Making sure your tire pressure and coolant levels are at peak performance are the first steps. For extra safety, be sure to update your emergency kit with winter supplies. For any questions on how to prepare your car for winter, contact RK Auto Repair, the best mechanics in Nashua at 603-595-7575 or visit them online!
It is no secret that your car needs an annual inspection to keep on top of your auto repair in Nashua. In fact, it’s the law. New Hampshire requires that every year you go to a certified mechanic to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive on the road. This is a precaution to keep yourself, pedestrians, and other drivers safe. While most people know they need to get an inspection, many don’t know what a state inspection entails. Here is a break down of what a NH state inspection looks like.
Registration
The first step to a state inspection is making sure your registration and registration certificate, license plate, and vehicle ID number are all up to date.
Steering
Seeing as steering is what directs your car, this is a major part of the inspection. They also check the front end and the suspension of your vehicle.
Brakes
In order to pass a state inspection, your vehicle brakes must be in working order. Your auto repair in Nashua should inspect the brakes as well as the parking brake.
Meters
Your car has two major meters that need inspection. The first meter is the speedometer. This measures how fast your car is moving. The next is the odometer which measure hows far your car has traveled.
Electrical
State inspections take a look at the electrical system in your car. This includes the horn and the defroster.
Lights
The next part of the inspection is the lights and reflectors on your vehicle. Your mechanic will also test your headlight aim to ensure safe visibility.
Glass
The glass on your vehicle will be inspected for cracks and dings. The glazing and mirrors on your car are another part of this step.
Wipers
In order to see in the rain, your windshield wipers need to be operational. A state inspection can make sure your wipers are working properly.
Exhaust
Another part of a New Hampshire inspection is checking your exhaust isn’t clogged and is filtering correctly.
Body
Your car’s body, bumper height and chassis will also be observed during a state inspection.
Fuel
For a car to run smoothly and safely, your fuel system has to be functioning at its best. State inspections will make sure your fuel system is operating as it should.
Tires
Without tires and wheels, your car can’t drive. However, old tires can be dangerous to drive on. Because of this, your tires and wheels need to be checked during a state inspection.
State inspections are mandatory in New Hampshire and also include an inspection of your on-board diagnostics. The law says you need to have your car inspected for the first time within ten days of your registration date, and every year following determined by your birthday month. For state inspections and auto repair in Nashua, contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
One of, if not the most critical system in your vehicle is the exhaust system. This is the part of your car that filters all the dangerous fumes that form as your engine runs through the pipes and out the exhaust at the rear. Because your exhaust system is the hardest working part of your vehicle, it can get overworked if you aren’t paying attention. When this happens, exhaust can leak and expose you to harmful fumes. Here are four signs you may need exhaust repair in NH.
Check Engine Light
Lucky for all of us, cars come equipped with a check engine light to let us know when problems in our engine arise. It’s essential that you don’t just turn the light off because when you do, you’re putting yourself and other drivers and pedestrians at risk. While there are a variety of reasons your check engine light can come on, you should bring your car to a mechanic to see if you need exhaust repair in NH.
Fuel Efficiency Change
Nobody drives your car as much as you do, so your the person most likely to notice a change in how your car operates. If you notice that you’re filling up your tank more often than you used to, consider visiting an auto shop. When you aren’t getting the same gas mileage as usual, your exhaust may play a factor.
Fume Smells
Exhaust has a specific smell to it. Some people even enjoy the smell of exhaust. However, exhaust fumes are dangerous. When you start to notice your car emitting odors as it drives, be careful. Bring your vehicle into a shop to have the exhaust checked out. If you ignore it, the fumes can fill your car and negatively affect your health.
Engine Noises
Everybody has revved their engine at some point or another. A lot of people think it makes them feel like a NASCAR driver. Still, you’ll notice when your engine starts to make noises or give off vibrations. Rattling and rumbling coming from your engine should be an indicator it’s time for a professional to take a look under the hood.
Not enough people know the warning signs of a damaged exhaust system, but everybody knows how their car drives. When you notice a change in gas mileage, odors, and noises in your car, it’s probably time for exhaust repair in NH. For auto repair near you, contact RK Auto Repair or visit them online today!
When it comes to your vehicle, it never hurts to know as much as possible. Many people have heard of tire rotations throughout their life, but many don’t know what it is or why it should be done. Tire rotation is the process of moving the position of the tires on your vehicle to ensure more even wear and therefore a longer lifespan for your tires in Nashua. Though each car has a different necessity, the standard rule is to get your tires rotated every 5000 to 7500 miles. Here is a breakdown of tire rotation so you can know what’s going on with your car.
Front-Wheel Drive
Cars that operate on front-wheel-drive by using the front tires to steer. The front tires are putting the power into the road. Because of this, front-wheel-drive can lead the front tires to wear at a faster rate than the rear tires. To rotate tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you should move the back left tire should move to the front right position with the back right tire moving to the front left position. Then the front left tire to the back left position and the front right tire to the back right position.
Rear-Wheel Drive
There is one significant difference between front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. For rear-wheel-drive, the front tires still control the steering of the car while the rear tires transfer the power from the car to the road. This distribution of work leads to more even wear on the front and rear tires. This means that to rotate your tires in Nashua, you should move the front left tire to the back left position. The front right tire should be transferred to the back right position. When bringing the back tires to the front, you should place the back left tire on the front right side and the back right tire on the front left side.
Four-Wheel Drive
For four-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive, vehicles, the wear is even more evenly spread. Four-wheel-drive tire rotation will follow the same pattern as rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The two tires in the front will remain on the same side as they move to the back. The back tires will move to the front, swapping sides as they do.
While tire rotation can be done at home, it’s safer to have it taken care of by professionals. Let the mechanics at RK Auto Repair take care of your tires in Nashua. Contact them at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
Living in New England, the seasons and accompanying weather tend to dictate our behavior over the course of the year. It dictates how we dress, how we travel, and when we travel. One thing the seasons shouldn’t dictate, at least not entirely, is taking care of our vehicles. Too many people think preparing their car for the winter months is enough. This isn’t true. Cars are just like people in the sense that we need to pay attention to them to keep them running smoothly. RK Auto Repair has some of the best mechanics in NH to help you. Here are few things to remind you that vehicle maintenance should be done throughout the year.
Seasonal Preparation
So, yes, seasonal preparation is essential. You can’t ride your car the same way in the summer months as you do in the winter months. The weather conditions in the colder months take a toll on your car, so it’s best to be pre-emptive. Bring your vehicle to one of the best mechanics in NH to check your coolant system and check the tread on your tires. They can ready your car to get you through the winter months safely.
State Inspections
It’s the law that you must have your vehicle inspected annually to ensure it is safe to drive on the road. When you need to get your car checked depends on the state. In Massachusetts, the date of purchase and registration decides your inspection month. In New Hampshire, the month of inspection depends on your birthday.
Worn Parts
Almost any product that is sold and purchased has a shelf life. Given the wear and tear your car goes through, the individual parts of your car are no different. It’s vital that you stay on top of which parts of your vehicle are aging. As they get older and stop working at their best, they need to be replaced.
Unfamiliar Smells or Sounds
Nobody knows how your car drives better than you do. Most people know their car like the back of their hand. You’ll be the first to notice unfamiliar smells or sounds coming from your vehicle. These are surefire reasons to go to get your car checked out by the best mechanics in NH.
While seasonal car care is important in New Hampshire and areas that experience all four seasons, it shouldn’t be the only time you take care of your vehicle. RK Auto Repair has some of the best mechanics in NH ready to help you with vehicle maintenance and inspection. Contact them at 603-595-7575 or visit them online!
Routine maintenance for gas, oil, and standard vehicle operations may seem like the most important part of owning a car. These consistent check ups are very necessary, but forgetting about your vehicle’s less prominent parts can harm your vehicle.
There are several items in your car that need consistent replacements. Observe a few below to get acquainted, and contact us for any auto repair in Nashua, NH.
Taillights
Staying visible on the road is important – especially at night. In conjunction with the front lights, the lights toward the back of your vehicle help guide the way and alert drivers to your presence.
Changing taillights is an easy, quick fix that will help keep you safe. Failure to keep up with them will not only result in possible danger: law enforcement will have words to say about your vehicle if it is not equipped with proper taillights.
Tires
They help you drive on the road, and give your vehicle the traction it needs to move on just about every surface. Frequent travel on these surfaces, however, can give some wear and tear to the tires – which can result in blowouts and plenty of damage.
It is recommended that tires and changed every 6,000 miles. Take a look at manufacturer standards to be sure of the precise time to change your vehicle’s tires, as they can vary.
Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers assist with your line of vision when driving, and cannot be underestimated in terms of safety. The wipers work to remove moisture and other weather particles from the windshield, clearing the surface.
Using fluid to make the movements nice and smooth will assist with visiblity, and frequent replacement before they get worn is a surefire way to keep your vision up to a high standard.
Gas Caps
Keeping the gas contained in your vehicle is necessary for it to have the fuel to function, so a proper gas cap is necessary. Since they are moved around frequently when purchasing gas and can cause engine troubles, they need to be looked at every now and then.
If your gas cap is loose, comes off of the vehicle often, or does not fasten, it needs to be changed. Your car’s fuel depends on it.
Tailpipes
Tailpipes assist with emission and help filter the air that comes in and out of your vehicle. Keeping your vehicle properly filtered will help with safety standards and makes the air breathable.
This part of the exhaust system can rust and get holes easily if they are neglected, so doing a visual check on them every so often is beneficial, and will ensure your exhaust system will work properly. RK Auto Repair work with these parts of the vehicle frequently and we are a great source if your exhaust system needs auto repair in Nashua, NH.
Of course, any part of your vehicle that is broken or seems a bit “off” should require your attention, but these are some of parts that need consistent attention.
For assistance with these parts and other aspects of vehicle care, give RK us a call at (603)-595-7575 for quality auto repair in Nashua, NH.