Miami Auto Repair

Why is My Car Overheating and What to Do Next Dealing with an overheating car can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. Understanding the common causes behind a vehicle overheating is crucial for both prevention and effective troubleshooting. Let's review some common questions we get at the shop and some conditions in which overheating may occur. Why is my vehicle overheating?  Several factors can contribute to a car overheating. One common culprit is a malfunctioning cooling system. This may result from a leaking radiator, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged water pump. Low coolant levels, a clogged radiator, or a malfunctioning radiator fan can also lead to overheating issues.  My car is overheating but I can't see a coolant leak.  Keep in mind that we distinguish coolant leaks into external and internal leaks. The telltale sign of an external coolant leak is low coolant fluid at the reservoir and visibly leaking or dried coolant from an ... read more

The Jeep Pentastar engine is renowned for its power, efficiency, and performance. However, one common concern that Jeep owners may encounter is oil leaks, particularly around the oil filter which is an assembly with an attached cooler and sensors. Due to its design wherein coolant and engine oil reside side by side, one of the telltale signs of a fault with the engine oil filter assembly is engine oil in the coolant reservoir.  The Jeep Pentastar 3.2L and 3.6L share the same oil filter assembly design and common causes of oil leaks around the filter are listed below.  Faulty Oil Filter Gasket: One primary culprit behind oil leaks from the oil filter in Jeep Pentastar engines is a defective or worn-out oil filter gasket. The gasket serves as a seal between the filter and the engine, preventing oil from escaping. Over time, the gasket can degrade due to exposure to heat, pressure, and the elements, leading to leaks. Also keep in mind that if your vehicle has begun to hav ... read more

As automotive technology advances, hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular due to their improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. One crucial component in these vehicles is the brake accumulator, a key player in the hybrid braking system. Function of a Hybrid Car Brake Accumulator: The brake accumulator in a hybrid car is a critical part of the regenerative braking system, which is designed to recover and store energy during deceleration. This system helps enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wear on traditional friction brakes. The brake accumulator plays a pivotal role in maintaining hydraulic pressure within the braking system, ensuring swift and effective response when the driver engages the brakes. The accumulator stores hydraulic fluid under pressure, ready to be released when needed. During regenerative braking, when the vehicle slows down, the electric motor functions as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. This generated ele ... read more

Do I need to fix the AC on my Hybrid Car or EV? You high voltage battery, whether it's nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion based, has an internal chemistry that is vulnerable to high temperatures. Recently manufacturers have listed a measurable diagnostic range for upper limit temperatures allowed within the hybrid battery. For example a Fiat 500e has an upper limit of 130F up to 141F at which point a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the vehicle will deactivate the hybrid system as a means of protecting the health of the battery. The air conditioning system in a non-hybrid or internal combustion engine is considered an accessory and can be rendered inoperative if the vehicle detects an overheating condition. For hybrid customers the vehicle will follow a similar process and shut down the air conditioning and so the first step is to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle which may include a cooling system pressure test and/or pursuing any diagnostic fault codes that m ... read more

What is an Engine Mount?    An engine mount, also known as a motor mount, is a component used in vehicles to secure the engine to the chassis or sub-frame. It is typically made of metal and rubber or a combination of these materials. Engine mounts play a crucial role in supporting the engine, reducing vibrations, and isolating it from the rest of the vehicle's structure. What does an engine mount do?    The primary purpose of engine mounts is to provide a stable and secure mounting point for the engine while minimizing the transmission of engine vibrations and noise to the passenger compartment. They help absorb and dampen the vibrations and shocks generated by the engine during operation. Engine mounts also help maintain proper alignment of the engine, ensuring that it remains in its designated position within the engine bay. Signs of a damaged engine mount If an engine mount fails or becomes damaged, several issues can arise. Firstly, there may be an incr ... read more