Miami Auto Repair

On vehicles 1996 and newer, reprogramming or flashing a car's computer is a great way to keep its engine control modules, or ECU, up to date. The ECU in a vehicle helps components such as the power train and fuel injectors function properly. When your vehicle's programming is optimized, it will run cleaner and more efficiently. Why Does My Vehicle Need To Be Programmed? For those looking to get the most power output for their vehicle, reprogramming the computer is an easy way to do so. Think of an ECU reprogram like a software update for a computer. Over the years, your car's computer can become overly sensitive and affect the driveability of your car. An issue with the PCM, or powertrain control module, can cause a check engine light to illuminate on your instrument cluster. As an example, the EGR, or exhaust gas recirculation system, can be controlled by the PCM, and if it is not responding properly, it may need to be reprogrammed to get rid of your ch ... read more

Owning a hybrid vehicle comes with many advantages, such as not having to pay as much for fuel. With hybrids running on battery packs, one of the most popular questions revolving around hybrid vehicles is how and why do hybrid batteries go bad. Today, we are going to look at what affects the life of a hybrid battery and what the symptoms of a dying battery in a hybrid car. What Affects A Hybrid Battery's Life? Just like any component of your vehicle, there are going to be many factors that will determine how long your hybrid battery lasts. Factors such as driving habits, maintenance schedules, how you charge your battery, and the climate you live in can affect your battery life. As a car owner, keeping up with your car's maintenance is going to be essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. In a hybrid vehicle, such as a Toyota Prius, the gas engine and electric motor will rely on each other to keep our vehicle running at peak perfo ... read more

The Toyota Prius changed the way consumers looked at hybrid vehicles and started a movement that has yet to slow down. Unlike regular vehicles, hybrid vehicles are going to need different maintenance procedures to ensure the battery packs are correctly maintained. Today, we are going to look at the average maintenance schedule of a Toyota Prius. Toyota Prius Maintenance Schedule Miles Vs Months As with any manufacturer, Toyota recommends maintenance work schedules in miles and months. For example, most services are completed every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever occurs first. If you happen to drive constantly and hit the 5,000-mile mark in two months, you will need to come in for service. If your vehicle sits longer than average and you hit the 6-month mark in 2,000 miles, you will still need to have it serviced. For Toyota Prius owners, you will need to keep an eye on the miles and the calendar to determine when you need to head ... read more

Electric Vehicles, or EV, have become increasingly popular over the past decade. While the concept is nothing new, the increase in demand is quickly rising with increasing gas prices, a cleaner running vehicle, and performance offered by sportier EVs. In order to keep your EV running for years to come, you will need to keep up with proper maintenance. Today, we are going to look at common maintenance services for electric vehicles.  Do EVs Require Special Servicing Procedures? Compared to internal combustion engines, an EV has a more simplistic powertrain, requiring less maintenance. However, just because it requires less maintenance, does not mean it is going to be cheaper when it comes to maintenance costs. Replacing battery packs or electric motors can be expensive and will require specialized mechanics to get the job done. Its not as simple as an oil change or air filter replacement. Luckily, EV aut ... read more

Stop Right There! Heed These Warning Signs That You Need New Brake Pads and Rotors How often do you think about your brakes? If you’re like most drivers, not that frequently. However, they’re critical to safety on the road, whether you’re driving a Jeep or an INFINITI. Let’s look at a few signs that it’s time to replace your brake pads and rotors.   Screeching/Squealing The first sign that something’s wrong with your brakes is likely to be a metallic squealing or screeching. If you hear this sound when you press the brake pedal, it’s a sure sign that your pads are wearing thin. A small metal shim, called a wear indicator, is attached to your brake pads so that when they wear down to a certain point, the shim contacts the rotor and makes noise to alert you.   Grinding If you press your brakes and you hear a grinding or growling sound, it’s well past time for your brake pads to be replaced. Chances are good that the pad has ... read more