Wards Mobile Mechanic

Automotive service lights, also known as warning lights, malfunction indicator lights (MIL) or check-engine lights, indicate that there is a problem with a vehicle's system and that it requires attention. Service lights are usually located on the dashboard and are illuminated when there is a fault detected in the corresponding system. Different warning lights signify different issues in the vehicle. It is essential to understand what these warning lights mean for safe driving and vehicle maintenance. Here are some of the most common automotive service lights and their meanings: 1. Check Engine Light: This light indicates that a problem has been detected in the engine management system. The problem could range from a minor issue such as a loose gas cap to a more critical problem like a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter. 2. Battery Warning Light: This light indicates that the battery is not getting charged. It could be due to a faulty alternator or loose wiring. 3. Oil Pres...

Heat can have a significant effect on automotive batteries. Here are a few key points to consider: 1. Reduced Battery Life: High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions taking place inside a battery, ultimately leading to a shorter lifespan. Excessive heat can cause the internal components of the battery to deteriorate more quickly. 2. Increased Battery Self-Discharge: Heat can increase the rate of battery self-discharge, meaning that even when not in use, the battery loses its charge more rapidly. This can become a problem if the vehicle is left parked for extended periods. 3. Loss of Battery Capacity: Heat can cause the electrolyte within the battery to evaporate at a faster rate, resulting in a loss of battery capacity. This can significantly reduce the ability of the battery to deliver a consistent and strong electrical charge. 4. Difficulty in Starting: Extreme heat can make it more challenging for a battery to operate at its full potential. Consequently, starting a veh...

Automotive air conditioning is a system of components designed to cool and dehumidify the air inside a vehicle's cabin. The system works by compressing and expanding refrigerant gas, which absorbs heat from the air and transfers it outside of the vehicle. The main components of an automotive air conditioning system include an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and refrigerant. The evaporator is located inside the vehicle's cabin and is responsible for cooling and dehumidifying the air. The compressor, located in the engine compartment, pressurizes and pumps the refrigerant gas to the condenser, which is usually located in front of the vehicle's radiator. The condenser then cools and condenses the refrigerant gas back into a liquid, releasing the absorbed heat into the outside air. As the cooled and dehumidified air passes over the evaporator, it is distributed throughout the vehicle's cabin through the air vents. The air conditioning system can be adjusted to control th...

Automotive preventive maintenance is a series of routine maintenance and repair tasks that are performed on a vehicle to ensure that it continues to operate reliably, extends the vehicle's lifespan, and maintains its safety. Performing preventative maintenance at regular intervals can also help to prevent problems and expensive repairs down the road. Here are some of the most common preventative maintenance tasks performed on vehicles: 1. Regular Oil Changes: Regular changing of the engine oil and filter can help to keep the engine lubricated, reduce wear and tear on moving parts and improve fuel efficiency. 2. Tire Rotation and Balancing: Tires wear unevenly, and rotating them from front to back and side to side helps ensure uniform wear. Regular balancing can also extend the life and performance of your tires while providing a safer, smoother ride. 3. Brake Inspection: Brakes are a critical component of your vehicle's safety, so regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement o...

Automotive electrical problems can be challenging to diagnose and repair, and they can also be dangerous if not fixed correctly. Modern vehicles have complex electrical systems that power various components like lighting, ignition, and engine management. Electrical faults can cause a wide range of problems, including non-starting, poor performance, and loss of electrical systems. Here are some examples of automotive electrical problems: 1. Dead Battery: A dead battery is the most common electrical problem in vehicles. It occurs when the battery cannot hold or receive a charge. 2. Blown Fuses: Electrical circuits in vehicles use fuses to protect the system from overloading. When a circuit draws too much power, the fuse can blow, which can cause the affected system to stop working. 3. Failed Alternator: An alternator charges the battery and powers the electrical system. A failed alternator will cause the battery to lose power and eventually die. 4. Failed Starter: A starter cranks the en...

Automotive shocks, also known as shock absorbers, are a part of a vehicle's suspension system. Their primary function is to absorb the shocks and vibrations created by driving over uneven surfaces, bumps, and potholes on the road. By absorbing these shocks, automotive shocks help to improve the overall comfort of the ride while also helping to keep the vehicle's tires in contact with the road. Automotive shocks work by converting kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion, into heat energy, which is dissipated through the shocks' body or oil. This happens through the use of a piston that moves inside a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. When the car's wheels hit a bump, the piston inside the shock absorber moves up and down, compressing and expanding the hydraulic fluid as it does. The hydraulic fluid then absorbs and dissipates the energy from the shock. Over time, automotive shocks may become worn or damaged and need to be replaced. Worn shocks can cause a bumpy...

  Automotive ball joints are a part of the suspension system in a vehicle. They connect the wheel assembly to the steering knuckle and allow for movement and rotation of the wheel while also supporting the weight of the vehicle. Typically, there are two ball joints per wheel in a vehicle: an upper ball joint and a lower ball joint. They are usually made of durable materials such as steel or aluminum and have a ball-shaped stud that fits into a socket. The ball joint is then fastened with a nut and a cotter pin to ensure that it stays securely in place. Ball joints are an important part of a vehicle's suspension system because they help to provide stability and control while driving. If a ball joint becomes worn or damaged, it can cause the vehicle to vibrate or shake, and can also cause a loss of control or steering. Over time, ball joints can become loose or worn out, which can cause uneven tire wear, steering problems, and suspension noise. Regular maintenance and inspection of b...

Oil changes are something that many drivers neglect, the reason you are instructed to change it every 3,000 miles is because ALL combustion engines consume oil. The average vehicle with @80,000 miles on it can consume 1-3 quarts in 3,000 miles of driving time, even with no leaks. Oil breaks down and burns then turns black, once it turns black it thickens and no longer properly lubricates your bearings, which is vital to a properly running vehicle. To change your oil refer to user manual to get the proper weight and amount required. You will need to purchase the proper amount of oil and the oil filter that goes to your vehicle (they are not universal). The tools you will need for this job are: oil filter tool, lint free rag, drain bucket, jack, jack-stands (or a set of ramps), and the appropriate sized wrench for the oil drain plug. Remove the filler cap, this allows the oil to drain faster and helps you remember to refill it. Lift and support your vehicle with properly located ...

Driving through high water can be devastating to your vehicle, it can damage electronics, engine, transmission, differential, and interior. Fixing the damage a flood has done to a vehicle can often be costly and very time consuming.  Wards Mobile Mechanic  recommends not attempting to start your vehicle until it has been assessed by a mechanic. When the electronics get wet it can cause them to short circuit. Water acts like a conductor and can cross your power and ground, it can short out computers (BCM, ECM, PCM), modules, electric motors (window, sunroof, electric seat, etc.), relays, starters, alternators, or your battery. In the event that your interior becomes wet it is not a good idea to let it stay wet very long, it can quickly mildew, rust the floorboards, and evaporating water can penetrate any surviving electronics or interior parts not already affected. Use a shop-vac to remove as much water as possible from the carpet, seats, door panels, center console, glov...

 If you are hearing a squeak or squeal it is most likely because your brake pads and/or brake shoes are worn down, as they are designed to do. This is the best time to get your brakes checked as at this time you probably only need new brake pads or shoes. If  you are hearing a loud grinding noise when you are braking you have warn your brake pads down to the metal backing of the pads or shoes and have probably started to grind into your brake rotors or drums. In most cases you will now have to replace your pads and rotors or shoes and drums. If you do not get it repaired now you will end up having to replace you calipers and/or wheel cylinders and bleed your brake system because after your metal backing wears down it will spit out the backing and start to stop your vehicle with the calipers pistons. or you will lose all of your brakes do to it pouring out all of your brake fluid from behind you calipers piston which is bad so give US a call or text and get a free quote before...

A broken timing belt isn't something anyone would want to have, auto manufacturers recommend replacing them between 80,000 and 160,000 miles depending on the car. So what happens if you miss that bit of scheduled maintenance? Well, the outcome generally isn't pretty. Let's say your car happens to have an interference motor, like a large number do ( see list ), and your driving along the freeway when suddenly your car just dies, maybe you even heard a clunk. Now you're stuck on the side of the road with a very damaged engine, damaged may be putting it lightly. When the timing belt breaks on an interference motor the camshaft stops moving, but the crankshaft is continuing, the cam is holding your valves open and the piston hits the open valves, bending them and thus destroying your engine. You will be stuck with 3 options; 1) Replace the engine 2) Rebuild the engine or 3) Buy a new car. So you see, spending a little money on the preventative maintenance of your vehi...

Have a clicking or popping noise when you turn? It could be your C/V Joints or Axles worn out, Give us a call we can fix it starting at $100 per side. Wards Mobile Mechanic Spring, TX 281-939-8533 E-mail Us