County Line Auto Repair

Car engines are complex machines that generate power through controlled explosions. While rare, engine explosions can occur, leading to catastrophic damage and potential safety hazards. If you are wondering about how this outrageous event can happen or if it's fixable, make sure to read along! How Does A Car Engine Explode? Here is the main reason: Excessive heat can cause engine components to expand and fail, leading to a rupture or explosion. Factors like a malfunctioning cooling system, low coolant levels, or a faulty thermostat can contribute to this. Overheating is the main reason for engine problems, so make sure to keep an eye on your oil temperature. Of course there are other reasons for this to happen: Here are three very common ones: Fuel Ignition Issues: If the fuel-air mixture ignites too early or in the wrong place within the engine, it can result in an explosion.  Oil Leaks and Ignition: Leaking oil can come into contact with hot engine compo ... read more

Brake pads work by pressing against the brake rotors to slow down or stop the car when you press the brakes. Over time, they wear out and need to be replaced because their whole purpose is to be used up in the process. Worn-out brake pads can be a threat to your safety, making your ability to control the vehicle difficult. That's why we have put together a list of five must-know signs of worn-out brake pads - continue reading to find out. 1. Warning Light Most cars have a warning light on the dashboard that indicates when there is a problem with the braking system. While there are several lights, they all resemble a circle with some kind of other letter or extra shape. The most dangerous one you should be looking for is a circle with little lines on the side - meaning almost completely worn-out pads. 2. Unfamiliar Noise If you hear a high-pitched noise when you press the brake pedal, it is a clear sign that your brake pads are worn out. This ca ... read more

One of the most important parts of your vehicle is the transmission, and it's for a good reason. It is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, allowing you to drive, switch gears, and basically have complete control over the vehicle. Unfortunately, the transmission is also one of the most complex parts of your vehicle, and it can be difficult to diagnose problems. In this blog, we will take a look at seven signs of transmission problems that you should be aware of. 1. Delayed Engagement Delayed engagement occurs when you shift your vehicle into drive or reverse, but there is a delay before it starts moving. This can be a sign of low transmission fluid or a more serious problem going unnoticed. 2. Gear Slippage Slippage happens when the transmission slips out of gear while you are driving. This can cause your vehicle to lose power and can lead to dangerous situations if it happens at high speeds. It also damages other s ... read more

As a car owner, you may have considered performing some of your own repairs at home, including replacing headlight bulbs. While some car maintenance tasks are simple enough for a DIY approach, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of doing so before you start. On the one hand, replacing your own headlight bulbs can be a cost-effective solution. Buying the bulbs themselves is relatively inexpensive and you can avoid paying labor costs associated with having the work done at a repair shop. It's also a task that many car owners feel confident in performing, especially if they've done it before. However, there are several potential drawbacks to consider as well. For example, if you're not experienced in working on cars, you may struggle to access the headlight assembly or install the new bulbs correctly. This could result in a subpar repair job, or even damage to your car, that could have been prevented by having the work done by a professional. Another factor to co ... read more

Exhaust system problems are not as expected, but they can occur in older cars. The system is responsible for pumping out emissions produced by the engine. If you see some smoke from your car, it can indicate a problem with your vehicle’s internal systems. If it continues to get smoky, you should look further into the issue. Not all exhaust smoke is bad. However, it is best to have it checked by a professional to be sure. You can learn a lot about your car, depending on the color of the exhaust smoke.  Thin and White Exhaust Smoke  Thin and white “smoke” is typically just water vapor, and it is the least concerning of the ones we will mention today. You might see this first thing in the morning when you start the car. Needless to say, condensation is common and not something to fret about. Gray or Blue Exhaust Smoke A blue-ish gray cloud coming from your exhaust is something more of concern. It is typically a sign of an oil leak, and it happens due to m ... read more

Our car windows can be helpful in many ways besides giving us some fresh air. If you ever need to roll it down or up, you can do so with a push of a button. Sometimes, though, windows can get stuck. If your vehicle’s windows are unresponsive, it may be because of one of the following reasons: Loose Connection or Burnt Fuse Your power windows are linked to the electrical system. If you have a loose connection or burnt fuse somewhere along the way, your power accessories can be cut out. Faulty Switch Sometimes, the switch itself is what is stopping your window from going up and down. If it works intermittently, the switch is likely the problem. Worn Gaskets The gaskets on your windows are the rubber pieces around the inside of the window that hold the glass. They can get dirty or have debris stuck in them over time, which can stop your window from opening and closing. Sometimes, cleaning the edges can help. Frozen Shut Another common explanation for stuck windows in the wi ... read more

We don’t want you to break the bank by spending all your holiday expenses on gas instead of gifts for your loved ones. But we are sure you have a ton of road travel to plan for the next upcoming weeks. To help you save some coins, we’ve decided to share some of our secrets on how to save money on fuel. Tips on How to Improve Your Vehicle’s Fuel Economy Join Loyalty Rewards Program. If you aren’t already doing this, you should! Some of them give you a bonus for joining, and you will be able to save a couple of cents a gallon on gas with every fill-up. It may not be a lot, but it will contribute to major savings over time. Get Rid of Excess Weight.  Unless you drive around in a U-haul, you shouldn't be carrying heavy-weight items in your car 24/7. Clean out that junk and save more money on gas. Avoid Rapid Speeding and Braking. When you maintain a constant speed and do not go back and forth between speeding and braking, you get the most out of each d ... read more

Air purity and quality have become major causes of concern, with the government coming down quite hard on the automotive industry. Generally, vehicle exhaust systems release a wide range of emissions (gases and fumes) when running, contributing to air pollution. Consequently, most governments hold vehicles to specific emission standards to control these pollutants. Since 1975, it was declared mandatory for all road-legal cars in the US to have a catalytic converter regulated by the Clean Air Act. So, What is a Catalytic Converter? A catalytic converter looks like a big metal box located between the muffler and the engine on the underside of your vehicle. It is a part of the car's exhaust system and plays a crucial role in cleaning up the harmful gases such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide that are produced when your vehicle runs. The harmful emissions are transformed into harmless gases such as water vapor and CO2 before they are emitted into the atmosphere ... read more

Checking your tire pressure is a basic skill that every driver should know. It’s like brushing your teeth or putting on socks. Once you learn how to do it once, you’ll be able to do it time and time again. Read on to learn more about tire pressure and why you should make it a part of your car routine.   Every vehicle manufacturer has a specific range of tire pressure for every model vehicle. The recommended range is where your tire pressure should always be for optimal performance, safety, and efficiency. Below are the reasons why you should maintain your tire pressure: Improves Fuel Economy Prevents Accidents Promotes Even Tire Wear When Should You Check Your Tire Pressure? Most automakers will recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month. The more often you do it, the sooner you will be able to catch if something goes wrong. Checking your tires is an accessible form of maintenance as most gas stations have gauges and air-filling stations availabl ... read more

Roadside emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. We recognize that at County Line Auto Service, and we want you to come prepared. We’ve compiled this extensive list of items below of items you may need when you experience problems on the roads. Call this your “emergency kit”. With these items, you’ll have some peace of mind knowing that you have the items to get you out of a pinch. Flashlight This one is basic and simple. Make sure to pack some batteries for the flashlight. These will come in handy when you need to install a spare tire, check under the hood, or any other quick fixes at night. Cell Phone Portable Charger Our cell phones are almost always on our bodies. However, you’re going to need it to be properly charged just in case you need directions when you’re stranded or to call for roadside assistance. That is why it is great to carry one on hand. Jumper Cables Having your own set of jumper cables is the best thing you can do for ... read more