County Line Auto Repair

The excitement of buying a new car can sometimes cloud our judgment, leading us to overlook potential issues that could turn our dream purchase into a nightmare. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is your ticket to informed decision-making and peace of mind when considering a new car. If you are asking yourself why that is, continue reading to find out.1. Uncover Hidden ProblemsWhile a car might appear flawless on the surface, there could be hidden issues lurking beneath. A pre-purchase inspection conducted by a qualified mechanic can reveal any existing or potential problems that might not be immediately apparent. From engine issues to frame damage, a PPI offers a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle's condition.2. Verify Seller's ClaimsSellers often highlight the positive aspects of a car while downplaying or omitting its drawbacks. A pre-purchase inspection provides an objective evaluation, allowing you to ... read more

The Ford F-150 is one of the most sold pick-up trucks in history. This means that a lot of people have mastered or gotten used to fixing them on their own. That's why the mechanics at our shop want to share something with you. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of changing the rear brakes on your Ford F-150! Here are the steps.#1 Gather the necessary tools and materialsBefore you begin, make sure you have all the tools and materials required for the job. Here's a list of what you'll need:Jack and Jack standsLug wrenchC-clampSocket setBrake cleanerBrake greaseNew brake padsNew brake rotors (if needed)Torque wrenchBungee cord or wire (to hang the caliper)#2 Prepare your workspaceEnsure that you have ample space to work around your vehicle. Park your ... read more

The convenience of keyless entry and push-button start in modern cars relies on a small but crucial component: the car key battery. Over time, this battery can lose its charge, leading to issues with unlocking or starting your vehicle. Instead of rushing to the dealership or calling a locksmith, you can easily replace your car key battery yourself - if you are into DIY projects. Here's a quick guide on how to change a key battery, but keep in mind that your car key might be different and unique.Step 1: Before We StartBefore diving into the replacement process, it's essential to determine the type of battery your car key fob requires. Most key fobs use a coin cell battery, such as a CR2032 or CR2025, but it's always a good idea to consult your car's owner manual or check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure accuracy.Step 2: Gather the Necessary ToolsTo replace the car key battery, you'll ... read more

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

Your car's water pump plays a crucial role in the cooling system, ensuring that the engine stays at an optimal temperature. Over time, however, the water pump can wear out or become faulty, leading to potential engine overheating and damage. To prevent such issues, it's important to be aware of the signs indicating a failing water pump. Before we start it's important to note that the water pump, despite its size, can cause a lot of issues if it is malfunctioning or broken. We will share with you a couple of signs that indicate a bad water pump so keep an eye out for them! A noticeable coolant leak under your car, particularly near the front, may indicate a failing water pump. Check for puddles or signs of coolant dripping from the engine area. If your engine frequently overheats or if the temperature gauge consistently rises above the normal range, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning water pump. Unusual noise ... 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