Automotive News & Information - ABC Transmission & Auto Care / Auto Body

If your car, truck or SUV is experiencing major engine issues, the technicians at ABC Transmission & Auto Care / Auto Body in Atlantic Beach, FL have you covered. Do you hear the engine knocking when it decides to start? Is there smoke pouring from your truck’s exhaust pipe? Whether you’re burning oil, your engine is on its last leg, or has simply given up altogether, we can help. And if you’re not sure what you need, we can help with that too.

At ABC Transmission & Auto Care / Auto Body in Atlantic Beach, we know that the difference between a vehicle that runs for 80,000 miles and a vehicle that makes it to 400,000 miles depends on one thing; maintenance. Here are a few tips to avoid some of the most notorious vehicle killers out there.

Your vehicle's belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded.

What is the purpose and importance of your belts and hoses? The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized to maintain engine timing. Whether serpentine, V-belt, or fan belt (the belts on the outside of the engine), they all transmit power from the front of the engine to accessories that need to be driven, such as the air conditioning, the charging system, and fans. Radiator and heater hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator, and heater core.

At ABC Transmission & Auto Care / Auto Body in Atlantic Beach, FL, we see our fair share of warning lights and dashboard notifications. If your ABS light is illuminated, here’s what you need to know. First, it should be noted that the ABS light is supposed to illuminate for a few seconds after you turn the key, as part of a system test. If the light stays illuminated or comes on again randomly, there’s an issue somewhere that must be addressed.

At ABC Transmission & Auto Care / Auto Body in Atlantic Beach, cars are our passion, so naturally, we like to keep up with new technology on the market. At the moment, surprisingly the current trend is moving towards a goal you may not expect; self-driving vehicles. You’ve probably heard about self-driving cars a little bit here and there on the news, but it likely still seems somewhere in the realm of science fiction to you. However, the reality is that self-driving cars are on the way and maybe here sooner than you think. Already, almost all major automobile manufacturers are dumping billions of dollars into research and development for self-driving cars, and even companies like Uber are jumping on board.

At ABC Transmission & Auto Care / Auto Body in Atlantic Beach, FL, we understand that there are endless ways a transmission can sound, behave, and feel, depending on what type of vehicle it’s in, what type of transmission it is, and the state of the vehicle’s repair. Sometimes, when people buy a different vehicle, they notice it doesn’t act the same as their last vehicle, which leads them to believe there is a problem.

Vehicle belts aren’t that different than the belts that hold up your trousers. They need to fit properly and stay in place, and if they break, sag, or wear out, you’ll probably wish you were wearing a different belt that day. The same goes for the belts in your car. Your engine compartment is a punishing environment, and while all auto belts are made of materials designed to be both flexible and tough, even the toughest materials will eventually wear out due to the extreme temperatures under the hood.

Keeping the interior of your car, truck, or SUV clean and in good shape is an important part of making your vehicle last. ABC Transmission & Auto Care / Auto Body in Atlantic Beach has some tips on keeping your car clean inside, and why keeping it clean matters.