When you first suspect that clutch trouble is brewing, you’ll want to get to the shop. By acting quickly, you’ll have the best chance to identify and address the issue before it escalates and leaves you stranded. At Smith Specialty Automotive, our local mechanics provide expert clutch repair in the greater Olathe, KS area.
Common Symptoms of Clutch Trouble
Problems related to the clutch pedal often make it apparent that there is clutch trouble. A sticky clutch pedal is a sign of a problem with the linkage or release bearing. If the springs in the linkage become overstretched, then your clutch pedal might start to feel sticky.
A spongy or loose clutch pedal is another sign of trouble. With a spongy clutch pedal, there may be an issue with the clutch fork or release bearing. And if you have low fluid in the reservoir or a leaky hose/pipe, then your clutch pedal may start to feel loose/spongy.
A vibrating clutch pedal suggests that certain parts are worn-out, such as a pilot bearing, flywheel, or clutch disc lining. Vibrating could occur because the clutch disc isn’t keeping a dependable grip on the flywheel.
And if your clutch pedal is making a lot of noise when you press down or let up on it, then there’s reason to suspect a clutch fork issue. Because the clutch fork plays a crucial role in the successful engagement and disengagement of your clutch, any problems with it should be fixed ASAP.
You’ll also want to be mindful of a couple other symptoms that indicate clutch trouble. If you notice grinding, then you could have a clutch disc that isn’t correctly disengaging. Issues with the pressure plate or throw-out bearing can also lead to grinding. And if your vehicle won’t shift into or out of third gear, then clutch plate damage or linkage failure could be to blame. A burning smell is a sign that your clutch is overheating and that the clutch plate is worn-down.
Clutch Repair in Olathe, KS
When you need auto repair in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393-0700. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
With gas prices still painfully high, there’s all the more incentive to make sure you’re not letting fuel go to waste. At Smith Specialty Automotive, our local mechanics can conduct auto maintenance in Olathe that will help your vehicle attain better fuel-efficiency. You’ll also want to take some basic measures during your daily commute to prevent fuel waste. Quick Tips for Boosting MPGs One easy way to prevent fuel waste is to make sure you aren’t driving with unneeded weight in your vehicle. For every additional 100 pounds in your vehicle, gas mileage can drop by 1%. It’s also important to make sure you’re driving with correctly inflated tires. If you’ve been driving on tires that are under-inflated, then you could see an increase in gas mileage by 3% when you do inflate them to your required psi. It’s estimated by the U.S. Department of Transportation that under-inflated tires cause approximately 5 million gallons of fuel waste every day. Another way to preserve fuel is to shut off your engine when idling for longer than ten seconds. This is because for every hour’s worth of idling, about a gallon of gas can burn up. Shutting off your engine during extended pauses will also help to go a little easier on the environment. It’s also worth taking the simple precaution of double-checking that your gas cap is screwed back on all the way after each time you fill up. If your gas cap is loose or missing, then fuel could evaporate before you get the chance to use it. At our Olathe auto shop, we can conduct auto maintenance that will help your vehicle get better gas mileage. Our ASE-certified technicians are experts at completing basic maintenance tasks that can enhance fuel-efficiency, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug replacement. Auto Maintenance in Olathe, KS When you need auto maint enance in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393-0700 . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
When your vehicle first starts struggling to fire up as easily as it usually does, you’ll want to get to the shop ASAP. This will give you the best chance to identify and resolve the issue before it escalates and leaves you stranded. At Smith Specialty Automotive, our local mechanics are highly experienced with diagnosing and fixing problems that cause no-start. Here’s a look at five common problems that prevent cars from starting. Failing Starter A common sign of starter trouble is that you turn the key and get nothing except a clicking sound. After thousands of times starting up your vehicle, standard wear and tear can cause the starter motor and solenoid to malfunction. Bad Fuel Pump If your fuel pump is failing, then gas may not be able to successfully move between the tank and engine. Inconsistent acceleration is one classic sign of fuel pump trouble. Clogged Fuel Filter When a fuel filter becomes fully clogged, the engine might not be able to receive the fuel needed to fire up. In many cases, a partially clogged fuel filter will cause the vehicle to struggle to start before it becomes completely clogged and you can't get your engine to fire up at all. Failing Alternator It’s your alternator that charges up your battery. If your alternator fails, then your battery’s power reserve could become depleted to the extent that you’re unable to get going. Oftentimes, the first sign of alternator trouble is a dashboard warning light that illuminates with the letters ALT or GEN or in the shape of a little rectangular battery. Faulty Ignition Switch Ignition switches have an integral role in creating the electrical pathways that are needed for the engine to start up. Flickering dash lights are one sign of an ignition switch problem. Engine Repair in Olathe, KS When you need auto repair in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393-0700 . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
Healthy brakes are critical for your safety on the road. If you suspect that brake trouble is brewing, you’ll want to promptly get your vehicle to the shop for an inspection. At Smith Specialty Automotive, our local mechanics provide expert brake repair in the greater Olathe, KS area. Here are five warning signs of a brake problem. Squealing or Grinding Noises One of the most common signs of brake trouble is unusual noises when you apply the brakes. A high-pitched squeal often indicates that the brake pads are wearing thin and need replacement. If you hear a grinding noise, it's likely that the brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal backing is rubbing against the brake rotor. Ignoring these sounds can lead to further damage to the braking system and compromise your safety. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal A healthy brake pedal should feel firm and responsive when you press it. If you notice that the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, it could be a sign of air or moisture in the brake lines or a leak in the brake system. With a brake fluid leak, you’ve got a major safety hazard and shouldn’t operate your vehicle. Rather, it’s much safer to get towed to the shop. Vibrations Vibrations while braking often indicate warped brake rotors. Warping can occur due to overheating. Driving with warped rotors can compromise your ability to stop quickly and safely, so it's essential to address this issue promptly. Pulling to One Side If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could indicate a stuck caliper. Pulling to one side can make it challenging to maintain control of your vehicle during braking, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. With this symptom, it’s better to get towed to the shop so you don’t risk a collision. Dashboard Warning Light If your ABS (anti-lock braking system) warning light comes on, it's important to have your brakes inspected ASAP. This light may get triggered by issues such as low brake fluid and failing wheel speed sensors. Brake Repair in Olathe, KS When you need auto repair in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393-0700 . Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
Your car's alternator plays a crucial role in keeping the electrical system running smoothly. However, like any mechanical part, alternators can eventually fail. Recognizing the warning signs of alternator failure is essential to avoid ending up stranded. At the first sign of alternator trouble, it’ll be best to get to the shop. At Smith Specialty Automotive, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Olathe, KS area. Here are five signs of an alternator problem. Dimming or Flickering Lights When the alternator fails to supply a consistent flow of electrical power, you may notice the headlights or dash lights dimming/flickering. This is often an early sign of alternator failure and should be brought to the mechanic’s attention before the problem worsens. Dashboard Warning Light A faulty alternator can trigger a dashboard warning light. Commonly this light flashes on as ALT or GEN or in the form of a little battery-shaped symbol. Anytime a warning light illuminates, it’s important to diagnose and address the issue before it escalates. Strange Noises A failing alternator may produce a grinding or whining sound, indicating issues with the internal components such as bearings or the belt. Ignoring strange noises can lead to bigger problems, so it's important to investigate and address these sounds promptly. Difficulty Starting the Engine The alternator is responsible for recharging the battery while the engine is running. If your vehicle struggles to start, it could be a sign that the alternator is not charging the battery properly. This may result in a weakened battery, leaving you stranded if the issue is not resolved. Electrical Accessory Failures The alternator powers various electrical components in your vehicle, and its failure can lead to malfunctions in these systems. Keep an eye out for issues such as power windows moving slowly or the radio cutting in and out. Such problems may point to a failing alternator. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Olathe, KS When you need auto repair in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (9 13) 393 -0700 . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
If you notice a symptom of transmission trouble, you’ll want to alert the mechanic as soon as possible. This is because transmission issues are notorious for escalating quickly and becoming more expensive to repair. At Smith Specialty Automotive, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Olathe, KS area. Our local mechanics will make sure that your car is able to smoothly get through the gears. Here are four common symptoms of a transmission problem. Strange Noises In many cases, one of the earliest indicators of a transmission problem is unusual sounds coming from your vehicle. If you notice grinding or whining noises, it could be a sign that your transmission is in trouble. A grinding sound could be caused by insufficient fluid or worn transmission linkage. A whining noise may indicate a clogged fluid line. Ignoring these noises may lead to more severe damage and higher repair costs down the road. Slipping Gears A transmission that slips out of gear unexpectedly is a clear sign of trouble. Gear slippage may occur due to contaminated transmission fluid. If pollutants impede the fluid’s flow, then fluid pressure may drop to the point that the vehicle won’t stay reliably in gear. Delayed or Rough Shifting Smooth and precise shifting is essential for safe and enjoyable driving. If you notice a delay in shifting or experience a jolt when changing gears, your transmission may be facing issues. Delayed or rough shifting can indicate low fluid levels, a faulty shift solenoid, or other internal problems. Fluid Leaks Transmission fluid is crucial for maintaining proper lubrication and cooling within the transmission system. Keep an eye out for reddish-colored puddles beneath your vehicle. A transmission fluid leak could lead to inadequate lubrication, overheating, and major problems. Addressing leaks promptly can prevent further damage to your transmission. Transmission Repair in Olathe, KS When you need auto repair in Olathe, KS and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393- 0700 . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to call us today to make an appointment!
If your engine runs too hot, then major engine problems could result. This makes it very important to keep your cooling system in excellent shape. Automotive cooling system parts include thermostats, radiators, water pumps, hoses, and cooling fans. A problem with any of these components can increase the risk of overheating. At Smith Specialty Automotive, our local auto shop specializes in cooling system repair in the greater Olathe, KS area. We’ll help to ensure that your engine is able to operate at a safe temperature. Common Symptoms of a Cooling System Problem A high reading on your dashboard’s temperature gauge is an indication that something is wrong with your cooling system. If your temp gauge enters the red zone, you should find somewhere safe to park and turn off your engine. Then you can give the shop a call to describe what exactly is going on and get professional advice on whether it seems like a good idea to drive any further. Leaks in the cooling system are often to blame for overheating. If your coolant level has gotten really low, then you could be dealing with an internal coolant leak. White exhaust smoke is a symptom of internally leaking coolant. This could mean you have a blown head gasket. Another potential sign of a coolant leak is that your coolant warning light has flashed on. It's also smart to keep an eye out for signs of an external coolant leak. Periodically, it’s worth scanning over the pavement where your car is parked and seeing if there are any indications that automotive fluids are leaking. Leaking coolant can often be identified by its bright color. Commonly, it is green, but your coolant could be another color like yellow, orange, or pink. If coolant is leaking, then the drop in fluid pressure can reduce the coolant’s boiling point. In turn, you might see steam rising from under your hood. Cooling System Repair in Olathe, KS When you need auto repair in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393-0700 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!