Category Archives: Car Repair

Spark plugs typically last between 30,000-90,000 miles before they need to be changed. This estimated lifespan can differ based on exact make and model of the vehicle. Some vehicles, however, will only need to change spark plugs every 120,000 miles.

What Do Spark Plugs Do?

Spark plugs are designed to create a quick electrical arc, igniting the mixture of air and fuel inside the engine’s combustion chamber. This burst of energy will force the pistons to move.

The crankshaft transforms the movement into rotation of the wheels, ultimately propelling the vehicle forward. Diesel engines do not feature spark plugs because they rely on greater compression ratios to create the combustion.

How Often To Change Spark Plugs In Car

As mentioned above, most vehicles will call for spark plug changes between 30,000-90,000 miles. Some vehicles can go up to 120,000 miles before replacements are needed. Always reference your owner’s manual to know exactly when your spark plugs need to be changed.

Reasons For Bad Spark Plugs

The primary reason for failing spark plugs is time. The anti-corrosion coating responsible for protecting this component will eventually wear out. Oil, dirt, and carbon can all reach and build up on the spark plugs.

A bad fuel filter can also result in failing spark plugs. The resulting grime can accumulate on the spark plugs and erode the insulators, which forces electrical spark throughout the engine instead of in the location it is needed. Misfiring can eventually impact the overall performance of your engine.

When To Change Your Spark Plugs

The frequency of spark plug replacements will depend on the type and maintenance needs. Automakers recommend replacing these plugs every 30,000-40,000 miles. Platinum-tipped spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles, while iridium plugs need to be replaced between every 100,000-120,000 miles.

Let’s take a look at a few signs of worn-out spark plugs, prompting the need for replacements.

Hard To Start Vehicle

The spark clause could be the issue when a vehicle is struggling to start up. Even with a good battery, your engine will have to work harder to make up for weak plugs. In some cases, the vehicle will not start up because the plugs don’t generate enough spark to turn the engine over.

Slow Acceleration

The vehicle fails to respond to the throttle when accelerating or struggles to pick up speed. This is the time to inspect the spark plugs.

Rough Idling

The engine emits a knocking and rattling sound when idling or loud noises emanate from the engine due to the added strain on your engine cylinders.

Less Efficient

Since there is no effective fuel or air mixture combustion, the engine will suck more fuel into the combustion chamber. This will make the vehicle run correctly, which results in poor fuel economy.

Engine Misfires

Overworked spark plugs often lead to engine misfires. Misfires can lead to the transfer of raw fuel into the exhaust due to incomplete combustion, which is a source of catalytic converter issues.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

If you happen to hear the engine revving during a simple gear change, you will know your vehicle has experienced a transmission slip. Some drivers have compared the feeling to driving over ice. It may seem like a minor issue at first, but without proper maintenance, this problem can escalate. Let’s take a look at what a slipping transmission feels like and how this issue can be fixed.

Symptoms Of A Slipping Transmission?

Most symptoms for transmission slipping can also indicate other unrelated issues within your vehicle. It’s possible that your transmission is not slipping; instead it could be experiencing problems in another way. There are a lot of ways your transmission can wear down, so doing preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do to keep your vehicle healthy.

The following symptoms are typically associated with a slipping transmission:

• Burnt or other unusual scents.
• Problems shifting gears.
• Acceleration delays.
• Excessively high RPM, over 3,500.
• Check engine light constantly illuminated.
• Strange noises from the transmission.

Drivers that experience any of these issues should take their vehicle in for an inspection as soon as possible.

What Causes A Slipping Transmission?

Typically, the most common reason why a transmission slips is low fluid levels. It’s suggested to frequently check your vehicle’s fluid levels. When checking this, make note if the levels are lower than the recommendation. You may need to simply refill the fluids, but if the problem persists, your system may have a leak.

The various parts present within your transmission could be to blame. These parts can wear down over time, and if not addressed, it could ultimately lead to transmission failure.

It’s possible your vehicle’s transmission could be experiencing clutch issues. This is actually the most common culprit of slipping with a manual transmission. Replacing a broken or worn out clutch can correct this issue.

How To Fix Transmission Slipping

Fixing this problem can be as simple as adding more transmission fluid in the event your vehicle is running low. If the fluid is badly burnt, though, your transmission likely has some internal damage that calls for professional care. Some parts may need to be swapped out or an entire new transmission system may need to be installed.

Getting your car inspected as soon as you experience any of these issues is the best way to avoid a total replacement, which is the most expensive option.

Should You Drive With A Slipping Transmission?

The short answer to this question is no. It is not safe to be on the road with a transmission system that is not working properly. You will experience issues when accelerating and shifting gears, which can create unsafe driving conditions.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

When your engine will not turnover, it may indicate a locked or seized engine. May be one day you are driving; you hear a loud noise and the car turns off and will no longer operate. The chances are the car engine has been seized. Read on to learn more.

Is A Seized Engine Fixable?

Starvation of oil is the most common cause of a seized engine – either when the oil is not going through the system correctly or there is no oil in the car. This causes metal parts of the engine to rub against each other, creating tremendous heat and can cause a little engine damage to extensive damage. Also, keep in mind, if an engine has not been running, it can seize because the rings of the piston freeze against the walls of the cylinder – often seen on older vehicles.

Hydrolocked Engine

This happens when water enters the combustion chamber of the engine. In cases where the piston is unable to reach the top end of its stroke as the water prevents compression. This stops the engine. At lower RPM’s, you may be able to escape extensive damage to your engine. At higher RPMs, busted pistons and connecting rods becoming bent are nearly inevitable.

Vapor Locked Engine

This does not equal your car engine not turning over, but the engine will not start. It is a problem with the fuel system – often found on cars that are older. With gasoline in the pump or fuel lines turn to gas from liquid, the engine is starved of fuel and will no longer run. The engine will lose power, splutter along and turn off. It will not restart, despite attempting to do so.

Causes of Seized Engines

• An engine vapor lock is inevitably related to high heat. The fuel in the lines turns to vapor. This can happen from switching off the engine when it is hot outside or being out in in heavy traffic when it is extremely hot outside. As the fuel pump is incapable of moving vapor.
• In the case of the engine being hydrolocked – water has entered the engine.
• In the case of a bad starter or a seized engine, running out of oil or not timely oil changes may be the cause. It may also be a broken engine oil pump.

Rebuilding A Seized Engine?

When the engine has seized because of oil starvation, a rebuild may be possible but is almost always way too cost prohibitive. It will require a very thorough mechanical inspection. Also be on the lookout for an engine that has overheated once it has seized. A warped engine can result from the heat and you may not be able to observe this, but the price will soon escalate.

Fixing Costs

You can easily be looking at a bill in excess of $3,000 for your repair – in those circumstances it may be more economical to just scrap the car.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

Spark plug replacement costs can range all the way from $2-$100. The prices ultimately depend on the type of spark plugs needed and labor charges. For example, standard copper spark plugs cost $2-$10 each, while iridium plugs can cost up to $100 each.

How Much Does Spark Plug Replacement Cost?

As mentioned, replacement costs for spark plugs will vary widely. Labor charges will differ based on the complexity of each engine. For example, V6 and V8 engines cost much more than four-cylinder engines. The average labor charges will come in between $40-$350.

It’s recommended to replace all the spark plugs at the same time to avoid dealing with different replacement cycles, helping to achieve optimal performance. In addition, replacing spark plug wires, coil pack, fuel filter, and oxygen sensor can impact the overall performance of the spark plugs. An old fuel filter can cause buildup of carbon and oil around the plugs. This will dull their effectiveness.

Here are the average prices of common spark plug types:

• Standard copper spark plugs: $2-$10 each.
• Silver spark plugs: $5 each.
• Platinum and double platinum spark plugs: $10-$20 each.
• Iridium plugs: $20-$100 each.

When you factor in both parts and labor for this replacement, the service will cost anywhere from $100-$500, with an average of $300, according to JDPower.

When To Replace Your Spark Plugs

The frequency of spark plug replacements will depend on the type and maintenance needs. Automakers recommend replacing these plugs every 30,000-40,000 miles. Platinum-tipped spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles, while iridium plugs need to be replaced between every 100,000-120,000 miles.

Let’s take a look at a few signs of worn-out spark plugs, prompting the need for replacements.

Hard To Start Vehicle

The spark clause could be the issue when a vehicle is struggling to start up. Even with a good battery, your engine will have to work harder to make up for weak plugs. In some cases, the vehicle will not start up because the plugs don’t generate enough spark to turn the engine over.

Slow Acceleration

The vehicle fails to respond to the throttle when accelerating or struggles to pick up speed. This is the time to inspect the spark plugs.

Rough Idling

The engine emits a knocking and rattling sound when idling or loud noises emanate from the engine due to the added strain on your engine cylinders.

Less Efficient

Since there is no effective fuel or air mixture combustion, the engine will suck more fuel into the combustion chamber. This will make the vehicle run correctly, which results in poor fuel economy.

Engine Misfires

Overworked spark plugs often lead to engine misfires. Misfires can lead to the transfer of raw fuel into the exhaust due to incomplete combustion, which is a source of catalytic converter issues.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

While regular oil changes are par for the course for drivers, it’s also important to remember that the oil filter needs to be replaced. How often it should be changed ultimately depends on a variety of factors.

How Often Should You Change The Oil In Your Vehicle?

The majority of manufacturers will recommend you get an oil filter replacement every other time you get an oil change. For instance, you should change the filter every 6,000 miles if you are on a 3,000-mile cycle.

Changing Oil Filter Factors

Knowing exactly when you need to change the oil filter will depend on several factors. Let’s look at some of the most common factors that could impact this timeline.

Frequency Of Oil Changes

Newer vehicles are designed to run for 6,000-7,500-mile cycles after every oil change. Most mechanics agree that swapping out the filter during every oil change is necessary. The reason for this is because most modern filters and engines are quite efficient at filtering out particles. Of course, filters themselves will also foul sooner.

Harsh Driving

Constant harsh driving methods will call for more frequent oil and oil filter changes. Harsh driving relates to heavy acceleration and breaking, as well as substantial travel. When the engine must work harder, the oil gets dirty quicker. This can result in filters clogging at a quicker rate, as well.

Service Engine Light Activation

If you are driving your vehicle and notice your service engine light activating, it could indicate something as small as a dirty oil filter. A few things can trigger this light, but choosing to address the inexpensive fixes, such as an oil filter replacement, is always wise.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

The average cost to replace a car battery at a dealership is around $250 total. Of course, you can get your battery replaced anywhere, but some makes and models will require a trip to the dealership.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Car Battery At The Dealership?

Depending on the type of car you own and its warranty, the automaker could cover your battery replacement. Tesla, for example, will pay to replace your battery two years after the purchase date.

• Average cost to replace a car battery at the dealership: $250.

Signs You Need To Replace Car Battery

These are a few signs that your car battery is dying/dead and needs to be replaced:

• If your check engine light remains on, it means the ECU has read a voltage drop. The primary cause of this is a drained or dead battery.
• Flickering or dim headlights, taillights, dashboard lights, and other electrical issues within the vehicle.
• Trouble starting the vehicle when turning the ignition key or pressing the ignition button.

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Battery In A Car?

It’s recommended to set aside at least an hour if you plan to replace the battery as your next DIY project. Roadside assistance services can also replace your battery quite quickly, if needed. The average time it takes to complete this replacement is between 30-60 minutes.

How Often Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

The majority of car experts recommend replacing your car battery every 4-5 years. Of course, there are multiple factors that can affect the life of your vehicle’s battery.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

The majority of car experts recommend replacing your car battery every 4-5 years. Of course, there are multiple factors that can affect the life of your vehicle’s battery. Let’s take a look at these factors below!

Signs You Need To Replace Car Battery

These are a few signs that your car battery is dying/dead and needs to be replaced:

• If your check engine light remains on, it means the ECU has read a voltage drop. The primary cause of this is a drained or dead battery.
• Flickering or dim headlights, taillights, dashboard lights, and other electrical issues within the vehicle.
• Trouble starting the vehicle when turning the ignition key or pressing the ignition button.

Causes Of Car Battery Deterioration

It’s no secret that battery deterioration or the rate of deterioration will impact how often you must replace the battery. These factors can shorten the battery’s lifespan.

• Loose hold-down clamps can cause vibrations, ultimately damaging the internal parts of the battery.
• Vehicles in warmer areas will see their battery wear out quicker due to the evaporation of liquids inside the battery.
• Leaving your lights on overnight can shorten the battery life.
• Natural deterioration occurs over time, so proper care is the best way to extend the lifespan.

How To Test A Car Battery

While the car professionals are always nearby to help, there are a few ways you can test a car battery yourself. You can use one of these methods to test your car battery.

Headlight Test:

• Start the engine while the car is in park with the headlights on.
• Rev the engine and check to see if the headlights change brightness.
• If the headlights get brighter while the car is idling, it means the battery is not strong enough to maintain normal headlight brightness.

Digital Multimeter Test:

• When testing your car battery with a voltmeter, set it to 20 DC volts.
• Lift your hood and touch the negative meter probe (colored black) to the negative terminal on your battery (also colored black).
• Next, touch the positive meter probe (red) to the positive terminal (red).
• Have a helper there to switch on the headlights while you check the voltmeter reading.
• A reading of 12.5 volts or more indicates that the battery is fully charged. 11.8 volts or less means the battery has under 25% life remaining.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Car Battery?

Average prices for a car battery replacement will range from $45-$250, according to Kelley Blue Book. Costs will depend on power, size, and overall quality of the battery. Contact the team at Automatic Transmission Exchange for more information today!

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Battery In A Car?

A simple car battery replacement will take between 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of vehicle. It’s recommended to set aside at least an hour if you plan to replace the battery as your next DIY project.

Roadside assistance services can also replace your battery quite quickly, if needed. As mentioned above, the average time it takes to complete this replacement is between 30-60 minutes.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

A simple car battery replacement will take between 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of vehicle.

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Battery In A Car?

It’s recommended to set aside at least an hour if you plan to replace the battery as your next DIY project. Roadside assistance services can also replace your battery quite quickly, if needed. As mentioned above, the average time it takes to complete this replacement is between 30-60 minutes.

Is It Easy To Replace A Car Battery?

Car batteries are generally considered quite easy to replace. Trained mechanics can, of course, replace them quicker, but most drivers can accomplish the task on their own.

Signs You Need To Replace Car Battery

These are a few signs that your car battery is dying/dead and needs to be replaced:

• If your check engine light remains on, it means the ECU has read a voltage drop. The primary cause of this is a drained or dead battery.
• Flickering or dim headlights, taillights, dashboard lights, and other electrical issues within the vehicle.
• Trouble starting the vehicle when turning the ignition key or pressing the ignition button.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.