
AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE BLOG
Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.
Engine and Drivetrain Problems
Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at Packard's Shell.Vibration While Driving
This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at Packard's Shell.There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. Packard's Shell has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.

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Got questions? We've got answers! Drop us a line, give us a call, or even stop by. Our team is eager to help you with any auto repair needs you have. Let's get you back on the road safely and swiftly!
What Our Customers Are Saying
Excellent. Bill, Matthew, Chris, Dustin & all were professional, polite, fast, knowlegeable, & friendly. They were NOT at all condescending to women as some can be. Fair price for excellent work. Gave ride to & from due to outrageouos taxi costs, unreliable & weird Ubers, friends busy during working hours & etc.
Nashville, TN
I have been doing business with Packard for several years now and they are the best around!! It's an awesome feeling to be female and know you have a mechanic that is competent, trustworthy, dependable and best of all reasonable!! I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending these guys to anyone who needs car repair or maintenance. They also provide full service gas and that is certainly thing of the past!! Definitely 5++ star service in my book!! Thanks so much for taking such good care of your customers!!
Undercar Services, near Nashville, 44
Bill and the Team were incredible!!! My family and I were heading he Florida on Spring Break and had car trouble at midnight on Thursday. I called Friday at 7:30am, explained my predicament, and Bill took me right in...our van was fixed and we were back on the road before noon. The entire experience exceeded any and all expectations!!! The Team's professionalism and concern for getting my vacation back on track was exemplary! It was the best experience I have ever had with any car trouble...I wish Packard's was in Michigan!!! Fair, honest, and dedicated to service....a great recipe!
Awesome service! These guys are honest, straight forward and very competitively priced. I have used them for many years and will continue doing so as maintenance and repairs are needed.