Why You Should Never Drive on Empty

The weather has begun to heat up, and you're thinking that you can't wait to get in the car and turn on the air conditioning. This impressive, modern system is made to cool the air in your cabin and to remove moisture from the air, keeping you comfortable inside. However, what does it mean when you crank up the air conditioning only to breathe in and smell something like a sweaty locker room? Check out the information here about what a smelly vehicle A/C means, and what you can do to fix it. more Smelly Vehicle Air Conditioner Diagnosis There are two separate issues that could be resulting in your smelly cabin whenever you turn on the air conditioning. The first is a dirty/old air cabin filter. The good news about this issue is that it can be a quick fix if you take your vehicle in to the service center and have the cabin filter replaced. Read More: Diagnosing a Leak Using the Puddle on the Ground However, the other issues it a potentially moldy evaporator case. This happens when water sits in the evaporator case due to a blocked drain. In this situation there is mold potentially growing, and you'll need to bring it in to the shop to have things looked over by a professional. In some situations, you can use a DIY deodorizer to keep your car from smelling, but it depends on the severity of the issue and the smell. Schedule Air Conditioner Service Racine WI If you are experiencing these issues, please don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with the team here at Palmen of Racine.

Finding a puddle of liquid under your car in the driveway might raise a flag. While not all liquid leaks need immediate fixing, many of them can be an indicator of issues with an important system.  Check out these common leaks and liquids that you might be seeing under your car. If the leaking liquid is appearing under your car most days, it's a good idea to bring it in to see the experts and have things fixed up. more Diagnosing Common Car Leaks Coolant or Antifreeze A neon puddle of either green, pink, blue or orange that smells slightly sweet and feels slightly viscous between your fingers is indicating a problem with your radiator, water pump, coolant reservoir or radiator hoses. This leak could result in an overheating engine if not repaired. Oil Oil under your car will look black or brown and feel thick and slippery when you touch it. An acidic smell might also indicate engine oil. A leaking oil filter seal, loose oil pan plug, or leaking oil gasket may be the cause. You'll need to check your oil levels before driving. Gasoline A gasoline leak has a distinct smell and will look almost like water on the ground (minus the potentially rainbow appearance in direct sunlight). This leak means you have an issue with your fuel pump, injector or a leak in the fuel line or gas tank. Have this checked out and repaired before you lose more fuel! Brake Fluid Brake fluid under your car will look clear or light yellowish-brown with an oily feel. It will smell strongly of avid and indicates a problem with the brake system, brake lines, calipers or wheel cylinders. Any issues with your brakes should be taken very seriously, so please have this checked out as soon as possible! Transmission Fluid Transmission problems can be expensive, but if you see a puddle of dark red or brown or light red or light brown, it's worth having it checked out. This leak could indicate issues with the transmission pan gasket, fluid lines, or seals.

So, you just drove over a particularly nasty pothole and you're unsure whether it may have damaged your vehicle. If that's the case, you're not alone. Many of us fall victim to the nasty holes in the road that form during the temperature changes at the end of the winter. However, with these five tips, you can make sure your car is still running its best, or schedule your service appointment before things get out of hand! more Where to Look For Pothole Damage Your vehicle can take damage in quite a few parts when you hit the king of potholes. Check these five locations over after you get home to note any parts that might need repairs. Tires: Check your tires for the tread splitting from the wheel and for any bulges or cracks. These problems can turn into a flat tire and may be dangerous to drive on. Wheel Rims: Look closely at your rims to discover any cracks, dents, or chips. These can indicate that the air-tight seal between the rim and your tire has been damaged. Suspension System: Your suspension is made to absorb shocks, but a pothole is a whole different ballgame. If you notice intense vibration, or your steering pulling in one direction while you drive, schedule an appointment to have things checked out! Exhaust: Loud sounds coming from your exhaust could mean it was damaged when you hit the pothole. Also stop in for an inspection if you notice the smell of leaking exhaust inside your vehicle! Low-Hanging Body: If your vehicle rides low to the ground, your bumper or side-skirts could be damaged when you hit a pothole. These damages are usually only cosmetic, but if you want to keep your car looking its best, have them repaired with us! Schedule Pothole Repairs Racine WI If you're interested in having your vehicle repaired after noticing damage from a pothole, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Be sure to stop by our service center coupons page to see if you can save a few bucks when you come to visit!