Automotive News & Information - South Mountain Collision & Auto Center

If you own or operate a fleet or commercial truck, you’re probably pretty familiar with diesel vehicles. But why are diesel engines predominantly used in commercial vehicles, and where did they start?

One of the more annoying issues a car, truck, or SUV will develop is a grinding or scraping sound when you hit the brakes. What is it, and how do you make it stop? At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD we have the answer.

At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we’ve seen and diagnosed every warning light in the book. Many people ignore their check engine light, and while it isn’t advised, often get away with it. Transmission warning lights are different, however. Here's what it means and what you should do when it comes on.

When you think about diesel engines, you probably think about large trucks and machinery, and maybe a few oddball cars over the years. So how long has diesel really been around, and why is it used the way it is today? At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we have the answers.

Fleet vehicles see a lot of wear and tear and need to be well taken care of if you expect them to last. For the best care, you need to choose technicians that are quick, efficient, know how to read the diagnostics and treat the issues. Our team at South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD has the experience and training necessary to diagnose and repair any issues that your fleet might be facing.

An article about routine maintenance probably doesn’t sound like the most riveting read, but at South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, proper maintenance is something we believe in wholeheartedly. Routine maintenance is the key to making a vehicle last for decades; if done correctly, your vehicle will stay reliable and enjoyable to drive, and you will save time and money in the process.

The condition of your transmission fluid can tell you a lot about the condition of the transmission itself. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we want to help you be aware of what to look for and what we look for when servicing your transmission.

As cars become more technologically advanced, the importance of your vehicle’s battery becomes more important. In the old days, a car battery essentially worked, or it didn’t; if it was good enough to start the car, it was good enough. Moderns vehicles are a different story. A faulty battery can cause a variety of issues, including engine codes, sensor failures, irregular transmission behavior, and the list goes on.

Battery failure often causes issues that are commonly misdiagnosed, and in the hands of the wrong auto repair shop, a mechanic may spend hundreds of your hard-earned dollars chasing problems that don’t exist. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, our mechanics are familiar with modern vehicles and the problems that accompany them.