Automotive News & Information - South Mountain Collision & Auto Center

At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we understand how important lighting is in regards the safety and presentation of your vehicle. Whether you have a broken housing, burned out bulbs, or a faulty connection, our expert mechanics are here to help.

Tire rotations are a part of vehicle maintenance. The purpose of rotating your tires is to make them last as long as possible, prevent your suspension from wearing out prematurely, and keep the drivability of your car in the best possible condition. So when should you get a tire rotation?

Your fleet or commercial vehicles most likely spend a lot of time idling. Whether it’s to keep warm or simply out of convenience, the stop and go lifespan of these vehicles mean idling is a part of their duties. But, is it bad for them? South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD has the information you need.

At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we know it isn’t always easy deciding what to do next when it comes to major engine repairs. Fortunately, that’s what we’re here for - to help you make the best decision for your situation.

a car with lines and details over it like a computer screen

Your Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is essentially your car’s fingerprint. In its entirety, it is specific only to your car. Each car has its own unique VIN number and can be decoded to provide manufacturing and identification information on any vehicle on the road. Date of manufacture, manufacturer, vehicle type, where it was made, and options such as engine and transmission type, whether a car is a two or four-door, and a multitude of other specifications can be gleaned from a VIN number. Essentially, a VIN number will tell you exactly what a car is and where it came from, without even having to see the car.

Your drive belts run everything - your AC, power steering, alternator, and water pump are all dependent on the belts that turn them. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, our goal is to keep your truck maintained, so you’re never stuck out on the road. Drive belts are a critical part of that goal.

You’ve probably heard the term “transmission flush” before at some point in your automotive experience. But what exactly does it mean to have your transmission flushed, and why does it matter? South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD has the answers.

Your radiator hoses are under a lot of pressure, in both the figurative and literal sense. From South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, here’s what you need to know about the radiator hoses on your car, truck, or SUV.