Automotive News & Information - South Mountain Collision & Auto Center

mechanic with gloves on holding transmission parts

Transmissions are complex pieces of equipment. Systems and components rely heavily on one another, and everything needs to be in working order for proper function. When one thing fails, there’s a snowball effect, and malfunctions and damages begin to occur. What can you do to make sure you keep it working? At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we want to help when you need it, but we also want to teach you how to maintain your vehicle on your own. Good maintenance is the single largest contributing factor to how long your transmission will last and how well it will continue to work. Here are a few key points on maintenance from the South Mountain Collision & Auto Center technicians.

Your brake master cylinder is an integral part of your brake system. When one fails, some odd symptoms may arise, and it may be difficult to diagnose. Here’s some information to help you decide if yours has gone bad. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD we want you to know what to look out for so that you can be safely on the road.

Man with clipboard checking under hood of car

At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we specialize in engine maintenance, service, customization, and repair. All of our technicians are equipped with the best equipment and training in the industry to ensure they know exactly what your specific engine needs are, no matter what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive.

At some point or another, we’ve pretty much all dealt with a dead car battery. There’s a good chance you already know how to jump-start your car - if not, don’t worry! Here’s everything you need to know, from South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD.

If you’re running a truck (or trucks) without an auxiliary oil cooler, it may be something you want to consider. Here’s some information on auxiliary oil coolers, what they are, and why they’re a great upgrade, from South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD.

Car Dashboard with 0 RPMs and the oil light on

Fleet cars, vans, and trucks see a lot of wear and tear. If your engine has already called it a day, then it’s obviously case closed - you need a new engine or a new vehicle. However, there are many times when an engine is about to go down, and you can get it taken care of before it kicks the bucket for good - saving you time and towing in the process.

You’re Chevrolet, Ford, or Ram diesel pickup is a heavy-duty machine, designed to tackle all kinds of situations. The ball joints that connect your suspension to the rest of the truck are under a tremendous amount of strain, both on and off-road - it’s important to keep an eye on them, and make sure they’re in proper working order. Here’s how to gauge the condition of your ball joints, from the professionals at South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD.

Hydraulic power has a lot to do with how your transmission operates. There are some basic hydraulic components that keep your transmission running smoothly.