Automotive Industry News & Information - South Mountain Collision & Auto Center

Your drive belts are simple but integral components to the function of your car, truck, or SUV. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, belts are one of the first things we assess when looking over a vehicle, as they alone are in charge of operating your AC, water pump, alternator, and power steering.

At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we know the key to making your vehicle last; good maintenance. An overwhelming percentage of the problems we see, especially the really catastrophic ones, are a result of poor maintenance. While properly maintaining a vehicle can seem like a bit of a hassle, it is absolutely worth the payoff. Good maintenance is the only difference between a car that lasts 80,000 miles and a car that lasts 400,000 miles. Preventative maintenance and repair when a problem occurs are your two concerns, and both will keep your car on the road far longer if observed properly.

Whether you drive a Duramax, Powerstroke, or Cummins diesel truck, sooner or later you’re going to have to replace a tire or two. You know when the tread gets low it’s time for new rubber - but there are plenty of other things that warrant a replacement. Here’s what you need to know, from South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD.

A good technician will give your car a quick inspection whenever you have maintenance performed. Fluid levels, tire condition, dashboard lights, and a variety of other items typically are briefly explored whenever you bring your vehicle in for maintenance. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, we're good at noticing things that need repair, but the fact of the matter is that only you know your car. You know when your car feels off when its been serviced last (or that it hasn't been serviced at all,) and have at least some vague idea of what’s going on with your vehicle day to day. Here are some questions you can ask us next time you come by the shop;

When you get in your car, truck, SUV, or minivan to drive and the A/C does not work what could be wrong? Here at South Mountain Collision & Auto Center, we have some simple answers to help you understand how your vehicle A/C system works. The first question we are asked is "Why isn't my air conditioner blowing cold air?" Let's talk about what could be happening.

Correct fluid levels are essential to keeping your Ram, Ford, or Chevrolet diesel pickup on the road. Luckily, checking your coolant, oil, brake, and transmission fluid are easy to do, and will save you from a variety of issues down the road. Here’s what you should know about keeping the fluid levels in your truck maintained, from South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD.

Your transmission mounts keep your transmission in place and suppress vibrations coming from the drivetrain. How do you know when to replace them or when they’re going bad. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, our goal is to educate you about your vehicle so that you can drive it safely and prolong its life.

Your vehicle configuration determines how it should be properly towed to avoid transmission damage. Specifically, it matters if your vehicle is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive and whether it’s an automatic or a manual. From the professionals at South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, here’s how to tow your vehicle: