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What Are the Pros of Having Power Windows?

What Are the Pros of Having Power Windows?

Most of us can't resist a pleasant and relaxing cruise around town with our windows down. We often overlook the convenience of rolling down and rolling up our windows with a push of a button. This function is called power windows, and it is electrically operated. Power windows did not become a standard until decades ago. Before then, you would have to crank your window up and down manually.  PROS OF POWER WINDOWS Safety  If you often have to drive children, you may look for a car with working power windows. Most parents may be reluctant to leave their kids in the back seat with power windows for fear that they could hurt themselves by playing with the window switches. However, power windows have rear window locks or child-safety locks to prevent riders in the back from controlling the windows. The driver can turn off and on the switch rear window locks if needed. If you're still worried, there's more. Most new vehicles have an automatic detection feature that ... read more

Is It Safe to Drive with a Broken CV Joint?

Is It Safe to Drive with a Broken CV Joint?

Constant Velocity, or CV, joints connect the axles of front-wheel-drive cars to the wheels. The joints enable the wheels and axle to move as you drive to account for bumpy surfaces, turns, etc. The CV joint is the most vulnerable part of this system, and that's why it needs proper care. CV joints need adequate lubrication and protection from rocks, dust, and dirt. If the CV joint gets corrupted or contamination takes place, then the lubricant will leak. A boot seals the CV, and this boot is not resistant to damage. Whenever this happens, the joint will wear out and fail. If you drive a car with a damaged CV, the joint will deteriorate more, making driving impossible. You'll be at risk of getting into an accident. In summary, it is advisable to neve drive a vehicle with faulty CV joints.   What Are the Top Signs of a Damaged CV Joint? #1: Busted Boots A busted Constant Velocity boot may allow you to drive for only a short distance before it breaks down comple ... read more

Fun Activities for Your Summer Road Trip

Fun Activities for Your Summer Road Trip

  Now that we are in full swing of summer, it also means that we're preparing to hit the road to travel again. Whether it's a trip to the beach, the lake, or a campsite, many of us still dread the boring car ride. Here are some of our fun and favorite ways to pass the time (instead of sleeping the entire time) until you get to your destination.  Sing-Along to Your Favorite Songs Listening and singing along to our favorite music can be very fun and mood-boosting. This activity is highly recommended if you are traveling with friends or family, as it is a wonderful way to keep your energy pumping. Make sure you have a way to connect your phone to your car stereo, either through Bluetooth, AUX, or USB cable.  Though singing can be fun, there are also safety matters you should be aware of. Be sure to set your music at a low to moderate sound level to avoid causing distractions for the driver. It would also help if you had a passenger, instead of the driver, change ... read more

All About Your Vehicle’s Drivetrain

All About Your Vehicle’s Drivetrain

Most people do not know or understand their vehicle’s drivetrain. It sounds intimidating, but don’t worry! We are here to give you a crash course on drivetrains, why they are so important, symptoms of a faulty drivetrain, and why you should not delay a repair. What is a Drivetrain? The drivetrain comprises multiple car parts that make up a system that includes the transmission, driveshaft, wheels, and axles. The drivetrain plays an essential function by working with the engine to move the wheels when you drive.  Symptoms of Faulty Drivetrain Several problems can indicate damage to your car’s drivetrain. Some of the most common symptoms include squeaky axles, loud clunking sounds, problems with acceleration, and a shuddering feeling when turning. As a responsible driver, you should never shelve drivetrain repairs, no matter how tempting it might be to do so. At B & L Automotive, we’ve seen time and time again how horrible and dangerous things can get ... read more

Why Are My Car Vents Blowing Smelly Air?

Why Are My Car Vents Blowing Smelly Air?

It is quite disappointing to hop into your vehicle and turn on the AC and what you get is a musty and foul smell from the vents. It can ruin your ride's quality, and no passenger (or even yourself) would want to sit in a car with a bad odor. While you might head to the gas station or car wash to get the vehicle cleaned thoroughly inside and out, that can't fix the problem. Instead, it requires the expertise of a certified technician to repair the air conditioning system to restore its proper function. Besides, repairing the problem asap alleviates complex AC issues, which are often pricier. Causes of Bad Smell from the AC The primary cause of musty or moldy smell from your vehicle's AC system is mildew growth within the system. The smell resembles that of dirty socks. It is a common automotive issue, usually occurring when you operate the air conditioning on recirculate, not blowing the fan after switching off the AC or shutting off the car motor. Moist, dirty, and dust ... read more

April is Car Care Month

April is Car Care Month

April is the National Car Care month when all car owners are supposed to give their car more attention. Doing maintenance to your car is beneficial because it helps you avoid spending a lot of money paying for expensive repairs down the road, and it also improved the dependability and safety of your vehicle. There is no point in expecting your car to ferry you to various locations yet you are not willing to do your part by taking care of it. The truth is, a car that is well maintained will serve you for a long time. So if you do not want to purchase a new vehicle any time soon, you need to shower your vehicle with affection and address all issues immediately. Here are some of the things you need to do in April, to prepare your vehicle for spring and summer; Have the brakes inspected A brake pad needs frequent inspection. When you are driving, listen to whether there is brake noise and note if the brake pedal is vibrating or shuddering. If you notice anything unusual, contact a profe ... read more

What Does it Mean if My Check Engine or Service Engine Soon Light Comes On?

What Does it Mean if My Check Engine or Service Engine Soon Light Comes On?

Cars are a wonderful piece of machinery; let's be honest, without them things in life would be completely different! While they are amazing, they are equipped with a lot of bells, whistles, and lights… a lot of lights. So, what does it mean whenever you see the check engine light/service engine soon light comes on? This light comes on when there is a fuel system, ignition, emissions, or transmission failure and your car is letting you know about it. While it may be a warning, it is one that should never be taken lightly. It may be a routine maintenance issue that causes this light to come on… it could be something with the cabin filter, air filter or you may even need your oil serviced. These routine issues are general, but there could be some other things that cause this light to come on as well. One thing we do know is that whatever the issue is it is dealing with your engine. You never want to take this lightly, so you need to get things checked on immediately. H ... read more

What Happens if You Put Diesel In a Gas Car?

What Happens if You Put Diesel In a Gas Car?

Putting diesel in a car can be an honest mistake! But, worry not you are not the only one. Putting the wrong fuel in your car can cause you much hassle. Let's find out what you've to go through if you are putting diesel in a gas car. What Happens When You Put Diesel In Your Gas Car? First, you can expect to see the relevant label "diesel" so that you don't do such a mistake. Plus, you can notice a different color. The reason for such markings is that people don't do such mistakes. Let's say you still opted for the wrong nozzle. Now that you are thinking about what's possibly going to happen if you put diesel in your gas car, you can expect the following: You can expect the car to run a few miles until the gasoline in your car's tank is used up. The engine may stop running at this point. Your car engine is designed for gasoline and not diesel. Now, you need to call for roadside assistance so that you can tow your car to our auto ... read more

Should you Choose a Manual or Auto Transmission Car?

Should you Choose a Manual or Auto Transmission Car?

For your car to move, its transmission system must be in perfect condition. The transmission system allows you to change gears to transmit power to the axle from the engine. The transmission varies the gear ratio. There are two types of transmission: manual transmission and automatic transmission. While all drivers agree that the transmission is important for the functionality of the car, what they differ about is what type of transmission they prefer. Some like automatic transmission, while others like manual transmission. Before you choose any system, you need to understand its pros and cons. Automatic transmissions Most vehicles manufactured today have automatic transmission. Some also combine both manual and auto transmission. Though auto transmission has become increasingly popular, some drivers still insist that manual transmission is better. Pros Easier to use Less restrictive Works better in hilly terrains Low risk of stalling Cons The high cost of maintenance Manual ... read more

What Can Cause Your Brake Warning Light to Turn On?

What Can Cause Your Brake Warning Light to Turn On?

Your car's brakes are some of the essential safety features that need to be fully functional at all times. As such, you need to take a brake warning light on your dashboard very seriously. In most cases, a brake warning light may mean replacing the brakes. However, sometimes it may indicate a leaking brake fluid, which is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Most modern vehicles have three types of brake warning lights; one that indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), one that shows the parking brake is engaged, and finally one for the brakes themselves, which is the most serious one. Below are 3 of the reasons why your brake warning light may turn on. Low/Leaking Brake Fluid The brakes need enough brake fluid to operate well. When the brake fluid drops below the required level, a sensor in the master cylinder triggers the brake light on the dashboard to turn on. If your brake fluid has been leaking for a while, the brake fluid reservoir will be near ... read more