Stratford Auto Repair

The head gasket is one of those terms that many of us have probably heard of, but don't quite understand. The head gasket is the block that is located between the engine block and the cylinder head. This part has a tough job because it is constantly put under high pressure and high temperatures. If your head gasket is blown, this is another way of saying that your head gasket has a leak.  A head gasket leak basically means that it is allowing coolant to leak out of the engine or it could mean that coolant is getting into the cylinder. When you continue to drive with a blown head gasket, the coolant and exhaust gases are going places that they shouldn't and this will start to cause engine metal and parts to warp and wear significantly. Leaking coolant can cause a multitude of different issues, including causing low coolant levels which can cause engine overheating and warping, damage your spark plugs, cause issues with the motor, rusted piston rings, cylinder walls, and m ... read more

Your vehicle's engine is one of its most important components. Think of it as the heart of your entire vehicle, making sure that all systems work as they should while providing the energy needed to get your car moving. It is the largest system of your vehicle as well - just take a look under the hood! With so many working parts, it's important to recognize when there might be an issue within the engine.  Engine trouble can be worrisome, especially due to the fact that finding the broken part can be a tricky job. One of the more obvious signs of an engine issue is the check engine warning light. This light illuminates on your vehicle's dashboard when it detects that there is a problem with a component either within the engine or that the engine needs to operate correctly. See, your vehicle actually has a computer system that is connected to many different sensors throughout your car. When the computer detects an issue, it stores an error code and turns your check engi ... read more

While driving on the road, your vehicle is constantly traveling over bumps, uneven surfaces, and road debris. This is why our modern vehicles have suspension systems and components made to specific absorb shock and make your ride smooth and controlled. Two very critical parts of the suspension system are the shock absorbers and the struts, which would together to absorb excessive movement and keep you from having to feel every single bump in the road.  So, what exactly are shocks and struts? Struts are the component within the suspension system that control spring and suspension movement. They convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, which is dissipated through hydraulic fluid. Because of this process, your vehicle won't bounce up and down on every uneven surface.  Struts are actually a huge part of the suspension system that helps to dampen shock from the road, much like the shock absorbers, but it also provides overall structural support for the suspensio ... read more

During the summer, your vehicle's air conditioning system is vital. Without it, you'll find yourself having a miserable drive. There's nothing like jumping into your vehicle after a warm day in the sun and blasting the A/C. However, did you know that using your A/C at full blast throughout the summer can actually decrease fuel efficiency by up to 25%? That's a lot of gas!  When you turn on your vehicle's air conditioning system, the system will bring in air from the outside (or the cabin) and will extract heat from the air and then push it through your air vents. The compressor is a major component within the A/C system, and it uses energy from the engine to work, which eats up fuel.  So, knowing that your A/C can decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency, here are some ways in which you can maximize your car's A/C during the summer without taking too much of a toll on your vehicle.  Try to park in shaded areas, which will allow you to k ... read more

We know that July 4th may look different this year in terms of celebration. While usually, you are probably meeting up with friends and family, you may not be able to do so due to the current global pandemic. However, you can still have fun safely and enjoy time with a small group of people while social distancing. You may even be planning to stay home and spend time with your household, maybe by firing up the grill or lighting some small fireworks. If you are planning on celebrating, there are certain safety tips you should follow to protect yourself and your family.  Here are some tips on how to remain safe while celebrating July 4th this year:  July 4th is one of the most dangerous days in the United States to drive, so be sure to stay alert and aware of your surroundings on the road. There will be additional traffic and parking may be difficult to find. Know your destination and practice defensive driving along the way. Be sure that your vehicle is in good co ... read more

The brake system is an important safety component of your vehicle. If you ever notice a change in the performance of your brakes or hear a strange noise when pushing the brake pedal, it is time to have your brakes checked by the experts here at Desi Auto Care. Our Expert technicians are experienced with braking systems and are here to help with any brake issue that you may be experiencing.  If there is a problem with your brakes, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:  Brake pedal goes to the floor Brake system light is on Loss of brake power Spongy or soft brake pedal Squealing/grinding noise when braking Vehicle pulls to one side/shakes when braking As soon as you notice a problem with your vehicle’s brakes, be sure to note down any symptoms. It will allow our experts to get a good idea of where exactly the issue is stemming from. The brake warning light will also turn on if a sensor has indicated a problem with the brake hydraulics system.  ... read more

That sweet smell of syrup...great on a Sunday morning grubbing out with some pancakes. Not so great when you're driving. The smell of syrup isn't necessarily an unpleasant one, but it can definitely indicate an issue with your vehicle. Unless you realize you've left a takeout box from Denny's in your backseat, the syrupy smell you're experiencing isn't from food.  Whether it is a smell, a sound, or a feeling - whenever your vehicle presents you with something unusual, it is typically a sign that something is wrong. The smell of something sweet, like maple syrup, is no different. Chances are if you're smelling this sweet syrupy smell, you've got a coolant leak.  Coolant has an extremely important job when it comes to your car. It circulates throughout the engine, hoses, the radiator, and the heater core. It regulates the temperature of the engine to avoid overheating, and also acts as a temperature transferor in order to provide heat to y ... read more

Our nation has been hit with an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus that appears to be spreading at a rapid rate. We know that this pandemic can be scary, but the best way to get through it together is by following CDC regulations and being as prepared as possible.  During this time, our government has enforced that we practice social distancing throughout the nation. This means staying home unless you need to leave for work or to pick up essentials. It also means no gathering, avoiding crowds, and restricting travel to essential needs only. This is all apart of an effort to prevent COVID-19 from further spreading throughout the US.  One of the ways that you can be prepared is by ensuring that your vehicle has all of the essentials that you may find yourself or your family needing during this time. We recommend having the follow items on hand in your vehicle during this pandemic: Liquid hand sanitizer Clorox or other disinfecting wipes Gloves Water Flashlight Spare tire, j ... read more

You get into your car in the morning on the way to work and start it up...only to hear a loud screeching noise. The noise subsides, and you continue driving as normal. But the next day - it happens again. What could be causing this loud screeching noise that only happens when you start your car? More than likely - you've got a belt problem. However, there are a few different options for causes when it comes to this occurrence. Lets dive into what those causes may be and what you should do next.  The belts, pulleys, and tensioners in your vehicle's engine, when working as they should in proper condition, will be quiet and unnoticed. However, when one of these components is worn, frayed, or snapped - you will begin to notice the noise. As soon as you hear a screeching or slapping sound coming from the engine, whether on start up or throughout your drive, it is important to get your vehicle inspected right away. A broken belt can lead to other engine damage and rep ... read more

It is a myth that vehicles over 100,000 miles are essentially ready for the junkyard. With proper care and maintenance, today's vehicles can last well over 100,000 miles and continue to be reliable for years to come. Here are our top tips on how to make your high mileage car last: Use high quality products and parts - when you bring your car into Desi Auto Care for all of your vehicle's needs, your repairs and services will be perfomed with factory level or better parts and high quality parts to aid in extending your vehicle's life.  Pay attention to your vehicle's fluids - your vehicle runs on many different fluids that are vital to the overall performance of your car. Fluids to keep an eye on include motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. Be sure to follow your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations when it comes to fluid services.  Keep your car clean and washed - dirt and debris can affect the exterior of your vehicle ... read more