Johnston Auto Repair

For many people, their car gets a lot more mileage during the summer than any other season. Many of you will be taking road trips to the beach or visiting family. And other times, you'll be making the commute back to work. The miles can quickly add up on your car, which is why we recommend scheduling a maintenance check at Protech Automotive Services at the start of the summer.  We can help you prevent any unnecessary repairs or unexpected breakdowns during the summer. Here are some common problems that drivers experience during this time of year: Overheating Engine When the sun is beaming on your car, it has to work even harder to keep the engine cool and everything under the hood cool. Sometimes, it may be too challenging to keep up, which is why engines overheat rather quickly. Typically, the repairs for an overheating engine are new coolant or a thermostat replacement. Engines that frequently overheat may require more severe and extensive repairs. Air Conditioner Repai ... read more

With the latest advancements in technology, most vehicles are now automated. Automation now enables mechanics and other auto repair experts to monitor and analyze repairs. The system allows for self-diagnosis and reporting, for a more efficient repair process. The OBD system cannot be helpful unless there is a device that interfaces the system. The OBD scanner is a tool that reads the codes generated by the system using inbuilt testing equipment. The playback feature of the scanner will display the troubleshoot problems for the expert. The scanner tool also clears error codes. The OBD scanner will show you two types of information. Diagnostics, which is the readout error memory and the real-time data. The report will indicate whether the car has a fault embedded in the codes important to the critical system of the vehicle. The vital systems, in this case, include the ABS, airbags, and transmission systems. So how does the scanner work? The first thing to note is that not all error c ... read more

The transmission is an integral component within your vehicle that has the critical task of moving power from the engine to the wheels. Without the transmission, your vehicle would not be able to go anywhere! Since this part plays a tremendous role in the operation of your car, there's no doubt that it needs regular care and attention. Without transmission maintenance, you'll be at the sight of a failing transmission a lot sooner than you think.   Here are some of the symptoms that can suggest a declining transmission:  Buzzing or humming sounds coming from under the hood Rough gear shifts Slipping gears Rough idling Burning smell  Check engine light on the dashboard As soon as you catch any of the signs mentioned above, please get your car to a trusted auto repair shop as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more your safety is at risk, and the more likely your transmission damages will spread. Transmission repairs are some of the most costly serv ... read more

Typically, when you see exhaust spewing out of your car's tailpipe, you should investigate it. It can sometimes signal problems and sometimes be completely harmless. The color of the vapors itself can be very telling of the inner workings of your engine. So if you see white, blue, or black smoke coming out of your tailpipe, read on to find out what they mean. White smoke - If your exhaust smoke is light and almost translucent, it is probably just condensation. However, excessive white smoke may be more concerning. It typically suggests that the engine is burning an excessive amount of coolant. In other words, you most likely have a coolant leak that has escaped into the pistons. To mitigate the risks of engine overheating, please bring your car to a trusted auto repair shop for an inspection right away.  Blue smoke - On the other hand, blue smoke typically points to an oil leak due to worn valves, O-rings, or gaskets. The engine may be burning the motor oil with the fuel and ... read more

A tire alignment (or wheel alignment) is the process of aligning a vehicle's wheels and axles so that they can move in the same direction. Typically, it is done by reconfiguring the suspension system and adjusting the wheels. Unlike some other maintenance items you can do yourself, a wheel alignment requires a high level of expertise from a professional mechanic and an alignment machine.    Signs You Need A Tire Alignment Besides having your alignment checked at each maintenance appointment, you should also look for particular signs indicating that your wheels' angles need to be modified. They include: Pulling left or right: If your vehicle veers sharply in one direction when driving straight, it may be because its tires are under-inflated or are misaligned. Steering wheel vibration: Steering wheel pulsations may result from misaligned wheels. Most of the time, it happens as a result of your tires pulling in opposite directions. Off-centered steering wheel: It ... read more