Car Inspection
Car Inspection Raleigh
Buying a car is one of the most complex purchases you can make. As such, you should take a proactive approach when it comes to the maintenance of your vehicle. A regular car inspection by a professional mechanic ensures the safety of your car.
On the other hand, it also prevents the need for expensive repairs down the road, and if you are a car owner in Raleigh, North Carolina, you know that car repair is essential.
According to the official North Carolina DMV website, a motor vehicle registered in North Carolina must pass an annual safety inspection before the registered owner can renew the registration of the said vehicle. The inspection should be conducted no more than 90 days before the expiration of the license plates and registration.
Your car’s registration could get blocked if you fail to get your vehicle inspected before the due date. Other than a DMV requirement, think of car inspection as preventive maintenance. It is recommended to have a car inspection at least twice a year. It is also essential to have a car inspection before going on a long drive, after a road accident, or when looking for a used car.
Benefits of a Car Inspection
- Have peace of mind knowing that your car won’t break down on your way to work, or while picking up the kids from school.
- You save money in the long run. Repairs can be costly, but you can avoid major ones by having your car checked regularly.
- When buying a used car, not all issues are obvious even if you take the car out for a test drive. Having it inspected by a mechanic shouldn’t be a problem if the person selling it is honest anyway.
Worst case scenario, if you get stuck or stranded somewhere, and you’re not sure what’s wrong with your car, call Certified Mobile Mechanic Raleigh, and we will send an onsite mechanic to you!
Radiators
The car’s radiator is used to lower the temperature of the antifreeze or coolant in the engine. It contains narrow tubes, which are designed to distribute heat quickly to maintain the right operating temperature of the engine.
It is the main part of the engine’s cooling system. As with any part of the car, a radiator can also suffer problems if it isn’t well-maintained. Here are some of the common problems as well as symptoms that you should look out for.
- Leak: When the coolant level starts dropping drastically, you may have leaks in the hose. Your engine might also overheat frequently.
- Rust: Because the radiator cooling system uses water, it is quite prone to rust and corrosion. If your coolant turns a reddish-brown color, it is from rust.
- Air: When air is trapped in the cooling system, the flow of the coolant is affected. If your car overheats frequently, this might be the reason.
- Overheating: This is one of the worst problems your car might have. Aside from the overheating symbol on your dashboard, you may also notice smoke coming from the hood, a hot smell from the vents, lack of power in the engine, and liquid on the ground.
- Low coolant level: Small holes in the radiator or a leaky gasket might cause your coolant levels to drop.
So, what can you do?
Flushing the coolant every 20,000 miles can help prevent rust and also minimize the buildup of mineral deposits. Check your hoses and clamps regularly. By doing so, you can address the minor problems before they get worse. Check your coolant levels. And most importantly, have it checked by a mechanic.
Alternators
The alternator converts energy into electricity to power your car’s electrical system. It also recharges the car’s battery. The alternator’s parts include a coil and brushes. When the brushes rotate on the axle and “brush” the coil, an electrical charge is generated.
Like many other components of a car, the alternator is also vulnerable to normal wear and tear. Over time, it may need to be repaired, or even, replaced. Here are some things you should watch for.
- Warning indicator light: When you see the indicator light flickering, it can be your earliest sign that there is a problem.
- Dim or flickering headlights: It could mean the alternator isn’t generating enough power for the electrical needs of the car.
- Dead battery: This may or may not be a sign of a failing alternator. If the alternator isn’t working properly, it can cause the battery to drain. When you get the battery changed, have the alternator checked by the mobile mechanic to see if the problems are related.
- Weird noises: Determine where the noise is coming from. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned previously on top of the weird noises, then for sure your alternator has a problem.
- Weird smells: If something smells burnt, it probably is an overheated alternator.
Problems with starting or stalling: When the alternator isn’t working properly, chances are it’s not charging the battery properly. When that happens, you’re bound to have more problems starting the car, or it would end up stalling all the time.
Call Us Today!
If you experience the above problems with your vehicle and you’re not sure what to do, call a mobile mechanic immediately and have your car checked. The sooner you have it inspected and fixed, the better as these problems can easily have a domino effect. Ignore one symptom and it will just go downhill from there. As a certified mobile mechanic in Raleigh, North Carolina, we offer onsite vehicle repair. Call us today!
