Common Car A/C Problems and How to Fix Them

Signs of Bad Engine Mounts and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them Your engine mounts might not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but they play a crucial role in keeping your ride smooth and your engine secure. These small yet mighty components are responsible for holding your engine in place while absorbing vibrations and shocks from the road. When they start to fail, it can lead to a host of problems that can affect performance, comfort, and even safety. Common Signs of Bad Engine Mounts 1. Excessive Vibrations One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of failing engine mounts is an increase in vibrations. If you start to feel excessive shaking in the cabin, especially when idling, chances are your mounts are worn out and no longer absorbing engine movement properly. 2. Clunking or Banging Noises When engine mounts deteriorate, the engine can shift excessively, leading to banging or clunking noises as it moves around. You might hear these sounds when accelerating, braking, or going over bumps. 3. Engine Movement If you notice your engine moving more than usual when you pop the hood, that’s a clear indicator of bad mounts. Excessive movement can cause stress on other components, leading to costly repairs. 4. Rough Idling or Stalling Worn engine mounts can disrupt the alignment of the engine and transmission, sometimes causing rough idling or even stalling when coming to a stop. 5. Unusual Handling Issues Since engine mounts help maintain the proper weight distribution of your vehicle, a failing mount can make the car feel unbalanced, especially during turns or quick maneuvers. Why You Should Replace Bad Engine Mounts ASAP Ignoring worn-out mounts can lead to serious damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain. Excessive movement of the engine can strain other components, such as hoses, wiring, and even the transmission. Over time, this can lead to expensive repairs that could have been prevented with a simple mount replacement. If you suspect your engine mounts are failing, it’s best to have them inspected and replaced as soon as possible. A professional mechanic can determine the severity of the issue and ensure your engine stays securely in place. At 2EZ Automotive , we specialize in diagnosing and replacing faulty engine mounts to keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us today! 🚗 Drive safe, stay smooth! 🚗

Radiator Leaks: Causes, Symptoms, and Fixes A radiator leak is one of the most common cooling system problems in a vehicle. Left unchecked, it can lead to engine overheating, severe damage, and expensive repairs. In this blog post, we’ll go over the causes, symptoms, and solutions for radiator leaks along with preventive measures to keep your cooling system in top shape. What Causes a Radiator Leak? Several factors can contribute to a radiator leak, including: 1. Corrosion and Wear Over time, rust and corrosion can eat away at the radiator, causing small holes or cracks. This is especially common in older vehicles or those that use contaminated coolant. 2. Damaged or Loose Hoses Radiator hoses carry coolant between the radiator and the engine. If they become cracked, loose, or brittle due to heat and age, they can cause leaks. 3. Faulty Radiator Cap The radiator cap helps maintain proper pressure in the cooling system. A weak or faulty cap can cause coolant to escape, leading to leaks. 4. Blown Head Gasket A blown head gasket can cause coolant to leak internally into the engine, often leading to white smoke from the exhaust and overheating. 5. Impact Damage A sudden hit from road debris, an accident, or rough driving conditions can physically damage the radiator, leading to leaks. Signs of a Radiator Leak A radiator leak often gives warning signs before causing serious damage. Here’s what to watch for: 1. Puddles Under the Car If you notice a pool of green, orange, or pink fluid under your car, it’s likely coolant leaking from the radiator. 2. Engine Overheating A consistent rise in engine temperature or overheating could mean the radiator isn’t holding enough coolant. 3. Low Coolant Levels If you find yourself refilling coolant more often than usual, there’s likely a leak somewhere in the system. 4. Steam or Smoke from the Hood If you see steam coming from under the hood, pull over immediately and turn off the engine. It could mean the engine is overheating due to a coolant leak. 5. Sweet Smell Inside or Outside the Car Coolant has a distinctive sweet smell. If you detect it, especially inside the cabin, it may indicate a leaking heater core or radiator. How to Fix a Radiator Leak Once you’ve identified a leak, here are some ways to fix it: 1. Use a Radiator Stop Leak Product (Temporary Fix) Radiator sealants can temporarily patch small leaks, but they aren’t a long-term solution. They can also clog the system if overused. 2. Tighten or Replace the Radiator Cap If the cap is damaged or doesn’t seal properly, replacing it is a quick and inexpensive fix. 3. Replace Worn or Cracked Hoses Inspect the radiator hoses and clamps for damage. If they are brittle, cracked, or leaking, replace them immediately. 4. Patch Small Holes or Cracks in the Radiator For minor cracks, you can use epoxy or a radiator patch kit. However, this is usually a short-term fix. 5. Flush and Refill the Coolant If corrosion or contamination is causing leaks, flushing the system and adding fresh coolant can help prevent further damage. 6. Replace the Radiator (Permanent Fix for Severe Leaks) If the radiator is severely damaged or corroded, replacing it is the best option. While it may seem costly, it’s cheaper than dealing with an overheated engine. Preventing Radiator Leaks  • Check Coolant Levels Regularly – Keep an eye on your coolant level and top it off as needed. • Use the Right Coolant – Always use the manufacturer-recommended coolant to avoid corrosion and buildup. • Inspect Hoses and Clamps – Regularly check radiator hoses for wear and replace them if needed. • Flush the Cooling System – Perform a coolant flush every 30,000–50,000 miles to remove contaminants and prevent rust. • Monitor Engine Temperature – If your temperature gauge frequently rises, have your cooling system checked. Final Thoughts A radiator leak is a problem that should never be ignored. Small leaks can quickly turn into major issues, leading to engine failure and costly repairs. Regular maintenance, early detection, and prompt fixes can help keep your car running smoothly and prevent breakdowns. Have you ever dealt with a radiator leak? Share your experience in the comments below!

Your vehicle’s transmission is a crucial component that ensures power from the engine is efficiently transferred to the wheels. Whether you drive a manual or automatic, transmission problems can be costly and inconvenient. Identifying issues early can save you from expensive repairs and keep your car running smoothly. Below, we’ll cover some common transmission problems, their causes, and possible solutions. 1. Slipping Gears Symptoms: • Sudden changes in gear without input • High RPMs without acceleration • Delayed or rough gear shifts Causes: • Low or degraded transmission fluid • Worn-out clutch (manual transmission) • Faulty solenoids or sensors Remedies: • Check and refill transmission fluid if low • Have a mechanic inspect and replace worn clutch components • Diagnose and replace malfunctioning sensors or solenoids 2. Transmission Fluid Leaks Symptoms: • Puddles of red or brown fluid under the car • Burning smell from under the hood • Low fluid levels Causes: • Worn-out seals or gaskets • Damaged transmission pan or lines • Overheating causing fluid breakdown Remedies: • Identify and seal leaks using a transmission sealant or replace damaged gaskets • Tighten or replace the transmission pan if needed • Flush and replace burnt fluid 3. Hard or Delayed Shifting Symptoms: • Hesitation when changing gears • Rough or jerky shifting • Clunking noises Causes: • Low or contaminated transmission fluid • Worn-out transmission bands or gears • Malfunctioning shift solenoid Remedies: • Check and replace transmission fluid • Adjust or replace damaged bands or gears • Perform a diagnostic scan to check solenoid functionality 4. Transmission Overheating Symptoms: • Warning light on dashboard • Burning smell • Reduced vehicle performance Causes: • Low transmission fluid • Heavy towing or prolonged stop-and-go driving • Blocked transmission cooler Remedies: • Top off or replace transmission fluid • Avoid excessive strain on the vehicle and use a transmission cooler if needed • Clean or replace a clogged cooler 5. Noisy Transmission in Neutral Symptoms: • Whining, humming, or grinding sounds when the car is in neutral Causes: • Low or old transmission fluid • Worn-out bearings or gears • Internal component damage Remedies: • Refill or flush transmission fluid • Have a mechanic inspect for worn-out parts • Consider a transmission rebuild if damage is severe Preventing Transmission Issues To avoid costly repairs, follow these maintenance tips: • Check transmission fluid regularly – Ensure it’s at the right level and free of contaminants. • Schedule routine transmission service – Follow your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. • Avoid aggressive driving – Sudden acceleration and abrupt stops put extra strain on the transmission. • Use the right transmission fluid – Always use the recommended type for your vehicle. • Pay attention to warning signs – Address small issues before they turn into major problems. Final Thoughts Transmission problems can range from minor inconveniences to major repair jobs. Early detection and routine maintenance are key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. If you experience persistent issues, consult a professional mechanic to prevent further damage and expensive repairs. Got any transmission trouble stories or questions? Drop them in the comments below!

Prevent engine overheating with expert repairs at 2EZ Automotive in Brunswick, GA. Our ASE-certified team ensures reliable solutions. Schedule your appointment today!

Ensure safe driving with professional brake inspections at 2EZ Automotive in Brunswick, GA. Expert service for reliable performance. Schedule an appointment today!