Poynette and Cottage Grove Auto Repair

It can't be said enough just how hazardous it is to drive around with a broken car windshield defroster. You might get away with it during the warmer seasons however, winter is the season to have a fully-functioning windshield defroster. Your vehicle has two defrosters, a front and a rear defroster. Read on for more information! Causes of Broken Windshield Defrosters Broken Wires This is one of the most common causes of a malfunctioning or not at working rear defroster. The wires can break due to many reasons such as an accident or regular wearing. If you notice your rear defroster not working, check the wires for any broken parts. Malfunctioning Fuse A bad fuse is often the cause of rear defroster problems. Fortunately, it is very easy to tell if this is the case and It is also easy to fix. Check the fuse first if your rear defroster isn't working. Your vehicle's owner's manual will tell you which fuse it uses. Coolant Defi ... read more

Between work, family life, and all the other obligations that we have to juggle, it can be easy to put car care on the back burner. However, regular vehicle maintenance is more important to keep your vehicle reliable. Not only does maintenance keep your vehicle running, but it will make it last longer without costly repairs. It can even help you snag a better resale price or trade-in value. If these things matter to you, follow these 10 basic maintenance tips! Don’t skip factory-recommended services - Your car manufacturer has laid out the groundwork of everything you need to have done (and when to have them done) to your car to keep it running. All you have to do is commit to following it. These services may include replacing parts like spark plugs, fluids, and belts. Read your owner’s manual - These pages contain a great deal of information. It specifies fluids/parts your car needs, has instructions on how to diagnose problems, and how to use certain features in your ... read more

Have you noticed that your car is not running as well as it used to? Maybe you are having a hard time getting the gears to shift smoothly. Or maybe you can not accelerate as quickly. No matter what the problem is, there are a few things you can do yourself to diagnose and fix it. What Could Be The Cause? If you have noticed that your car is running a little slower than usual, it could be due to a number of factors. Your engine may just need a tune-up, or you might have a clog in the fuel system. The most common cause of sluggishness is a clogged fuel filter or fuel injector. Here are a few things to consider if your car is feeling sluggish: Your engine needs an oil change. Your air filter is clogged. Your spark plugs need to be replaced. You have a leak in the fuel line or gas tank. What To Do If Your Car Feels Sluggish. The first thing to check is the engine oil level. If there is not enough oil in your car, this can cause damage to internal engine parts. You should check the ... read more

If you've recently noticed a pool of fluid beneath your parked car, or if your vehicle has been running low on fluids, it's possible that you have a leak. While many fluid leaks can be benign, they can also be indicative of a serious problem. Here are four common types of automotive fluid leaks and what they could mean for your vehicle: 1. Oil Leaks An oil leak is one of the most common types of automotive fluid leaks. If you notice an oil leak, it's important to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Depending on the size of the leak, an oil leak can lead to decreased performance, increased engine wear, and even engine failure. 2. Coolant Leaks Coolant leaks are another common type of automotive fluid leak. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, helps to keep your engine cool and prevents it from overheating. If your vehicle is leaking coolant, it's important to have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. A ... read more

Since you own your car, there's a good chance you know all about it and can tell when something isn't quite right. Your car shaking when braking is a regular problem that you could experience. There are a few possible causes for your car to shake, and you should take care of this problem now before it becomes worse. Here are a few typical explanations for why your automobile may shake when you apply the brakes; Your Brake Calipers Are Sticking When you push the pedal, brake fluid pumps through the pipes and is applied by the brake calipers to press the brake pedal against the rotor. Hydraulic pressure generated by the fluid causes the calipers to push the pads. If you only experience vibration in the steering wheel, the calipers may be stuck and not pressing the brake pedals against the rotors. Misaligned Tires Your tires are a further typical cause of trembling when you use the brakes on your car. The suspension system of your car may have to work harder if the wheels are ... read more