Acworth Auto Repair

Your vehicle’s constant velocity (CV) joints play a crucial role in delivering smooth power to the wheels, allowing your car to move and turn efficiently. CV joints are most commonly found in front-wheel-drive vehicles, but they’re also used in many all-wheel-drive and some rear-wheel-drive setups. Because they handle the transfer of torque while accommodating up-and-down suspension movement and steering, CV joints work hard every time you drive. Recognizing the signs of a failing CV joint is vital to avoid a sudden breakdown and expensive repairs. Clicking or Popping Noises When Turning One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of a failing CV joint is a clicking or popping sound when turning. This usually occurs when making sharp turns, especially at lower speeds. These noises happen because the CV joint’s protective boot is likely torn or damaged, allowing grease to escape and contaminants to enter. Without proper lubrication, the joint&rsq ... read more

Most drivers don’t think much about their car’s suspension until something starts to feel off. But struts and shocks play a huge role in both comfort and safety. They help control how your car handles bumps, corners, and braking, and when they start to wear out, your vehicle can become unpredictable on the road. Worn shocks and struts don’t fail overnight. Instead, they deteriorate slowly, often without obvious warning signs. Recognizing the early symptoms is key to staying safe and avoiding additional wear on your tires, brakes, and steering components. What Shocks and Struts Do Struts and shocks are two types of suspension components, and while they’re often mentioned together, they’re not identical. Shocks (short for shock absorbers) are standalone components that help control the movement of the suspension and keep your tires in contact ... read more

You hear it all the time: don’t text and drive. But despite the warnings, many drivers still glance at their phones at stoplights, during traffic jams, or even while cruising down the highway. It might seem harmless at the moment, especially if it's just a quick reply or checking a notification. But that one second of distraction is enough to change everything. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road today, and smartphone use is a major contributor. Whether it’s texting, scrolling, or even checking directions, taking your eyes off the road can cost you far more than a few seconds of attention. How Much Can One Glance Really Hurt Looking at your phone for five seconds while driving at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. That’s not just a catchy statistic—it’s the reality of how much ground your vehicle can cover in the time it takes to read a text. You’re not just ... read more

When your car suddenly dies on the side of the road, there’s a lot running through your mind. Whether it’s an engine failure, flat tire, or electrical issue, your first thought is probably: how do I safely get it to a shop? Towing might seem like the easy part—but preparing your vehicle for a safe, damage-free tow is more important than most drivers realize. A little preparation—especially if you’re stuck in traffic or on the highway—can go a long way in avoiding further damage, keeping you safe, and making the towing process smoother for everyone involved. Stay Calm and Get to a Safe Spot First The first step is to move your car out of traffic if possible. Use your hazard lights and pull over to the right shoulder or a parking lot. If the vehicle won’t move under its own power, don’t try to force it—turn the hazards on and stay inside unless it’s unsafe to do so. Being visible is key. Keep the doors close ... read more

Diesel engines offer impressive durability and fuel efficiency, making them a popular choice for trucks, commercial vehicles, and long-haul driving. But with that efficiency comes responsibilities—keeping the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clean and functioning properly is one of them. The DPF plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions by trapping soot and particulate matter, but over time, it can become clogged if not maintained. A blocked DPF can cause reduced fuel economy, sluggish performance, and even costly engine damage. So, how can you keep your DPF in top condition and avoid expensive repairs? What is a DPF The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is an emissions control device designed to capture and store soot and particulate matter from diesel exhaust. This prevents harmful pollutants from being released into the air, helping vehicles meet strict emissions standards. However, because the DPF collects soot over time, it needs to be cleaned regula ... read more

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, rolling down the windows, and setting off on a road trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, the last thing you want is car trouble, putting a damper on your plans. Unexpected breakdowns, flat tires, or overheating engines can quickly turn a fun trip into a stressful one. Luckily, with a little preparation, you can avoid most road trip car problems and keep your journey running smoothly. Here’s how to make sure your vehicle is ready before you head out. Get a Full Vehicle Inspection Before You Go One of the best ways to prevent car trouble on a road trip is by having your vehicle inspected before you leave. A quick check-up can identify minor issues before they become major problems. Start by having our professionals check your engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Low or dirty fluids can cause performance issues, and long drives pu ... read more

When you think about how a car engine works, you might picture spark plugs firing to ignite fuel. While that’s true for gasoline engines, diesel engines operate quite differently. Instead of spark plugs, diesel engines rely on glow plugs to get things started. But why is that the case? Let’s explore the fundamental differences and understand why glow plugs are essential for diesel engines. How Diesel Engines Generate Power To understand why glow plugs are used, it’s important to know how diesel engines function. Unlike gasoline engines, which use a spark to ignite a fuel-air mixture, diesel engines depend on compression ignition. This means that air is compressed to such an extent that its temperature rises significantly. When diesel fuel is injected into this superheated air, it ignites instantly without the need for a spark. The key here is the high compression ratio of diesel engines. This compression generates the heat necessary for combustion ... read more

A loud exhaust isn’t just an attention-grabber; it’s also a potential red flag. While some car enthusiasts might enjoy the aggressive roar of a modified exhaust system, not all loud noises are created equal. If your car’s exhaust suddenly sounds louder than usual, it might be trying to tell you something important. Whether you're navigating the roads of Acworth, GA, or heading out for a longer trip, understanding what’s behind the noise is essential for your safety and the health of your vehicle. What Causes a Loud Exhaust A noisy exhaust isn’t always about aesthetics or modifications. Often, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your car’s exhaust system. Here are some common culprits: Exhaust Leaks Over time, the components of your exhaust system can wear out, crack, or rust, leading to leaks. These leaks often occur in the exhaust manifold, pipes, or muffler. When gases escape through a hole or gap ... read more

Are you tired of watching the fuel gauge drop faster than you'd like? With gas prices fluctuating, improving your car’s fuel efficiency isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s also a smart way to reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you're a daily commuter or planning a long road trip, there are several strategies you can use to get the most out of every tank of gas. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated Did you know that under-inflated tires are one of the most common culprits behind poor fuel efficiency? When your tires are not inflated to the recommended pressure, rolling resistance increases. This means your engine has to work harder, using more fuel to maintain speed. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Most gas stations have air pumps, making it easy to top off your tires as needed. You can find the recommended tire pressure in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a stick ... read more

A failed parking brake can be a frustrating and even dangerous situation. You pull up the lever, expecting your car to stay securely in place, only to find it rolling unexpectedly. But what exactly causes a parking brake to fail? There are a few common reasons why your parking brake might not be working as it should, and understanding these can help you address the problem before it leads to bigger issues. How the Parking Brake Works The parking brake operates mechanically, unlike your regular brakes, which use hydraulic pressure. It typically connects via a cable to the rear wheels, applying pressure to hold the car in place when parked. In some newer vehicles, this system is electronic, but the fundamental principle remains the same. Any breakdown in this mechanism can result in failure, and the consequences can be more than just inconvenient. Worn Out or Stretched Brake Cables One of the most common reasons for a parking brake failure is a worn ... read more