When you first suspect that clutch trouble is brewing, you’ll want to get to the shop. By acting quickly, you’ll have the best chance to identify and address the issue before it escalates and leaves you stranded. At Smith Specialty Automotive, our local mechanics provide expert clutch repair in the greater Olathe, KS area. Common Symptoms of Clutch Trouble Problems related to the clutch pedal often make it apparent that there is clutch trouble. A sticky clutch pedal is a sign of a problem with the linkage or release bearing. If the springs in the linkage become overstretched, then your clutch pedal might start to feel sticky. A spongy or loose clutch pedal is another sign of trouble. With a spongy clutch pedal, there may be an issue with the clutch fork or release bearing. And if you have low fluid in the reservoir or a leaky hose/pipe, then your clutch pedal may start to feel loose/spongy. A vibrating clutch pedal suggests that certain parts are worn-out, such as a pilot bearing, flywheel, or clutch disc lining. Vibrating could occur because the clutch disc isn’t keeping a dependable grip on the flywheel. And if your clutch pedal is making a lot of noise when you press down or let up on it, then there’s reason to suspect a clutch fork issue. Because the clutch fork plays a crucial role in the successful engagement and disengagement of your clutch, any problems with it should be fixed ASAP. You’ll also want to be mindful of a couple other symptoms that indicate clutch trouble. If you notice grinding, then you could have a clutch disc that isn’t correctly disengaging. Issues with the pressure plate or throw-out bearing can also lead to grinding. And if your vehicle won’t shift into or out of third gear, then clutch plate damage or linkage failure could be to blame. A burning smell is a sign that your clutch is overheating and that the clutch plate is worn-down. Clutch Repair in Olathe, KS When you need auto repair in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393-0700 . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
With gas prices still painfully high, there’s all the more incentive to make sure you’re not letting fuel go to waste. At Smith Specialty Automotive, our local mechanics can conduct auto maintenance in Olathe that will help your vehicle attain better fuel-efficiency. You’ll also want to take some basic measures during your daily commute to prevent fuel waste. Quick Tips for Boosting MPGs One easy way to prevent fuel waste is to make sure you aren’t driving with unneeded weight in your vehicle. For every additional 100 pounds in your vehicle, gas mileage can drop by 1%. It’s also important to make sure you’re driving with correctly inflated tires. If you’ve been driving on tires that are under-inflated, then you could see an increase in gas mileage by 3% when you do inflate them to your required psi. It’s estimated by the U.S. Department of Transportation that under-inflated tires cause approximately 5 million gallons of fuel waste every day. Another way to preserve fuel is to shut off your engine when idling for longer than ten seconds. This is because for every hour’s worth of idling, about a gallon of gas can burn up. Shutting off your engine during extended pauses will also help to go a little easier on the environment. It’s also worth taking the simple precaution of double-checking that your gas cap is screwed back on all the way after each time you fill up. If your gas cap is loose or missing, then fuel could evaporate before you get the chance to use it. At our Olathe auto shop, we can conduct auto maintenance that will help your vehicle get better gas mileage. Our ASE-certified technicians are experts at completing basic maintenance tasks that can enhance fuel-efficiency, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug replacement. Auto Maintenance in Olathe, KS When you need auto maint enance in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393-0700 . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
When your vehicle first starts struggling to fire up as easily as it usually does, you’ll want to get to the shop ASAP. This will give you the best chance to identify and resolve the issue before it escalates and leaves you stranded. At Smith Specialty Automotive, our local mechanics are highly experienced with diagnosing and fixing problems that cause no-start. Here’s a look at five common problems that prevent cars from starting. Failing Starter A common sign of starter trouble is that you turn the key and get nothing except a clicking sound. After thousands of times starting up your vehicle, standard wear and tear can cause the starter motor and solenoid to malfunction. Bad Fuel Pump If your fuel pump is failing, then gas may not be able to successfully move between the tank and engine. Inconsistent acceleration is one classic sign of fuel pump trouble. Clogged Fuel Filter When a fuel filter becomes fully clogged, the engine might not be able to receive the fuel needed to fire up. In many cases, a partially clogged fuel filter will cause the vehicle to struggle to start before it becomes completely clogged and you can't get your engine to fire up at all. Failing Alternator It’s your alternator that charges up your battery. If your alternator fails, then your battery’s power reserve could become depleted to the extent that you’re unable to get going. Oftentimes, the first sign of alternator trouble is a dashboard warning light that illuminates with the letters ALT or GEN or in the shape of a little rectangular battery. Faulty Ignition Switch Ignition switches have an integral role in creating the electrical pathways that are needed for the engine to start up. Flickering dash lights are one sign of an ignition switch problem. Engine Repair in Olathe, KS When you need auto repair in Olathe and the surrounding area, contact Smith Specialty Automotive at (913) 393-0700 . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!