Engine maintenance is vital to keep your car or truck operating at peak performance. It also impacts the longevity of your vehicle's engine. Trust the experts at Hitchcock Automotive Repair to help you protect your investment. Call us at 941-306-1000 or visit our shop in Sarasota 34233.
These are some of the engine maintenance services we offer.
Check Engine Light
No one likes to see their car's "Check Engine" light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At Hitchcock Automotive Repair, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call at 941-306-1000 or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.
Fuel Injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an engine. Since 1990, fuel injectors have completely replaced carburetors as the primary means of getting gasoline into the engine. A fuel injector atomizes the fuel by forcibly pumping it through a small nozzle (under high pressure). Failure of the fuel injection system means poor performance and ultimately destroys the engine. Make sure your vehicle's fuel injection system is maintained properly. For all your fuel injection maintenance and replacement needs, call 941-306-1000 or visit Hitchcock Automotive Repair today.
Ignition
An ignition system is a system for igniting (using an electric spark) a mixture of fuel and air in a gasoline engine. A properly working ignition system means a properly starting engine and high performance from your car. For all your ignition system maintenance and replacement needs, call or visit Hitchcock Automotive Repair today.
Ignition Wires & Cables
Ignition cables also known as spark plug wires are an important part of your car's ignition system. They transfer the spark from the ignition coil to spark plugs that ignite the mixture of fuel and air. The mixture starts the engine. Over time, ignition wires and cables get weak and break down. This makes it impossible for the spark to reach the engine cylinders. This results in the engine misfiring. The car will eventually fail to start. If it does start, it will run poorly. Common symptoms of faulty ignition cables and wires are: poor gas mileage, engine misfires, engine light is on, and engine may vibrate. If your car needs new ignition cables and wires, call or visit Hitchcock Automotive Repair in Sarasota, FL 34233. Here, you will have the wires and cables changed by a top-rated mechanic.
Oil, Lube, and Filter
To keep running smoothly, your car highly relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil helps in lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the internal engine components. With time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your car needs an oil, lube, and filter change every three months (or 3,000 miles). When it is time for a lube, oil, or filter change, take your vehicle to Hitchcock Automotive Repair in Sarasota, FL 34233.
Spark Plugs
A spark plug delivers electric current to the combustion chamber from the ignition system. Spark plugs that haven't been changed for a long time can cause ignition problems. At Hitchcock Automotive Repair, we have automotive experts who will check and replace your spark plugs. For all your spark plug repair or replacement needs, call 941-306-1000 or visit Hitchcock Automotive Repair today.
Spark Plug Questions and Answers
Q: How do you know when a spark plug needs to be replaced?
A: The most common sign a spark plug needs replacing is the feeling that the car's engine is hesitating when accelerating, but other signs may include misfiring at start up, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, declining fuel economy and engine knocking.Q: What else should I replace when replacing spark plugs?
A: If you are considering having your vehicle's spark plugs replaced, there's a high probability that your spark plug wires need changing as well. Ignition wires become brittle over time. Old ignition wires can break and cause misfires or declining fuel economy.Serpentine Belt Question and Answer
Q: How do I know if I need to replace my car's serpentine belt?
A: If your serpentine belt is failing, you may notice performance issues with your vehicle. The vehicle may frequently overheat. Your air conditioning or power steering may fail to work or not work properly. You may notice your vehicle battery failing to recharge if the alternator is affected by a bad serpentine belt. If you start to notice any of these issues we encourage you to bring your vehicle to Hitchcock Automotive Repair as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems and breakdown.Check Engine Light Questions and Answers
Q: What could cause a check engine light to come on?
A: Come by Hitchcock Automotive Repair and we can diagnose the reasons for a check engine light turning on. It can range from something serious like a faulty catalytic converter or potential engine failure to something simple like a loose gas cap or the need for a simple 50K or 100K mile manufacturer maintenance check.Q: Is it okay to drive with the engine light on?
A: The short answer, "No." The longer explanation is the light may indicate a serious engine failure and continuing to use your car as if nothing is wrong could result in a very expensive repair bill. The check engine light means you should stop driving and have your car looked at as soon as possible by a professional at Hitchcock Automotive Repair in Sarasota.Q: What is the most common problem with my check engine light?
A: A loose gas cap is the most common cause of a check engine light coming on. But the best method to determine why the check engine light is on is to have a professional at Hitchcock Automotive Repair read the diagnostic code in the car's internal OBD computer.Q: What does a solid check engine light mean?
A: A steady check engine light indicates a non-emergency issue. Come by Hitchcock Automotive Repair and we can help.Q: What does an intermittent flashing check engine light mean?
A: Flashing check engine lights warn of severe situations requiring immediate attention. Get your vehicle to an auto repair shop as quickly as possible or get it safely parked and call a tow truck to take it to your preferred auto repair shop.Q: Can I turn off my check engine light myself?
A: It is a very bad idea to try to resolve a check engine light yourself. The DIY method to turn off a check engine light without a scanner is disconnect the battery cables, wait 1 minute, and reconnect the battery cables. If the underlying issue has been resolved, the light should go off. But modern automobiles rely on battery power to maintain important systems such as the O2 sensor and ADAS systems. By disconnecting the battery, you run the risk of damaging these delicate and expensive to replace computer-driven components. If your check engine light is on come by Hitchcock Automotive Repair in Sarasota. Turning off a check engine light is often inexpensive and simple.To learn more about our Engine Maintenance services, call us at 941-306-1000 or request a quote by clicking below:
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what our customers say
Great experience. Scott was upfront about needed repairs and maintenance, and didn't try to do anything without my authorization. Also, there was no high pressure to do anything immediately like some shops will try. There is a nice, clean, comfortable waiting area with free wi-fi, and he also has loaner cars available if you don't want to or are unable wait around. I have to drive 20 miles to get to this shop, but it's worth it for an honest mechanic.
I had a great experience at Hitchcock Automotive. They were able to get me in right before the Holidays when everywhere else was busy or was not able to do the service that my car needed. I would highly recommend them to anybody looking for a good place to have work done on their car. Friendly staff and quick service.
Traveling to Sarasota for vacation and brakes were making unusual noise and felt that it should be checked out. Read reviews prior to selection and called and spoke with owner , Scott , who directed me to come in anytime. Upon arrival I was greeted by a very courteous and welcoming owner that listened to my issues and had a tech on it and out for a test ride and on a lift and checked out quickly. Results were nothing to worry about and normal for some vehicles from north with little rusting that can cause some noise or rubbing that will go away and does not harm brakes and that mine were in excellent condition. When I offered my credit card for payment Scott informed me there was no charge as they had done no work!! I have already offered his name to some friends that spend winters here for their auto servicing needs.
