Aurora Auto Repair

The brakes are obviously how we stop or slow down a vehicle but  many drivers don’t realize the various components of the braking system that work together to keep us safe. It's more than just pushing the pedal.  The components of the brakes are pads, rotors, shoes, drums, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, brake lines, brake fluid, brake calipers – phew! That’s a lot of moving parts. When you get a brake inspection, these are the components should be inspected! If the ABS light is on, that is an indication that something is awry; you should schedule diagnostics to be performed.  Most newer vehicles have Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS System) but many drivers don’t understand its function. The ABS System enhances the brakes by preventing preventing the wheels from locking up while you try to steer normally ... read more

Winter is coming and now is the time to winterize your vehicles. But what does that really mean?  If you keep up with regular maintenance, there is not a whole lot to do. A simple inspection before the cold settles in is helpful to avoid delays or bigger issues. Most of winterizing is pretty common sense, but here is a list of items that will have you feeling extra prepared. Battery – have it tested and replaced if needed Fluids – windshield washer fluid will be needed often so be sure the reservoir is full. Be sure that coolant is at the proper level and condition Wipers – check for tears which cause streaking and reduced visibility Heating and Air Conditioning – Heat is obvious but the A/C system is important for the defrost to work well. Lights – be sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working well Tires – You want g ... read more

Fun Fact: Heat can cause your battery to fail. Did your brain just do a double-take? Are you now thinking, “Wait. But my car struggles to start in the cold, not the heat. So that can’t be right!” I hear you and yes, it’s the cold that often seems to stress out the battery but here’s why you might notice once the cold weather arrives: Heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, and insufficient fluid causes damage to the inner workings of the battery. That is why we recommend having your battery tested when the seasons change. And yes, the cold can also add stress to the body of the battery which could cause the acid to freeze and expand, putting pressure on the cells. It isn’t super likely but it is possible. Another sign to test or change the battery is if the car struggles to start. If you go out in the morning ... read more

For many, a car means the freedom to go when and where you want! But no one relishes the maintenance needs that come with it. And yet, maintenance prevents untimely breakdowns and expensive repairs! Occasionally do these 5 Simple Tasks to stay ahead of problems. Oil Change - The best thing you can do for your vehicle is to get regular oil changes from a trusted shop. At Aurora AutoPros, every oil change includes a Digital Safety Inspection that helps our customers plan and make informed decisions. Walk around your vehicle – Some people are rarely passengers in their own cars and given our busy lives, many only see the driver’s side. Occasionally walk all the way around your vehicle to check tires and see if they have decen ... read more

Windshield wipers are the helpful driving tools we rarely think about until they are really needed. They are also frustrating if not working well! Typically, wipers can last from 6 months up to a year. You’ll know they need to be replaced when they aren’t clearing well - they skip, streak, squeak, or smear – and are impairing visibility, rather than making it better. To help your windshield wipers last longer, consider the following: Regularly wash your car. Or at least your windshield! This will reduce the amount of grit that adheres to your wiper blades and causes them to deteriorate faster. Consider washing your wipers on occasion. As you use them, your wipers blades are collecting some of the grime that they are wiping away. You can wash the rubber blades and help pr ... read more

Air conditioning becomes a BIG priority when we start reaching 80-90 degree days. If you are sweating on your commute or are planning a road trip, be sure that the a/c is performing at its best. Serpentine belt, cooling system, a/c compressor performance, freon levels, leaks, and even dirty cabin air filters are all factors in ensuring maximum comfort on a hot day. (Side note: if your engine is overheating, it will affect the efficiency of the air conditioning.) Watch this videoto learn a bit more about the diagnostic process and how testing various components helps to ensure you keep cool all summer long.  If you aren't sure about your a/c and if it's in travel-ready condition, bring it to Aurora AutoPros and our certified technicians will do an inspection that includes the following: Check the tem ... read more