Rockland & Rockport Auto Repair

Most of us have been taught to avoid potholes while driving. It was probably one of the very first things we learned behind the wheel! Although most us know driving over potholes is bad for our vehicles, very few know exactly why that is. These are the parts of your vehicle you should be worried about if you accidentally drive over a pothole:   Steering System   If you hit a pothole, you risk misaligning your steering system. If you have noticed your vehicle pulling to the left or right while you are trying to steer straight, you could have a misaligned steering system. Other signs include uneven tire wear, squealing tires, or a crooked steering wheel while driving straight.   Tires   Potholes can damage your tires by resulting in punctures, bulging sidewalls, and excessive wear. If you notice damage to your tires after hitting a pothole, get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid a blowout.   Rims   ... read more

Unless you consider yourself a car enthusiast, you may find yourself feeling a bit lost when having conversations with your mechanic. At times, it can feel like you are speaking to someone using a different language with words like “grease monkey,” “kickdown,” and “oversquare” whizzing past your head like dodgeballs. Hopefully, this list of common auto repair terms will help your next conversation with your mechanic go a bit more seamlessly: Aftermarket – This term applies to parts which are not made by the original manufacturer. The best aftermarket parts will meet or exceed the quality of the original parts in your vehicle.   Hesitation – “Hesitation” refers to the lack of response which occurs when you first accelerate.   Pull – Pulling is a sign you need a wheel alignment. Pulling occurs when your steering wheel is turning to the left or right on its own while you attempt to steer straight ahead. &nbs ... read more

If you’ve never done it before, purchasing tires can be a frustrating and intimidating task. How do you know what brand is best? How do you get the best price? We will discuss these questions and more in this blog post. Read Reviews It’s impossible to know how tires will perform after a few thousand miles… unless you read the reviews of people who already have those tires. When looking through reviews, look for people who drive a similar car to yours (truck, SUV, sports car, etc.) and skim past the reviews of people who have driven less than 25% of the tire’s lifespan. If a tire lasts 50,000 miles, look for the reviews of people who have driven at least 12,500 miles on the tires. Your car will always drive well on new tires. The true test of a tire’s durability comes after it’s had some miles put on it.   Be on the Lookout for Rebates When you know the life of your tires is coming to an end, start looking for manufacturer rebates on tires ... read more

If you’ve ever driven in a foreign country, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of strange traffic laws. Did you know you’ll be fined for driving a dirty car in Russia or for driving without a breathalyzer in your car in France? Some of these laws are hard to believe! In Russia, you will be fined for driving a dirty vehicle. In Germany, it is illegal to run out of fuel on the Autobahn. In Alabama it is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street, but only if you attach a lantern to the front of your vehicle. Here’s another fun one from Alabama: It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle (Doesn’t this one make you wonder what inspired the law to be passed?). In Ontario, all sleighs must be equipped with a minimum of two bells. You will not be laughing all the way with only one bell because you will be slapped with a $5 fine. If you planned on recreating the Kentucky Derby on a Canadian highway, we’ve go ... read more