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For many, the prospect of a car breaking down is terrifying because of the hassle it would bring, the money it would cost, and the risks it may pose to safety. In addition, it can be stressful to have automotive trouble and have no idea what the root of the problem is. This is where a skilled mechanic comes in. No matter the issue with your vehicle, an experienced and trustworthy mechanic can help you diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs. Here’s how a MDP Diesel & Auto mechanic might help in these scenarios: How A Mechanic Can Help With Some Of The Most Daunting Car Issues 1. The Car Won’t Start A fading or dead battery, disconnected or corroded wires, a faulty alternator, or a malfunctioning starter are the most common reasons a car won’t start. Batteries have an average life of roughly five years, and that’s in the best-case scenario. When severe weather is factored in, the time frame shrinks significantly. If your vehicle won’t start and the battery seems fine, the problem most likely involves the starter. Some problems, like a dead battery or cold engine oil, are manageable without the intervention of roadside assistance, but other situations do call for it. For the most accurate diagnosis of why your car won’t start, have your vehicle towed over to an expert mechanic. Mechanics performing car trouble diagnostics will often connect a digital scanner to the vehicle to read error codes and interpret the results. After that, the technician will conduct a thorough physical investigation of your vehicle to determine the source and nature of the issue. 2. Overheating  When an engine becomes too hot, it may generate thumping or ticking noises. These sounds are an indication that there are problems with the engine’s systems and a warning that the engine is about to overheat. In the event of an engine overheating, the needle on the dashboard’s temperature indicator will shoot up to “H” or the red zone. Occasionally, the engine compartment will also give off a sweet or burned odor. Some typical causes of engine overheating that your mechanic will check for include: Some larger vehicles like trucks or RVs may find that towing a big load up a hill in hot weather might also cause the engine to overheat, even if there is nothing mechanically wrong with the vehicle. 3. Rough Idle When in park or braking, your car idles to power crucial components without shutting off the engine. The idle speed shouldn’t skip or slip at all; it should be steady. However, if it doesn’t feel smooth, your engine might be idling rough. For example, the RPMs on your dashboard will leap up and down, or they will dip below whatever is average for your car. Most standard automobiles’ idle speeds range from 600 to 1000 RPM, which is sufficient to maintain the engine’s auxiliary systems but not enough to drive the car. This value may be greater for bigger diesel trucks and RVs. If your car is making strange noises, shaking, or exhibiting any other unusual symptoms at idle, be sure to notify your mechanic immediately.  Rough idling may sometimes be caused by a broken spark plug or wire that causes fuel to be burned at an irregular pace. Your mechanic’s thorough inspection of the spark plugs will verify that they are providing a consistent amount of energy to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the engine’s combustion chamber.  Speak With A Skilled Mechanic In Jackson, MI MDP Diesel & Auto is proud to employ a team of experienced and qualified mechanics in Jackson, MI to service all of your automotive repair needs. To learn more about specific issues with your car, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

When your vehicle’s internal computer system finds an issue with your engine or any other important part, it warns you by turning on the check engine light. This warning is indicated by the engine symbol on your dashboard lighting up red, orange, amber, or yellow. The cause of an illuminated engine light might be as simple as a loose gas cap or as complex as a damaged engine component. However, ignoring the problem can quickly lead to expensive repairs or inevitable vehicle failure. Here are five of the most common causes of a check engine light and what you should do in the event that it comes on. 5 Common Culprits Of A Check Engine Light 1. Loose Gas Cap  Your gas cap helps to maintain the right pressure in your vehicle’s fuel delivery system and prevents vapors from escaping the fuel tank. When it is loose or missing, it may trigger a check engine light. 2. Oxygen Sensor Failure If your vehicle’s oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, it won’t be able to determine how much oxygen is present in the exhaust, which means your vehicle won’t be able to deliver the correct amount of gasoline to your engine. If your engine is otherwise healthy, your vehicle may still continue to operate, but with fuel efficiency decreased by 40 percent, all while releasing harmful emissions into the environment. 3. Battery Issues  A faulty or incorrectly installed battery can prevent your vehicle from starting and trigger a check engine light. Generally, vehicle batteries need to be replaced every three to five years, but exposure to harsh driving conditions and severe weather can negatively affect their lifespan. 4. Vacuum Hose Leaks  Age and exposure to extreme temperatures can cause vacuum hoses to dry out and crack, resulting in leaks. When this happens, the engine warning light may turn on. In addition, if your vehicle’s idle speed suddenly rises or stays at an irregularly high RPM, a vacuum hose leak may be to blame. 5. Damaged Spark Plugs A vehicle’s ignition system sends electric currents to spark plugs, which in turn send those currents directly to the combustion chamber, lighting the fuel-air mixture responsible for driving the vehicle. When a spark plug fails, it may cause the engine to misfire, reduce gas mileage, cause rough idling, and trigger the check engine light. What To Do When Your Check Engine Light Turns On While some check engine light issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting, several others may be signs of serious engine failure and call for meticulous and in-depth professional repairs. If your gas cap, battery, and fuel levels are fine, but your engine warning light is still on, it’s worth consulting with a professional mechanic to avoid the risk of causing further damage to your vehicle and putting yourself in danger. High-Quality Check Engine Light Diagnostics And Repair In Jackson, MI At MDP Diesel & Auto, we provide top-rated, professional check engine light services in Jackson, MI that get down to the root cause of your vehicle’s issues. With advanced diagnostic and repair services performed by certified and experienced master mechanics, our shop is second to none when it comes to servicing all of your automotive repair needs in Jackson, MI. To schedule an appointment or for more tips on avoiding check engine light issues, contact us today!

Some diesel vehicles have a dashboard warning light, usually the check engine light, that warns you about glow plug issues. But not all do. MDP Diesel & Auto knows that problems with your diesel engine can be intimidating and might mean you can’t do what you need to do. Here are other ways to recognize possible issues with your diesel’s glow plugs. The Engine Idles Roughly If only one or two glow plugs are going bad or have failed, you might find that the engine seems to idle more roughly. The engine might be a little louder than usual and you’re more likely to feel the vehicle vibrating. This is a sign that something in the engine isn’t working properly and needs to be checked out. The Engine Is Misfiring Your vehicle’s diesel engine is a little different from a gas engine in that it requires much more compression and heat to get the combustion it needs to keep running. If fuel and heat aren’t synced up properly, the engine misfires. The engine is too cool to run properly and over time, this can cause damage to the engine. It’s Hard To Start The Vehicle Diesel engines rely on glow plugs to offer up the heat they need to get started. So if the glow plugs are going bad, it’s going to be a lot more difficult to get the vehicle started. You might even think the problem is something else, like the battery, until the glow plugs fail completely or you replace them. Fuel Efficiency Is Lower Lots of factors can affect fuel efficiency and glow plugs aren’t always the biggest impacting factor. But if you’re seeing some of these other signs and your fuel efficiency is a lot lower than usual, then the glow plugs may be to blame.  You’re Seeing White Or Black Smoke In The Exhaust Both black and white smoke pouring out of the exhaust are not great signs. White smoke occurs when there isn’t enough heat in the engine to properly combust the fuel. Those unburnt fuel particles then exit the engine via the exhaust and smell like diesel fuel. Black smoke is often a result of the air and fuel mix being off, typically with too much fuel. Glow plug issues make both of these issues worse. Think you’ve got an issue with the glow plugs in your diesel engine? Give us a call at MDP Diesel & Auto in Jackson, MI. We can test the glow plugs and look at other possible issues and let you know what your diesel needs to run properly.

Maintenance is a standard part of owning any vehicle, but many drivers aren’t sure how often to have their vehicle serviced. Far too often, they wait until there are major issues with their vehicle to reach out to a professional. Although we’re always here to get the job done, we’re also eager to help you recognize the early signs you need vehicle maintenance to avoid costly repairs down the road. If you experience any of these four signs, please contact us to schedule a service.  1. Warning Lights Dashboard warning lights or a check engine light are one of the most obvious signs you need vehicle maintenance, and they are certainly not something you should ever ignore. These warning lights can help you take preventative action.  Most vehicles will actually display the word “SERVICE” on your dashboard if something is wrong with your vehicle. More advanced models even include service reminders to help you stay up-to-date with oil changes, filter replacements, and more.  If you ever notice a warning light on your dashboard, it’s best to contact a professional right away.  2. Dripping Liquid or Noticeable Leaks If you find any liquid dripping from your vehicle or even whole puddles forming beneath it, you need to schedule a service immediately. Whether it’s an oil or transmission leak, both can spell serious trouble for your vehicle’s engine without immediate attention from a mechanic. While some leaking is expected, such as condensation from your vehicle’s air conditioning system in the summer, colored fluid is one of the greatest signs you need vehicle maintenance.  Dark fluid indicates an oil or transmission fluid leak, so it’s best to schedule a service and have your vehicle inspected by a trained mechanic rather than attempting DIY repairs. 3. Vibrations Another one of the most common signs you need vehicle maintenance is noticeable vibrations in your vehicle. These could be intense or subtle; some may happen all the time, while others only occur at low or high speeds.  Some vibrations can indicate an issue with the engine, such as a loose or worn engine mount, while others may signal trouble with your steering and suspension system. Whatever the case may be, it’s best to have a professional address these issues and get to the root cause of the problem. 4. Problems Braking Whenever your brakes feel loose, wobbly, or non-responsive, you should seek immediate service from a professional auto repair shop. Nothing is more important than your safety, and faulty brakes are a major hazard for you and other drivers on the road. One of the most popular signs you need vehicle maintenance is difficulty breaking, which is most often caused by worn brake pads. Brake pads need to be replaced around every 30,000 miles, but some models may need to have their brake pads replaced more frequently, especially if you drive on rough terrain or handle your vehicle intensely.  Get Expert Vehicle Maintenance Service in Jackson, MI Visit us at MDP Diesel & Auto to schedule your next vehicle maintenance service with one of our skilled technicians. We deliver exceptional customer service and reliable repairs that will keep your vehicle safe and well-maintained. Contact us today to book your service appointment. The post 4 Signs You Need to Schedule Vehicle Maintenance Service appeared first on MDP Diesel.

While auto repair varies from vehicle to vehicle, there are certain services that are nearly impossible to do without. On top of just taking your vehicle to the shop whenever you suspect an issue, there are five important auto repair or maintenance services you will need to stay on top of to ensure your vehicle’s reliability on the road. The 5 Most Necessary Auto Repair Services  Oil and Oil Filter Changes In order for your vehicle’s engine to operate properly, it’s essential that it has an adequate supply of good, clean oil. However, over time, your vehicle’s oil can gather dirt and debris that can clog your oil filters and limit the oil’s flow to your engine. When this is unresolved, your engine builds up more friction between its moving parts, which could lead to overheating and other engine issues. You should expect to change your vehicle’s oil at least every six months or according to your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. As the oil filter can also accumulate debris and become clogged, it goes without saying that it also must be replaced each time you get an oil change. New Tires Even if you have new tires with your vehicle, they won’t last forever. After a while, tires tend to lose their depth and tread, which can affect several aspects of how your vehicle drives, from its resistance to hydroplaning to how well you can control the vehicle. However, tires can also be affected by several other factors unrelated to regular wear and tear. The top two reasons why tires deteriorate faster than they’re supposed to include improper alignment and inconsistent tire air pressure. Battery Replacement A vehicle’s battery usually needs to be replaced every four to five years or more, depending on the quality of your battery and the type of vehicle you own. Batteries in RVs or motor vehicles are usually built to last between 5 to 7 years, but again, several factors can also affect battery life. Long periods of inactivity or infrequent usage can cause your vehicle’s battery life to drain or weaken. Engine Tune-up A full engine tune-up requires checking your vehicle’s engine for any components that need cleaning, repair, or replacement. These parts may include your vehicle’s spark plugs, wires, filters, hoses, and belts, and the auto repair service may also include checking your vehicle for its emission levels. Since your engine is basically one of the primary “organs” of your vehicle, it’s important to have it checked regularly to avoid premature vehicle failure. Inspections and Maintenance Aside from only getting auto repair when you need it, it’s crucial to keep your vehicle in good working order by scheduling regular inspections or maintenance. These services may include any of the four services mentioned above, as well as any necessary fluid top-offs, electrical diagnostics, filter and part replacements, and wheel balancing. When scheduling your vehicle for maintenance, it’s imperative that you work with an experienced auto repair technician who can diagnose all of your vehicle’s potential issues thoroughly and provide the necessary solutions using the right methods and only high-quality and genuine parts. Where to Find Top-Rated Auto Repair in Jackson, MI For top-rated inspections and auto repair in Jackson, MI , visit or reach out to MDP Diesel & Auto today. To schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us , so we can get your vehicle up and running as soon as possible. The post The Top 5 Auto Repair Services You’ll Need in Your Lifetime appeared first on MDP Diesel.

Apart from tire repairs and replacements, getting regular tire services is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. At MDP Diesel & Auto, we provide professional tire services performed by our certified automotive technicians to optimize your tire and wheel assembly’s safety and performance on the road. In this blog post, you’ll find more information about the three essential tire services you need for your vehicle, as well as how they can benefit you in the long run. The 3 Tire Services You Need to Maintain Your Vehicle Alignment Over time, your tire and wheel system can become less symmetrical and proportionate with regular use. Alignments involve adjusting the angle of your vehicle’s tires or wheels back to the proper manufacturer specifications. These tire services help to ensure that your vehicle drives straight on the road as well as limit the wear and tear on your tires. Balancing Wheel balancing is another important component of tire services. This process ensures that the weight of your tires and wheels is evenly distributed throughout the entire assembly so that your vehicle travels evenly and smoothly, especially at higher speeds. Rotation With regular tire rotations, you can help your tires last longer by ensuring that the wear on them is spread evenly throughout. During this service, each tire on your vehicle is repositioned to a different wheel, either from left to right, back to front, or even diagonally. Benefits of Regular Tire Maintenance Safety Keeping up with regular preventive maintenance on your tires minimizes the risk of punctures, blow-outs, and other tire-related accidents on the road. According to the United States Department of Transportation , over 600 people died on the road from tire-related crashes in 2020. Regular tire maintenance ensures the integrity of your tires as well as your peace of mind whenever you drive. Comfort In general, the tread depth of your tires can directly affect how comfortably your vehicle drives. The greater the tread depth, the more cushioning is provided between the road and the driver. Checking the tread on your tires regularly can help to ensure a smooth and consistent drive. Less Wear on Tires Getting a full set of tires can be a significant expense, especially when it’s unplanned. By getting regular tire services, such as rotations, you can create less wear on your tires, making them last longer while saving hundreds of dollars in replacement costs along the way. Protect Your Vehicle From Damage Your tires can influence your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, transmission, acceleration, and engine performance. By getting the proper tire services at routine intervals, you can help protect your vehicle from untimely or accidental damage. High-Quality and Trustworthy Tire Services in Redding, CA MDP Diesel & Auto is your trusted provider of high-quality, expert tire services in Redding, CA. Whether your tires need regular maintenance or more comprehensive repairs, our professional team of certified auto mechanics can diagnose your issue and recommend a solution that meets your needs. In addition to our alignment, balancing, and rotation services, our tire repairs and replacements are second to none in the area. To schedule your next tire service appointment at our shop, please contact us today. The post Tire Services: The Benefits of Regular Alignment, Balancing, and Rotation appeared first on MDP Diesel.

The torque converter in your car or truck serves an essential purpose. It converts the engine’s power from rotary to linear power, allowing the wheels to turn and move the vehicle forward. Unfortunately, suppose you don’t have a properly functioning torque converter. That can significantly impact performance because your vehicle’s engine power will not efficiently reach the transmission. The good news is that your car care professional can fix or replace your vehicle’s torque converter and get it back on the road in no time. What Is a Torque Converter? A torque converter serves the same purpose as a manual transmission clutch. It connects the engine to the transmission and allows the engine to spin independently of the transmission. As a result, when you put your car in park or neutral, the engine can rotate while the transmission and the car’s wheels do not. Likewise, when you put your vehicle in gear and start driving, the torque converter connects the engine to the transmission to transmit power to the wheels. How Does it work? The torque converter is essentially two fans facing each other, with one fan, the impeller, connected to the engine. Meanwhile, the turbine is connected to the transmission. The spinning of the impeller, in turn, causes the turbine to turn, much like one fan blowing air over the blades of another fan. The torque converter uses transmission fluid instead of air to accomplish this task. When the turbine is held still, the engine can spin without transferring any power to the wheels, which happens when the vehicle is in park or neutral. What Happens When Your Torque Converter Fails? A failing torque converter can cause several issues. First, the transmission fluid will not be adequately pressurized, which will negatively affect gear function and cause overheating and degradation of the transmission fluid. Ignoring this problem will lead to more transmission damage and eventually total transmission failure. Typically you will notice a loss of power or hesitation when accelerating, possibly leaking transmission fluid. What to Do About a Bad Torque Converter? If you suspect a failing torque converter causes your car’s transmission problems, it is essential to see your car care professional. Usually, your mechanic will recommend replacing the torque converter and changing the vehicle’s transmission fluid. This is a major repair that will take the services of an experienced mechanic. You should not ignore the signs of a failing torque converter, as it can lead to more severe damage and a more extensive repair bill later. See your trusted auto care professional today to get your car’s transmission repaired and your vehicle back on the road! The post Why You Need to Know About Torque Converters appeared first on MDP Diesel.

Car headlights are one of the most important safety features on a vehicle. They allow drivers to see the road in front of them and help other drivers see the car from a distance. Headlights are typically made from a glass or plastic lens that covers a light bulb. Here is what to know about car headlights. Headlight History Headlights are not a recent invention. The first cars with headlights were built in the late 1800s. At that time, headlights were powered by acetylene gas, and they were often unreliable. As a result, many early motorists preferred to drive during the day. The first car with headlights was built in 1898. The headlamps were acetylene lamps, which were lit by striking a match on the side of the road. In 1912, Cadillac introduced the first electric headlamps. These were still quite crude. It wasn’t until 1914 that electric headlights became standard on cars, and it wasn’t until the 1940s that sealed beam headlamps became standard. Since then, headlights have undergone a number of changes. Today, most cars use halogen bulbs in their headlights. Today’s LED headlights are far more efficient than their predecessors and provide superior illumination. Headlights Today Headlights are an important safety feature on any car. They allow you to see the road in front of you, and they also help other drivers see your car. The light bulb is usually a halogen, LED, or Xenon bulb. The type of light bulb determines how bright the headlights are. Halogen bulbs are the most common type of light bulb used in headlights. They are relatively inexpensive and produce a bright white light. LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are becoming more popular because they last longer than halogen bulbs and use less energy. Xenon bulbs are the brightest type of headlight bulb, but they are also the most expensive. If headlights are not properly aligned, they can cause glare and make it difficult to see. Additionally, if they are not clean, they can reduce the amount of light that is outputted. As a result, it is important to regularly check and clean your headlights to ensure that they are properly functioning. Headlights are an essential part of any car, and they have come a long way since the first ones were introduced over a hundred years ago. Maintaining them may seem like a small task. However, keeping your headlights in good condition can make a big difference in your safety on the road. The post What to Know About Your Car’s Headlights appeared first on MDP Diesel.

A coolant leak can be one of the most frustrating issues you experience as a car owner. Coolant leaks need to be addressed because eventually, low coolant will cause your engine to overheat, potentially causing significant damage to your engine, not to mention leaving you with an expensive repair bill. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is low on coolant, you have a leak somewhere in the cooling system. Let’s look at three of the most common causes of coolant leaks. Coolant Hose Leaks One of the most common causes of coolant leaks is a damaged coolant hose. The coolant hose transmits coolant from your vehicle’s engine to the radiator and other engine parts. The coolant hose can become cracked or split, especially at the close connections with the water pump or thermostat. Replacing a coolant hose is relatively straightforward, but your auto care professional can help if needed. Leaks in the Radiator Your vehicle’s radiator is another common source of leaking coolant. The radiator is a vital component of your car’s engine, allowing heat absorbed by coolant to dissipate before being returned to the engine. Holes or damage to the radiator can happen for several reasons, but it is essential to deal with radiator leaks as soon as they are discovered. It’s best to consult with your mechanic to determine the nature of the repair, and if replacement is recommended, it’s a job best left to the pros. Leak in the Reservoir The coolant reservoir is an integral part of your car’s cooling system. The reservoir is a plastic container mounted under your car’s hood in the engine compartment. This container functions as an overflow tank for your vehicle’s coolant. Your car’s engine will need differing amounts of coolant depending on the engine temperature. Therefore, these containers can crack or develop leaks over time and should be inspected to determine if it’s the source of any coolant leaks. Remember, never try to remove the radiator or coolant reservoir cap until your engine has cooled, which can cause serious injury. A coolant leak can be one of the more irritating issues you may deal with because it can be challenging to pinpoint the cause. However, by starting with the most common causes of coolant leaks, you can save yourself valuable time determining the leak’s source. Consult your auto care professional if your car is low on coolant, which signals that your vehicle is leaking coolant. The post 3 Most Common Causes of Coolant Leaks (and What to do About it)! appeared first on MDP Diesel.

You notice something pooling beneath your car, so you grab a clean towel and place it on the ground underneath your car’s engine block. A few hours later, you return to find reddish drops soaked into the towel and sigh. You probably have a leak in your transmission. Leaks in your automatic transmission are serious even in their early stages, but they grow worse the longer they’re allowed to persist. Without the transmission fluid to protect the internal mechanisms and gears of your transmission, they’ll be exposed to high levels of friction and wear down. When that happens, what began as a simple job of locating and fixing a leak suddenly turns into a job to rebuild the automatic transmission. But what causes such problems? The Pan One of the most common reasons for a leak in the automatic transmission comes down to the pan. The transmission and its pan are located beneath your vehicle, so rocks and debris get kicked up and smash into the pan all the time. While pans can certainly take quite a beating, if a large enough object hits it with enough speed, it can crack a hole in it. No matter how small the hole, transmission fluid will find its way out of it and onto the ground. The Pan’s Gasket Unlike a head gasket, a pan gasket is actually easy to replace and inexpensive as well. Catching it early is the key, however, as driving with low transmission fluid is extremely damaging to your vehicle. The gasket normally fails due to heat exposure. The Drain Plug The drain plug does exactly that: plugs the drain in your vehicle’s transmission. This is the primary mechanism for keeping transmission fluid inside, where it can cycle through the transmission and lubricate it. However, plugs can wear down over time, and eventually, they develop a little give. Or, if you’ve had your transmission recently serviced, perhaps the mechanic didn’t tighten the plug properly. Both of these are relatively simple fixes that will save a ton of money down the road. The Seals Another common reason for a transmission leak comes down to the seals. A vehicle’s automatic transmission has several seals, located in the pan, plug, speedometer input seal, and finally in the tail housing seal, that expand and contract, doing so between hot and cold temperatures. Unfortunately, these seals can eventually start to crack, causing a leak. The Fluid Line Made from either aluminum or steel, fluid lines have a somewhat limited lifespan. Despite being durable, many cars and trucks will need to have them replaced at some point, especially as they’re subjected to the same kinds of assaults as the pan. In time, they’ll eventually either crack or break off. The Torque Converter Lastly, the torque converter is what pushes the transmission fluid through the system, acting as a kind of pump. If the torque converter is to blame, it’s usually because its body has cracked. When that happens, the needle bearings will become damaged the longer you drive. Unfortunately, this part can’t be repaired and must be replaced. Usually, you’ll have to have this problem diagnosed by a mechanic who can check the pan’s bolts. The Key Is to Properly Maintain Your Automatic Transmission When it comes to car repairs, transmission problems can be some of the most expensive, which is why it’s so important to take care of your transmission. To this end, you should remember to check the transmission fluid’s levels once in a while, but remember to check with your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle’s engine needs to be running as you do this. Also, don’t forget to make sure you have the correct fluid. You should also make transmission flushes a regular part of your automobile’s maintenance. Typically, you’ll want to do this every 30,000 miles. You can have your mechanic check the cooling system at this time as well, and once a year, they should check over the entire transmission to ensure that it’s in good working order. Any problems with the transmission should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent even more costly repairs down the road. The post Why Is Your Automatic Transmission Leaking? appeared first on MDP Diesel.