New Orleans Auto Repair

Your car’s serpentine belt might not get as much attention as flashy accessories or high-performance tires, but it’s one of the most important components under the hood. This single, continuous belt powers essential parts of your vehicle, including the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and sometimes even the water pump. Understanding when to replace your serpentine belt is key to preventing breakdowns and ensuring peak performance. The Role of the Serpentine Belt The serpentine belt keeps various engine accessories running in harmony. Unlike older cars that used multiple belts, modern vehicles rely on this single, streamlined belt system for efficiency and simplicity. When it works properly, your car runs smoothly and comfortably, with everything from your battery charging correctly to your AC blowing cold air. How Long Do Serpentine Belts Last On average, serpentine belts can last between 60,000 and ... read more

Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most complex and important systems. It’s responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, ensuring smooth acceleration and gear shifts. Yet, transmission maintenance is often neglected until problems begin to show. One of the best ways to extend the life of your transmission is with regular fluid service, and sometimes, that means more than just a simple fluid change. That’s where a transmission fluid flush comes in. If you drive through the stop-and-go traffic of New Orleans or make frequent short trips in the heat and humidity, your transmission faces a lot of strain. Over time, the fluid that keeps it cool and lubricated starts to break down. A flush helps restore performance, prevent damage, and keep your vehicle shifting smoothly. What Happens During a Transmission Fluid Flush A fluid flush involves more than just draining and refilling your transmission. In a standard drain-and-fill ... read more

Have you noticed your car drifting left or right without turning the steering wheel? This is known as pulling, and it’s more than just an annoyance—it’s a sign that something isn’t right with your vehicle. Whether it’s alignment, tire wear, or a brake issue, pulling to one side can affect your control, increase tire wear, and reduce safety. Let’s look at the most common reasons your car might pull to one side and what can be done to fix it. Wheel Alignment Problems One of the most common causes of pulling is misalignment. When your wheels aren’t aligned properly, they don’t point perfectly straight, and that can cause your vehicle to drift in one direction. Hitting a curb, pothole, or driving on rough roads can knock your wheels out of alignment. In addition to pulling, other symptoms of misalignment include uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, or a general feeling that the car isn’t ... read more

You hop in the car on a hot New Orleans afternoon, start it up, and immediately hear a high-pitched squeak—maybe from under the hood, the suspension, or even inside the cabin. It might fade after a few minutes, or it could stick around the entire drive. Either way, it’s annoying—and it makes you wonder if something’s wrong. So, is it normal? Not exactly. But it is common. Here’s why heat can bring out those squeaky noises in your car and what you can do to quiet them down for good. Heat Affects Rubber and Metal in Unexpected Ways Your car is full of components made from rubber, plastic, and metal—all materials that react to heat. When temperatures rise, rubber bushings, belts, and seals expand and soften, while metal parts expand at a different rate. This can lead to slight movement, misalignment, or friction between parts that don’t normally rub against each other. That friction is what causes squeaks. So while the noise m ... read more

If your car isn’t getting enough fuel, you might notice it struggling to start, hesitating when you accelerate, or running rough at idle. Low fuel pressure can occur for several reasons, from a clogged fuel filter to a failing fuel pump. While it might start as a minor inconvenience, ignoring the issue can lead to serious performance problems—or even leave you stranded. Catching fuel system issues on time can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your car running reliably. The Role of Fuel Pressure in Your Engine Your engine relies on a precise mixture of air and fuel to operate. The fuel system—made up of the fuel pump, filter, injectors, and pressure regulator—ensures the right amount of fuel reaches the combustion chamber at the correct pressure. If the pressure drops too low, the engine doesn’t get enough fuel, causing misfires, power loss, and poor efficiency. In extreme cases, the vehicle may not start at all. Common Caus ... read more