Your vehicle’s cooling system plays a crucial role in keeping the engine at a safe operating temperature. When any part of this system fails, it can lead to overheating, engine damage, and costly repairs. Understanding the most common cooling system problems can help you catch issues early. At Integrity Auto Care, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater South Beloit, IL area. Here are four cooling system problems to watch for. Low Coolant Levels One of the most frequent cooling system problems is low coolant. Coolant circulates through the engine and radiator to absorb and dissipate heat. If the coolant level drops too low due to a leak or evaporation, the system can’t function properly, and your engine may begin to overheat. It’s important to regularly check coolant levels after your engine has cooled down and top off with the correct type when necessary. If you find yourself frequently adding coolant, it could point to a more serious issue. Radiator Leaks Radiators are susceptible to leaks, especially in older vehicles or in systems that have not been properly maintained. A cracked or corroded radiator can allow coolant to escape, reducing the system’s ability to keep the engine cool. If you notice a sweet-smelling puddle under your vehicle or see steam coming from under the hood, a radiator leak may be the cause. Thermostat Failure The thermostat controls the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator. When it fails, it can either become stuck open or closed. A stuck-open thermostat may cause the engine to run too cold. A stuck-closed thermostat is more dangerous, as it prevents coolant from reaching the radiator, resulting in rapid overheating. Replacing a faulty thermostat is relatively inexpensive and can prevent major engine damage. Water Pump Problems The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine. If the pump fails, coolant won’t flow properly, and the engine will overheat. Because the water pump is such a vital part of the cooling system, any issues should be addressed promptly. A grinding sound can indicate a failing water pump. Cooling System Repair in South Beloit, IL For auto repair in South Beloit and the surrounding area, contact Integrity Auto Care at  (815) 957-4159  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

After months of putting off travel far from home, many of us are eager to hit the road and shout "Road Trip!" once more. But when was the last time the vehicle you plan to take underwent a comprehensive inspection? Is it prepared for several days on the highway? It’s time to arrange a professional trip inspection at our service center. Why Should I get a Pre-Trip Auto Inspection? For long journeys, ensuring that you can stop safely is crucial. We offer brake inspections to assess the condition of your brakes. Our technician will visually evaluate the wear on your brake pads and rotors, as well as check your brake lines and fluids to ensure everything is in good working order. If you're gearing up for an extended trip, it’s vital to keep your engine well-lubricated. The technician will verify when your last oil change occurred, check levels, and inspect for any leaks in the system. If you're nearing an oil change, it's wise to take care of it before your trip—nobody wants to interrupt their vacation for an oil change in an unfamiliar place. Fresh, clean oil is far better for your engine than driving with old, dirty oil. Comfort during your journey largely hinges on the suspension system. Our technician can assess your shocks and struts to help you avoid an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe ride. Additionally, ensuring your wheels are properly aligned is key; a long drive in a misaligned vehicle can lead to steering issues and tire damage. Some minor elements that drivers often overlook are the engine air filter and wiper blades. A clogged air filter can negatively affect your fuel economy, costing you more on long trips. Worn wiper blades can impair visibility during rain, turning a drive into a blinding and hazardous experience, especially in unfamiliar areas. Pre-Trip Inspections in South Beloit If you routinely maintain your vehicle, many of these components may be in great shape. However, given the added stresses that a long road trip can place on any car, it’s wise to have our trained professionals take a closer look. This way, you can focus on sights like the Leaning Tower of Niles or the Gopher Hole Museum while enjoying peace of mind on the road. Before hitting the highway, head to Integrity Auto Care for a professional inspection and pre-trip auto maintenance in South Beloit for any car or truck.

If you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you likely don't give much thought to gear shifting. In the early days of motor vehicles, manual shifting was the norm. However, the advent of the remarkable self-shifting transmission, commonly known as the “automatic,” revolutionized the driving experience. When is it time for a Transmission Flush? Automatic transmissions consist of numerous moving parts, all immersed in a fluid that ensures they remain lubricated and cool. This fluid plays a crucial role in the entire gear shifting mechanism. As you might expect, the longer this fluid serves its purpose, the more likely it is to accumulate contaminants. Occasionally, an automatic transmission may develop a leak. Insufficient or dirty transmission fluid can lead to a variety of issues, such as triggering your Check Engine light, or causing the transmission to operate improperly and emit unusual noises. Prevention is key to avoiding these complications. It's advisable to have your transmission fluid replaced at recommended intervals. Your vehicle manufacturer will specify how often this should occur. Additionally, regular checks of the fluid can help identify any issues before they escalate. During these checks, both the fluid level and its condition should be evaluated. Transmission Service in South Beloit Keep in mind that overheating is a primary cause of most automatic transmission problems. You can significantly reduce the risk of transmission failure by ensuring that your transmission—and its fluid—are routinely inspected and that the fluid is replaced as necessary. For all transmission repair and service in South Beloit, head to Integrity Auto Care. We're here to help!

Did you know that the computing power found in most new cars surpasses that of the Apollo 121 Lunar Module, which landed on the moon in 1969? These vehicles can be equipped with as many as 12 interconnected computers and more than five miles (eight kilometers) of wiring. In fact, for roughly the past decade, automotive computers have been responsible for managing about 85 percent of your vehicle's functions. Car Sensor Facts Modern cars come with sensors that monitor manifold air temperature, coolant temperature, manifold air pressure, airflow, throttle position, vehicle speed, and oxygen content. This array of electronic technology can be quite intricate. So, how do SOUTH BELOIT drivers know when something's amiss? It's straightforward; the Check Engine light illuminates. The onboard computer keeps track of all sensors and uses that data to make adjustments like optimizing the fuel mixture, spark timing, and idle speed. Additionally, the computer self-monitors its circuits. If a fault is detected, it activates the Check Engine light and logs a trouble code within the system. When the Check Engine light comes on, it can be quite alarming for SOUTH BELOIT drivers. We often question the severity of the issue. Typically, it’s not as critical as indicators for temperature or oil pressure, which signal immediate action is required. If the Check Engine light appears, it’s essential to visit Integrity Auto Care in SOUTH BELOIT at your earliest convenience to address the concern. Check Engine Light Repair in South Beloit Since 1996, the Check Engine diagnostic has incorporated a significant emissions control component. However, if your Check Engine light begins to flash, it indicates a more urgent issue, necessitating immediate attention to avoid potential damage. Drivers should reduce speed and refrain from towing or carrying heavy loads until the issue can be diagnosed. At Integrity Auto Care, our friendly and knowledgeable technicians possess specialized diagnostic tools to retrieve the trouble code from the computer, helping to identify the issue. From there, we can resolve the problem and get you back on the road. Stop by our South Beloit auto shop for expert diagnostics check engine light diagnostics .

Feeling puzzled? No need to fret, if you're unfamiliar with what a differential is – you soon will be. The truth is, if you drive a car, you have a differential. It doesn’t matter if your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive; all of them include a differential. What is a Differential? Unsurprisingly, the primary function of a differential is to account for variations; specifically, the differences in wheel speed when navigating turns. For example, think about taking a corner near your home. Your inside wheel has a shorter distance to cover than the outside wheel during the turn. This means that your outside wheel must rotate faster to match the inside wheel’s pace. The differential enables the wheels to rotate at different speeds while still delivering power to your vehicle. Without it, tires would scrub and hop across the pavement during turns, much like the early cars did. Have you ever noticed the prominent bulge in the middle of the rear axle on trucks? That's the differential at work. Rear-wheel drive vehicles feature a differential at the back. Most four-wheel drive trucks and SUVs are equipped with a similar differential on the front axle as well. In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the differential is referred to as a transaxle because it combines both the differential and the transmission into one unit. An all-wheel drive vehicle will utilize a differential or transfer case that adjusts for speed discrepancies between the front and rear drive wheels. Differential Repair in South Beloit While it may seem a bit intricate to some drivers, it's clear that all of the engine's power flows through your differentials. They are robust enough to manage the demand, but – as we’ve mentioned before – they must be properly lubricated to maintain their strength. Therefore, it is essential to plan for a differential service at Integrity Auto Care in South Beloit from time to time. During this service, the used fluid is drained and replaced with fresh fluid. Some recommend that specific differentials have special additives incorporated. Ensure your differential is serviced at Integrity Auto Care in South Beloit.