Waldorf Auto Repair

When your vehicle stalls, you may experience it when you start it, when you come to a stop, or when it is idling. In rare instances, your vehicle may also stall when traveling at cruising speeds, which can be particularly problematic. It's important to note that there is no one cause for vehicle stalling. Below are a few reasons why your car is stalling. BATTERY PROBLEM It's no secret that your battery aids your engine is turning over, but its work doesn't end once it's running. It's possible for your vehicle to stall while driving if your battery is starting to wear out, even if your car starts. The battery may not be defective, but its terminals can be corroded or need replacement, causing your car to stall. Corrosion of the terminals on your battery can prevent your automobile from getting enough power because it relies on the battery for its electrical system. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH YOUR FUEL SYSTEM When a fuel pump stops working well, your engine might be ... read more

A vehicle's suspension system is essential for maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride. When you start experiencing body aches and discomfort when driving on a bumpy road or rugged off-road trail, the chances are that the shocks and struts have issues and need replacement. The shocks and struts are responsible for absorbing shock from the road, preventing your vehicle from moving erratically while on the road. You won't feel every single bump or unevenness in the pavement this way, and you are able to better control your vehicle overall. Over time, shocks and struts can wear just with regular use of your vehicle. The first telltale sign of back shocks is a leaky or oily looking shock, which means they could be damaged. Driving with bad shocks and struts doesn't just affect your ride quality - it can also start to cause damage to your tires, wearing them down unevenly. Other suspension components can also be affected. That is why it is important to pay attention to how yo ... read more

It's easy to run behind in the mornings to only rush out to a frosty windshield. Not only is a blurry windshield a nuisance, but it is very dangerous to drive when your view of the road is obstructed. Whether your windshield freezes or forms droplets, both are potential hazards and require a little more work and time before you can start driving.  How to Defog Windows Step 1: Turn on the Heat  The first thing you should do to combat foggy windshields this winter is by turning on the defrosters. This feature is a must-have this time of the year, so please ensure it works at the start of the cold season. Start by cranking the heat and defrosters up high. Doing this will eliminate any moisture from the air inside your car.  Step 2: Turn on the A/C Button It might seem counterintuitive, but the cold air will help dry the air inside the car. As the air gets drawn into the HVAC system, it will trap some of the moisture. Step 3: Turn off the recirculation feature A ... read more

There can be a lot of anxiety when it comes to driving in the snow. While some snowstorms are anticipated, some can be unforeseen. The best thing you can do is stay prepared at all times. Here are some of our top tips on how to take on the tread through the snow with ease. Reduce Speed During inclement weather, the roads will be slippier. As a result, you should always lower your speed in poor weather conditions to help maintain a better grip. If you drive too fast, you may lose control of your vehicle, hurt others and yourself, or even get pulled over. Inspect Your Tires Your tires are especially important when it comes to driving in the winter. An experienced technician can ensure that your tire specifications are correct, test your tire pressure, and more to ensure they get the proper traction. Headlight Maintenance With the sun setting a lot earlier now than it did in the summer, you will need your lights to work this winter. Low beams may be a better choice during heavy snow ... read more

A water pump in the car actually helps keep your vehicle's engine cool while it's being driven. While it's not required to be replaced immediately, you also don't want to wait too long. So it's important that you look out for the following symptoms below that signal a failing water pump in your vehicle.   What are some symptoms of a failing water pump? Knowing what to look for with a failing water pump is critical. Look for the following signs that you'll need to get the water pump replaced as soon as possible.   Coolant Leaks This is one of the most noticeable signs that the water pump may or may not be failing. It usually leaves an orange or green puddle on the ground. To confirm that the water pump is failing, you can also check the oil with the oil dipstick. If it's frothy or thick chocolate, assume you have a water pump leak and get it looked at.   Engine Overheats If your engine ... read more

Many of us tend to stay inside when temperatures drop, but the truth is there's a bunch of entertaining winter activities (both outdoors and indoors). While you may think it's too early to think about winter activities, the first snowfall is expected to take place as early as December in MD. Here are some fun winter activities to do this year! Build a snowman This is a classic activity for you and your family. All you have to do is gather a few things from around the house (a hat, scarf, and carrot), and you've got all you need to build a snowman! It's a fun way for your children to get creative and have a photo-op after! Have a snowball fight A snowball fight is a perfect activity to get the whole family moving, and who doesn't love a friendly competition? It can be as simple as throwing a few snowballs back and forth or involving forts, rules, and strategy.  Go tubing or sledding You should take advantage of any nearby hills and head on over with your s ... read more

Similar to engine oil, a transmission fluid leak is a serious matter. Transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating and cooling down your transmission parts. If the fluid is nearly empty (due to a potential leak) or the liquid itself is in terrible condition, it will suffer extensive damage. The reality is transmission repairs, rebuilds, and replacements are not cheap. This is why you should do everything you can as a responsible vehicle owner to keep up with your transmission fluid.   How to Check Your Transmission Fluid  Did you know that you can monitor the level and quality of the transmission fluid right from home? Some cars have a transmission fluid dipstick under your hood that is made to fit into your transmission pan. If you can find this dipstick, you can look at the fluid and ensure there is enough liquid in the pan at all times, just like you would with your engine oil. If the transmission fluid looks dark, thick, dirty, or has a burnt smell, it may be over ... read more

Struggling to see through your windscreen while driving in the rain or snow can be very aggravating and even stressful. If you start to notice large streaks or hear squeaks when you turn those wipers on, it may be time to swap out your wipers. We recommend installing new, high-quality wipers that are effective in wiping away rain, snow, fog, and other objects that may hinder your visibility. Your wipers are vital to ensure your safety on the road, so you should never delay replacing them. If you want to be extra cautious, your wipers should be replaced every six to twelve months, depending on usage, blade brand/quality, and the weather conditions in your location.    What Are the Symptoms of Worn Wiper Blades? For the most part, you can make your judgments based on your senses regarding windshield wipers. Good, working windshield wipers should be able to clear water, snow, or slush on your windscreen without a problem. It should be a seamless process. Once your wiper blad ... read more

A tune-up can be more than regular maintenance: taking your car to a repair shop before serious issues arise can greatly extend the life of your car and how long your vehicle can stay on the road. However, it's not always obvious what kind of issues warrant a closer look by a professional. Here are some signs your vehicle needs to be taken into a repair shop: 1. The Car Sounds Like It Struggles During Acceleration This may seem obvious at first, but if a car is making loud knocking sounds when accelerating or on steep hills, it can be a sign your engine isn't as efficient as it could be. Similarly, if the car idles or accelerates with difficulty, it could be a spark plug failing to ignite. Taking your car for a tune-up may address this issue or point to a needed fix.   2. Gas Mileage Isn't What It Should Be Are you finding that you're filling up your gas tank more than you thought you would? Getting fewer mile ... read more

Have you ever lost control of your vehicle on a snowy, icy, or wet road? Speeding through light rain, snow, or ice can easily cause your vehicle tires to lose traction with the road. That is called hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle's tires lose contact with the road and skim or glide across a wet surface instead.   Loss of tire traction can result in unexpected accidents if your vehicle has an issue with steering, braking, or loss of vehicle control. According to specialists, the first several minutes of wet or rainy conditions are the most critical times to be careful. These conditions are more likely to cause hydroplaning than others, such as water, road debris, lubricants, and oils combined. If you are traveling at a speed of 35 miles per hour or more in wet road conditions, then you are more likely to hydroplane than others moving at a slower rate of speed.   How to Prevent Your Car From Hydroplaning While we can't account for all driving c ... read more