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Catalytic converters getting stolen from vehicles

In News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Those who park their cars in commuter lots should stay vigilant. Recently, HomeTowne Auto Repair has received four cars that had their catalytic converters stolen. What catalytic converters do Located after the exhaust manifold, this component adjusts the exhaust emission, decreasing the amount of air pollution a car produces. A vehicle may have between one and five catalytic converters. They …

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Why is my car air conditioning not working?

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

There are many reasons why a car air conditioning isn’t working correctly. They can range from a leak to needing a new part. A car being low on Freon, also known as refrigerant, is an indicator that there’s a leak. Leaks can occur on rubber lines or fittings, because they undergo extreme temperature changes. The rubber gaskets, which expand and …

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My experience with my car’s starter going bad

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Written by Erin Flynn A couple of months ago, I stopped by a gas station while I was on my way to work. When I restarted my Volkswagen Beetle, the engine didn’t turn over.  (Ironically, this was the same gas station I was at when my check engine light started flashing in November.) I tried a few more times. It …

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What is an intercooler?

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Parts of a vehicle heat up as it’s driven. Certain components help cool them off. One of our technicians replaced the intercooler of a 2015 Audi A4 last month. What does the intercooler do? Intercoolers are heat exchanging devices that are found on top or in front of the engine of supercharged or turbocharged cars.  The turbo takes pressure from …

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How to prevent sludge build up

In Oil Change by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Dirty oil — known as sludge — can solidify and block passages overtime. It was found on the valve covers and solenoids of a 2012 Ford 150.  The truck was brought in after its check engine light turned on. The customer also noticed an overall loss of power. Lack of oil maintenance and combustion gasses that are traveling to oil …