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Author: bherreraRGA

Pros and Cons of Transmission Shops In Albuquerque

Written by bherreraRGA on . Posted in Auto Repair and Maintenance Services, Transmission Shop Albuquerque. No Comments on Pros and Cons of Transmission Shops In Albuquerque

Pros:

Albuquerque has a wide range of transmission shops available to choose from, offering different levels of services and prices.

The transmission shop scene in Albuquerque is unique and varied. With a wide range of transmission shops available to choose from, each offering different services and prices, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. It’s important to compare the options before making your decision. By assessing what services each transmission shop has to offer, as well as their prices, you can make an informed decision about which transmission shop is best for your needs.

Many of the transmission shops in Albuquerque have certified technicians who are knowledgeable and experienced with working on all types of transmissions

In addition to a wide variety of transmission shops, many of the transmission shops in Albuquerque have certified technicians who are knowledgeable and experienced with working on all types of transmissions. These technicians can inspect your transmission, diagnose problems, and recommend solutions. Certified transmission technicians are typically well-versed in the complexities of transmission repairs and they can help you save time and money by providing quality repairs quickly and efficiently.

Most shops in Albuquerque guarantee their work, meaning you can trust the quality of the repair and that it will be done right

Most transmission shops in Albuquerque guarantee their work, meaning you can trust the quality of the repair and that it will be done right. This gives peace of mind when choosing a transmission shop in Albuquerque because you know that if something goes wrong with your transmission, the transmission shop will stand by their work and make sure it is fixed properly.

Cons:

Different shops have different levels of expertise, so it can be difficult to find the right shop that best suits your needs

Finding the transmission shop in Albuquerque that best suits your needs can be a challenge. Different transmission shops have different levels of expertise, so it can be difficult to find the right shop for your transmission repair or service needs. Additionally, some transmission shops may not offer services for certain types of transmissions and you may have to take your transmission elsewhere.

Some transmission shops in Albuquerque may charge more than their competitors for repairs or services, making it difficult to determine which option is best for you financially

Unfortunately, some transmission shops in Albuquerque may charge more than their competitors for repairs or services, making it difficult to determine which transmission shop is the best option financially. Taking a few extra minutes to do research and compare transmission shops can help you make an informed decision and get the best value for your money.

It can be difficult to tell if a transmission shop is reputable before getting transmission work done

It’s important to do your research and ask the right questions when selecting a transmission shop in Albuquerque. Check customer reviews and ask for referrals from friends or family who have had transmission repair work done in the area. Also, make sure to ask the transmission shop questions about their experience and certifications to ensure they are qualified to work on your transmission.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to transmission shops in Albuquerque, there are a variety of options available. It is important to do your research and compare the services, prices, and certifications of transmission shops in the area before making a decision. By assessing all of these factors, you can determine which transmission shop best suits your needs and budget. Rio Grande Automotive has the experience and technical qualifications to help you with any automotive need you may have. Give us a call today.

5 Reasons Not to Ignore Alignment Issues

Written by bherreraRGA on . Posted in Alignment Albuquerque. No Comments on 5 Reasons Not to Ignore Alignment Issues

Do you know what happens when you ignore alignment issues in your automobile? You end up with an expensive repair bill, that’s what.

Think about the last time you drove your vehicle. Did it feel like you were in a fight for control with the steering wheel? If so, your automobile might have alignment issues. Ignoring them is never a good idea because prolonged misalignment can cause damage to other critical components in your car.

Before you know it, you’ve racked up expensive repairs you could have avoided if you’d addressed the alignment issues right away.

In this blog we’ll discuss:

A person pointing to uneven tread on a tire, which is what happens when you ignore alignment issues.
Uneven tread wear is a tell-tale sign of what happens if you ignore alignment issues.

What are the warning signs of alignment issues?

Alignment issues are sometimes present in subtle ways. Maybe you notice a slight pulling to one side when driving. You might brush it off because it’s not bothersome enough to convince you to call your mechanic.

Perhaps your tires look like they’re wearing a bit unevenly or make squealing noises when you’re going around a sharp corner.

All these things are your vehicle’s way of signaling that its alignment is off. Don’t wait to find a place to get alignments in Albuquerque. The longer you ignore the tell-tale signs of misalignment, the more expensive your repair bill.

How much does an alignment cost?

The cost for alignments in Albuquerque depends on the type of vehicle you have, the reason for the misalignment, and which auto mechanic you choose.

If you don’t ignore alignment issues and get to your mechanic at the first sign of trouble, you can avoid expensive repair bills that include replacing your tires because of uneven wear and tear.

Once the tread on your tires becomes worn in places, it can lead to damage to your vehicle’s axle, dampers, and springs, which are all part of the suspension system.

Reach out to your auto mechanic to get an accurate estimate on alignment costs, then schedule your appointment right away.

A car is filling up at the gas pump. Poor gas mileage happens when you ignore alignment issues.
Poor gas mileage happens when you ignore alignment issues in your vehicle.

What are 5 reasons not to ignore alignment issues?

You already know that ignoring alignment issues can lead to more expensive repairs down the road. Here are 5 more reasons why you should address misalignment at the first sign.

  1. Fuel Efficiency
    Misaligned wheels affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Higher average gasoline prices in the Greater Albuquerque region are more than enough reason to get alignment issues handled quickly.

    When your wheels aren’t aligned, it forces your car to work harder to move forward, which decreases gas mileage. Keeping your wheels properly aligned improves fuel efficiency and saves you money on gas at the pump.

  2. Handling
    Proper wheel alignment improves your vehicle’s handling. When you’re navigating through challenging road conditions, it’s important to have full control of your vehicle. The last thing you want is to fight with your steering wheel while driving at high speeds on the interstate or cruising through the scenic mountains of New Mexico.

  3. Safety
    You’re not just risking your safety when you continue to drive a misaligned vehicle. Ignoring alignment issues can make your automobile difficult to control, risking the safety and well-being of everyone else on the roadways with you.

    Proper alignment makes sure your car stays on track – even when operating at higher speeds on the interstate or during inclement weather.

  4. Suspension
    New tires are the least of your worries if you ignore alignment issues for too long in your vehicle. When your wheels are misaligned, it puts stress on the suspension system. That extra strain causes damage to components that are costly to repair.

    Extend your vehicle’s lifespan – and save some of your hard-earned cash – by attending to alignment problems quickly.

  5. Tire Wear
    We’ve already mentioned that ignoring alignment issues can cause premature tire wear and tear. Tires with uneven treads can become costly, especially if you drive a 4-wheel vehicle. When one tire goes bad, you must replace them all to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your drivetrain or risk confusing your traction control system.

Where do you go for alignments in Albuquerque?

Proper wheel alignment is essential to the safe operation of your vehicle. Ignoring them can reduce the lifespan of your automobile and lead to more costly repairs.

5 Signs Your Vehicle Needs Electrical Help

Written by bherreraRGA on . Posted in Vehicle Repair Services. No Comments on 5 Signs Your Vehicle Needs Electrical Help

Your automobile’s electrical system plays a critical role in helping all its components function smoothly. It provides power to your engine and all the creature comforts you’ve come to enjoy while cruising down the highway.

Warning signs of electrical issues that require car electrical repairs can be obvious and subtle. As a vehicle owner, it’s important you pay attention to cries for help from your automobile’s electrical system before it’s too late and you find yourself stranded alongside the road.

In this blog, we explore 5 signs of electrical issues and when it’s time to reach out to your electrical auto mechanic in Albuquerque for help. You’ll discover:

Jumper cables on an engine to charge it can be a sign you need an electrical auto mechanic.
If you find your battery dead more often than not, it’s a sign that you need to visit a trusted electrical auto mechanic.

What are the 5 signs of electrical issues you should never ignore?

Your vehicle talks to you if you’re willing to listen. Sputtering sounds, flapping noises, and even flashing dashboard lights are all part of how your automobile tells you it needs some TLC from a trusted auto mechanic.

Electrical issues are among the most serious problems you can have with your car or truck. They almost always require the help of an electrical auto mechanic who can pinpoint the problem by observing the warning signs.

Here are 5 of the most common signals:

  1. Dead battery
    Sometimes a dead battery happens because the battery is old and needs replacing. Other times, it may signal a more serious problem. If your battery is relatively new but fails to hold a charge, it might be time to seek the assistance of a mechanic.

    Dead batteries can indicate a failing alternator or a bad starter. Both are necessary for helping the battery turn over and start your engine. Don’t keep jumping a dead battery. Get the help of a trusted mechanic to rule out electrical problems before you ruin other expensive parts in your vehicle.

  2. Dimming or flickering lights
    If you’re having a bit of trouble seeing while driving at night, the culprit might be electrical issues with your car or truck. Dimming or flickering lights are a classic warning sign that you might have a loose battery connection or a failing alternator.

    It’s not just the exterior lights that can act up with electrical issues. Your interior lights can dim or flicker also. Don’t assume it’s an issue with the bulbs. Talk to your auto mechanic to rule out other causes.

  3. Electrical surges
    Electrical surges or fluctuations in power while driving aren’t normal behavior for a vehicle that’s working properly. Maybe your stereo keeps shutting off, or your car fails to speed up when you hit the gas. These can be signs of a failing alternator or bad starter. Don’t wait until your car stalls out on the highway before you act. Call an electrical auto mechanic right away to get your car diagnosed with electrical issues.

  4. Strange noises
    Clicking and grinding noises can mean a lot of things in a vehicle. You might have worn brake pads or rotors. Your transmission might be slipping. But when those sounds come from your engine, it can signal an electrical problem that requires immediate attention. Alternators and starters that are going bad can make unusual sounds, as can other electrical system components. You’re better safe than sorry to get it checked out right away.

  5. Warning lights
    It’s never a good sign when your vehicle’s dashboard lights come on—especially if they all come on at the same time. All modern cars and trucks come with warning lights on their dashboards to alert drivers to potential problems.

    A check engine light can indicate several issues, including a malfunctioning electrical system. Don’t ignore your warning lights and hope they’ll magically disappear. Get to an auto mechanic immediately for an inspection.
an electrical auto mechanic checks under the hood for electrical problems.
Call a trusted electrical auto mechanic if you suspect your vehicle’s electrical system is malfunctioning.

What kind of expert fixes vehicle electrical issues?

A mechanic at Rio Grande Automotive is an expert you need when your vehicle starts showing signs of an electrical problem.

Electrical auto mechanics have the expertise and skills necessary to diagnose and repair electrical problems with your vehicle. They can tell you whether those dimming lights and clicking noises are an electrical system malfunction or something else that requires attention.

They can use computer diagnostic tools to pinpoint the issue with accuracy so you’re not wasting money on unnecessary repairs. Choose an experienced and reputable mechanic who can get your vehicle repaired quickly so it’s safe and reliable again.  

A tow truck driver loads up a car that broke down alomg the side of the road to take it to an electrical auto mechanic.
Don’t wait until your car breaks down along the side of the road. Call an electrical auto mechanic at the first sign of trouble.

What happens if you ignore electrical system warning signs?

Ignoring warning signs from your vehicle is never a good idea. It doesn’t matter if it’s a rubbing sound from worn tire tread or a battery that can’t seem to hold a charge. Pretending it’s not happening can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

Some of the things that can happen if you ignore your automobile’s cries for help include:

  • Decreased resale value, making it more difficult to sell or trade.
  • Further damage to the electrical system, adding expense to any repairs needed.
  • Increased risk of an electrical fire, putting you and your passengers in danger.
  • Reduced fuel efficiency (and increased fuel costs).
  • Roadside breakdowns when your vehicle refuses to start or quits running.

Find an electrical auto mechanic near you

When your vehicle shows any of these warning signs, it’s best to have it inspected by an electrical auto mechanic sooner rather than later. Doing so prevents further damage and ensures your safety.

Reach out to the mechanics at Rio Grande Automotive today to schedule a diagnostic checkup of your automobile’s electrical system. We’ll get you safely back on the road in no time.

How to Choose an Electrical Auto Mechanic

Written by bherreraRGA on . Posted in Auto Repair and Maintenance Services. No Comments on How to Choose an Electrical Auto Mechanic

Electrical auto mechanics are experts at spotting electrical problems in your vehicle. Minor issues like dimming headlights and major issues like a complete loss of power might stump you and leave you frustrated. However, they are no match for an experienced electrical auto mechanic in Albuquerque.

A vehicle’s electrical system consists of the alternator, battery, and starter. Each has a specific function. Batteries trigger starters to wake your car up. Once the battery and starter do their jobs, the alternator takes over, feeding the battery the energy it needs to keep your vehicle running.

All it takes is for one of these crucial electrical components to malfunction to keep your car from starting or running properly.

These aren’t the only parts of your vehicle that require electricity to work. Cooling fans, fuel pump switches, and the entire lighting system depend on electrical components to do their jobs.

When any of these critical systems fail, it’s time to seek out an electrical auto mechanic who can get you back on the road quickly.

What is an electrical auto mechanic?

An electrical auto mechanic specializes in diagnosing and repairing electrical systems in domestic and foreign vehicles. They install, inspect, maintain, and repair all electrical components of vehicles.

Programming and reprogramming electronic control modules are part of their jobs. The charging systems, engine control unit—even the electronic components of the transmission—need the knowledge of a skilled auto mechanic to run smoothly.

Electrical auto mechanics need comprehensive knowledge of your car’s electrical system. Complex problem-solving skills also are a must because sometimes electrical problems present in subtle ways or require out-of-the-box thinking to solve.

an electrical auto mechanic is testing a dead battery in a car
A dead battery or one that won’t hold a charge for long is a tell-tale sign of an electrical system issue in your vehicle that requires the help of an electrical auto mechanic.

When do you need an electrical auto mechanic?

Sometimes electrical problems are obvious. Maybe your car won’t start, or even if it does, it doesn’t seem to have much get-up-and-go while running. Have you noticed your headlights or interior lights seem dimmer than usual? Maybe your stereo glitches in the middle of your favorite tune, shutting itself off.

These can be indications that it’s time to seek the help of an experienced electrical auto mechanic in Albuquerque. Here are some other signs it’s time to schedule an appointment.

  • Your battery is dead. A dead battery is one of the most common electrical issues in vehicles. It can happen if the battery is old and no longer holds a charge. Perhaps you left the headlights or other electrical components like interior lighting on all night. That can lead to a dead battery also. Sometimes it occurs when there’s a problem with your vehicle’s charging system (like a faulty alternator).
  • Your alternator malfunctions. Alternators charge your car’s battery and provide power to the entire electrical system while the vehicle is running. When an alternator stops working properly, the battery can’t hold a charge. You may find your car stalling if it starts at all. If your headlights keep dimming, your battery struggles to stay charged, or warning lights start appearing on your dashboard, your alternator likely needs replacing.  
  • Your starter motor acts up. The starter motor is responsible for turning over the engine when you use your key in the ignition to start your vehicle. A clicking sound is a tell-tale sign that your starter is bad.
  • Your warning lights are on. If you start your car one morning and find all the warning lights coming on and staying on, it’s time to get to a mechanic. This can be a sign your electronic control unit (ECU) has failed. The ECU controls the engine, transmission, and ABS systems of your car. If it malfunctions, you’ll see warning lights and your car will perform poorly (if it starts at all).
  • Your wiring is bad. Wiring issues are serious because if ignored, they can start an electrical system fire. Wiring issues cause short circuits that can damage your entire electrical system. If you suspect faulty wiring, get to an experienced electrical auto mechanic right away.

Electrical auto mechanic near me

Electrical component repairs can range between a few hundred dollars for a new battery to thousands of dollars for a complete rewiring of the electrical system. If you suspect electrical problems with your vehicle, choose a mechanic in Albuquerque that has the skills and the reputation to fix the problem right the first time.

4 Signs of Alignment Issues in Albuquerque

Written by bherreraRGA on . Posted in Alignment Albuquerque, Auto Repair and Maintenance Services, Vehicle Repair Services. No Comments on 4 Signs of Alignment Issues in Albuquerque

You’re out for a Sunday drive with your family when you notice your car just feels different. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know it’s not handling the way it usually does.

Alignment issues can creep up on car owners in Albuquerque. Unlike other performance problems, it’s usually easy to spot when your vehicle is out of alignment. There are 4 tell-tale warning signs that it’s time to get your vehicle in for an alignment. Ignore them, and you could end up with costlier repairs down the road.

Alignment issue warning sign #1: pulling to one side

Until self-driving cars become available to the public, you’re stuck navigating your vehicle the old-fashioned way. It’s probably a good thing because difficulty steering is one of the first signs you need to visit a shop that provides alignments in Albuquerque.

Pay attention when you’re driving on a straight stretch of roadway. Does your vehicle feel like it’s pulling hard to one side or the other? If so, it might be time to get an alignment check.

Contrary to popular belief, you should never take your hands completely off the wheel when checking for alignment. It’s an unsafe practice that can get you into trouble on New Mexico’s already dangerous roadways. It also doesn’t accurately measure your car’s alignment because all roadways have some degree of crowning, which can cause slight pulls to one side or the other.

alignment albuquerque penny test
You can check for abnormal wear and tear on your tires by doing the “penny test.”

Alignment issue warning sign #2: abnormal tire wear and tear

Tires can tell you a lot about the safety of your vehicle. It’s one of the reasons why our mechanics check your tires during a scheduled maintenance visit with Rio Grande Automotive.

You don’t have to wait for your mechanic to discover an abnormal wear and tear problem with your tires. Occasionally check yourself, especially if you think your car is handling differently on the roadway. Here’s an easy way to do it.

Insert a standard U.S. penny into the tread, with Lincoln’s head facing down and out. Can you see all of Lincoln’s face? If so, your tread depth is below the recommended level—2/32 of an inch—for safety. Continue checking several places on your tires to see if the tread is evenly worn. If it measures differently on the same tire, then alignment issues can be at play.

Alignment issue warning sign #3: an off-center steering wheel

Look at your steering wheel when you’re not operating your vehicle. Most have the emblem of the automaker etched in the center. Is it centered on the wheel or crooked? If the wheel and the auto manufacturer’s logo are more than 2 to 3 degrees off in either direction, then you need to visit an alignment repair shop in Albuquerque.

alignment albuquerque squealing
Squealing tires when cornering can be another sign of alignment issues in Albuquerque.

Alignment issue warning sign #4: squealing tires

We’ve all seen TV shows or movies where a vehicle’s tires squealed going around a sharp corner. Usually, it’s when there’s a high-speed car chase happening in the plotline. If your vehicle is making a similar sound during normal driving, then misalignment could be the culprit.

Never ignore squealing from your tires when turning. If misalignment is to blame, pretending it’s not an issue can lead to more expensive damage to your vehicle’s entire suspension system.

How alignment issues in Albuquerque happen

Several components contribute to vehicle misalignment. The way you drive your vehicle is among the biggest factors. Hitting speed bumps too fast and jumping curbs when parallel parking are two of the most common ways drivers put their wheels out of alignment in Albuquerque.

Potholes also can do a number on your vehicle if you go over them too quickly. Even the most observant drivers can miss potholes. However, if you notice one, slow down and try to avoid it. If missing it isn’t possible without compromising your safety (and that of other drivers on the roadway), then go over it as slowly as possible.

Lastly, navigating through road construction projects can create the kind of uneven surfaces that mess with your vehicle’s alignment in Albuquerque. Take care with driving too fast through construction zones, especially ones that include metal plates and other uneven surfaces.

Checking for alignment in Albuquerque

Getting an alignment in Albuquerque is easy when you rely on the expertise of the mechanics at Rio Grande Automotive. We can service domestic and foreign vehicles. Call today to schedule an alignment check.

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