Hanover Park Auto Repair

When your car is idling, the engine should hold a steady RPM. If the needle starts bouncing or the engine begins to sputter, it usually means something isn’t working as it should. Fluctuating RPMs at idle often point to problems with how the engine manages air, fuel, or ignition. While it may not seem urgent at first, inconsistent idle can signal a developing issue that could affect performance, fuel efficiency, or drivability if ignored. What a Normal Idle Should Look Like Your car’s engine is designed to idle at a stable speed—typically around 600 to 900 revolutions per minute (RPM) depending on the vehicle. At idle, your engine is still running, but it's not under any significant load. A properly functioning engine will maintain a steady rhythm without excessive vibration or noise. When the RPM needle starts jumping or dipping unexpectedly, especially while the car is in gear but stationary, something is throwing off that steady rhythm ... read more

Your car’s exhaust system does more than just reduce emissions—it helps your engine perform efficiently and safely by directing harmful gasses away. But rust can quickly turn a well-functioning exhaust into a problem, leading to leaks, poor fuel efficiency, and expensive repairs. Since rust thrives in moisture-rich environments, knowing how to protect your exhaust system can save you from premature failure. So, what causes rust to build up, and how can you keep it from damaging your vehicle? How Does Rust Form on an Exhaust System Rust, or corrosion, occurs when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen over time. Since your car’s exhaust system is located underneath the vehicle, it is highly vulnerable to the elements. Several factors accelerate rust formation, including: Road salt and winter conditions In areas with snowy winters, road salt is used to prevent ice buildup. While effective for road safety, salt is highly corrosive an ... read more

Keeping your car in top shape means more than sticking to a basic oil change schedule or ensuring the tires are inflated. There are several maintenance tasks that frequently get overlooked, yet they play a vital role in your vehicle’s overall performance and longevity. Ignoring these essential services can lead to costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. Let’s explore some of the most overlooked maintenance services for vehicles and why you shouldn’t ignore them. Brake Fluid Replacement Brake fluid is often forgotten, even though it’s crucial for the proper functioning of your car’s braking system. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air, which decreases its efficiency and leads to corrosion in the brake lines and other components. This can compromise your braking system, putting your safety at risk. When was the last time you had your brake fluid checked or replaced? Manufacturers generally recommend replacing brake fl ... read more

If you’ve just driven off the lot with a shiny new car, you might be surprised to notice that the engine is consuming oil sooner than you expected. You might ask yourself, “Is this normal?” Modern engines are built differently than they were a decade or two ago, and some oil consumption is more common in new cars than you might think. But how much is too much, and when should you be concerned? Why Do New Engines Consume Oil? Oil consumption in a new engine isn’t necessarily a red flag. In fact, there are a few reasons why it might happen: Tighter Tolerances Modern engines are designed with tighter tolerances to improve efficiency and performance. These precise fits can lead to slight oil consumption during the break-in period as parts settle into place. Low Friction Designs To meet stringent fuel economy st ... read more

If you've ever brought your car in for repairs, you’ve likely seen the blue ASE badge displayed proudly on a wall or a technician’s uniform. That badge isn’t just for show—it’s a symbol of expertise, professionalism, and dedication to quality automotive service. But have you ever wondered what it takes for technicians to earn ASE certification? This certification process is rigorous, demanding, and designed to ensure that only the most skilled professionals earn the title. We'll explain how car technicians achieve ASE certification and why it’s such an important credential in the automotive industry. What Does ASE Certification Mean ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a nonprofit organization that sets industry standards for automotive repair and service. Earning this certification signifies that a technician possesses the knowledge and hands-on experience required to ... read more

We are offering a FREE Class! As a new driver, everything with the car can feel like a mystery. Without good sources of information, it might not get better without a lot of trial and error. At Kamphaus Auto Care, Hybrid Repair & Emissions, one of our main drives is to help educate our customers so they feel good about the choices they make regarding their car’s maintenance and repairs. We are taking that one step further in December by offering a class to new and under educated drivers. What it covers Our class will cover basics like fluid checks, why the fluids matter, how to change a tire, what to do if warning lights come on, several safety components and more. Who is this for? This class is geared toward drivers who have only recently started driving, or individuals who haven’t had the opportunity to learn much about their cars in the past. The class will be small so all participants will have a chance to as ... read more

Have you noticed your car stuttering when you accelerate, or is it not as fuel-efficient as it used to be? One possible culprit could be dirty fuel injectors. These small components greatly affect how well your engine runs. When they get clogged, you can see a noticeable drop in performance. But how exactly do fuel injectors impact engine performance, and why is it important to keep them clean? How Fuel Injectors Work In simple terms, fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel into your engine’s combustion chambers at the right time and in the correct amount. This process is key to ensuring your car runs smoothly, providing the necessary power while maintaining fuel efficiency. Most modern vehicles have electronically controlled fuel injectors, which are designed to optimize the air-fuel mixture entering the engine. This precision is what keeps your engine running efficiently. But when the injectors become clogged or dirty, they can’t do their jo ... read more

Did you just go in for an emission test for your car, and it didn’t pass? While this situation can be frustrating, it’s important to know that failing an emissions test isn’t the end of the road. In fact, it’s quite common, and there are several ways your car can be fixed to get it back up to code. But what exactly happens after that failed emissions test? How is your vehicle brought back to compliance? Let’s walk through the process and what you can expect. Why Cars Fail Emissions Tests The first thing you need to understand is why your car failed the emissions test in the first place. Modern vehicles are built with complex emissions systems designed to minimize harmful pollutants. A problem in any of these systems could lead to a failed test. Common reasons include: Faulty Oxygen Sensors These sensors monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and help regulate fuel consumption. If they’re not working correctly ... read more

Hybrid cars have become a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers, offering a blend of gasoline and electric power that enhances fuel efficiency while reducing emissions. One key technology that makes hybrid vehicles so efficient is regenerative braking. But what exactly is regenerative braking, and how does it work in a hybrid car? Let’s break it down in simple terms to understand how this smart technology saves energy and contributes to a smoother driving experience. Regenerative Braking Regenerative braking is a technology that allows hybrid cars to recover energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. In traditional vehicles, when you press the brake pedal, the kinetic energy of the moving car is converted into heat by the brake pads and then dissipated into the air, effectively wasting that energy. However, regenerative braking systems in hybrid cars capture some of that energy and convert it into electrical energy ... read more

Owning a hybrid car brings numerous benefits, from fuel efficiency to reduced emissions. However, to keep your hybrid running efficiently, it's crucial to understand the best practices for its maintenance. Whether you're a seasoned hybrid owner or considering your first purchase, knowing how to properly care for your vehicle can extend its lifespan and improve its performance. So, what are the key maintenance tips for hybrid cars? Hybrid Car Maintenance Hybrid cars combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, creating a unique set of maintenance needs. While some aspects are similar to conventional cars, others require specific attention due to the hybrid components. By following these best practices, you can ensure your hybrid car stays in top condition. 1. Regular Engine Maintenance Just like conventional cars, hybrids need regular engine maintenance. This includes timely oil changes, which are crucial for keepi ... read more