Hanover Park Auto Repair

The used car market has been crazy since COVID traveled the world and changed everything.  Values have inflated to the point that cars once destined for auction or the scrap yard are polished up and sitting on dealer front lines with big CERTIFIED stickers on the window. Does it really mean anything? It depends on who is setting the standards, and if you bother to read them before you buy.  I used to run a shop that was an independent dealer and he was big into throwing that word around. However he backed it up. All the maintenance would be done. The filters got changed. The tires were replaced. The brakes done. Whatever was needed to get the vehicle to that like new "certified" status, it got done. Those cars needed drivers and nothing more.  I have a truck that I bought from a nationwide dealer and it was certified to a standard, but a standard well below mine. She needed tires, some fluid services, and an alignment but overall it was in good ... read more

When to Replace Your Hybrid Battery Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly way to get around. However, all hybrid batteries will eventually need to be replaced. Here are some signs that it might be time to replace your hybrid battery: Your car's fuel economy has decreased significantly. Your car has trouble starting. Your car's warning lights are on. Your car's battery is no longer holding a charge. If you're seeing any of these signs, it's a good idea to have your hybrid battery tested by a qualified mechanic. They can help you determine if the battery needs to be replaced and, if so, what your options are. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Hybrid Battery? The cost of replacing a hybrid battery can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the age and condition of the battery. However, in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 for a new bat ... read more

With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, you may have come across terms like hybrid and plug-in hybrid. While both types of vehicles offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, there are distinct differences between them.What Is The Main Difference?    The main difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles lies in their electric driving capabilities and charging options. Hybrid vehicles use a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, with a limited electric-only driving range and no external charging requirement. On the other hand, plug-in hybrids have larger battery packs, an extended electric range, and the ability to charge externally.If you are looking for a longer explanation, don't worry because we still have a lot to cover. Let's take a closer look at both of them and how they distinguish from each other. Hybrid Vehicles  &nbs ... read more

With a wide variety of tire options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. In this guide, we will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting tires for your vehicle. From understanding tire sizes and types to evaluating performance characteristics, this guide will help you make an informed decision that meets your specific needs. Criteria to keep in mind when choosing tires include: Vehicle requirements Driving conditions Tire types Performance Budget Know Your Vehicle's Tire Requirements To choose the right tires, you need to understand your vehicle's tire requirements. This includes the tire size, load capacity, speed rating, and recommended inflation pressure. We'll explain how to find this information in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the sidewall of your current tires. Consider Your Driving Conditions Different driving conditions require different tire characte ... read more

In today's world, the demand for eco-friendly and fuel-efficient transportation is on the rise. Hybrid vehicles have emerged as a popular solution, combining the benefits of both gasoline engines and electric motors. These innovative machines offer improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and an overall greener driving experience. But have you ever wondered how hybrid vehicles work and what sets them apart from conventional cars? Let's dive into the fascinating world of hybrid technology and explore the inner workings of these cutting-edge vehicles. The First Hybrid Vehicle: A Glimpse into the Past To truly appreciate the advancements in hybrid technology, we must first acknowledge the humble beginnings of the first hybrid vehicle. The history of hybrid cars can be traced back to the late 19th century when Dr. Ferdinand Porsche developed the Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid in 1900. This groundbreaking invention featured a gasoline engine powering a generator, wh ... read more

A head gasket is a vital component of the engine that seals the cylinder head to the engine block. It ensures that there is no leakage of coolant, engine oil, or exhaust gases from the combustion chamber. A blown head gasket is a huge problem that can cause a great deal of damage to the engine if left unaddressed.  Top Signs of a Blown Head Gasket Overheating engine: The most common symptom of a blown head gasket is an overheating engine. The engine temperature gauge will rise quickly, and the engine may start to smoke or emit steam from the exhaust. White smoke from the exhaust: A blown head gasket can cause coolant to leak into the combustion chamber, resulting in white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Milky oil: Coolant can also mix with engine oil, resulting in a milky appearance. We recommend that you check the oil dipstick to see if there is a creamy substance on it. Loss of engine power: The engine ... read more

What is a catalytic converter, and how can you tell if it's dysfunctional? A catalytic converter is one of your car's most important resources, reducing emissions and pollution. Located in the exhaust chamber, it is filled with a platinum/palladium mixture and converts harmful emissions into non-harmful gasses. There are five ways you can tell if your catalytic converter isn't working correctly: Your engine will perform more poorly. Because it is built into the exhaust system which corresponds systemically with your engine, if it is faulty, you will notice lower power or acceleration. In addition, as is expected with a car component that should increase fuel economy, you may notice a reduction of this feature. You may hear a very distinct rattling noise coming from the underside of your vehicle. This is usually caused by internal damage over time from over-rich fuel mixtures, which can cause the meshes inside the converter to collapse or break. The rattle will be most ob ... read more

As the cold winter weather comes through Hanover Park, IL, it is important to ensure your car, SUV, van, or truck is prepared to fight against winter’s harsh impacts. We understand that your top priority is to be safe and have a reliable mode of transportation this season. That is why the team at Kamphaus Auto Care has compiled a list of all the maintenance you will need to keep your car running in tip-top shape this time of year. Auto Maintenance Checklist for the Cold & Harsh Winter Battery – Your car battery should be tested to determine if it is sufficiently charged, at or above 12.4 volts. The physical appearance of the battery should be free of corrosion, and its cables should be fastened and secured. Additionally, the battery case should not look swollen or damaged in any way. Otherwise, you will need to replace the battery to avoid trouble.  Auto Fluids – Vehicles run on various essential fluids, including engine oil, transmission ... read more

A bouncy commute may sound silly, but it signifies danger for you and your vehicle. If you notice that your car is feeling unstable or shaky, your first instinct should be to take it to a certified mechanic immediately. While you can look for clues of where the problem is coming from, a professional can pinpoint the exact problem. Below are three areas of your car that may be where the shakiness stems from: Tires Your tires are indeed the only part of your car that makes contact with the ground, so you can imagine how important they are to the comfortability and stability of your drive. Unfortunately, they can be the reason why your car may be bouncing; if your tires are not attached tight enough, overinflated, or misaligned, you will feel this trembling. Steering System The steering system allows you to have easy and controlled turns. If you notice an uneasy feeling only occurring whenever you turn the steering wheel, your steering system is probably the culprit. Bushings can cau ... read more

Now that November is near its end, we all have Christmas to look forward to. You may be looking at buying a real Christmas tree this year, but the number one concern that most people have is transporting the tree to their homes. If you are contemplating this purchase, go right ahead. Transporting it is not as tough or dangerous as it looks as long as you follow some of the key tips. Tip #1: Choose the Right Kind of Car Typically, we recommend using a vehicle with a roof rack. A bigger automobile like an SUV or truck is best for a means of safe transport.  Tip #2: Bring Supplies There are several items that you’ll need to secure the tree. First off, you should bring a tarp or blanket to lay the tree on. This will prevent scratches and other kinds of damage to your car. Additionally, you will need rope, straps, or some kind of cord to secure the tree. Tip #3: Wrap the Tree You must wrap the tree in netting before you put it on your car. Then spread the tarp or blank on ... read more