Hanover Park Auto Repair

Ah, the sweet relief of stepping into a cool, air-conditioned car on a scorching summer day - it's a luxury we often take for granted. But have you ever wondered how heat affects your car's A/C system? Extreme temperatures can put a strain on it, and it's essential to keep it running properly to beat the heat and ensure a comfortable driving experience. Here are a few ways the summer heat affects your A/C and a few ways to keep it working properly. The Battle Against Heat Your car's A/C works tirelessly to combat the relentless heat, ensuring you stay comfortable during the hottest days. However, excessive heat can take a toll on the A/C system, leading to reduced cooling capacity and potential malfunctions. Refrigerant Levels and Leakage Extreme heat can cause the refrigerant in your A/C system to expand and contract, putting additional stress on the system's components. This expansion and contraction can result in refrigerant l ... read more

Important Maintenance for Cars with Turbochargers Turbochargers are a great way to add power and performance to your car, but they also require a little extra maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Here are some of the most important things you can do to maintain your car's turbocharger: Change the oil regularly. Turbocharged engines require more frequent oil changes than naturally aspirated engines. The oil in your turbocharger helps to lubricate the bearings and other moving parts, so it's important to keep it clean and fresh. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 5,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Use the right oil. Not all oils are created equal when it comes to turbochargers. Look for an oil that is specifically designed for turbocharged engines. These oils are formulated to withstand the high temperatures and pressures that turbochargers operate under. Warm up the engine before driving. Turbochargers take a few minutes to ... read more

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