Miami Auto Repair

Common Jeep Oil Leaks: What Jeep Owners Should Know Jeeps are built for durability — whether you’re driving a Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, or Gladiator — but like many vehicles, certain engines are known for specific oil leak issues. Ignoring an oil leak can lead to engine damage, overheating, or costly repairs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common Jeep oil leaks, what causes them, and how to fix them properly. Oil Filter Housing / Oil Cooler Leak (3.6L Pentastar) One of the most common Jeep oil leaks — especially in Wranglers and Grand Cherokees with the 3.6L Pentastar engine — is the oil filter housing and oil cooler assembly. Why it happens: The factory housing is made of plastic and sits in the valley of the engine. Over time, heat cycles cause the plastic to crack or warp. Symptoms:     •    Oil pooling on top of the engine     •    Oil leaking do ... read more

Why Your Car’s A/C Blows Warm at Stop Lights There’s nothing more frustrating than sitting at a red light on a hot day and suddenly feeling warm air blow out of your car’s A/C vents. If your air conditioning works while driving but turns warm when you stop, your vehicle is trying to tell you something. Let’s break down the most common reasons this happens — and why it shouldn’t be ignored. 1. Cooling Fan Not Working Properly When you’re driving, air naturally flows through the radiator and A/C condenser. At a stop light, your vehicle relies on electric cooling fans to keep everything cool. If a cooling fan isn’t turning on, the A/C condenser can’t release heat properly. This causes system pressure to rise and cooling performance to drop — resulting in warm air at idle. Common causes include:     •    Failed cooling fan motor     •    Ba ... read more

Clunking Noises When Going Over Bumps? Here’s What Your Car Is Telling You If you hear a clunking or knocking noise when driving over bumps, speed humps, or rough roads, your vehicle is trying to tell you something — and it’s not something you want to ignore. Here in Miami (33145), where potholes, uneven pavement, and speed bumps are part of daily driving, suspension and steering components take a beating. Let’s break down what that clunking noise usually means, what parts are commonly responsible, and why getting it checked sooner rather than later can save you money. Common Causes of Clunking Noises Over Bumps 1. Worn Suspension Bushings Rubber bushings are designed to absorb shock and reduce noise. Over time, especially in Miami’s heat and humidity, these bushings dry out, crack, or loosen. When that happens, metal components begin to move more than they should — causing that unmistakable clunk when you hit a bump. Common bushing failures include ... read more

Misfire vs. Fuel Issue: How Technicians Tell the Difference When your car starts running rough, hesitating, or shaking at idle, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Is it a misfire, or is it a fuel problem?” To the driver, the symptoms can feel almost identical — loss of power, poor acceleration, rough idle, or even a flashing check engine light. But to a trained technician, misfires and fuel issues leave very different clues behind. Here’s how professionals tell the difference and why proper diagnosis matters. What Is a Misfire? A misfire happens when one or more cylinders fail to properly ignite the air-fuel mixture. In simple terms, the engine is skipping a beat. Common causes of misfires include:     •    Worn or failed spark plugs     •    Faulty ignition coils     •    Ignition wiring issues     ... read more

What Causes Cars to Overheat in Miami Traffic — And How to Prevent It Miami’s heat and heavy traffic are a tough combination for vehicle cooling systems. If your car routinely gets hot while idling or crawling on Miami streets, understanding the common causes and quick fixes can save you time, money, and an embarrassing roadside breakdown. Why cars overheat in Miami traffic Heavy stop-and-go traffic: When your vehicle moves slowly or sits idling, less airflow passes through the radiator and condenser, reducing the cooling effect. The engine generates heat but can’t shed it efficiently. High ambient temperatures and humidity: Miami’s hot, humid climate raises under-hood temperatures and makes heat dissipation harder for the radiator and cooling fans. Low coolant levels or leaks: If coolant (antifreeze) is low or leaking, the system can’t circulate enough fluid to carry heat away from the engine. Faulty thermostat: A thermostat stuck closed prevents co ... read more