Miami Auto Repair

Can I drive my Jeep with the ABS light on?    Your Jeep is built to handle various terrains and challenges however, when the ABS, Anti-Lock Braking System, light illuminates on your dashboard it's important to have the vehicle inspected by a service professional.  What does the ABS light mean?  The ABS is a safety feature designed to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, enhancing control and stability. It achieves this by modulating brake pressure to individual wheels, allowing the driver to maintain steering control while braking. This is especially important when driving in South Florida due to frequent rain storms and aggressive driving habits which may cause frequent hard braking. When the ABS system detects a potential wheel lock-up, it intervenes by adjusting brake pressure multiple times per second, ensuring that the wheels continue to rotate, promoting optimal traction and preventing skidding. The ABS light on your dashboard serves as a warning ... read more

Can I drive my Jeep with an oil leak?  Traditionally engine oil serves as a lubricant, reducing friction between moving parts in the engine. It also helps dissipate heat generated during combustion, preventing components from overheating. Moreover on contemporary Jeep engine's specifically the Pentastar 3.2 and 3.6 as well as the Multiair Engine designs engine oil serves a hydraulic function to engage solenoids within the VVT system. Engine oil pressure is affected by temperature and volume and thereby a engine that is leaking engine oil may have a reduction in its ability to sustain oil pressure required for modern Jeep engines. As a note on engine oil pressure, Chrysler does allow for a lower threshold of 12 psi however in our experience an engine with oil pressure below 20 psi is worth monitoring for underlying faults.    How far can I drive with an oil leak?  The answer to whether you can drive your Jeep with an oil leak is not a strai ... read more

Why is My Car Overheating and What to Do Next Dealing with an overheating car can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. Understanding the common causes behind a vehicle overheating is crucial for both prevention and effective troubleshooting. Let's review some common questions we get at the shop and some conditions in which overheating may occur. Why is my vehicle overheating?  Several factors can contribute to a car overheating. One common culprit is a malfunctioning cooling system. This may result from a leaking radiator, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged water pump. Low coolant levels, a clogged radiator, or a malfunctioning radiator fan can also lead to overheating issues.  My car is overheating but I can't see a coolant leak.  Keep in mind that we distinguish coolant leaks into external and internal leaks. The telltale sign of an external coolant leak is low coolant fluid at the reservoir and visibly leaking or dried coolant from an ... read more

The Jeep Pentastar engine is renowned for its power, efficiency, and performance. However, one common concern that Jeep owners may encounter is oil leaks, particularly around the oil filter which is an assembly with an attached cooler and sensors. Due to its design wherein coolant and engine oil reside side by side, one of the telltale signs of a fault with the engine oil filter assembly is engine oil in the coolant reservoir.  The Jeep Pentastar 3.2L and 3.6L share the same oil filter assembly design and common causes of oil leaks around the filter are listed below.  Faulty Oil Filter Gasket: One primary culprit behind oil leaks from the oil filter in Jeep Pentastar engines is a defective or worn-out oil filter gasket. The gasket serves as a seal between the filter and the engine, preventing oil from escaping. Over time, the gasket can degrade due to exposure to heat, pressure, and the elements, leading to leaks. Also keep in mind that if your vehicle has begun to hav ... read more

As automotive technology advances, hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular due to their improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. One crucial component in these vehicles is the brake accumulator, a key player in the hybrid braking system. Function of a Hybrid Car Brake Accumulator: The brake accumulator in a hybrid car is a critical part of the regenerative braking system, which is designed to recover and store energy during deceleration. This system helps enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wear on traditional friction brakes. The brake accumulator plays a pivotal role in maintaining hydraulic pressure within the braking system, ensuring swift and effective response when the driver engages the brakes. The accumulator stores hydraulic fluid under pressure, ready to be released when needed. During regenerative braking, when the vehicle slows down, the electric motor functions as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. This generated ele ... read more