Miami Auto Repair

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

Hybrid Brake Warning Explained  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 ... read more

Do I need to fix the AC on my Hybrid Car or EV? You high voltage battery, whether it's nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion based, has an internal chemistry that is vulnerable to high temperatures. Recently manufacturers have listed a measurable diagnostic range for upper limit temperatures allowed within the hybrid battery. For example a Fiat 500e has an upper limit of 130F up to 141F at which point a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the vehicle will deactivate the hybrid system as a means of protecting the health of the battery. The air conditioning system in a non-hybrid or internal combustion engine is considered an accessory and can be rendered inoperative if the vehicle detects an overheating condition. For hybrid customers the vehicle will follow a similar process and shut down the air conditioning and so the first step is to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle which may include a cooling system pressure test and/or pursuing any diagnostic fault codes that m ... read more