ATL Total Car Care Blog

With summer just around the corner, peak road trip season is near. Before you jump on the interstate, it’s crucial that your vehicle is in optimal condition for a smooth and safe adventure. At All Tune and Lube Total Car Care, our local mechanics can expertly prepare your vehicle for your journey. Here’s a look at six important maintenance tasks before going on a road trip. Oil Change Clean engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps dissipate heat, promoting optimal performance. Before your road trip, have your oil and oil filter replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Fresh oil will help keep your engine running smoothly throughout your journey. Brake Service Reliable brakes are crucial for safe driving, especially during long journeys and when navigating unfamiliar terrain. Have your brakes inspected by the mechanic to assess the condition of brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid. Replace worn brake components and flush old brake fluid to help ensure responsive braking performance during your journey. Tire Inspection and Rotation Your tires are your vehicle's connection to the road, so it's important to ensure they are in top condition before embarking on a road trip. It’s smart to have your tires inspected at the shop to check for signs of damage, uneven tread wear, and proper inflation. Consider rotating your tires if necessary to promote even wear and extend their lifespan. Properly inflated and rotated tires contribute to better fuel-efficiency and enhanced safety on the road. Battery Testing A dead battery can quickly derail your road trip plans and leave you stranded on the side of the road. Before setting out, have your battery tested at the shop to ensure it's holding a sufficient charge and is capable of powering your vehicle's electrical systems reliably. Fluid Checks/Top-Ups Your vehicle relies on various fluids to operate efficiently, including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Before your road trip, have these fluids checked and topped up as needed to maintain proper levels and prevent overheating or mechanical issues. Lights & Wipers Visibility is key for optimal safety during a road trip. Before leaving, it’s important to check headlights, turn signals, and brake lights. Bulbs should be replaced as needed. Also, worn wiper blades should be replaced so you’ll have better visibility in the event of a sudden storm. Auto Maintenance in Murfreesboro, TN When you need auto maintenance in Murfreesboro and the surrounding area, contact All Tune and Lube Total Car Care at  615-813-9970  . Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

A healthy cooling system does the crucial job of preventing your engine from overheating. And because overheating can cause severe engine damage, it’s important to alert the mechanic when you notice evidence of a cooling system issue. At ATL Total Car Care, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Murfreesboro, TN area. Here’s a look at four symptoms of cooling system trouble. Rising Temperature Gauge One of the most obvious signs of a cooling system issue is a rising temperature gauge on your dashboard. If you notice your temperature gauge creeping into the red zone, it's crucial to address the issue immediately. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause serious damage, such as warped cylinder heads. Leaking Coolant Coolant plays a vital role in the cooling system by absorbing heat from the engine and dissipating it through the radiator. If you spot puddles of brightly colored fluid under your vehicle, you may be dealing with a coolant leak. Leaks can occur due to issues such as worn-out hoses, a cracked radiator, or a faulty water pump. Ignoring coolant leaks can result in insufficient coolant levels, leading to overheating and engine damage. Steam or Smoke from the Engine Steam or smoke billowing from under the hood is a clear indication of an overheating engine. If you see steam or smoke, safely pull over and allow your engine to cool down before inspecting further. Continuing to drive in this condition could potentially cause engine failure. Strange Noises Unusual noises are sometimes a warning sign of cooling system problems. Hissing sounds often indicate a coolant leak, while squealing or grinding noises may suggest a failing water pump or worn-out bearings. It’s important that any abnormal noises are promptly brought to the mechanic’s attention. Cooling System Repair in Murfreesboro, TN When you need auto repair in Murfreesboro and the surrounding area, contact ATL Total Car Care at  615-813-9970  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!