Burnt Hills Auto Repair

The catalytic converter on your vehicle is a component that works hard to reduce the amount of emissions that your vehicle puts out into the environment. It will help to convert the vehicle's output into gases that are less harmful. When it goes bad, there are several symptoms that can tell you what's going on. 1. Reduced Engine Performance The first thing you might notice is that your engine isn't working as well. You might have a lower fuel efficiency, which will send you to the gas pumps a lot more often than normal. You don't want to engine performing less than efficiently because that can cause damage to that system, and many other components. Plus, it costs you more to run the vehicle. 2. A Rattling Noise You know what your car normally sounds like and when you hear something rattling, that's not a good sign. The converter might be damaged on the inside, which can cause it to break apart and rattle. That rattle will likely only worsen over time if you ... read more

Shock absorbers are an integral component of your car's suspension. They help with controlling the up-and-down movements of your car's springs. Without the shock absorbers, your vehicle would continue hopping up and down until the spring's kinetic energy is completely dissipated. However, these devices do not last the lifetime of a car, and they need to be replaced from time to time. But how long can you expect them to last, and when should you replace them? How Many Years Can Shock Absorbers Serve You? The lifespan of shock absorbers depends on a wide variety of factors, including how far a car has been driven, the kinds of roads it is often driven on, and the behavior of the driver, among others. For instance, the shock absorbers of a car that is driven on paved roads may outlast those of a car that is driven on rough roads. Similarly, shock absorbers of a car that is driven by a reckless driver may not serve as long as those of a car driven by a mindful driver. Unfortu ... read more

Nothing annoys like a car squeal when you brake. However, beyond this ear-piercing noise, it's a signal of something going wrong. Brakes are a vital part of your vehicle, but they can be a safety hazard without proper maintenance. Brakes will generally make some noise, for example, when they are not warm, newly replaced brakes, wet weather, or road conditions. But this noise should not linger much longer. It is that excessive squealing or grinding sound that calls for attention. Automotive experts state that about 99% of the time, your car brakes should not make any noise. What really causes this squealing sound?Worn Pads Worn out brake pads is a major cause of squeaking sound. This is a warning to replace the pads before they cause damage to the rotor. Slamming the brakes hard While driving, another car may pull out of nowhere, or other emergency forms on the road in front of you. This causes you to hit the brakes hard, gi ... read more