Posted on 12/1/2023

The Role of Stabilizer Links in Your Vehicle and Signs They Need Attention As an auto repair expert, I understand the importance of regular maintenance to keep your vehicle running smoothly. One often-overlooked component that plays a crucial role in your car's stability and handling is the stabilizer link. In this article, we'll delve into what stabilizer links do and provide insights into how drivers can recognize signs of potential issues. What Are Stabilizer Links? Stabilizer links, also known as sway bar links, are crucial components of your vehicle's suspension system. They connect the sway bar (or stabilizer bar) to the suspension control arms, helping to maintain stability and control during turns and maneuvers. The sway bar itself is a metal rod that spans the width of the vehicle, providing additional support to reduce body roll. Signs of Worn ... read more
Posted on 11/21/2023

Maintaining the steering and suspension components of your automobile is crucial for a smooth and safe driving experience. One often-overlooked but vital part of this system is the tie rod. The tie rods play a pivotal role in connecting the steering mechanism to the wheels, allowing for precise control and direction. Recognizing when your tie rods might need attention is essential for preventing more significant issues down the road. One of the most common signs that your tie rods are in need of repair or replacement is noticeable steering play. If you feel excessive looseness or play in the steering wheel, it could indicate wear and tear on the tie rods. This play can result in a lack of responsiveness and compromised vehicle control, making it crucial to address the issue promptly. Another telltale sign of tie rod issues is uneven tire wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing down unevenly, particularly on the outer edges, it could be a sign that the tie rods are not function ... read more
Posted on 10/25/2023

Your vehicle's exhaust system plays a crucial role in keeping your car running smoothly and safely. However, many car owners tend to overlook this essential component until a major issue arises. It's important to know the signs that indicate you need an exhaust system inspection and repair. Not only can a faulty exhaust system negatively impact your vehicle's performance and safety, but it can also lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. In this article, we will explore the top three ways to recognize the need for exhaust system maintenance and why early detection and repair are essential. 1. Unusual Noises One of the most noticeable signs that your vehicle's exhaust system needs attention is the presence of unusual noises. If you hear a sudden increase in engine noise, a rumbling or rattling sound, or a hissing noise, it's a clear indicator that something is wrong. These sounds can occur due to various issues such as a cracked e ... read more
Posted on 9/29/2023

When it comes to the safety and performance of your car, truck, or SUV, one often-overlooked component that plays a crucial role is the wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are responsible for reducing friction between the wheel and the axle, allowing your vehicle's wheels to spin smoothly. Over time, these bearings can wear out, leading to a host of problems if left unattended. Here are the top three signs you may need to replace your wheel bearings and why Don's Auto Repair, nestled in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio, is the best local choice for this critical automotive service. Sign #1: Unusual Noises One of the most common signs that your wheel bearings may be in need of replacement is the presence of unusual noises originating from your vehicle's wheels. These noises often manifest as a persistent humming, growling, or rumbling sound that correlates with your vehicle's speed. As the bearings wear down, the noise may become more pronounced, especially durin ... read more
Posted on 8/29/2023

As the scorching heat of summer gives it's final push of heat this month, it's important to ensure that your vehicle's AC system is in top-notch condition. Don's Auto Repair in Blue Ash, Ohio is the go-to local repair shop for all AC-related service and repairs for cars, trucks, and SUVs. With recent record-breaking heat temperatures and the end of hot temperatures in Cincinnati not yet over, it's crucial to be aware of the signs that your AC compressor may need attention. Addressing issues now, may preclude you from having to fix a later AC issue next year. Don's Auto Repair is here to help, providing quick scheduling for all repairs and maintenance. Don't just take our word for it - check out the glowing reviews of Don's Auto Repair online to understand why we are the most trusted local provider of auto repair in the Blue Ash Ohio area. Top 3 Signs you need to have your vehicle's A/C Compressor looked at:Sign 1: ... read more
Posted on 7/15/2023

When it comes to purchasing new tires at Don's, you can rest assured that tire balancing is included with each purchase - and lifetime rotation is available with each purchase when tire insurance is added. This ensures that your tires are properly balanced for optimal performance and longevity. Don's Auto Repair understands the importance of maintaining your tires, and they go the extra mile to provide these services at no additional cost. One of the key advantages of choosing Don's Auto Repair for your tire needs is their extensive selection of tire brands. They carry all the most popular tire brands across the US, ensuring that they have options to suit every customer's preferences and requirements. Some of the notable tire brands available at Don's include Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Continental, and Firestone, among others. With such a wide range of choices, you can find the perfect tires for your vehicle, regardless of its make or model ... read more
Posted on 6/15/2023

When Should I Replace My Timing Belt and Water Pump? Knowing when to replace your timing belt and water pump before they fail, can often be difficult to know. Generally, these will need to be changed as directed by your manufacturer’s recommendation; which is normally every 60,000 miles. Most car owners change both components at the same time to save on costs and time. And there are some very good reasons to change both at the same time as to avoid unwanted additional charges or trouble in the future. This is because the labor involved in disassembling the engine to get at these parts is complicated and time-consuming, so you will be save yourself by replacing them at the same time. 5 Signs Your Timing Belt and Water Pump Need Replacing Here are a few signs that can tell you when your timing belt and water pump need replacing: Rough engine noise when idling Drop in oil pressure Misfiring of the engine Heavy vibration when idling Excess smoke from the exhaust Contac ... read more
Posted on 5/15/2023

Here are 5 ways to know if your shocks and/or struts need to be replaced. But, before we get into some of these common signs of worn out or broken shocks and struts, we would like to help you take a quick look at the function of these parts and the difference between shocks and struts. What exactly do your shocks and struts do for your car? Your car's shocks and struts maintain your car, truck or SUVs body suspended above the wheels and correctly positioned off the ground while you drive, making your experience comfortable. When you have worn out shocks and struts, they bounce as they go down the road, making any drive both unsafe and uncomfortable for all riders. Shocks and struts absorb the vertical movement of your vehicle into energy every time a bump or pothole is hit when driving. When they wear down, control of the car’s stability can be lost, and the car takes more braking power and longer to stop. This will create additional wear and tear on your braking system and ... read more
Posted on 4/10/2023

Having your brakes checked and repaired when needed is critical for your safety and your vehicle’s overall performance. From anti-lock, disc, or drum brakes - your vehicle’s brake system is one of your vehicles most critical safety systems. Improperly working, or worn out brakes on your car, truck, or SUV can lead to accidents or increased repair costs if not addressed in a timely manner. At Don’s Auto Repair in Blue Ash, Ohio, and at Don's Auto Repair off Delta Avenue in Columbia-Tusculum, we can help you identify issues related to your brake system and address them with needed repairs or replacing broken and worn down parts. Brakes need regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure they are working properly both for your safety, your family’s safety and the safety of others around you. Don’s Auto Repair provides the top brake repair solutions, knowledge, and parts in Downtown Cincinnati and the greater Cincinnati area north of the city in the great ci ... read more
Posted on 12/2/2019
Happy Thanksgiving from the team here at Don's Auto Repair! We hope that you had a wonderful day and that you have happy holidays to come this winter. We know that holidays usually mean that you will be doing a lot of traveling, whether a short trip or a longer trek. If you are planning a holiday road trip in the near future, we recommend that you ensure your vehicle is well prepared for the journey before you embark. Before you hit the road, it is important to have a full vehicle inspection performed that will check your vehicles overall condition and vital components. This will allow you to have peace of mind that your vehicle will stay reliable on your trip. It can also catch any issues before you leave and check things like your tires and fluids that will need to be in good condition for a road trip. We also recommend that you make a list of important items to have in your vehicle in the case of emergencies. Depending on where you will be traveling, you may find y ... read more