Cincinnati Auto Repair

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

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

The windshield wipers on your vehicle are extremely important to your visibility and ability to drive when it's raining or snowing. During very hot summer months, your windshield wipers can actually dry out and begin to crack if they aren't taken care of properly. If this is the case for your vehicle, we recommend that your windshield wipers are replaced before the winter months. Getting stuck on the road without working windshield wipers in the rain or snow can be very dangerous and lead to accidents.  Here's a graphic that is helpful for understanding when windshield wiper blades should be replaced:  If you notice any skipping, streaking, spitting, or squeaking with your windshield wipers, it's time to replace them. A new set of wiper blades will ensure that you're ready for the winter months. It is also a good idea to try and be aware of your windshield wipers throughout the year, especially during the summer, to ensure that they last you longer.  ... read more

Driving can often be unpredictable, and you never know when you may find yourself stranded with a flat tire. Being able to change your own tire can really save you time and trouble in a tough situation. Here are the steps on how to change your own tire as well as a list of items you should always carry in your car in order to be perpared to change a flat. Things you will need to keep in your vehicle:  Spare tire Jack Wrench How to change a flat tire:  If you are on the side of the road, be sure to move your vehicle (if possible) as far away from traffic as possible and put on your hazards. If you're at home, try to change your tire on a flat, level surface.  Put on your emergency brake.  If you can, place a heavy object on either side of the tire you are removing.  Place the jack under the frame near the tire that will be changed. Raise the jack until it is just supporting your vehicle, not lifting it off of the ground.  Remove the hubcap on t ... read more

Summer is nearing its end - most of our kids are back in school, college students are back at their dorms or attending class, and traveling will be increased on the road due to the hustle and bustle of the new season. Summer can take a toll on our vehicles, including excessive wear and tear which can carry on into fall.  In order to ensure that your car stays safe and reliable on the road during the fall season, it is important to have a pre-fall vehicle inspection completed here at Don's Auto Repair. A pre-fall vehicle inspection will consist of a bumper to bumper inspection of your car that will pinpoint any underlying issue or damage that may have occurred over the summer.  Before driving into fall, we also recommend having all fluids inpsection and top-offed if needed, your windshield wipers to be replaced, and your tires to be inspected for tread and pressure. The fall will bring more rain and wetter roads, so having fresh windshield wipers and ensuring your tires ... read more

Summer is the perfect time to hit the road and travel to your favorite spot. You don’t want to leave your beloved pets behind - so why not bring them along! Most parks and recreation spots do allow pets, so you can bring your furry friends along with you. However, doing your research and prepping as much as possible for the trip can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your pets.  It is important to make sure that your pets will be comfortable on the ride. If you’re traveling in the car, be sure to bring a pet bed or blankets along with you. When your pet is able to relax on the road, they will be much more calm and less nervous on the road.  Make sure to stop at plenty of rest stops along the way. Getting out of the vehicle to stretch your pet’s legs and allow them to relieve themselves will be the best way to keep them comfortable and calm throughout the drive. It will also be good for the drivers, too!  Ensure that you br ... read more

Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned one, driving safely is the number one thing to remember on the road. Driving on the road can be vulnerable, especially when you not only rely on your own safe driving, but also the safe driving of others.  Before you get into your vehicle, be sure to check off the following:  Get a good night’s rest  Have a snack or meal Be completely ready - don’t try to get ready in the car Make sure your gas tank is filled Set your GPS to your destination, if needed Have your radio or music ready to go so you aren’t fixing it while driving   Here are some more safety tips to follow while on the road:    Always wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers are as well Put your smartphone away Pay attention to the road and try to avoid distractions from passengers Follow the speed limit Make sure to always check your mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes Keep a safe distance between you ... read more

Summer is almost here, which means it's time to start thinking about getting your vehicle in shape to handle the heat. When you drive in the warmer weather, your car can undergo more wear and tear. Making sure your vehicle is in order for summer driving  is extremely important, especially if you're planning a summer road trip. To make sure your car is summer ready, Don's Auto Repair is here to help!    Here are some of the service needed to prepare your vehicle for summer:    Test your vehicle's A/C system to make sure it's working properly Inspect the cooling system. A cooling system issue can cause your vehicle to overheat and lead to engine damage if ignored Make sure that your car is up to date with its regular oil change. Replace old windshield wipers and make sure there is wiper solvent.  Check tires for proper inflation, alignment, and balance.  Inspect your brakes for functionality Test the battery for charge To g ... read more

Brakes are one of those components that you don’t want to ignore, especially when you notice a change in performance or a problem with braking. Your brakes help you stop and slow down when needed to drive safely on the road. If you notice a strange noise, sound, or performance issue - it’s time for a brake inspection.    Many parts of the brakes can wear down or warp over time, which is why it is important to pay attention to how your vehicle works. Worn brake pads or a warped rotor can cause a decrease in brake performance and can also lead to brake failure. As soon as you notice an issue, don’t hesitate to give our shop a call or schedule an appointment online for friendly service.    According to the Car Care Council, here are the top warning signs to look out for that can indicate a problem with your vehicle’s brakes:   Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes. Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side whil ... read more

Spring has sprung and it's the season to start planning spring break road trips and summer adventures. It's also the perfect time to get up to date with your vehicle's maintenance needs and address any issues that may have arisen over the winter season. Winter weather can be extremely harsh on our cars, causing excessive wear and tear. This Spring, don't hesitate to bring your car into our shop for a thorough inspection to make sure your vehicle is properly prepared for the warmer months ahead.    Spring maintenance items we recommend include: Inspect cooling system and coolant levels Look at all belts and hoses for an wear or cracks Make sure that air conditioning works well Check your tires for pressure, tread, and overall condition Staying on top of all factory recommended maintenance Check an oil and filter change is your car is due Test headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and all interior lights to ensure that they are working pro ... read more