Vehicle Maintenance

With temperatures dropping around the country, it’s understandably tempting to let your car or SUV idle to stay warm. At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN, one of our goals is to keep you informed on how to best care for your performance and luxury vehicles. 

These days, it seems like the oil options for your oil changes are limitless - full synthetic, blends, conventional, high mileage, and the list goes on and on. We are frequently asked if it's okay to switch between oils, and how you know what is okay to use? At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN we're here to help you answer that question. When it comes to engine oil, the answer to this question can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be!

Windshield wipers are one of those things you never think about until you need them, and by then it’s too late. There’s a good chance you haven’t changed windshield wipers in a long time, so it might be a good idea to inspect them before rainy weather catches you off guard. Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN has compiled a few windshield wiper tips here for you.

We know you’re busy. At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN, we also know that while there are certain issues with your car, truck, or SUV you can ignore for a while, some of them shouldn’t wait. While serious issues are often obvious, sometimes they aren’t - ball joints are one such case.

It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from a simple problem that requires a little maintenance and TLC or there is real engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your vehicle or truck engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection here at the shop right away.

Diesel engines are known for their durability, but even the best engine has to be replaced every once in a while. At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN, we want you to be aware of signs that your engine is about to call it quits.

One of the most annoying sounds known to man is a loud squeal every time you start your car, truck, or SUV. What causes this, and what can you do to fix it? Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN has the answer.

Once your transmission has been replaced and you’re shifting smoothly once more, you’ll probably want to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips from Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN to help keep you reliably on the road.

Stress while driving is commonplace no matter where or when you’re driving. It’s very easy to become angry due to other drivers and even yourself, but it’s just as easy to avoid road rage and the stress altogether.

Fleet cars, vans, and trucks see a lot of wear and tear. If your engine has already called it a day, then it’s obviously case closed - you need a new engine or a new vehicle. However, there are many times when an engine is about to go down, and you can get it taken care of before it kicks the bucket for good - saving you time and towing in the process.

The hydraulic system in your transmission is responsible for telling the mechanical components what to do, and when to do it. In order to better understand how your transmission works, it’s important to understand the mechanical components of it.

Your vehicle's cooling system is one of the most important systems in your vehicle. Inside your engine, spark plugs ignite the fuel within the cylinders to produce small explosions that propel your vehicle down the road. With small explosions comes scorching temperatures that can destroy your engine if not controlled. There are two types of cooling systems - liquid-cooled and air-cooled. 

Maintaining your car doesn't have to be a hassle, just bring it to our team here at Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson. We can take care of all the dirty work. However, it's important to know when you should get proper maintenance. Here are some quick tips and advice on the basics of car maintenance!

At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN, we know the key to making your vehicle last; good maintenance. An overwhelming percentage of the problems we see, especially the really catastrophic ones, are a result of poor maintenance. While properly maintaining a vehicle can seem like a bit of a hassle, it is absolutely worth the payoff. Good maintenance is the only difference between a car that lasts 80,000 miles and a car that lasts 400,000 miles. Preventative maintenance and repair when a problem occurs are your two concerns, and both will keep your car on the road far longer if observed properly.

Everyone from mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about vehicles. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

You’ve determined it’s time to get rid of the engine you have, along with all of its issues. You’re probably considering getting something new altogether, and you’re tired of this one giving you issues. Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN is here to help you make the call.

If your car, truck, or SUV has really been put through the wringer, it might be time for a new one. However, before you decide to throw in the towel there are a few things you should consider.

So, you’ve determined your transmission is bad. What next? Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN is here to help.

There are a few things to consider when your transmission goes out. You might feel inclined to just get a new car...but should you? Here are some factors to think about.

You have determined your Cummins, Duramax, or Powerstroke engine needs to be replaced. You might be on the fence about whether you should replace the engine in your diesel, or just get a new truck. At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN, we’re here to help.

At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN, we have seen our fair share of preventable engine failures. Frequently, engine disaster could have been avoided if the driver had known beforehand what the warning lights or gauges on the dashboard indicated. While some dash lights are fairly benign, others indicate imminent trouble. This guide from Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN will prepare you for the next time your vehicle shows you a warning you shouldn’t ignore.

At Sterling Auto Service, LLC in Jackson, TN, a big part of our job is helping you make decisions that are right for you, and your car, truck or SUV. When it comes to replacing a transmission there are a lot of options out there; we’re here to help you make the right choice.