Lloyd's Automotive and Transmission Specialists Blog

Your car’s shocks play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth and controlled ride. They absorb bumps, improve handling, and help ensure that your tires stay in contact with the road. As the miles add up, shocks wear out due to constant use, leading to reduced performance and potential safety hazards. Recognizing the signs of failing shocks can help you replace them before they compromise your driving experience. Here are four signs that it’s time to replace your car’s shocks. Excessive Bouncing After Hitting a Bump A well-functioning suspension system quickly stabilizes your vehicle after encountering bumps. If your car continues to bounce several times after hitting a pothole or speed bump, it’s a sign that the shocks are no longer effectively dampening the movement. Excessive bouncing can make your ride uncomfortable and reduce your ability to control the vehicle. Increased Braking Distance Worn-out shocks can negatively impact your car’s braking performance. When shocks lose their ability to control weight transfer, your vehicle may take longer to come to a complete stop. It may also feel like your car nose-dives while braking. If you notice that your car takes more time to slow down, even with properly functioning brakes, failing shocks could be the culprit. Uneven Tire Wear Your shocks play a vital role in keeping your tires evenly pressed against the road. When they start to fail, your tires may have inconsistent contact with the pavement, leading to uneven wear patterns. If you notice bald spots or excessive wear on certain areas of your tires, your shocks may no longer be providing the necessary stability. Uneven tire wear reduces traction and overall safety. Fluid Leaks on the Shocks Shocks contain hydraulic fluid that helps dampen vibrations and control movement. If you notice oily residue or leaks on the shocks, it means the internal seals have likely failed, causing fluid to escape. Without enough hydraulic fluid, shocks lose their ability to function properly. Visible leaks indicate that the shocks are no longer capable of providing the necessary support and should be replaced as soon as possible. Suspension Repair in Olympia, WA When you need auto repair in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Lloyd’s Automotive & Transmission Specialists at (360) 357-7422. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment for your vehicle’s repair or maintenance needs!

Your vehicle’s transmission fluid is essential for smooth operation, providing lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic power to your transmission system. A transmission fluid leak can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly. At Lloyd’s Automotive & Transmission Specialists, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Olympia, WA area. Here are five common signs that your vehicle might have a transmission fluid leak. Puddles Under Your Car One of the most noticeable signs of a transmission fluid leak is a puddle of liquid under your parked car. Transmission fluid is typically reddish to pinkish in color, though it may turn darker if contaminated. If you spot a puddle with this color and a slightly sweet smell, there’s a good chance it’s transmission fluid. Addressing the leak early can prevent further damage to your transmission. Low Transmission Fluid Levels If your transmission fluid is consistently low despite regular refills, it’s a clear indication of a leak. Check your vehicle’s transmission dipstick regularly to monitor fluid levels. Driving with insufficient transmission fluid can cause the system to overheat and lead to severe internal damage, so it’s crucial to resolve the leak as soon as possible. Slipping Gears or Poor Shifting Transmission fluid is vital for smooth gear changes. If you notice your car struggling to shift gears or slipping out of gear unexpectedly, it could be due to low transmission fluid caused by a leak. This symptom often worsens and should be promptly addressed. Unusual Noises A leaking transmission can result in unusual noises such as grinding, whining, or clunking. These noises occur because the lack of adequate lubrication increases friction within the transmission components. If you hear strange sounds coming from your vehicle, it’s essential to have the mechanic inspect the transmission for leaks and other issues. Overheating Transmission Transmission fluid plays a critical role in regulating the system’s temperature. A leak reduces the amount of fluid available to cool the transmission, causing it to overheat. An overheating transmission can cause a burning smell. Ignoring this issue can lead to costly repairs or complete transmission failure. Transmission Repair in Olympia, WA When you need transmission repair in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Lloyd’s Automotive & Transmission Specialists at (360) 357-7422. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Few things are as frustrating as turning the key only to find that your car won’t start. A no-start situation can stem from various issues, some of which may require simple fixes while others call for professional repair. At Lloyd’s Automotive & Transmission Specialists, our local mechanics can diagnose your no-start problem and then expertly fix it. Here are four common causes of no-start. Dead or Failing Battery The battery is the heart of your vehicle's electrical system, providing the initial power needed to start the engine. If your battery is dead or has a weak charge, your car won’t start. Common signs of a battery issue include clicking sounds when turning the key or complete silence. Batteries can fail due to age, extreme temperatures, or leaving electrical components on when the engine is off. Regular battery tests can help prevent unexpected failures. Faulty Starter Motor The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine when you turn the key. If the starter motor is faulty, your engine won’t turn over, and you may hear a clicking noise or no sound at all. A failing starter motor may also cause grinding noises. Malfunctioning Ignition Switch The ignition switch plays a crucial role in the starting process by sending power from the battery to the starter motor. If the ignition switch is faulty, it may prevent the engine from starting. Signs of a failing ignition switch include difficulty turning the key or stalling shortly after starting. This problem typically requires a professional to diagnose and replace the faulty switch. Fuel Delivery Issues An engine requires a proper mix of fuel and air to start and run smoothly. If there’s a problem with fuel delivery, such as a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump, your car may fail to start. Symptoms of fuel-related issues include sputtering sounds during cranking or inconsistent acceleration. Auto Repair in Olympia, WA When you need auto repair in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Lloyd’s Automotive & Transmission Specialists at (360) 357-7422. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment for your vehicle’s repair or maintenance needs!

The check engine light can be alarming, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing it. While this dashboard light indicates that your car’s onboard diagnostics system has detected an issue, it doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong. Many check engine light triggers are minor, but others could signal serious problems that require immediate attention. At Lloyd’s Automotive & Transmission Specialists, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Olympia area. Here are five of the most common reasons that check engine lights turn on. Faulty Oxygen Sensor Oxygen sensors monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gasses and help regulate your car’s air-fuel mixture. If the oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, it can lead to poor engine performance and reduced fuel-economy, as well as increase your vehicle’s emissions. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor is generally an easy fix that can improve your car’s efficiency. Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter Your car’s catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions by converting exhaust gasses into less toxic pollutants. If the catalytic converter isn’t working correctly, it can trigger the check engine light and lead to poor fuel-efficiency and sluggish performance. Loose/Missing/Damaged Gas Cap A loose or faulty gas cap is one of the simplest reasons for a check engine light to turn on. If the cap is loose or damaged, fuel may evaporate before your engine gets the chance to run on it. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine so the computer can inject the correct amount of fuel. When the MAF sensor is faulty, it can throw off your car’s air-fuel mixture, leading to rough idling, poor fuel economy, and even stalling. A faulty MAF sensor is a common reason for a check engine light, and it’s generally easy for the mechanic to diagnose and replace. Worn-Out Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils Spark plugs and ignition coils are essential for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. If your spark plugs or ignition coils are worn out or damaged, they may cause misfires, which can trigger the check engine light. Replacing worn-out spark plugs and ignition coils is a straightforward fix, and doing so can help restore your car’s performance and prevent further issues. Check Engine Light Repair in Olympia, WA When you need auto repair in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Lloyd’s Automotive & Transmission Specialists at (360) 357-7422. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!