Having car repairs done on time is essential for the safety of you and others on the road. According to Zippia, in 2022, the total value of the U.S. car and automobile manufacturing market was estimated to be $100.9 billion. It’s a clear indication of the importance of car repairs and maintenance. Here are five signs that you should take your car in for service.

1. Dashboard Warning Lights

If your car’s dashboard has any warning lights, you must take it to a car repair shop as soon as possible. Ignoring the lights could lead to more serious problems down the line. Dashboard warning lights may indicate several car issues such as low tire pressure, an overheated engine, or that the car needs an oil change.

2. Unusual Noises

Unusual noises range from loud thumping or crunching sounds to car rattles and vibrations. These noises may indicate a worn-out suspension, faulty brakes, or a misfiring engine. Auto professionals will be able to pinpoint the source of the noise and can provide car repairs that could fix the problem.

3. Reduced Performance

Reduced car performance can be caused by several issues, such as worn-out spark plugs, dirty fuel filters, or a faulty car battery. Failure to get service can result in car breakdowns and costly car repairs. Signs of reduced performance include decreased car acceleration, difficulty starting the car, or a car that is sluggish when driving.

4. Odd Smells

Do you notice unusual car smells like burning rubber or gasoline? The car’s air filter might be clogged, the car might be leaking oil, or there may be an electrical issue. Leaking oil is dangerous and can cause car fires, so it’s important to take the car in for repairs as soon as you notice any strange odors.

5. Excessive Vibrations

Excessive car vibrations can be caused by worn-out tires, uneven tire pressure, or brake issues. A vibrating car is unsafe and distracting to the driver. It can cause the car to lose control and increase the risk of an accident.

Overall, car maintenance is essential for everyone’s safety. Pay attention to any warning signs it’s time to have your car serviced to avoid costly car damage. Our local auto team at Melton Automotive is always available to help, so contact us to get started.

According to Nerd Wallet, a typical vehicle will require you to get an oil change at least once every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, if not earlier. You’re likely aware that oil changes are important, but you might not know exactly how they benefit your car. Here are five reasons why scheduling regular oil changes is essential.

1. Better Mileage

When your car’s engine isn’t properly lubricated, it can place a lot of strain on your vehicle, leading to poor fuel efficiency. This can result in a lot of wasted time and money from frequent trips to the gas station. Getting an oil change whenever you need one helps to ensure that your car utilizes gas efficiently so you can get the best mileage out of a full tank.

2. Fewer Repairs

If you neglect to get an oil change when needed, the condition of your car’s engine can suffer. The wear and tear your car endures may end up requiring costly repairs in the future. Being proactive in scheduling oil changes helps to prevent these problems, saving you money in the long run.

3. Longer Lifespan

If you love your car, you’ll want to prolong its lifespan as much as possible. Dirty oil can cause a variety of problems for a vehicle, but frequent oil changes lessen the risk of these problems occurring. Simply taking your car to the mechanic for routine maintenance can help keep it on the road for years to come.

4. Compliance With the Law

While Alabama doesn’t mandate fuel emissions testing on a state level, some cities and municipalities may have laws requiring yearly smog tests. Regular oil changes will make it easier for your vehicle to pass these tests.

5. Increased Resale Value

If you plan on selling your car in the future, regular oil changes are a must. Oil changes play a major role in keeping your vehicle in good condition, and taking proper care of your car will make buyers more likely to pay a higher price for it.

If your vehicle is due for an oil change, it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible. Contact Melton Automotive today to schedule an oil change appointment. Our auto repair and maintenance experts will get the job done quickly and efficiently, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about how to take good care of your car.

One of the scariest scenarios that can happen to a driver is brake failure. You do NOT want to be driving down a steep hill and all-of-a-sudden lose your ability to stop.
  
As such, if you’re a car owner you should always be on the lookout for signs of brake failure, including the following:
  
Vibrations
If you put your foot on your brake pedal and it starts to vibrate or shake, your rotors are most likely warped, and you should head to a mechanic ASAP.
  
Squealing of Brakes
This warning sign can potentially be missed if you drive with your windows up, a/c on and stereo blaring, so try to make a point to roll your windows down and switch off your air/music every once and a while. The squealing can also be soft at first but the louder it gets, the worse shape your brakes are in. Be sure that the squealing is persistent though since sometimes a noise similar to mild squealing can come about after a rain storm or carwash.
  
Grinding Brakes
When you push on your brake pedal and you hear a deep grinding, this is a clear indicator that your brake pads are damaged or worn beyond safety limits and need to be replaced quickly.
  
ABS Light On
There are several reasons that your ABS light may come on at odd times, including having metal particles in the brake system or complete brake system failing. Either way, this is an obvious indicator that something is wrong.
  
Brake Pedal Touching Floor
One potential problem with your brake system is that it may start to lose fluid and fluid pressure, allowing you to push the brake pedal all the way to the floor. This is a possible indicator of a leak in your brake system.
  
Brakes Grabbing
While you are driving and if you ever feel your vehicle pull to one side or another when you apply your brakes, this may be an indicator of your car’s brake lining wearing unevenly or in need of a complete flush of the brake fluids.
  
If any of these brake failure indicators sound familiar, click HERE give us a call at (205) 663-6088 and schedule an appointment with our ASE-certified technicians!

The vast majority of vehicles on the road today will experience some form of oil loss at some point during their lifespan. More often than not, it’s just usually minor dripping and smaller leaks that are preventable but, sometimes, more significant oil leaks occur which require the attention of an experienced mechanic.
  
Most commonly, improperly-sealed drain bolts are the cause of a small oil leak. When having an oil change performed, your oil pan is drained and then resealed, often with a new washer being fastened around the drain bolt. Cheap “quickie lube” oil change services may not include a new washer, which may result in new leaks after the service is performed. If you notice a leak shortly after having an oil change done and it persists for a couple of days, there’s a good chance you could need a new washer.
  
Small oil leaks are also common in older vehicles because of mechanical motion as well as dramatic temperature fluctuations that occur within combustion engines. Frequently checking oil levels is important. If the oil stains pavement, kitty litter or crushed drywall will absorb the oil.
  
In a worst-case scenario, oil loss will seemingly come out of nowhere. Most modern vehicles come equipped with tools that notify drivers when oil pressure drops, usually in the form of a light or computer-based alert. When you receive a notification like this, you should stop driving ASAP since friction from oil loss can damage vital motor components and potentially lead to engine failure.
  
Abnormal oil loss without any indication such as oil stains or an oily engine may indicate a much deeper problem. This could be a signal that oil is being burnt internally or possibly seeping past the pistons into the combustion chamber. A broken head gasket could also be in pay. These problems are quite serious and will lead to reduced fuel efficiency as well as power loss issues for your vehicle.
  
If you think you might be losing oil, bring your vehicle to an ASE-Certified Technician who will diagnose the problem and will offer solutions based on the nature and severity of the oil leak. If you have any questions/concerns about oil loss or anything else related to your vehicle, swing by our shop in Alabaster or give us a shout at 205-663-6088!
  
  
  

It’s a frequently-seen sight when you are on the road today: a car on the side of the road. When you see this it’s more than likely that the car has broken down, leaving the car owner stranded waiting for a tow truck to come and take it to a shop… They probably wish they’d kept up with their vehicle maintenance schedule!
  
Unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more common for motorists to hold off on what would should be considered routing maintenance for their cars. While this may save you time/money and seem harmless in the short term, over time this can cause serious trouble with your vehicle. Eventually, seemingly insignificant things like general maintenance on your spark plugs, batteries and fluids add up and can mean the difference between breaking down on your way home from work or getting home hassle-free. Simply because an issue isn’t blatantly obvious doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be taken care of on a specific timetable.
  
Often, problems with your car don’t give any warning ahead of time but just pop up when regular maintenance goes unattended. The vast majority of breakdowns can be avoided easily and at a low cost if routine inspections and tune-ups are conducted. It’s important to keep in mind that these inspections are nominally-priced compared to what a towing bill will be, not to mention the financial-cost of major repairs and the time-cost of being without your vehicle for an extended period.
  
If you are able to keep up on your car maintenance schedule, your vehicle will be healthy and thus more likely to go breakdown-free, saving you time/money in the long-term and keeping you and your family safe on the roads! Be sure to call us at 205-663-6088 or click HERE to set up a maintenance schedule for your car at your earliest convenience.