Baltimore Auto Repair

Do you own a Saturn Vue? If you do, please watch the attached youtube video. Discuss with your mechanic or let us take a look at it for you. https://youtu.be/cByKqAn3rS8

Did you know that the heat can be harder on your battery than the cold weather? Your battery contains liquid that is evaporated in the heat, and the low fluid level in your battery can cause damage. If you have any concerns about your battery or any other automotive maintenance or repair issue, our certified mechanics are here to help. NAPA has rebates that range from $15 to $25 with the purchase of qualifying batteries or alternator. (Rebate valid July 1-August 31, 2018)

“Do I have to go to the dealer for air conditioner work if I have a newer car?” We hear this question a lot and the short answer is, no. Cars that were built for 2015 and newer utilize a new type of refrigerant, called R1234YF. This new refrigerant requires a new machine to recover, recycle and recharge your air conditioner. We value our customers' time and try to make things as easy and convenient as possible. This is why we obtained the new machine for the R1234YF. So no matter the refrigerant your vehicle requires, R134 or R1234YF, our certified mechanics are able to get the cool air flowing again! Give us a call and reserve your time and have your AC inspected

We had a Acura TL in to check out for a subframe needing to be welded. What we found was the left front lower control arm forward bushing had separated from the rubber allowing the control arm to rub against the subframe. Unfortunately the metal to metal contact has occured for so long the subframe area is now paper thin. The damage has been done, the subframe now requires replacement. If the bushing separation had been spotted years ago the costs would have been minimal but now it will take one or two thousand dollars to repair. Having your vehicle serviced by a certified technician may cost a little more in the short run but could save you a lot in the long run. https://studio.youtube.com/#/video/tC5lLXFWfP0

“How do I know if I need the clutch replaced on my vehicle?” Usually the first indication you need your clutch replaced is a lack of power in higher gears. Some times a clutch will chatter when it is applied which is another reason for replacement. When the transmission is removed to access the clutch & pressure plate, the flywheel needs to be examined for heat damage and or cracking from overheating due to the slipping. Generally resurfacing the flywheel surface is all that needs to be done. On rare occasions the damage is so severe, replacement of the flywheel is the only remedy. Gaining access to the transmission can be simple or as involved as removing the entire cross member while supporting the engine. Usually a front end alignment is required after re-assembly. Here at Framerite Automotive Service our professional technicians can take care of your vehicle

Are you planning a road trip for the Memorial Day Weekend? Have you thought about making sure that your car is ready to go when you are? Your car should be inspected before taking a trip to ensure that you arrive safely and without unexpected delays and bills. Generally speaking all your fluids should be inspected and topped off, your tires should be checked for condition and the correct amount of air pressure, and your battery should be checked as well. One tip is to also check the condition and the amount of air pressure in your spare. They are often neglected but are very important if the need arises. Your air filter should be changed if not done recently. Your oil level should at least be checked and have your oil and filter changed, if due. Check all your lights and wipers to be sure they are working properly. Your brakes should be checked, as well as your suspension parts. Let's not forget your air conditioner; you definitely want to be cool while traveling. This rain is goi ... read more

How much does it cost to fill my car air conditioner with freon? Several factors come into play when determining price. First it must be determined how much freon, if any, is left in the system. If the system is just a little low and no leak can be found a small recharge may be all that is needed. If however the system is very low adding freon with large amount of air will not produce cold air. In these cases evacuating and recharging the system, while adding leak detection dye to find out how the freon escaped is in order. In all cases, thoroughly searching for the leak is a priority. Our technicians can get you back to driving comfortably in the summer heat

Why is my car air conditioner blowing hot air? With Spring finally here so are higher temperatures. When we want a little relief from the hot sun heating up the interior of our vehicle, we expect cool air to come out of the vents. Unfortunately over the winter months the air conditioning system can lose its charge or an electrical malfunction may occur. Sometimes seals or parts wear out, allowing the freon to leak or a pressure switch can malfunction, preventing the compressor from operating. Whatever the case may be, our highly experienced technicians can locate and repair your problem to get you back to comfortable driving in the summer heat

Brake pad engineers tell us all brakes make noise but the trick is to keep it below what the human ear can hear. When your brakes are loud enough for you to hear there are many reasons for this. Brake noise comes from the brake pad or shoe vibrating. Vibration is allowed from weak hardware and/or lack of lubrication of the pad or shoe contact areas where they are mounted. A proper brake service, when pads and shoes are replaced, should always include replacing the hardware that weakens over time. This is due to the heat that is generated naturally from the friction of braking. Sometimes the wrong pad or shoe material is installed and it is too hard which causes squeal. Our professional technicians can determine the best course of action to return your vehicle to smooth and quiet braking

While April is National Car Care Month we are reminded of something that we can take for granted. We assume that our car is going to start AND take us from point A to point B when we want it to. In order for that to be the case, we need to take some maintenance and preventative actions, much like we do with our bodies. In general your oil levels need to be checked or changed if due and your hoses, brakes, battery and exhaust system should be inspected. Below is a chart that shows some general guidelines to follow in maintaining your vehicle. You should always check the factory recommended maintenance for your specific vehicle. As always, Framerite and our experienced mechanics are here to help