Posted on 9/25/2019

Spark plugs are among the smallest parts in your vehicle, but they perform a very important function. When you have a bad spark plug or one that isn’t working as it should, you will start to notice some issues. Your engine may not run well or it may struggle to fire up at all. As part of regular vehicle maintenance, the spark plugs should be tested and inspected regularly. Then, they should be replaced as needed to ensure proper performance. That’s why Simard Automotive gives you this list of 6 common signs of spark plug failure: 1. Rough Idling If the engine is idling roughly with unpleasant sounds or vibrations, it could be a sign that it is not firing on all cylinders. The spark plugs will be one of the first things a professional mechanic will look at when an engine isn’t running smoothly. ... read more
Posted on 9/18/2019

An exhaust leak is a serious automotive issue. You may smell the exhaust fumes more than normal or you may even see exhaust smoke coming out from somewhere other than the tailpipe. Your check engine light will also usually come on when there is an exhaust issue. If your car has an exhaust leak, it is not a problem that you want to ignore. The Risks of an Exhaust Leak If an exhaust leak persists, it can obviously be dangerous to your health (and the health of anyone riding in the vehicle. Exhaust fumes (especially those that haven't been burned off properly in the catalytic converter) are full of dangerous carbon monoxide that can literally be deadly when you breathe in too much of it. In addition, a malfunctioning exhaust system can lead to serious engine damage. The exhaust system is there to pull away and burn off the exhaust fumes coming from the engine. If that isn ... read more
Posted on 9/11/2019

Rebecca knew something was wrong with her car's cooling system. It was running hot and she also noticed a radiator coolant leak. Rebecca is a careful consumer, so she took the time to do her research online about auto repair shops in the Fairbanks area. After reading a lot of reviews, she decided to take her car to Simard Automotive for an inspection and repair recommendations. "I chose Simard because it had the best reviews locally, and I can firmly say the reviews don't lie!" Rebecca says. "Everyone was kind, courteous, and they got my car in the same day and out the next." After the Simard Automotive team of auto technicians took the time to inspect the vehicle, they produced a detailed 30-point inspection report that we were able to share with Rebecca. They identified the source ... read more
Posted on 9/4/2019

Hopefully, you had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend as the summer season officially comes to an end. However, if your vehicle feels like it is "laboring" more than usual, then maybe it's time to take care of it. Since you drive your primary car, truck or SUV pretty much every day, you can often tell when something just isn't quite right. Maybe the vehicle feel like it is sluggish, lacking power and not accelerating like it is supposed to. Perhaps it feels a little loose as you drive, with a lot of bumps and vibrations. The assumption from most car owners is that there's a problem with the engine, but that is usually not the case. There are many other reasons why your vehicle might be laboring more than usual, according to the Fairbanks auto repair experts at Simard Automotive. Let's look at a few of the most common sources: Transmission The transmission is very often the cu ... read more