Vehicle Maintenance

If you drive a performance car or SUV, you want to take every measure possible to ensure it stays in good shape and running well. For many drivers of precision-engineered vehicles like BMW, Audi, Porsche, Subaru, etc., warming up the engine is a part of taking care of your vehicle. But is it necessary?

With temperatures dropping around the country, it’s understandably tempting to let your car or SUV idle to stay warm. At Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL, one of our goals is to keep you informed on how to best care for your performance and luxury vehicles. 

If you've been driving for any amount of time, you’re probably aware that your car, truck, or SUV needs a wheel alignment on occasion. However, did you know that depending on what you drive, your rear wheels may also require attention? Here’s what you need to know about rear wheel alignments, from Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL.

Exhaust systems are one of the most neglected aspects of most vehicles. Exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, and mufflers are exposed to heat, emissions, and road damage. While your exhaust system is fairly simple and straightforward, these conditions mean it is inherently prone to rust and damage. As a result, this system is often one of the first systems you will have trouble within your car.

Diesel engines are known for their durability, but even the best engine has to be replaced every once in a while. At Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL, we want you to be aware of signs that your engine is about to call it quits.

At Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, we know how annoying a dead battery can be. Here’s some information on the subject, that will hopefully help you understand your battery issues a little better.

The climate control system in your car works hard to keep you at a comfortable temperature. If you’re having heater issues, trust the performance car specialists with us at Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL to get you comfortably back on the road.

Good steering is an underrated and often neglected aspect of driving. At Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL, we believe in making sure you have the best vehicle possible, whether you’re driving across town or traveling long distances.

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 Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL to help keep you reliably on the road.

Your emissions system is more important than you might realize. Even if emissions testing isn’t required in your area, there are multiple reasons to keep your emissions system in good working order. Here’s why, from Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL.

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. 

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. 

Once you’ve got your new tires installed on your diesel truck, you’ll want to keep them in good shape. Tires aren’t difficult to maintain, and maintaining them correctly will dramatically increase their longevity. Inspection and maintenance are the two key components to making sure they last.

Once your new tires are mounted and balanced, you’ll want to keep them in good shape. To get the most out of your tires, inspect them regularly and keep up with maintenance - the difference between a tire that lasts 100k miles, and one that lasts 10k, mostly comes down to how well it’s been taken care of.

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 Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL, 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. Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL 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? Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL 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 Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL, we’re here to help.

At Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL, 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 Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL will prepare you for the next time your vehicle shows you a warning you shouldn’t ignore.