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. 

These days, it seems like the oil options for your oil changes are limitless - full synthetic, blends, conventional, high mileage, and the list goes on and on. We are frequently asked if it's okay to switch between oils, and how you know what is okay to use? At Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL we're here to help you answer that question. When it comes to engine oil, the answer to this question can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be!

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.

One of the most annoying sounds known to man is a loud squeal every time you start your car, truck, or SUV. What causes this, and what can you do to fix it? Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL has the answer.

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.

If you drive a car, truck, or SUV that runs on gasoline, there's a good chance you’ve run it low on fuel a few times (or more than a few times,) and maybe even run out of gas completely a time or two. At Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort, AL, we like to provide information applicable to you. Running a vehicle low on fuel is something we’re all guilty of, and most of us don’t think twice about it. But, can it be bad for your car?

You don’t have to buy a new, fuel-efficient car to get great fuel efficiency. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment, so take a look at our top 5 ways to save on fuel and you may just be able to pocket a little extra money at the end of the month.

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.

Maintaining your car doesn't have to be a hassle, just bring it to our team here at Andrew's Diesel, Heavy Equipment, Auto & Tire in Spanish Fort. We can take care of all the dirty work. However, it's important to know when you should get proper maintenance. Here are some quick tips and advice on the basics of car maintenance!

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.