Automotive News & Information - South Mountain Collision & Auto Center

If you drive a Dodge, Chevy, or Ford diesel pickup, you know the amount of hard work your truck puts in. You may also be aware that diesels run a little dirtier than your average gas burner. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, our goal is to keep your Duramax, Cummins, or Powerstroke truck on the road for many miles to come. A huge part of that is keeping your oil maintained.

Every time you get into your diesel truck you probably forget all the safety features your vehicle has for you in case of an accident. Airbags are one of the greatest features of modern diesel trucks, though they aren’t often considered until you need them. From South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, here’s a nod to one of the better vehicle advancements of our time and why it's important not to ignore warning signs.

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 South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, 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.

Good diesel technicians and shops that service diesel engines are hard to come by. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, diesels are our specialty. There are many reasons to have diesel truck maintenance performed by diesel specialists - here are just a few.

To some drivers, picking out the right tire is just as important – and just as much fun – as finding the right shoes is to a runner. For many people, they have found that shopping for tires is overwhelming because there are just so many choices. AT South Mountain Collision & Auto Center IN Middletown, MD, our technicians are ready to help you make that decision.

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 with on your car.

What does “remanufactured” mean, and is it something you want? At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we strive for great service and a job well done. Part of that is equipping you with the knowledge you need to understand what’s going on when a repair is necessary on your car, truck or SUV. “Remanufactured” is a word that you’ll encounter in the automotive world. Many people perceive that to mean “used”, but that isn’t the case - here’s what you need to know.

battery diagnostics being ran on a car battery by a mechanic

Your vehicle's radio and headlights, plus a slew of other important functions, are powered by an electrical current generated by your vehicle’s engine. A vital part of generating electricity is having a place to store it while it’s not being used, which is where a car battery comes into play. The battery holds electrical energy while a car is off in order to help the engine turn over and create a spark to start internal combustion. Without a working battery, your car will not be able to start. If you perform proper maintenance, however, an average car battery can start your car reliably for roughly four years.