Car Care: Auto Maintenance Services

Car and Truck Maintenance and Fluid Flushes in South Bend

Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC provides preventative maintenance and comprehensive car care services for your domestic or import vehicle to keep it running at full power. Serving all brands, models, imports, and fuel systems in South Bend, we have the tools and expertise needed to ensure your vehicle operates exactly as intended by its manufacturer.

For inquiries, please reach out to us at 574-302-6354, or you can send us an email, and our proficient experts will be delighted to address your queries and assess the necessary actions.

Our basic auto maintenance and fluid flush services include:

30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance
Consistent maintenance helps keep your vehicle operating at peak condition while also prolonging its life. Most automakers recommend car maintenance at 30,000-mile intervals, adhering to the 30/60/90K mile schedule provided to car owners. Our team of experts can keep you on track, preserving your vehicle's condition, optimizing its performance, and enhancing its resale value. The 30/60/90K service covers:

• Fluid replacements
• Oil and Filter changes
• Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments
• Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.
• With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable

Brake Fluid
You should typically change your brake fluid every two years, or between 20,000 and 45,000 miles, but always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific interval recommended by the manufacturer. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to corrosion and brake failure, so regular replacement is crucial for safety and performance.

Coolant
You should change your car's coolant based on the vehicle's owner's manual recommendations, as the interval varies by car make and model, but generally ranges from 30,000 to 100,000 miles or 2 to 5 years. Check for signs like coolant with a strange color or consistency, an oily or sweet smell, or frequent overheating, which indicate a need for a change or a potential leak.

Differential Fluid
You should change your differential fluid typically between every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for normal driving, but this interval can vary significantly based on your vehicle's make and model, and especially your driving conditions. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendation. You'll need to shorten the interval for severe use, such as towing, driving in water, or frequent off-road driving.

Oil, Lube, and Filter
To maintain smooth operation, your vehicle heavily relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil serves to lubricate, cool, and cleanse the internal engine components. Over time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your vehicle requires an oil, lube, and filter change on a regular basis, which will vary based on a number of factors. When the time comes for a lube, oil, or filter change, entrust your vehicle to Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC in [CITY], [STATE].

Power Steering
A power steering fluid flush is generally recommended every 2 to 4 years or 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but the best guideline is to check your vehicle's owner's manual for specific manufacturer recommendations. You should also flush the fluid if you notice signs of contamination, such as the fluid being dark or burnt-smelling, or if you experience difficulty steering or persistent whining noises.

Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid needs changing between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, with the exact interval depending on your vehicle's make, model, age, manual vs. automatic transmission, and driving conditions. Did you know if you have a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) you should have that changed every 30,000-60,000 miles. For your automatic transmission it should be between 60,000-100,000 miles. You know by your owners manual or look for signs like blackened fluid, shifting gears, grinding noises while shifting are red flags. REMEMBER FLUID DEGRADES OVER TIME.

Why Do I Need To Have My Fluids Changed?

Fluids do not last a lifetime, if you want to have your vehicle last you as long as possible you have to change your fluids to keep each part working to its highest potential.

FAQs About Automobile Squeaks, Squeals and Rattles

Why does my car make a noise when I turn the steering wheel?

If your car makes strange sounds or clicks when you turn the steering wheel the most common cause is a low steering fluid. Over time the steering fluid decreases and air enters the steering mechanism causing unwanted noises. Call Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC to top off your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away immediately. If the sound returns quickly your car could be leaking steering fluid. Our professionals in South Bend can help you diagnose and repair leaks quickly and affordably.

Why does my car squeal when I start it in the morning?

A worn out cambelt (also known as a timing belt) will create a loud noise when you start your car's engine. The noise could range from squealing to hissing or rumbling. This is the sound of a cambelt that is about to break. If a cambelt breaks it can ruin your car's engine. Call Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC and get it replaced right away.

Leaking Fluid FAQs

Why is water leaking on my foot on the driver's side?

The most common cause is a blocked air conditioning drain hose. This is a simple repair with Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC. There are other possible causes of water dripping on your foot on the driver's side of the car including a broken door seal or leaking heat exchanger.

What should I do if my car creates a small oil leak on my driveway?

If the spill is still wet, cover the stain with clay cat litter, sand, cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda. This will help absorb the oil before it soaks into the cement. Once the spill has dried, sweep up the absorbent material. Then, wash away the remaining stain with water and soap. A small oil leak on your driveway is an indication that something is wrong with your car. Call Gorton's Mobile Auto Service LLC to get the problem diagnosed. Do not ignore an oil leak as it can seriously affect your car's engine.

Why is my car leaking a sweet-smelling fluid?

If there is a sweet-smelling fluid leaking from your car, the most likely culprit is leaking coolant or antifreeze. A coolant leak can become a serious problem. If your vehicle gets too low on coolant or antifreeze, it will overheat and may cause engine damage.