Louisville and Prospect Auto Repair

At Springdale Automotive, we cannot stress enough how essential tires are to your vehicle's safety. Not only is driving with worn, bald, or damaged tires a safety hazard, but they can also reduce fuel efficiency and increase stopping distances. Some people just don't know when it is time for a new set of tires. If you're one of those individuals, keep reading to learn more. The lifespan of your tires depends on several factors such as: Driving habits: Frequent high-speed driving, hard braking, and fast acceleration can wear out your tires more quickly. Road conditions: Rough roads, potholes, and uneven surfaces can accelerate the wear and tear of your tires. Weather: Extreme temperatures and exposure to sunlight can cause your tires to degrade over time. Tire maintenance: Regular tire rotations, alignments, and balancing are maintenance items that can help extend the life of your tires. So, how often should you replace your tires? Most tire manufactu ... read more

An alternator is an essential component of your car's charging system. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy, which is used to power the vehicle's electrical system and recharge the battery. But like any other part of your car, an alternator can go bad for a number of reasons. 5 Signs of a Bad Alternator Dead Battery A dead battery is one of the most common signs of a bad alternator. If your car's battery keeps dying or has trouble holding a charge, it could be an indication that your alternator is failing.  Dimming Headlights If your car's headlights are dimming or flickering while moving, it could be a sign that your alternator is on its way out. The alternator may not be generating enough power to keep the headlights and other electrical components functioning properly. Strange Noises A failing alternator can make strange noises, such as whining, grinding, or squealing. These ... read more

Keeping a vehicle in good condition requires regular maintenance, which can add up in cost over time. But how much money should you budget for vehicle maintenance? The answer depends on different factors, including the age of your vehicle, how much you drive, and the type of vehicle you own. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that you budget around 1-2% of your vehicle's value per year for maintenance and repairs. So if your car is worth $10,000, you should plan to spend $100-$200 per year on maintenance. This figure will vary depending on the make and model of your automobile, as well as how often you drive it. Of course, this is just a rough estimate, and there are many factors that can impact how much you spend on vehicle maintenance. Some of the most common maintenance tasks include oil changes, tire rotations, and brake replacements, but there are many other things that may need to be done over the course of a vehicle's life, including transmission and coolant ... read more

The drive belt, also known as the serpentine belt, is a long, winding rubber belt that wraps and connects various parts under the hood. It connects and powers the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and A/C compressor. It is more common in older vehicles than new. Similar to the other belts in your car, the serpentine belt requires replacing after it wears out. To save yourself from repair bills, it is best to replace the drive belt before it breaks or malfunctions. Here are some of the top signs of a worn drive belt: Squealing Sounds - If you catch a squeal from under the hood, especially during acceleration, it can mean that the drive belt is slipping or wearing down. In some cases, oil might even leak with it.  Steering Issues - Since the serpentine belt powers your steering pump, it can completely disengage the assisted steering system. So, it is best to check your serpentine belt when you notice changes in your steering. A/C Malfunction - A failing drive belt ca ... read more

Sometimes you want to take a road trip this winter. That means visiting your family or going to a new destination. With that said, you'll want to ensure that you are well prepared in case you do get stranded on the road due to a storm or anything else. Here's what you should have in your trunk this winter A winter emergency car kit: You should have things like ice scraper, blanket, sand or kitty litter, phone charger and etc in this kit. It's important that you have these in your trunk. A spare tire: Flat tires are more common in cold weather, so it's important to have a spare tire on hand in case you get a flat. Make sure you have a jack as well so that you can replace the tire if needed! An extra set of car keys: Losing your car keys in the cold can be a major inconvenience, so it's a good idea to keep an extra set in your trunk. A roadside assistance kit: A roadside assistance kit should include things like a jack, lug wrench, and a spare ti ... read more