Garland Auto Repair

A clogged catalytic converter can sneak up on you. At first, the car might just feel a little sluggish or “heavier” than normal. Over time, it may struggle on hills, hesitate when you accelerate, or even stall. By the time most drivers suspect the converter, it has usually been restricted for a while, and the engine has been working much harder than it should. Why the Catalytic Converter Matters The catalytic converter sits in the exhaust system and cleans up harmful gases before they leave the tailpipe. Inside, there is a honeycomb structure coated with precious metals that help turn unburned fuel and pollutants into less harmful emissions. For that to work, exhaust has to flow through it freely. When the converter is healthy, gases pass through with minimal restriction, and the engine can breathe. If that honeycomb melts, breaks apart, or gets coated with deposits, it becomes a bottleneck. The engine has to push exhaust out against a plugged passage, w ... read more

Most drivers keep up with oil changes and tires. The problems that sneak up are the quiet ones that do not trigger a reminder on the dash until they have already caused wear. Here are six services that protect reliability, braking, and comfort more than their low profile suggests. 1. Brake Fluid That Ages Out Quietly Brake fluid attracts moisture over time. Water lowers its boiling point and can corrode internal ABS valves. The symptoms start subtle: a slightly softer pedal on long hills or after repeated stops. Fresh, correct-spec fluid restores a firm pedal and protects the system from the inside. We often find that a simple exchange brings back confidence without replacing hardware. 2. Coolant Chemistry, Not Just Coolant Level Topping off the reservoir does not fix old chemistry. Additives in coolant prevent corrosion and scale that ... read more

A healthy alternator keeps your battery charged and every electrical system steady while you drive. When it weakens, the symptoms creep in slowly, then pile up all at once. Maybe the lights flicker when you stop at a light, or accessories cut out on a rainy night with the heater and wipers running. Catching the signs early prevents the inconvenient situation and protects the battery, the starter, and sensitive electronics. Early Clues Your Alternator Is Struggling A weak alternator often shows up as dim headlights at idle that brighten when you rev the engine. Power windows move slower than usual, the radio flickers when you turn on the rear defroster, or the blower changes speed on its own. If the car cranks normally in the morning yet needs a jump after a night of short trips with heavy accessory use, the battery may be fine, and the alternator may not be keeping up. What the Alternator Does During Every Drive The battery starts the engine, then ... read more

Skipping an oil change may not seem like a big deal at first. The engine still starts, the car still runs, and nothing feels off. But inside the engine, the effects start building up long before you notice anything from the driver’s seat. Clean oil is essential to the health of your engine. When it’s neglected, wear happens faster, temperatures rise, and expensive damage becomes more likely. Engine Oil Does More Than Lubricate Most people know oil’s main job is to reduce friction. It coats moving metal parts and prevents them from grinding against each other. But engine oil does more than just lubricate. It also: Carries heat away from hot components Suspends dirt, soot, and metal particles Prevents corrosion from moisture and combustion gases Maintains oil pressure for systems like variable valve timing When oil is fresh, it flows easily and does its job well. As it gets older, it breaks down, thickens, and collects contaminants. This puts the ... read more

Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles are known for their luxury, comfort, and impressive off-road capabilities, but even high-end SUVs have their quirks. At North Dallas Imports, we work on these vehicles every day, and we’ve seen several common issues that many owners face over time. Whether you’re driving a Range Rover Sport or a Land Rover Discovery, understanding these potential problems can help you spot them early and avoid costly repairs down the road. 1. Air Suspension System Failures One of the most common issues Land Rover and Range Rover owners experience involves the air suspension system. While this system is designed to deliver a smooth, adjustable ride, its components can wear out faster than many expect. Problems often start with small warning signs, such as the vehicle sitting lower on one side after being parked overnight. In some cases, the SUV may struggle to adjust ride height or display dashboard warnings about susp ... read more