When diesel injector pumps fail, the results can be catastrophic to the entire fuel system. The repairs may involve more than an injector pump replacement. Failures often fall under a category of a contaminated or non-contaminated fuel system. When the contamination is metal, several thousand dollars in repair costs can be incurred. High Pressure Fuel […]

The post DIESEL INJECTOR PUMPS And Fuel System Contamination appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

Often, we are confronted with an electrical or performance issue that may not have reference to a diagnostic chart to assist in the diagnosis. When these conditions occur, a lot of diagnostic time can be invested without producing a solution. Many of these problem-solving solutions are resolved through information sharing from fellow technicians and that […]

The post ELECTRICAL CHALLENGES: When There’s No Diagnostic Chart appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

Some tasks, like changing windshield wipers or checking tire pressure, are simple enough for someone with basic vehicle knowledge. But more complex repairs require expertise, specialized tools, and professional training. Attempting these repairs on your own could lead to costly mistakes, unsafe driving conditions, and even more damage to your vehicle.

At Good Works Auto Repair, we know that preventive vehicle maintenance is important, and we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your car. Here’s a breakdown of when a DIY auto repair might be okay and when you should take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop instead.

DIY-Friendly Auto Repair and Maintenance Tasks

As long as you have some basic vehicle knowledge, these tasks can usually be done safely and correctly on your own:

Replacing Wiper Blades – This is typically quick and easy to do and requires no special tools. Just make sure you’re using the right wiper for your vehicle make and model.

Checking Tire Pressure – While not actually a repair item, this is a maintenance task that is great for every vehicle owner to know. Routinely checking your car’s tire pressure can help with tire wear, fuel mileage, and preparing for an upcoming road trip.

Checking or Topping Off Some Vehicle Fluids – As long as you use the right type of fluid, this can be a safe DIY job. Checking and topping off windshield wiper fluid, for example, is something you can do on your own. In fact, we recommend that you include this item on your pre-trip checklist when preparing for an upcoming road trip.

Of course, if you want one less thing to worry about before your trip, you can also bring your vehicle to Good Works Auto Repair and we’ll do a comprehensive inspection for free!

Auto Repairs That Are Best Left to the Automotive Professionals

Brake Repairs
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features in your vehicle. Incorrect installation or failure to properly bleed the brake system can lead to dangerous driving conditions. In addition, many vehicle owners don’t have the proper equipment to safely change out brake parts.

Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Modern vehicles rely on computer systems that require specialized diagnostic tools. When you take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop, the technician will use cutting-edge technology to accurately identify and fix the issue.

It’s also important to remember that the ‘check engine’ light and other dashboard warning lights can come on for a variety of reasons. While some causes may be minor, others are very serious and could impact your driving safety. Whenever the check engine light comes on, schedule an appointment at your local auto repair shop as soon as possible.

Transmission Repairs
A single mistake in a DIY transmission repair can lead to complete failure, requiring a costly replacement. This is definitely a job for the automotive professionals!

Engine Work
Tinkering with your engine without proper training can cause serious damage. Whether it’s a timing belt replacement or fixing an oil leak, engine work is not meant to be a DIY auto repair.

Why Choose Good Works Auto Repair in Tempe, AZ?

As a locally owned, family-run business in Tempe, AZ, we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians receive ongoing training to stay up to date with the latest vehicle technologies. Plus, we offer a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on parts and labor for major repairs—something no DIY auto repair can match.

Although our auto repair shop is based in Tempe, we proudly serve drivers throughout the Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and beyond. Whether you need routine vehicle maintenance or a major auto repair, you can count on us for honest, reliable service.

Schedule an appointment with us today and keep your car running at its best!

The post DIY Auto Repair vs. Professional Service: When to Tackle It Yourself and When to Call the Experts appeared first on Good Works Auto Repair Tempe.

Some tasks, like changing windshield wipers or checking tire pressure, are simple enough for someone with basic vehicle knowledge. But more complex repairs require expertise, specialized tools, and professional training. Attempting these repairs on your own could lead to costly mistakes, unsafe driving conditions, and even more damage to your vehicle.

At Good Works Auto Repair, we know that preventive vehicle maintenance is important, and we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your car. Here’s a breakdown of when a DIY auto repair might be okay and when you should take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop instead.

DIY-Friendly Auto Repair and Maintenance Tasks

As long as you have some basic vehicle knowledge, these tasks can usually be done safely and correctly on your own:

Replacing Wiper Blades – This is typically quick and easy to do and requires no special tools. Just make sure you’re using the right wiper for your vehicle make and model.

Checking Tire Pressure – While not actually a repair item, this is a maintenance task that is great for every vehicle owner to know. Routinely checking your car’s tire pressure can help with tire wear, fuel mileage, and preparing for an upcoming road trip.

Checking or Topping Off Some Vehicle Fluids – As long as you use the right type of fluid, this can be a safe DIY job. Checking and topping off windshield wiper fluid, for example, is something you can do on your own. In fact, we recommend that you include this item on your pre-trip checklist when preparing for an upcoming road trip.

Of course, if you want one less thing to worry about before your trip, you can also bring your vehicle to Good Works Auto Repair and we’ll do a comprehensive inspection for free!

Auto Repairs That Are Best Left to the Automotive Professionals

Brake Repairs
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features in your vehicle. Incorrect installation or failure to properly bleed the brake system can lead to dangerous driving conditions. In addition, many vehicle owners don’t have the proper equipment to safely change out brake parts.

Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Modern vehicles rely on computer systems that require specialized diagnostic tools. When you take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop, the technician will use cutting-edge technology to accurately identify and fix the issue.

It’s also important to remember that the ‘check engine’ light and other dashboard warning lights can come on for a variety of reasons. While some causes may be minor, others are very serious and could impact your driving safety. Whenever the check engine light comes on, schedule an appointment at your local auto repair shop as soon as possible.

Transmission Repairs
A single mistake in a DIY transmission repair can lead to complete failure, requiring a costly replacement. This is definitely a job for the automotive professionals!

Engine Work
Tinkering with your engine without proper training can cause serious damage. Whether it’s a timing belt replacement or fixing an oil leak, engine work is not meant to be a DIY auto repair.

Why Choose Good Works Auto Repair in Tempe, AZ?

As a locally owned, family-run business in Tempe, AZ, we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians receive ongoing training to stay up to date with the latest vehicle technologies. Plus, we offer a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on parts and labor for major repairs—something no DIY auto repair can match.

Although our auto repair shop is based in Tempe, we proudly serve drivers throughout the Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and beyond. Whether you need routine vehicle maintenance or a major auto repair, you can count on us for honest, reliable service.

Schedule an appointment with us today and keep your car running at its best!

The post DIY Auto Repair vs. Professional Service: When to Tackle It Yourself and When to Call the Experts appeared first on Good Works Auto Repair Tempe.

Oil leaks are not a normal characteristic and if you are servicing a vehicle and leakage is present, it should be brought to the attention of the vehicle owner and documented on the repair order for future reference. Keep a copy just in case of engine damage that may occur later, especially if the repairs […]

The post Oil Cooler Leakage: The Oil Filter Is Often Blamed appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

The vehicle received a full service including an oil and filter change. The system was leak checked and the engine had good oil pressure. Two days later, the customer calls reporting a loss of oil pressure symptom. Mechanic A says…a defective oil filter is the cause of the loss of oil pressure. Mechanic B says…a stuck […]

The post Lube Service Challenges: The Oil Filter Is Often Mistakenly Blamed appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

Vehicles today incorporate a maze of electronic components that must be considered when troubleshooting a performance related symptom. A vast arsenal of test equipment is necessary to communicate with the electronic systems and components. Systems are so connected that it is difficult for the technician to distinguish between a mechanical, electrical, fuel or emission related […]

The post Diagnostic Challenges That Can Elude an Experienced Technician appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

When dealing with oil consumption complaints, how much should be considered as too excessive? Is the engine consuming an excessive amount of oil or should the amount consumed be considered a normal characteristic? This is especially a concern with the extended service intervals, which may result in the vehicle being driven twice the mileage when […]

The post Oil Consumption: It May Be a Normal Characteristic appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

GM TRANSFER CASE NOISES Customer complaints involving howling, whining, shudder or grinding noises during parking lot maneuvers in Auto Mode or highway speeds in 4HI or Auto may occur on four wheel drive GM trucks and SUV vehicles. Vehicles affected range from 2014–2023 year models. Specific applications can be identified in GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-136. […]

The post TROUBLESHOOTING DRIVELINE NOISES: Identifying Factory Solutions appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

Failure to provide timely maintenance on a turbo-charged diesel engine can result in some expensive repairs, especially if it involves replacing a turbocharger or engine. The inexperienced may not realize how important some of the basic services are when servicing these applications. The turbo-diesel engines require a greater volume of air compared to a normal […]

The post Servicing Diesels Lack of Maintenance Promotes Costly Repairs appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

Low voltage conditions or the integrity of an electrical connection can pose some challenging events for the technician attempting to make an accurate diagnosis. In the world of automotive diagnostics, electrical problems have proven to be the most challenging, especially intermittent problems. Intermittent performance problems can be affected by connection-relate conditions and the presence of […]

The post ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS OR LOW VOLTAGE: Both Can Create Intermittent Electrical Challenges appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.