Problems with your engine can most of the time be caught before anything major happens to your engine. Preventative maintenance can catch or take care of most problems before they happen, but you must know the warning signs to look for as well. Just as a pain in your side, getting frequent headaches or being overly tired can signify that your body has a problem, there are things you can look and listen for that will signify your vehicle needs professional attention as well.

Look or listen for these symptoms:

• Small puddles of oil or fluid where you park your car.
• A light "tap - tap - tap" coming from your engine when it starts cold or idles.
• Squeaking noises that happen when you stop at a red light.
• Vibrations when you are stopped at lights.
• Warning lights on the dashboard.
• Trouble starting your vehicle
• Poor acceleration on inclines or down the highway.
• Dark exhaust when you accelerate
• The engine "skipping" when you idle the vehicle.
• Something that "just doesn't sound right"
• Anything that "just doesn't feel like it should"

If your vehicle is experiencing any of these symptoms or it "just doesn't sound right" or "just doesn't feel right when...", then bring your vehicle by Nichols Automotive Service Center and let our team of professional mechanics take a look at your vehicle, diagnose the problem and get your vehicle back to top notch shape. We won't laugh at your descriptions and won't think you are stupid if the problem you describe doesn't occur during our test drive. If you feel there is a problem, there very well may be a problem, and after all, you know your car better than anyone else. We are here to help you make your vehicle last you as long as possible.

Re-built or Re-manufactured Engines:
If your engine has passed the point of no return, we will be happy to work with you to either re-build your engine or get a custom re-manufactured engine for your vehicle. Stop by and talk with us about this option and we will be glad to recommend whether or not that is a viable option or if replacing the engine will only allow some relief and there are more problems with your vehicle that will cost even more money after an engine is replaced. Either way, we will go over your options fully and will offer the best assistance we can.

We can also finance your major engine repairs. Talk with us about your options before you give up and buy a new vehicle. You just may not have to buy, you might can re-build and save thousands of dollars and get many more enjoyable years from your vehicle.