Centennial Auto Repair

Keeping a regular maintenance and repair schedule is one of the most important things for a car owner. Fluid and oil changes are some of the most common reasons for a visit to a local repair facility. Wondering what fluids you should have flushed and changed? Below, you will find an answer to when, how, and where. Engine And Transmission Oil Both your engine and transmission require a specific oil to operate. There are different oil types, for example, synthetic, completely organic, and a mix of both. Changing these fluids can prevent the build-up of debris, overheating, and many more complications you would want to avoid. Your owner's manual has recommended intervals in which you should have oil changes performed. Another option is a visit to a repair shop so they can determine what is best for your car. Brake Fluid If you are experiencing a spongy brake pedal or slower braking times, you may have an issue with the brake fluid. In short, brake fluid runs through thin pipes tha ... read more

Brake pads are a crucial part of the braking system and they need to be replaced periodically. Pads will wear out over time and the brake fluid will evaporate, so it is important to get your brakes checked by a mechanic at least once a year. Brake fluid is essential because it helps the brake pads do their job. If you don't have enough brake fluid, then your brakes won't work as well as they should. This can lead to serious accidents if you have to stop suddenly. Some other signs that your vehicle needs brake service are: 1) Pedal feeling soft or spongy If you press the pedal and it feels spongy or sinks down, you may have a problem with your brakes. The problem could be caused by several different factors, such as worn brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or a faulty brake caliper. 2) Hearing grinding noise when you apply pressure on the pedal A grinding noise is usually a sign that something is wrong with your brakes.. There are plenty of potential causes ... read more

When vehicle owners prepare for colder weather in the winter, they often think about their tires and their battery. However, those two aren’t the only components that can cause issues for you this season. Seasonal maintenance is more involved than that. At Elite Imports & Auto Repairs, we can help you with your winter car prep so that you can enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.  Below are the top 4 most forgotten auto maintenance items in the winter: 1 - Fluids You should inspect everything from your motor oil to coolant to brake fluid. These solutions help lubricate your vehicle’s various systems. At the very least, you should top them off to ensure they are full. Additionally, you may consider flushing them to cleanse the system of build up and corrosion. 2 - Filters The oil filter often gets changed with your oil, so you don’t have to worry about that one as much. However, your air and fuel filters tend to be left on the back bur ... read more

Have you ever seen colored smoke coming from the exhaust pipe of a car? If so, what did it mean? Exhaust smoke can be blue, black, white, or any other color. Each color indicates something different about the health of your vehicle's engine. It is important to know what these colors mean so that you can address any potential problems as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the various colors of exhaust smoke and what they indicate. Colored Exhaust Smoke and What They Indicate There are four main colors that exhaust smoke can be: blue, black, white, or any other color. Blue Smoke - Blue smoke from the exhaust is usually an indication of oil burning in the engine. This could be due to worn piston rings, valves, or valve seals. If you see blue smoke coming from your car's exhaust, it is important to take it to an auto repair shop as soon as possible so that the issue can be addressed. Black Smoke - Black smoke coming from the exhaust is usually an indication o ... read more

Shocks and struts are the key elements to a car's suspension system. They play a crucial role of keeping a vehicle's wheels in contact with the road. This is crucial because if your car tires fail to maintain contact with the road, this affects the steering, handling and the breaking. How are Shocks and Struts Different It is not uncommon for people to refer to these two parts interchangeably however, there are differences and the two parts play different roles. Both shocks and struts assist with a vehicle's handling and ride, however they do also perform different functions. Struts are a crucial component of the chassis and suspension system of a vehicle and shocks are individual components of the suspension system. Function of Struts Struts are used on many recent independent suspensions, front wheel as well as rear wheel drive vehicles. Struts are located in the conventional suspension system in the place of the upper control arm and upper ball joint. Its design make ... read more