Because engine problems often worsen quickly, it’s best to get to the shop when you first notice a sign of an issue. At Willie Automotive & Towing Service, we provide expert engine repair in the greater Lakeland, FL area. Here’s a look at five common symptoms of engine trouble. Check Engine Light Illumination One of the most obvious signs of engine trouble is the illumination of the check engine light on your dashboard. While it doesn't pinpoint the exact issue, it serves as a warning that something within the engine system requires attention. It could be a minor issue like a loose gas cap or something more serious like a faulty sensor or a problem in the ignition system. When the check engine light turns on, it’s always best to bring your car to the shop for diagnostics. Discolored/Excessive Exhaust Smoke By paying attention to the smoke’s color, you can get clues about the underlying issue. Blue smoke usually suggests leaking oil, which could be due to worn piston rings or valve seals. Black smoke is a sign of an overly rich fuel mixture. White smoke can be a sign of coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, indicating a potential head gasket failure. Fluid Leaks Any fluid leaks under your vehicle, especially those originating from the engine area, should not be ignored. With regard to the engine, oil and coolant leaks are especially concerning. Engine oil leaks could be due to worn gaskets or seals, while coolant leaks might result from a damaged radiator or hoses. Ignoring these fluid leaks can lead to serious engine damage due to metal-on-metal contact or overheating. Strange Noises Unusual noises coming from the engine area should always be investigated. Sounds that should be brought to the mechanic’s attention include knocking, clicking, hissing, squealing, and grinding. Unusual noises can be caused by problems with a variety of parts, from water pumps to alternators to starter motors. Unusual Smells Strange odors coming from the engine or exhaust system should be investigated promptly. A sweet smell could indicate a coolant leak, while a burning odor might suggest an oil leak onto hot engine components. The smell of rotten eggs could be a sign of catalytic converter failure, which can affect engine performance and emissions. Engine Repair in Lakeland, FL When you need auto repair in Lakeland, FL and the surrounding area, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Spring is here and the open road is looking all the more appealing. Before you hit the highway, it’s important to take the time to complete auto maintenance tasks that’ll help to optimize performance and safety. At Willie Automotive & Towing Service, we can prepare your car for your journey with expert auto maintenance in Lakeland, FL. Here are five types of maintenance to complete before your road trip. Oil Change and Fluid Check Engine oil plays a vital role in lubricating engine components and preventing wear. It’s smart to schedule an oil change before your road trip and make sure all essential fluids—such as transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant—are at the proper levels. Clean fluids contribute to optimal engine performance and reduce the risk of overheating or mechanical issues. Tire Inspection Well-maintained tires are essential for a safe and fuel-efficient road trip. Check the tire pressure, including the spare, and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended levels. Also, inspect the tire tread for signs of uneven wear, bulges, or damage. And have your tires rotated if you’re due. Brake System Check Your vehicle's brake system is crucial for your safety. Before your road trip, an experienced mechanic should inspect the brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid. Any brake issues should be resolved before you hit the road. Battery Health Check A dead battery is one of the most common reasons for breakdowns. Have your battery tested to ensure it can be trusted to work reliably during your journey. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it replaced, as older batteries are more prone to failure. Check Lights and Wipers Visibility is paramount for safe driving. Verify that all exterior lights—including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals—are functioning correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs before your trip. Also, inspect the windshield wipers and replace them if they show signs of wear. Clear visibility, especially during adverse weather conditions, is essential for a safe road trip. Auto Maintenance in Lakeland, FL For auto maintenance in Lakeland before your road trip, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

To stay optimally safe on the road, it’s crucial that you’re driving with healthy brakes. When you first notice a sign of brake trouble, it’s best to alert the mechanic. At Willile Automotive & Towing Service, our local mechanics provide expert brake repair in the greater Lakeland, FL area. Here are five warning signs of a brake problem. Squeaking or Grinding Noises One of the most common signs of brake trouble is unusual noises when applying the brakes. If you hear a high-pitched squeak or a grinding sound, it could be an indication that the brake pads are worn down. Brake pads have a metal indicator that creates noise when it comes into contact with the rotor. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more significant damage. Vibrations or Pulsations If you feel vibrations or pulsations when applying the brakes, it might be a sign of warped brake rotors. Warped rotors can result from excessive heat build-up during braking, causing uneven surfaces. This issue can compromise your braking efficiency, so it’s important to address it ASAP. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal A soft or spongy brake pedal can be an indication of air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. Brake fluid plays a crucial role in transmitting force from the brake pedal to the brake components. Any compromise in the brake fluid system can result in decreased braking performance. If your car is leaking brake fluid, it creates a serious safety hazard. With such a leak, you shouldn’t drive your car. Rather, you should have your vehicle towed to the shop. Warning Light If your ABS (anti-lock braking system) warning light comes on, it should be promptly brought to the mechanic’s attention. This light can get triggered by issues such as low brake fluid and faulty wheel speed sensors. Veering If your car veers off to one side when you hit the brakes, you could be dealing with a caliper problem. This is a serious issue that substantially increases the risk of an accident. Veering could occur if a caliper seizes up due to corrosion. Brake Repair in Lakeland, FL When you need auto repair in Lakeland, FL and the surrounding area, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently. Among the various tasks that contribute to the well-being of your vehicle, following your oil change schedule is particularly important. You can refer to your owner’s manual to see your vehicle’s requirements for oil change mileage intervals, as well as specific oil type. These guidelines should always be followed. At Willie Automotive & Towing Service, we provide full-service oil changes in the greater Lakeland, FL area. Here are four benefits of keeping up with oil changes. Engine Longevity The engine is the heart of your vehicle, and proper lubrication is essential for its longevity. Fresh, clean oil ensures that the engine components move smoothly, reducing friction and wear. Regular oil changes prevent the build-up of sludge and contaminants, which helps to maximize the lifespan of your engine. Enhanced Fuel-Efficiency Maintaining a clean and well-lubricated engine leads to improved fuel-efficiency. When your engine runs smoothly, it doesn't have to work as hard to perform its functions, resulting in better gas mileage. As the miles add up, this can lead to significant savings at the pump, helping to make regular oil changes a cost-effective investment. Optimal Performance A well-lubricated engine is more capable of operating at peak performance levels. Fresh oil better enables parts to function as intended, promoting smoother acceleration and improved responsiveness. Neglecting oil changes may result in decreased engine performance, causing sluggishness and a reduction in power. Temperature Regulation Oil plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature of the engine. It helps dissipate heat generated during combustion, reducing the risk of the engine overheating. Old and contaminated oil loses its ability to perform this function efficiently, putting your engine at greater risk of overheating and potential damage. Full-Service Oil Change in Lakeland, FL When you need auto maintenance in Lakeland, FL and the surrounding area, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  . At our local auto shop, our experienced mechanics can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Your vehicle's suspension system plays a crucial role in maintaining proper contact between your tires and the road, helping to ensure stability, control, and a smooth ride. If you suspect that trouble is brewing with your suspension, then you’ll want to have the mechanic conduct an inspection ASAP. At Willie Automotive & Towing Service, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Lakeland, FL area. Here are five symptoms of suspension trouble. Bumpy or Rough Ride The primary purpose of the suspension system is to absorb shocks and vibrations from the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. If you start to feel every bump and dip in the road, it may be a sign that your shocks or struts are worn out. Pulling or Drifting During Turns If your vehicle pulls or drifts to one side when making turns, it could be an indication of suspension issues. This may be caused by worn-out suspension components, such as struts, shocks, or control arms. Uneven Tire Wear One of the early warning signs of a suspension problem is uneven tire wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing out more on one side than the other, it could be an indication that the suspension system is not keeping the wheels aligned properly. This can lead to reduced tire lifespan and compromised handling. Dips or Nose Dives During Braking A healthy suspension system helps to maintain an even weight distribution across all four wheels. If it feels like your vehicle's nose dives forward when braking, it may suggest problems with the shocks or struts. Clunking or Knocking Sounds Unusual noises, such as clunks or knocks when driving over bumps, can be a clear sign of a suspension problem. These sounds may indicate loose or worn-out components, such as bushings, ball joints, or tie rods. Ignoring these noises can lead to more severe damage and compromise safety. Auto Repair in Lakeland, FL When you need auto repair in Lakeland, FL and the surrounding area, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

If your check engine light flashes on, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your engine is on the verge of complete failure. Nevertheless, you should promptly visit the shop for computerized diagnostics. This way, the issue can be pinpointed and addressed before it escalates and costs more to repair. At Willie Automotive & Towing Service, we provide expert auto diagnostics and repair in the greater Lakeland area. Our local mechanics will accurately identify the issue that’s triggering the warning light, and then we’ll flawlessly fix it. Common Check Engine Light Triggers In many cases, a faulty catalytic converter is the reason that the check engine light has illuminated. Signs of catalytic converter trouble include worsening acceleration, decreasing gas mileage, and a smell like rotten eggs. It’s important that your catalytic converter is working properly so that your vehicle isn’t excessively polluting. An oxygen sensor issue can cause problems with the catalytic converter, and may also trigger the check engine light. A faulty oxygen sensor can also cause rough idling. Another sensor that can trigger the light is the MAF sensor. When a MAF sensor is failing, your car may stall shortly after you fire it up. A MAF sensor problem can also cause decreasing acceleration. Faulty spark plugs can also cause the check engine light to come on, and may cause hard starts, rough idling, and poor acceleration. Failing ignition coils can trigger the light as well. Symptoms of bad ignition coils include engine stalling, as well as worsening fuel-efficiency. If your check engine light turns on, there are a couple of other possible triggers to consider. For one, a faulty battery can trigger the light if it causes low voltage at the computer. Also, a loose or missing gas cap could cause the light to turn on. Whenever you fill up your tank, it’s important that you return your gas cap to a fully secure position. Otherwise, fuel is liable to evaporate before your engine gets the chance to run on it. Check Engine Light Repair in Lakeland, FL When you need auto repair in Lakeland, FL and the surrounding area, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  . At our nearby auto shop, our experienced mechanics can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

At Willie Automotive & Towing Service, we’re proud members of the Lakeland small business community. It’s our mission to exceed our customers’ expectations by providing flawless repairs, friendly service, and fair rates. Whether you need a fast full-service oil change or complex engine repair, we’ll work diligently to get the job done right. And we’re truly thankful when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here are some of our latest customer reviews. “I loved the service and they took great care of my car and made sure I was taken care of.” — Loretta S. “Very good service. I enjoyed working with the staff. Awesome job. Thanks.” — Eric W. “Very high quality of work performed on my Mercedes SLK300. Had entire front end suspension rebuilt. Struts, OEM springs. Lower control arms, rear tires and full alignment.” — Bob R. “I went to Willie's based on the online reviews I read previously. I was delighted by the service and communication that was given to me while working on my vehicle. We had some brake issues and later found out we had a wheel bearing issue also. Willie's made sure we were updated on the repairs and was notified when there was something additional needed via text message and an opportunity to accept or reject the recommendation to repair additional issues found during the inspection. They made me feel comfortable with the communication and the updates and I would recommend this repair shop should anyone need work done on their car.” — Greg B. “David went above and beyond. This is one very honest shop that does great work! I will definitely use them again.” — C. Stitz “They were friendly, they got the job done, place was comfy to sit and wait, excellent customer service.” — Donna P. Auto Repair in Lakeland, FL When you need auto repair in Lakeland, FL and the surrounding area, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Transmission problems are notorious for being very expensive to repair, which makes it all the more important that you take the proper measures to prevent transmission trouble from arising in the first place. Good driving habits, along with transmission maintenance, will help to keep your automatic transmission in great condition. At Willie Automotive & Towing Service, we provide expert transmission service in the greater Lakeland, FL area. Here are five tips for keeping your automatic transmission healthy. Regularly Check Transmission Fluid You should check your transmission fluid every month, and it’s generally best to check automatic transmission fluid with the car still on. This is because transmission fluid tends to contract as it cools, which can result in an inaccurate reading of how much fluid is present while you’re actually driving. If your fluid looks or smells burnt, then you should have a mechanic conduct an inspection so the underlying problem can be diagnosed and addressed. Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchange It’s generally recommended that automatic transmission fluid gets changed at some point between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. However, you’ll want to consult your owner’s manual to see the mileage intervals at which your particular vehicle needs this service. This maintenance task will help to ensure that you’re driving with clean fluid that will keep your automatic transmission as healthy as possible. Engine Maintenance As engine performance decreases, the transmission can become more stressed. This is one of many reasons why it’s important to stay current with oil changes, as well as other maintenance tasks that keep your engine running strong. Easy on the Brakes Slamming on the brakes can significantly stress out your automatic transmission. While there are some instances where you have to hit the brakes hard, it’s best if you can avoid doing this whenever you safely can. Also, using your parking can help to reduce transmission stress, especially when parking on a hill. Fully Stop before Shifting Another way to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your automatic transmission is to always come to a complete stop before you shift to/from reverse and a forward gear. Transmission Repair in Lakeland, FL When you need auto repair in Lakeland and the surrounding area, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Even when transmission trouble seems minor, it’s important to bring it to the mechanic’s attention ASAP. This is because transmission issues are notorious for badly worsening in a hurry. When you’re proactive about getting to the shop, there’s a better chance that the issue can be addressed before it becomes extremely expensive to fix. At Willie Automotive & Towing Service, our local mechanics are experts at accurately diagnosing transmission issues. Then once the problem has been identified, we’ll work efficiently to repair it so you can get your car back ASAP. Warning Signs of a Transmission Problem An obvious sign of a transmission problem is that your vehicle won’t go into, or stay in, particular gears. If your vehicle is popping out of gear while you’re driving, it poses a significant safety concern because you don’t have full control over your car’s patterns of acceleration. This issue could be occurring due to a problem related to transmission fluid. Pollutants in transmission fluid can cause fluid pressure to drop to the point that the vehicle doesn’t stay in gear. You might be able to resolve the problem by getting a transmission flush, but it’s also possible that more complicated repairs will need to be done. You might notice a sign of transmission trouble when checking your transmission fluid, which generally needs to be done while the car is still running. If the reading on the transmission dipstick shows that the fluid is worryingly low, then you may have a leak. Another potential sign of a transmission fluid leak is that there’s reddish-colored fluid accumulating on the ground beneath your vehicle. To prevent expensive problems from arising, transmission fluid leaks should be promptly fixed. Signs that your transmission fluid is getting dangerously low include rough shifting and delayed shifting. And if your transmission fluid has turned darker in color or is emitting a burning odor, then it’ll be best to have the mechanic identify the underlying issue. If you drive a manual transmission, you’ll want to be aware of certain symptoms of trouble. A clutch master cylinder problem could make it hard to put your car into gear. Grinding could mean that your clutch is failing, but you may be able to remedy this issue by just getting a clutch adjustment. A clutch problem could also make itself known with a sticky or spongy clutch pedal. Transmission Repair in Lakeland, FL When you need auto repair in Lakeland and the surrounding area, contact Willie Automotive & Towing Service at  863-777-5591  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly take care of your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!