It might not snow in Florida, but when the weather turns cold, you want that heat up in your car. But if you turn it on and it keeps blowing out cold air, or doesn’t come on at all, you’re likely to get upset. There are a few things that can go wrong though, some of them easy to handle while others a bit more complicated.

Here are 5 things to check when your car heater isn’t working.

1. Coolant level

It might seem odd that your car needs the coolant it uses to cool your engine during those hot and sticky Florida days, but during the winter, the coolant moves from the engine to the heater core. It should feel cool the first few minutes because your engine needs to warm up to heat up the coolant. However, if it continues to blow cold, check the coolant level. If there’s not enough, it won’t be able to give it to the heater core.

2. Heater core

Another more complicated car heater problem could be the heater core. If you check your coolant level and it’s fine, then you need to check the car heater. You might have a problem with the heater core if you find fog inside your car, smell a fruity-type of odor, you’ve replaced the coolant and it is being used very quickly, or your engine is overheating.

3. Broken or clogged controls

If your car is older or has been put to good use, the heater control buttons can stop working as can the heater control valve. You may get lucky and be able to get these things unstuck but most likely, it will be best if you replace it.

4. Thermostat malfunction

Does your thermostat still read “C” after you’ve allowed the car to warm up? This means the thermostat is broken. The good news is they’re mostly cheap and easy to fix.

5. Water leak

Hoses, water pumps, and radiators can all incur damages after time. If any of these are leaking, you’ll likely have a car heater problem.

It might not always get cold in Florida, but when it does, if your car heater doesn’t work, it’s a miserable experience. It’s even worse when you turn it on and nothing happens. Plus, even if you think you can deal with the lack of heat during our short winter, these problems tend to lead to bigger problems. It’s best to let us at Main Street Automotive help you now, before a bigger, costlier problem arises.

At Main Street Automotive, we’re family-owned and operated and will treat you like family to help you get your car running right on the road today. Come on in and see us!

Few things are scarier than having your brakes go out on you when you’re driving. That’s why it’s always important to have your brakes inspected. Most of the time, your mechanic, whether you go to a family-owned shop like us at Main Street Automotive, or you choose a big dealer group, will inspect your brakes when you come in for routine maintenance, like your oil change for example.

With this regular check, it’s easy to spot any issues and alert you so that we can keep you safe on the road. So when you’re told that you should get your brake system flushed, it’s not a ploy to make you part with your hard-earned money. It’s something you should do for your safety.

Braking systems are more detailed than you think. They have rubber in the valves plus the calipers and wheel cylinders can deteriorate. All those bits flake off and they wind up in your brake fluid. The brake fluid is also subject to wear and tear. Plus, when moisture gets into your system, it can cause rust and create more debris in the brake fluid. When this happens, it compromises your braking system’s effectiveness, resulting in a decrease in topping power.

Just as you shouldn’t skip oil changes, you shouldn’t skip getting a brake flush. It’s best to do it every 30,000 miles though so if you go to a bigger automotive dealership shop and they tell you to do it when your car only has 10,000 miles on it, you can feel good about declining. But if your car has 30,000 miles on it or more, take that advice to heart and agree to the brake flush, otherwise you could wind up having your brakes go out on you when you need them most.

Incidentally, brake flushing is different from bleeding the brakes. When we flush your brakes, we remove all the brake fluid from your system and replace it with brand new, clean fluid. Brake bleeding involves removing some of the brake fluid, usually enough to get the air bubbles out. The difference is huge. Make sure you’re going for that brake flush every 30,000 miles, and make sure you have it performed by certified and trusted mechanics.

Even if it hasn’t been 30,000 miles though, if you feel that your vehicle’s stopping power isn’t on par with how it should be, please don’t wait. Bring it to us at Main Street Automotive so we can put your mind at ease. Many things can happen with your brakes and you don’t want to take them for granted. Without brakes, driving would be a very scary experience. Let’s keep you safe by taking a look and making sure your entire braking system is working right. Stop by today!

We all know what a pain it is to defrost the windshield on those cold mornings in the coldest city of Florida, Crestview. A credit card sort of works, but it can take a lot of energy, time, and jack up your credit card. We all know using your car’s defrost feature is effective, but you’re bound to wait a while for it to work, and we know that you’re already late for work…….. Is there a faster way?

It seems an intelligent man in Knoxville, Tennessee, came up with a solution that just might change your life — or at the very least, help your morning not suck so much. This local TV weatherman shared a recipe for a simple mixture that will get rid of the frost on your windshield in less than 5 seconds.

Good News!! You should have the ingredients already in your home. Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and water. This was recorded years ago but keeps getting viewed more each year. (The video’s been viewed more than 17 million times!)

https://www.facebook.com/WATE.KenWeathers/videos/1002999603091996/

Here’s what you do: Mix ⅓ part water and ⅔ part isopropyl or rubbing alcohol together and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your windshield, and voila! You’ll see the ice disappear instantly.

“The reason why this works is rubbing alcohol has a freezing point of 138 degrees below freezing so you can always keep this mixture in your car and it will never freeze,” Ken describes in the video.

This seems so simple and easy….. I’ve used the top of cologne bottles and the top of deodorant containers before to clean my windows. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever used to scrape your window?

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At Main Street Automotive, we think of you as family. And much of our family experienced devastation at the hands of Hurricane Michael. Some people lost all their property, and many cars were left in a wake of water. We’ve been asked quite a lot lately if a flooded car can ever be repaired. We’d like to tell you more about that.

If your car has been submerged under water from a storm surge or flooding and has been in this condition for several days or longer, the outlook really isn’t good. Not only will your entire interior be unsalvageable but so will the rest of the vehicle. The electronics and powertrain will be shot. Salt water is even worse and the damage from the salt makes it impossible to repair. Your best bet in that situation is to let your insurance company total you out and buy a new car.

Some vehicles that experience car flood damage can be saved. It depends on the type of water, the depth of water your car was submerged in, and how long it was in the water. For example, if you drove into a flooded street and the engine died out on you, there may still be a good chance that you can repair the damage.

While we’re almost free of hurricane season this year, Florida is a tricky place that can feature heavy rains at any time. Here’s what to do should you encounter a flooding situation.

• Don’t start your engine if it’s been flooded! You’ll just kill it.
• Don’t try to save your car! Get out of that water. Your car can be replaced if it needs to be, but you can’t.
• If the water level is low and there’s no imminent danger, you can try to push it out of the water. For example, if only your front end has gotten under some water, you can try to free it yourself or call for a tow truck to get it out quickly.

What can we do at Main Street Automotive? You can have your flooded car towed to us if it has not been fully submerged under salt water for days or weeks. We can force the water out of the engine, drain your oil, and replace the oil filter. We also can check your transmission fluid levels and make sure there is no damage to the transmission. We do not recommend trying to do any of these things yourself unless you are an experienced mechanic. In the event that only your interior has suffered from flooding by accidentally leaving your windows or sunroof open, this is easier to fix. The seats, carpets and insulation will need to be removed and dried out. However, please keep in mind that even the most experienced mechanics might not be able to save your car after a flood. That is why you have car insurance to handle unfortunate circumstances like these.

If you need an honest mechanic to check out your flooded vehicle or for any other repairs, call on Main Street Automotive in Crestview, FL to get you back on the road today.

It’s one of the most dreaded sounds in all of human existence: the sound your car makes when it won’t start. How do you know though if it’s your battery or the alternator? Main Street Automotive presents these tips for discovering the difference.

Let’s talk battery

First, you should think about how old the battery is in your car. If you’ve never replaced it since buying your car and it’s about 4 or 5 years old now, it’s most likely the culprit. Batteries aren’t very expensive to replace, which is very good news. The battery is what bring the power to start your car and gets the electrical system running. But as it ages, the ability to retain a charge begins to fade away, which results in a fail to start.

The way to know is to look at your dashboard battery gauge. With the key in the ignition and turned without starting, does it illuminate? If the light looks dim, it’s probably the battery. You can also try using your wipers, lights, or automatic windows. If the car still won’t start, you can get it jump started. Let it run a bit and then turn off your car. If it won’t restart, it’s a sign that the battery is definitely in need of replacement because it won’t retain the charge. Bring it on in and we’ll fix it.

What about the alternator?

If, however, your battery is working, you should consider that the alternator is to blame. Here are 4 ways to tell if it’s the problem:

1. Let the car run and look at the intensity of brightness for your interior lights. If the dashboard starts to dim gradually, it’s a sign the alternator is problematic.
2. Look at your headlights. When accelerating, do they become brighter but then dim down as you decelerate on your approach to a red light? If so, that’s another sign you need a new alternator.
3. Hear anything strange? If you head a type of growling sound prior to all this trouble, it was your alternator trying to tell you something.
4. Smell anything funny? If you smell burning, like with rubber or wires, chances are it’s that alternator of yours.

Whatever you do, don’t run the engine while the negative battery cable is disconnected. This can damage your electrical system and lead to bigger problems for your vehicle. At Main Street Automotive, we’ll help you replace your battery or alternator and get you back on the road again fast. We treat you like family too, so we won’t overcharge you for our services. If you notice any of these problems, come on in and let us help you!

Should you wait until your battery fails?

A poor battery is often the root cause of killing your alternator and this forces a MORE EXPENSIVE alternator replacement.

A battery with a short in it OR not charging fully will cause the alternator to run at full output for extended periods of time, if not continuously, and they are not built to do this. Alternators are built to supply an initial high current, tapering back as the current used to start the vehicle is replenished. Constant running at full output simply overheats them and the rectifiers fail.  So if your battery has a 3 year warranty you should replace it at 36 months and not wait until it dies. Put a reminder in your phone, this will help.

What other tips or comments do you have to help people diagnose this problem in Crestview, FL?

Of course, if you’re in need of preventative maintenance or serious repairs and you’re in or around Crestview, FL, you know where to go. Come to see us today at Main Street Automotive for all your automotive needs or call us at 850-689-1728!!

School is about to be back in session and for busy parents, it’s about to get even busier. Shuttling kids to and from school plus all the miles logged going to and from work and all the other places you go really take their toll. And what if you’ve got a kid that’s taking their car off to college this year? It’s time to take a look at all the cars your family owns and make sure they’re road-ready.

Here are a few tips from your friends at Main Street Automotive in Crestview, FL, to help you stay safe when the back to school crunch hits!

• Check all fluids

Pop open the hood and take a look at the levels of your coolant, transmission fluid, engine oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. If you don’t know where these are located, your car’s manual will show you.

• Check the battery

Every battery has a date on the top of it. If the date is over 2 or 3 years old, you should have it checked to ensure it’s still got plenty of juice.

• Inspect tires

Regular tire rotations help keep the wear even on your tires. If you’ve neglected to do so, you might have to replace them. Check all 4 of your tires for uneven tread or any hazards like nails. Your tires should also have the correct amount of pressure in them. While you’ll find that information in your manual, most cars today have a sticker with tire pressure levels on the inside of your driver’s door. While you’re at it, check your spare tire to make sure it’s inflated and that your jack, lug wrench, and other essentials are in your trunk. It can’t hurt to have jumper cables stowed away for an emergency either.

• Check the lights

It seems simple, but lights are an important part of any vehicle, especially the brake lights. Test them out to make sure they all illuminate when called upon.

• Prepare a list of local resources

Florida is a long state and with many kids heading off to college at the popular schools in and around the Panhandle, it’s important to have your kids prepared in case of an emergency. Look for local maintenance sources so that when it’s time for an oil change or if a problem arises, your kid will know the best place to take their car for repairs. If you’re new to an area, university safety departments or parking services may have a list of reliable resources you can count on.

Of course, if you’re in need of preventative maintenance or serious repairs and you’re in or around Crestview, FL, you know where to go. Come see us today at Main Street Automotive for all your automotive needs!

In Florida, there is nothing worse than being without air conditioning, especially in your car. Stuck in traffic on the highway, no breeze can save you from the sweltering heat, particularly during the summer month. You might be good about taking your vehicle in for regular maintenance, but if you’re not asking questions about your air conditioner, you might find yourself down the road without cold air blowing from your vents, making for a miserable commute.

Here are 5 of the most common car AC repair problems you may encounter:

1. Too much moisture

When your air conditioner is working properly in your vehicle, it keeps things cool. It dries and cleans the air while pushing the warmer air outside of the car. If moisture or even debris has gotten into the air conditioner, it will prevent it from effectively cooling your vehicle.

1. Foul Odors

You may not notice it if you have kids that eat in the car, but once you clean up, if the smell still lingers, it could be bacteria of fungi to blame. They can get into the air conditioning system, a dark and damp place which is ideal for them to flourish and create foul odors. If not treated early, you can wind up getting sick from them.

1. Low refrigerant levels

Refrigerant levels in the air conditioning of your car vanish over time by about 15% per year. During summer, it tends to disappear more rapidly though. This is a relatively easy fix, however one that must be watched for.

1. Dirty condenser

The air conditioning’s condenser cools the refrigerant vapors in the compressor. When the condenser is blocked from dirt or debris, it will prevent the air flow so that cooling won’t happen. Cleaning it is essential to get it to work again. If you’re not sure how a professional can help.

1. Mechanical malfunctions

By far, the most expensive fix will always be replacing a component in your car’s air conditioning system, so it’s important to always keep an eye out on it when you bring it for regular service. By asking your honest mechanic to take a quick look and make sure all systems are go, you can save money down the line. They can also alert you to parts that may need to be replaced sooner rather than later, leading to fewer costs for repairs.

Regular inspection of your car overall as well as the components of the air conditioning system will keep you cool all year round. For an honest assessment of your car’s air conditioning and functionality, be sure to bring it to Main Street Automotive, Crestview, Florida’s number one choice for honest car repairs and services. Family-owned and operated, you can expect to be treated like you’re a part of the family with fair and honest prices and practices to get you back on the road.

They say what’s old is new again and if cars are any indication, that statement is very true. Classic cars are taking to the road again in record numbers. With a growing segment of the population looking to reduce their carbon footprint and reuse as much as they can be coupled with a yearning for classic cars because they are built unlike anything else on the road today, it’s not uncommon for the mechanics at Main Street Automotive to watch a tow truck roll up with an oldie but goodie.

At Main Street Automotive, we’ve recently had the pleasure of working on some fine classic automobiles. One of them was this 1973 MG Kit Car.

A relic from the past, this green machine was among the last to be styled in this fashion that paid tribute to the older cars. Again, we see that theme of what’s old is new again. This stylish MG featured the spare on the back. From the outside, she was as beautiful as ever, but on the inside, she needed a little work to get going. We gave her an oil change, new suspension, and we checked the brakes and wheel bearings. She still needs a little more love before she hits the road, but we’ll keep you updated once we’re done pampering her.

Another one that recently came in to Main Street Automotive was this stunning red 1976 MG. It was towed in and definitely needs a lot of love inside and out. But we love a good challenge. And we love red cars. We’re dedicated to making your cars, both contemporary models and classics, run like the perfect pieces of machinery they are.

While we still have no idea what it’s going to take to get this 1976 MG to purr like a kitten again, we’re devoted to the cause of restoring her and other classic cars. Have a classic car you’d like to get back on the road again? Bring her into Main Street Automotive where you and your car will always be treated like family with quality service and fair pricing on all of your vehicle needs.

From general preventative service,  oil changes, and even beyond to full repairs, Main Street Automotive is the family-owned place you can trust and has been since 2003 right here in Crestview, FL. Can’t get it to run? Tow her in and we’ll take it from there, whether it’s from this century, or the last one you can count on us!  Just call today at 850-689-1728to schedule your appointment.

Road trips are the ultimate summer vacation for anyone from friends to couples to families seeking an adventure on the open road. But if your car isn’t road-ready for the long haul, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the highway in a place far from home. Oil changes, tire rotation, and regularly scheduled maintenance help to prevent breakdowns and avoid seeing that check engine light while traveling.

Don’t let that happen to you! Here are 10 tips to get your car ready for summer travels on the road to fun!

1. Take care of your tires

Tires are so important for performance and safety. Check for bubbles on the sidewalls, uneven or visible wear and if the tire looks too worn, have it replaced. Also, make sure the air pressure is filled accordingly to the specifications detailed on your vehicle.

1. Check the brakes

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your brakes maintained, have your mechanic pop off the wheels to inspect them. You don’t want to find out the hard way that your brakes aren’t up to par on the road.

1. Look at your brake fluid

Equally as important, your brake fluid needs to be good too. It should be clear and the container should be full. If it’s not clear, let your mechanic flush it out. This is a job for an expert and not something you should try without an mechanical knowledge or you risk damaging your vehicle.

1. Get an oil change

Oil is essential for keeping the engine running optimally. Make sure you’re up-to-date on oil changes to have a harmonious driving experience.

1. Be cool with your coolant

Engine coolant is another important fluid your car needs for proper performance. The radiator tank should be full and the coolant should have the right ratio of water to ethylene glycol. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, your mechanic will be happy to help you with this.

1. Look at your automatic transmission fluid

Most people these days drive an automatic model. If you’re one of them, making sure the automatic transmission fluid is in order will save you many headaches on your summer road trip.

1. Take care of your power steering

Keep your power steering fluid clean and topped off. It makes for easier driving too which is always a blessing on long haul drives.

1. Make sure your battery is ready to ride

Nothing puts a damper on a summer road adventure more than a car that won’t start. Make sure you’ve checked it to make sure the fluid in the battery is good to go.

1. Gussy up the inside

You’ll be spending lots of time inside the car when you hit the road to head to Disney or even drive out of state, so clean things up on the inside. Not keen on doing it yourself? Take it to an auto detailer. It will be money well-spent. Also, consider buying car seat organizers. They’re great if you have kids but even if you don’t, it can make keeping all those little things more organized and tidy.

1. Change the wipers

Summer is filled with afternoon showers and thunderstorms in Florida. You’ll be hard-pressed to avoid them. Make sure your wipers are working well so you can see. Replacing the blades is easy!

Let Main Street Automotive get you road-ready this summer! Schedule an appointment for maintenance today for complete peace of mind!