3 Auto Repair Services to Consider for Your Car

Keeping your car in excellent condition requires regular upkeep and occasional repairs. While routine checks are necessary, there are specific services that can significantly enhance your car's performance and longevity. By proactively managing your vehicle's maintenance needs, you can avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure a safer driving experience. In this post, we'll explore three essential auto repairs you should consider for your car.

1. Wheel Alignment

One crucial service that often goes unnoticed until it affects vehicle handling is wheel alignment. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear and make it harder to control your car. According to Kelley Blue Book, you shouldn't drive more than 10,000 miles without having a service and repair technician examine your wheel alignment. Regular alignment not only improves your driving safety but also extends the lifespan of your tires, ultimately saving you money.

2. Brake Inspection

Your car's braking system is one of its most vital safety features, and regular inspections and maintenance can prevent catastrophic failures. In our experience, it's important to have your brakes checked at least once a year or when you notice unusual sounds or decreased responsiveness. A thorough brake inspection will not only ensure that pads, rotors, and fluids are in optimal condition but also provide peace of mind knowing that your vehicle can stop when needed.

3. Oil Change

Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining your engine's efficiency and longevity. Engine oil lubricates, cools, and cleans the engine, reducing wear and tear on its components. Depending on your driving habits and the type of oil used, we recommend changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. By keeping up with this simple service, you can improve your car's performance and avoid costly, unexpected auto repairs.

Investing in regular auto repairs not only enhances the performance of your car but also ensures its safety and reliability on the road. Wheel alignment, brake inspection, and oil changes are just a few of the essential services that can keep your vehicle running smoothly. By adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and addressing issues promptly, your car will serve you well for years to come. Always consider consulting with a trusted mechanic to tailor a maintenance plan specific to your vehicle's needs. If you want to keep your vehicle running like new, give Key Diesel and Auto Service a call today!

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What Causes Black Smoke From a Diesel Exhaust and How to Fix It

September 26, 2025

Seeing black smoke coming from your diesel vehicle's exhaust is never a good sign. While diesel engines naturally produce more exhaust than gasoline engines, heavy or persistent black smoke usually indicates an underlying issue. It often means your engine is burning too much fuel or not burning it efficiently, which can lead to reduced performance, poor fuel economy, and even long-term damage if ignored. Understanding what causes black smoke can help you identify problems early and prevent more expensive repairs later on. How Diesel Combustion Works Diesel engines operate differently from gasoline engines. Instead of using spark plugs to ignite a fuel-air mixture, diesel engines compress air until it’s hot enough to ignite the injected fuel. When everything is working properly, this process results in efficient combustion and minimal visible exhaust. Black smoke appears when there’s incomplete combustion. That means too much fuel is being injected, there isn’t enough air, or both. Identifying the cause is the first step toward restoring proper performance. Common Causes of Black Smoke Black smoke can be triggered by several issues, many of which are related to the fuel or air delivery systems: Clogged air filter: If the engine isn’t getting enough air, fuel can’t burn efficiently. A dirty or blocked air filter is one of the simplest causes of black smoke. Faulty fuel injectors: When injectors deliver too much fuel or fail to spray it evenly, excess fuel remains unburned, leading to thicker exhaust smoke. Turbocharger problems: In turbocharged diesel engines, a failing turbo can reduce airflow into the combustion chamber, causing incomplete combustion and increased smoke. EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) issues: If the EGR valve sticks or malfunctions, it can disrupt the balance of air and fuel, resulting in black smoke. Bad sensors: Malfunctioning sensors that regulate fuel and airflow can cause your engine to run rich, creating more smoke. Since these issues can range from minor to severe, getting the problem diagnosed early saves time and protects your engine from damage. How Black Smoke Affects Engine Performance Aside from being unpleasant to look at, persistent black smoke can indicate deeper issues affecting your vehicle’s efficiency and reliability. You may notice a decrease in power, sluggish acceleration, or reduced fuel economy. If the problem is ignored, unburned fuel can also damage components like the catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, or turbocharger. In some cases, excessive smoke can even lead to failed emissions tests , which can be a problem if your area requires vehicle inspections. Preventing Black Smoke Problems Routine maintenance is the key to preventing most causes of black smoke. Replacing air filters regularly, servicing fuel injectors, and checking sensors during scheduled inspections keep your diesel engine running cleanly. If your vehicle is turbocharged, having the turbo inspected periodically ensures it’s working properly and delivering adequate airflow. Staying on top of oil changes and using high-quality diesel fuel can also minimize carbon buildup inside the engine, which helps improve combustion efficiency. Expert Diesel Engine Service at Key Diesel and Auto Service At Key Diesel and Auto Service , our technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing diesel engine problems, including excessive exhaust smoke. We use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause, whether it’s a faulty injector, clogged air filter, or failing turbocharger. Our goal is to restore your vehicle’s performance, improve fuel efficiency, and keep your diesel engine running clean. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you get your engine back in top shape.

Top 10 Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips for Longevity

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Key Diesel and Auto Service in Williamston, MI, provides 10 essential diesel engine maintenance tips to keep your truck running longer.

Can Upgrading Your Turbo Hurt Your Engine?

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Key Diesel and Auto Service in Williamston, MI, explains how turbo upgrades impact your engine and what to watch out for.

Why EGR Valve Issues Are More Than Just an Emissions Problem

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Key Diesel and Auto Service in Williamston, MI, explains how a faulty EGR valve can affect your vehicle’s performance beyond emissions control.

A man is working on the engine of a car in a garage.

3 Maintenance Services Offered at Your Local Auto Repair Shop

April 29, 2025

Regular maintenance goes hand in hand with owning a vehicle. How much you pay for these services usually depends on where you live. According to Marketwatch, Michigan has the fourth-lowest vehicle repair costs nationwide. However, these costs are necessary to prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. You can usually find standard maintenance services at your local auto repair shop. Let's take a look for more information! 1. Oil Changes As your vehicle runs, the oil runs through the motor and picks up dirt over time. The oil filter removes some dirt or debris, but plenty stays in the oil, too. Eventually, the oil will turn into sludge and not circulate as well throughout the motor. You can always schedule an oil change at your local auto repair shop if you start running into these issues. They'll be able to help you out and get your vehicle back on the road in no time at all! 2. Tune-Ups Vehicles need regular tune-ups to continue to run well. These tune-ups may include checking or changing your fluid and more. Most vehicles need spark plugs and wires changed over time. If they are not, they may eventually corrode, resulting in various issues. Mechanics will speak with you about any recent maintenance your car has received to ensure you only get the services you need. If you aren't sure, feel free to ask for their thoughts on what might need to be done to your car. 3. Brake Work Your brakes are a critical component of your car. However, they tend to wear down over time. Brake issues that must be resolved can result in warped rotors, which are more expensive to repair. A professional mechanic can help you determine the problem if your brakes are making noises or not working properly. They can also change your brake pads to keep you and your family safe while you're on the road. Your local auto repair shop offers several maintenance services. They can usually handle essential maintenance, like changing fluids, oil changes, brake services, and other forms of preventative maintenance. Contact us at Key Diesel and Auto Service when you need to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you in the near future!