Posted on 8/25/2020
Brake bleed - not the most pleasant sounding service, and it might not be one that you are super familiar with. While brake bleeding sounds more like a medical procedure, it's actually a common maintenance item performed on brake systems for a specific purpose. Let's look at what exactly a brake bleed is and when it is needed. Your vehicle's brake system is hydraulic, meaning that it uses a high amount of pressure and fluid in order to create the force needed to slow or stop your vehicle. Over time, air can get into the fluid system, which can decrease the effectiveness of the hydraulic power and cause problems when it comes to your brakes. If too much air gets into the system, it can actually lead to complete brake failure. When one of our mechanics bleeds your brakes, it's basically a service that removes the air from the system. We bleed out the fluid until no air bubbles are visible in the brake bleeder. When should I have a brake bleed performe ... read more
Posted on 7/30/2020
Your vehicle's brakes are important to your safety on the road. Many people will wait until they run into brake issues to actually have their brakes inspected and serviced. However, this can be risky and put you in a scary situation on the road. The best way to go about brake maintenance is to have your brake system regularly inspected and serviced and to understand the symptoms of failing brakes so you can address any problems quickly. Brake pads are components that will need to be replaced periodically, considering that they undergo a ton of heat on a daily basis and are the most used component of the brake system. When you press down on the brake pedal, the calipers close down which squeezes the rotors on either side. This causes friction which causes your wheels to slow down or stop. The pads at the components that make contact with the rotors during this process and the friction does cause them to wear down over time. How do you know when your brake pads need to ... read more
Posted on 6/30/2020
July 4th is a special day when it comes to celebrating our Independence Day here in the United States and gathering with loved ones for a good time. Even know our July 4th celebrations have changed due to the current pandemic, you may still be able to have a good time with your household and enjoy some fireworks. You may even be planning to light up the grill and get a BBQ going. Our Independence Day is notorious for having an increase in vehicles on the road and more people out and about, so if you are planning on having fun this weekend it is important to remember certain safety tips. Here are some ways in which you can remain safe while celebrating July 4th this year: If you're planning on traveling anywhere, make sure that your vehicle is in good condition before you leave. You don't want to find yourself stranded with car trouble along the way. Here at Lorentz Automotive, we can provide a vehicle inspection before your long trip to verify that ... read more
Posted on 5/30/2020
We understand that dreadful feeling when you notice that a warning light has illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard. Although some lights can indicate a specific problem area, such as the battery or TPMS light, the check engine light can turn on based on a number of different issues. As soon as you notice a warning light turn on, we recommend bringing your vehicle into our experts here at Lorentz Automotive in Lewisville, TX, as soon as possible. The check engine light is an indication that there is a problem with a major component in your vehicle. Aside from the check engine light turning on, have you noticed any issues with your vehicle, such as a strange noise, weird smell, or a lack in performance? When you come into our shop, be sure to note any symptoms that you may be experiencing. Our team will evaluate those symptoms and determine what the problem may be. Your vehicle has a complex computer system that is connected to sensors throughout your vehicle. When your v ... read more
Posted on 4/29/2020
The catalytic converter is a vital component of your vehicle's emissions system. It helps to reduce the amount of pollution that our vehicles are emitting into the atmosphere and makes our vehicles safer to operate overall. It works using a chemical catalyst which helps to convert toxic gases from the engine into less harmful ones before they leave your vehicle. Before the catalytic converter was installed into vehicles, our cars were emitting mass amounts of pollution into the atmosphere. This change in modern vehicles has made our cars safer and less harmful to our world. If this component isn't working properly, the entire emissions system isn't doing its job. More importantly, this can affect your safety as well. You and your passengers could be breathing in harmful gases, which can be detrimental to your health. So, how do you know if your catalytic converter is failing? Here are some of the most common symptoms that can indicate a failing catalytic conve ... read more
Posted on 3/27/2020
We know that our nation is going through a tough time with the sudden and rapid outbreak of COVID-19. We want the valued customers of Lorentz Automotive to know that we remain open and available to assist you with your vehicle's needs. Many members of our society work in essential industries and still require a reliable car to get to work. Many are also relying on their vehicles to get them to the stores for supplies for their families. We need our vehicles to remain working now more than ever! With many current uncertainties, we want you to know that one thing is certain - that Lorentz Automotive and our employees are here and committed to keeping our staff, our customers, and our customer's vehicles as safe as possible. Your vehicle is an important part of you, your life and livelihood. In this special time, we are faced with many uncertainties, but one thing is certain...Lorentz Automotive and its employees are here and committed to keeping ourselves, you ... read more
Posted on 3/4/2020
You've probably experienced a couple moments when you're driving on the highway and suddenly smell oil in your cabin. You may have a slight panic feeling, but then the scent goes away. You look next to you and see an 18-wheeler chugging along - the culprit. However, if you're driving and you smell that oil smell and it doesn't go away, this can be a sign of a serious issue. Typically, the reason why you are smelling oil in your vehicle's cabin is due to a leak. However, the best way to understand what is happening is by having your vehicle inspected here at Lorentz Automotive. Our professional mechanics can perform a complete vehicle inspection to better understand the issue at hand and how to restore your vehicle back to its best. The following are some of the most common reasons for an oil smell in your vehicle: An oil leak that is dropping into the exhaust system. Keep a close eye on your oil dipstick; if your oil is low and you've had yo ... read more
Posted on 1/30/2020
If you've started noticing that your muffler has increased its volume and is starting to become a nuisance, you may wonder if it needs to be replaced. The truth is, whether or not it needs to be replaced depends on the type of noises you hear and other factors. What does a muffler do? The muffler's job is to absorb sounds and channel away harmful gases from the engine. Additionally, the muffler helps to ensure that there is sufficient power to compress the pistons and rotate the wheels. This will control the speed of the exhaust fumes moving out of your vehicle. When this system doesn't work as it should, your vehicle can stall and also overall fuel efficiency can decrease. What are the signs of needing a muffler replacement? Here are some symptoms to look out for: Decreased fuel efficiency Rumbling or rattling noise coming from the muffler Muffler has dropped or is dragging You smell exhaust fumes Holes in the muffler If you do notice any of t ... read more
Posted on 12/31/2019
It’s time to ring in the New Year, celebrating that another year has passed and hoping that the New Year will bring us all good health and fortune. Many people will be out celebrating the holiday with their loved ones, which is why it is so important to remember to stay safe tonight wherever you plan to be. If you are planning on driving to a destination tonight to celebrate, be sure to remember the following safety tips which will protect your safety and the safety of others on the road: NEVER drink and drive. If you are planning on partaking, we suggest not driving at all and getting a ride share or taxi sorted to get you where you need to be. If you do drive to a friends house and partake in drinking, ask to spend the night until morning when you will be safe to drive home. When you drink and drive, you risk taking your own life and the lives of others. You may want to leave early to get to your destination to avoid heavy traffic in populated areas ... read more
Posted on 12/12/2019
New tires are definitely a big expense, but luckily aren’t needed too often with good care of your vehicle. The best way to know when your vehicle needs new tires is to keep track of when the last time you had your tires replaced was and to understand the signs that can indicate its time for new tires. Here are some of the signs that it is time to get new tires: Check the tread on your vehicle. If the tread is very bald, meaning that your tires look smooth rather than rigid, this is a good indication that you need a new set of tires. Tread is what helps your tires make friction with the ground in any weather, which is why a bald tire should be replaced as soon as possible. When’s the last time you had your tires replaced? Knowing when your tires were last replaced is important when understanding when you may need a new set. Tires usually need to be replaced every 6 years, but other factors can be at play that can require tires more frequently. Look for any cracks ... read more