Allston Auto Repair

As the weather gets warmer, you may be blasting your car's air conditioning to stay cool. But what happens when the cool air stops flowing? It may be time for an R134A service. What Is R134A? R134A is the refrigerant that is commonly used in modern air conditioning systems. It is a hydrofluorocarbon that replaced the older, ozone-depleting refrigerant R12. R134A is a much more environmentally friendly option for automotive air conditioning systems. An R134A service is essentially a maintenance check-up for your car's air conditioning system. During an R134A service, a qualified mechanic will inspect the entire system, including the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. They will also check the refrigerant level, clean the system of any debris, and replace any worn-out or damaged parts. How Do You Know If Your Car Needs An R134A service?  There are a few signs to look out for: Weak or warm air blowing from the vents: If your air conditioning is not as cold as it ... read more

The thermostat plays a pivotal role in the cooling system process. As you may guess, the thermostat monitors engine temperature and ensures it is at an optimal temperature – not too hot and not too cold. When the engine temperature falls out of range, it closes and opens to facilitate coolant flow. If the thermostat is faulty or stays stuck in a closed or open position, it can lead to an array of problems: Engine Overheating - If your engine is running too hot, you should have the thermostat inspected. When the thermostat stays closed, it will prevent coolant from flowing through the motor. And coolant is necessary to cool down the engine temperature. You may notice other signs of overheating: smoke, high-temperature gauge, and coolant warning message. You will need to pull over as soon as you notice an overheating engine.  Cold Air Blowing Instead of Heat - When the thermostat is stuck open, there is too much coolant going into the engine. As a result, the engine won&rsq ... read more

Winter weather can have a significant impact on your vehicle, as cooler temperatures can affect various systems and components. Here are some ways in which cooler winter temperatures can affect your vehicle: Battery: Cold weather can make it harder for your battery to hold a charge, which can lead to issues with starting your vehicle. If your battery is already weak or has a low charge, it may not be able to handle the added strain of the colder temperatures. Oil: Oil can thicken in colder temperatures, which can make it harder for it to flow through your engine and lubricate the various moving parts. This can lead to increased wear and tear on your engine, and it may also make it harder for your vehicle to start. Tires: Cold weather can affect the pressure in your tires, causing them to lose air more quickly. This can lead to issues with your handling and stability on the road. It's important to check your tire pressure regularly during the winter to ensure that they are properl ... read more

Tire rotations – you might think, “what’s the big deal anyway” or “are they trying to rip me off”. The answer to the latter question is: nope! Tire rotations are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your vehicle running in tip-top condition. Your vehicle’s tires impact daily driving, so let’s examine how tire rotations can benefit you. What Is a Tire Rotation?  Tire rotations are a service where each tire on your vehicle is moved to a different position to extend and even out tire wear. They can go left to right and one corner to the other.  Why Are Tire Rotations So Important? The importance of this service stems from the fact that your tires wear differently depending on the vehicle you have. For example, in most 4-wheel vehicles, the front of your vehicle endures more from steering, braking, and acceleration than the rear. As a result, your front tires naturally wear more quickly. The procedure helps ensur ... read more

Your car operates on numerous fluids for different compartments, each serving an important purpose. However, there are certain fluids that are extremely vital to your car's functioning. These fluids need regular monitoring and changing. Brake fluid The hydraulics in your car's braking system depend on brake fluid to function properly. Maintaining proper brake fluid levels is crucial to prevent poor braking capability caused by low brake fluid. The rear of the engine compartment is often where the braking fluid reservoir is located. A half-inch or less should separate the brake liquid level from the cap. If you need to replace your brake fluid, refer to your owner's manual to find the right kind. Add liquid until it is just half an inch away from the cap. Additionally, you ought to examine the general caliber of your braking fluid. It could be time to have it replaced if the color is dark and impenetrable. Once every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. Power steering f ... read more

  The engine is the heart of your car, and to keep it alive, you must get routine oil changes. Engines are made up of many moving parts, and they need a layer or coating of protection to prevent them from damaging each other. Motor oil services this vital function. Over time, the oil in your engine breaks down, darkens, and becomes contaminated with dust, dirt, and debris.    To keep the heart of your vehicle beating, you must cycle out the old oil with new and clean motor oil. When you are on top of your oil changes and filter changes, you are doing your best to prevent costly repairs down the line. Here are 5 reasons why oil changes are the most important car service” Keeps engine parts lubricated. The engine consists of pistons, valves, and many other components that move at high speeds and work under extreme pressure. They need a layer of oil or grease to keep themselves from bumping against each other and to run seamlessly. Cools engine components. As men ... read more

The exhaust system plays a crucial role in your vehicle. It is in charge of getting rid of hazardous emissions and converting them to be less harmful to the environment. This complex process involves many pipes and other components that are hard at work. To protect your and your vehicle’s health, you should be on the lookout for the signs of exhaust failures. Top 3 Signs That Indicate You Need Exhaust Repairs Excess Vibrations/Shakiness Car vibrations can be a result of many things, but one of the most popular causes is an exhaust leak. The unstableness tends to worsen as you press on the accelerator, and it can often be felt in the steering wheel and gas pedal.    Lowered Fuel Efficiency When your exhaust system leaks fumes, it can affect your vehicle’s efficiency. Your engine may have to work overtime to pump out these gasses. If your miles per gallon have decreased, you should have your exhaust system evaluated to avoid paying more at the pump than necess ... read more

Factory-recommended services are vital as they help ensure your vehicle is running at its best. Regular servicing can help to identify potential problems early on before they have a chance to cause severe damage. Factory-recommended services can also help to improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency, meaning you'll save money in the long run. Additionally, they can also help extend the life of your car, so you can enjoy it for years to come. Read along to learn why manufacturers recommend these services and why it is essential to keep up with them. Why Vehicle Manufacturers Put Factory Recommended Services in Place There are several reasons why vehicle manufacturers put factory-recommended services in place. One reason is to ensure that the vehicle is running properly and safely. By keeping up with these manufacturers' recommended services, you can be sure that your vehicle is in good working order and is safe to drive. The manufacturers put these recommended services in pla ... read more

The last thing you want to keep you away from a comfortable and safe driving experience is dirty or cloudy headlights. It's crucial for you to regularly clean your headlights. They help you see others and the road ahead of you, and they also let others see you.    To restore headlights back to their fresh and shiny look, follow these 4 methods below: If you’re trying to get rid of a light layer of dirt, you simply only need to use car soap. You’ll also need a soft cloth and warm water to wipe away the grime and residue. Apply steady pressure when scrubbing the headlight area. Rinse and dry. For the second method, you will need to grab some toothpaste and a brush. Toothpaste has great cleaning and shining agents that can restore your headlights. Again, use warm water and a cloth to rinse and dry the area. Another cleaning agent that you can use, that involves mixing common household items, is baking soda and vinegar. Apply the solution and rub in circular ... read more

Superior customer service is among one our top priorities at Ming’s Auto Service in Allston, MA. At our auto repair shop, we always think about the safety of our community's drivers. We specialize in all models of Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, MINI, Mercedes Benz, Land Rover, Porsche and Subaru vehicles, but we welcome most vehicle brands and models. Our team of experts are committed to giving you the braking service you need.    Typically, there are several signs that indicate you need to have the brakes of your car inspected and serviced by a certified mechanic: Grinding or squeaking noises when pressing on the brakes The brake warning light on the dashboard turns on Your vehicle takes longer than usual to stop or slow down The brake pedal feels soft or spongy The brake fluid level looks low There are brake fluid leaks under your parked car   When you encounter these warning signs, we welcome you to take your car to our certified and experienced auto techni ... read more