At Scotty’s Automotive Repair, we explain that understanding how temperature affects your tires can save you from unnecessary visits-  and every 10°F drop in temperature causes about a 2% decrease in tire pressure due to the physics of gas contraction.

To determine if you’re dealing with seasonal inflation changes versus an actual leak, our technicians recommend checking pressure when tires are cold (before driving) using your vehicle’s recommended PSI from the driver’s side door jamb.

If readings consistently drop below this threshold even after reinflation, we perform a comprehensive leak detection test including visual inspection of valve stems and sidewalls  to identify any air loss points- helping you maintain optimal tire safety without over-inflating during winter months when proper traction is critical for handling icy roads.

The sudden loss of heat you’re experiencing typically stems from one of three common issues we see at Scotty’s Automotive Repair during these January deep freezes- most frequently, your vehicle’s thermostat has failed in the open position, preventing coolant circulation to the heater core, or you’ve developed a low coolant condition that’s compromising system performance.

Our technicians will begin by verifying engine temperature reaches normal operating range (using our infrared thermometer) and checking for visible leaks around hoses and connections before inspecting your heater control valve operation- we’ll also examine the blend door actuator that directs hot air flow from the heater core, as these components often fail during extreme temperature swings.

For modern vehicles with electronic climate controls, we perform diagnostic scans to check for any HVAC-related fault codes that might indicate more complex issues with the system’s control module.

At Scotty’s Automotive Repair, we’re seeing an influx of customers following those jarring encounters with January potholes-impact damage to steering and suspension components often manifests through several telltale signs including noticeable vibration in your steering wheel at highway speeds (especially between 45-60 mph), uneven or excessive tire wear on the inner or outer edges, or your vehicle pulling consistently to one side even on straight roads.

Our computerized four-wheel alignment system can precisely measure these subtle changes from factory specifications within minutes of arrival-we’ll identify whether you need a simple alignment adjustment or if more significant damage has occurred to control arms, tie rods, or steering rack components that require replacement before proceeding with any work, ensuring your vehicle handles safely through winter’s challenging road conditions.

At Scotty’s Automotive Repair, we’re seeing an influx of customers following those jarring encounters with January potholes-impact damage to steering and suspension components often manifests through several telltale signs including noticeable vibration in your steering wheel at highway speeds (especially between 45-60 mph), uneven or excessive tire wear on the inner or outer edges, or your vehicle pulling consistently to one side even on straight roads.

Our computerized four-wheel alignment system can precisely measure these subtle changes from factory specifications within minutes of arrival-we’ll identify whether you need a simple alignment adjustment or if more significant damage has occurred to control arms, tie rods, or steering rack components that require replacement before proceeding with any work, ensuring your vehicle handles safely through winter’s challenging road conditions.

At Scotty’s Automotive Repair, we respect our customers’ desire to save on repair costs while recognizing the critical safety implications of proper brake service-we typically recommend leaving brake pad replacement and rotor resurfacing to professionals unless you have significant mechanical experience.

While DIY brake pads might cost $150-200 less initially, professional installation includes specialized equipment like electronic caliper pistons for proper retraction, comprehensive lubrication of all moving parts with high-temperature grease, precision measurement of disc thickness and runout, and verification that your ABS system is properly bled afterward-factors that can significantly extend brake life and ensure optimal stopping performance.

We offer transparent pricing on our brake services performed by our ASE-certified technicians who follow strict safety protocols for these critical systems.