Why Is My Car Smoking? PICTURE THIS: You’re out driving to run around and complete some errands and all of a sudden you smell something off and start seeing smoke. Don’t panic! They say that where there’s smoke, there’s fire. That isn’t always the case with your car! Nevertheless, if you ever notice smoke coming from beneath your hood, here’s what you should do first: Carefully pull over and shut off your car. To feel more secure, get out of your vehicle and stand at a comfortable distance. There are numerous reasons why your car could be giving off smoke.   2 Most Common Reasons Why Your Car Is Smoking External Oil leak - If your vehicle is smoking as a result of some kind of external oil leak, you’ll notice white smoke and typically start to smell a bad chemical like smell. Coolant Leak (Vehicle Overheating) - You will also experience seeing white smoke with this issue as well and there will be a sense of a sweet like syrup smell ... read more

Sorting out trip logistics like getting gas, keeping an eye on the traffic, and packing lists can help you dedicate more of your time and energy to the people and traditions that matter most. Wherever you're headed this holiday season, a fun and safe adventure starts with the basics. Here is Part 2 of our Holiday Road Trips & Tips! Track the Weather The weather can be quite unpredictable this time of year. Your visibility of the road may be restricted due to fog that tends to usually occur in the early morning. There’s always the chance of rain or snow as well. Make sure you keep an eye on the forecast, so you can manage expectations better. Also, check to see if your windshield wipers are in good shape! Don’t Forget to Rest If you are going on a long road trip, make sure you are well-rested and alert for the long period of concentration. It doesn’t hurt to pull over to take a quick break if you are tired. Make Sur ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Making A Grinding Noise? You know what sound we’re talking about - the one your car makes when stopping abruptly. No need to panic! Discovering the issue is the first step. Your Brakes are one of the most critical features on your vehicle. When it comes to your Brakes, be prompt and take action to ensure your safety to avoid any complications or accidents on the road. The grinding you’re hearing during a sudden stop is most likely due to your ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System). This automatically will activate to prevent Skidding and Wheel Lockups. Once your foot is off the pedal the grinding noise should stop. If it continues, you’ll want to schedule a break repair ASAPhere. This could be a sign your vehicle has Worn Brake Pads. Still aski ... read more

How Often Should I Check My Tire Tread Your tires are what literally keep you grounded! With the cold air quickly approaching, now is the time to check them out!   Low tread depth makes it harder to stop your car which can be dangerous when driving in the rain, sleet, and snow.   What Are The Reasons Your Tires Have Early or Irregular Wear? Improper Inflation Pressure Out-of-Spec Tire Alignment Lack of Tire Rotation That's why it is so important to maintain regular maintain regular service. Taking care of your tires will not only keep you and others safe on the road but will save you money in the long run as well. Here at Frank's we recommend checking them at least once a month!     If It's that time to Check Your Tires and Service Your Vehicle, bri ... read more

What Does My Car's Water Pump Do?     A water pump plays a significant role in a vehicle’s cooling system. If a water pump fails, your engine will be at risk of overheating and suffer from serious damage. To stay on top of your cooling system’s condition, we recommend bringing your car to the trusted team at Frank’s Servicenter for inspections. Our team can prevent any unwanted breakdowns and keep you and your family safer on the road.   Worried about your water pump? Call Frank's at (215) 355-8877.   A water pump is a cooling system part that retrieves water and coolant from the radiator to and from the engine. The pump moves coolant throughout your vehicle so that the engine can stay at stable temperature. After years and years of driving, you notice your water pump breaking down. '   Signs To Replace Your Water Pump Coolant Leaks - If you notice a colorful puddle that smells ... read more

Lying on the beach, tasting new ice cream flavors, playing your favorite sports; summer has a lot to offer. To do these things though, you have to drive your car; so here’s a few things you may have overlooked about summer driving. Summer Car Care Tips for Bucks County PA Need a warm weather tune up? Book an appointment with Frank's today! The first tips we have to give are super simple and free to anyone! It has to do with being prepared. You don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to remember to bring water and snacks for long drives. You never know, an unexpected traffic jam or car accident could make for a minor emergency situation if you’re dehydrated. Also, plan your route. Look at the map to be sure there are alternate ways to get to your summer destination, or even just to work! When the thermometer’s breaking 100 degrees you’ll be glad you did. Car Tire Repair in Summer One of the most import ... read more

What Are the Most Important Dashboard Warning Lights?  GPS navigation, touch screen radios, and the ability for cars to communicate directly to drivers are among the current improvements in the auto industry. In modern vehicles, you can tell a problem in your car through warning lights on your dashboard. Highlighted below are five warning lights on your dashboard you should never ignore. Car trouble? Call Frank's Servicenter at 215-355-8877. Engine Temperature Warning Light If the engine temperature increases above the recommended level, you will see a warning light on the dashboard. Such a warning sign is an indicator of an overheating engine. Overheated engines are a serious problem since they can result in various engine component failures. If you find such warning lights on your vehicle, call your mechanic to diagnose the causes of the light warning and recommend the right solution. Electrical System Fault The warnin ... read more

It’s always refreshing to leave your jacket at home and roll down your car windows in spring, but when the summer sun starts beating down you’ll be happy your car’s AC is working right. Car Air Conditioning Repair In Southampton PA Stay cool when you book with Frank’s Servicenter online now! If you’re asking yourself, “where can I get my car’s AC fixed near me?” then Frank’s Servicenter is the answer. Our professional service advisors will help you as we detect leaks, recharge refrigerant and get rid of any smells that may be coming from your vehicle’s air vents. Car Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air One of the biggest and most common problems to fix for auto AC repairs is when hot air instead of cold blows from the passenger vents. This could be because of a low refrigerant charge. Freon is an odorless and colorless gas that goes through a change of state from gas to liquid to cool the car. This is what run ... read more

Sometimes you know when you need things for your car. It’s not hard to tell if your tires are bald and need replacing, but something that might get overlooked is a wheel alignment.  What Is A Wheel Alignment On A Car? Think you need a wheel alignment? Call us! 215-355-8877 “Does my car need a wheel alignment?” is a common question we hear at Frank’s Servicenter. The answer is simple: ‘Yes’. If your wheels are not properly aligned you could be needlessly wearing down your tires and a wheel alignment cost is always less than having to replace your tires even sooner than usual. Wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted annually. Wheel Alignment Measurements There are three basic measurements when it comes to aligning a car’s wheels: Camber, Caster and Toe. Camber is the angle of the tire relative from the top to the bottom. Picture a car tire leaning in or out from the center. As you drive ... read more

When you’re driving down the road you want to be in perfect control. That’s why you should maintain your control arms and the bushings that connect them to your car’s suspension. What Is A Control Arm Bushing? - Car Repairs Need a control arm replacement? Call Frank’s at 215-355-8877 Your tire is just one component connected to a complex automotive assembly. There isn’t just the wheel and rubber tire, but the brake system, wheel bearing, ball joints, steering tie rods, stabilizer system, shock or strut, and the connection to the vehicle's frame; the control arm. This part is what actually holds your car’s tire/wheel to the rest of the vehicle. Generally a control arm is triangular or wishbone-shaped. At the tire end, there’s something called a Ball Joint. This allows the tire to move in any direction necessary. On the other end is the Control Arm Bushings. The control arm bushing is a round, rubber connection t ... read more