There's a lot of confusion on this topic of when should I replace my shocks or struts. If you look in your owner's manual there won't be a specific mileage for replacing them but big shock and strut companies like Monroe or Gabriel will say replace them every 50,000 miles. Here at Fast Lane Automotive we've settled on a 75,000 mile recommendation for replacement. Now why do I ever need to replace my shocks or struts? When you buy a car brand new the car feels tight and smooth. When you turn the steering wheel the car is responsive, it does what you want when you need it to. When your car gets past 75,000 miles, you may not notice the gradual loss of shock or strut [...]

Hey everyone this is Anthony at Fast Lane Automotive. People ask “Should I take my car to the dealership for repairs and maintenance”. Absolutely not and I'll tell you why I'm so confident in saying this. In 2013-2014 Consumer Reports surveyed the customers of 121,000 visits for automotive service and as it turns out independent repair shops outranked the dealership on pretty much everything, customer satisfaction, price, you name it. That makes sense because at the dealership you get a 1 year, 12,000 mile warranty. At Fast Lane Automotive you get a 3 year 36,000 mile nationwide warranty, we also have loaner cars too, and you don't have to sit here forever waiting for a simple oil change. But Anthony, if I take my car to you [...]

We make auto repair fast and easy in Orlando. Have you ever been to an automotive repair shop where your car sits there forever? A few days go by, a week goes by, and they're still working on it. You guys want to know a secret? They're not working on your car! It's sitting there because their parking lot is backed up and you're the last one in line. Don't you wish they would have told you that before you dropped it off? A good repair shop will never let that happen. First, because we schedule out appointments and plan our days ahead of time and second, we have enough staff to handle it when it gets really busy. If you're busy like most people and depend [...]

People ask me “Why does my drive belt squeal?” Do you ever hear someone with a really loud annoying screech when they first start their car in the morning? As a drive belt ages, typically after 5 years or more, they begin to stretch or crack. Your drive belt is a big rubber piece that goes around a bunch of pulleys that control your power steering, alternator, water pump, and other accessories. So as you can see if your drive belt fails, you can over heat your engine, you can loose power steering, or your car can die and stop running because the battery is not being charged. And sometimes it’s not your belt that’s the problem but rather one of the pulleys can lock up or [...]

Many times people ask, “Why do my brakes squeak?” Your brakes squeak because of three most common reasons. First, your brake pads may be worn down and the wear indicator is touching the rotor surface, causing a scraping or a high-pitched squealing sound. Eventually your brake pad material will wear out completely and damage your rotors, at least doubling the cost of your brake repair. Second, your brakes may squeak because of a broken shim or clip. Your brake pads are held tightly into place by metal clips and a shim or backing plate. If any of these parts break or are missing, the brake pad will vibrate causing noise. Finally, your brakes may squeak just because of cheap brake material. The three most common types of [...]

Have you ever been to a shop where they try to sell you a bunch of stuff over the phone? The mechanics at Fast Lane Automotive in Orlando know the proper way to do a vehicle inspection to check brakes, tires, fluids, suspension, or anything else. Tell me if this has ever happened to you. You drop your car off at a shop for a simple oil change and halfway through the day you get the phone call from the service advisor... Mr. or Mrs. Customer, your car is not safe, you need brakes, you need tires, you're gonna crash and kill somebody, It'll be a few thousand dollars too. You're thinking aww man, I just wanted an oil change, I don't even have the money. Is this [...]

Watch the short video below to learn about how potholes could cause major problems for your car. If these problems go undetected, it could lead to expensive repairs in the future.

One of the big mistakes people make is assuming that their suspension system (i.e., struts or shocks) is mainly about providing a smooth ride, and therefore these repairs are not as important as other maintenance issues like their brakes or oil changes. However, faulty suspension can greatly affect your ability to control your vehicle, especially when you are stopping or turning. It’s also a big contributor to uneven tire wear (along with bad alignment of course) which leads to uneven tire wear and a shorter tire life (i.e., much higher costs). So it is in your best interest not to ignore this part of your vehicle's maintenance. What is the Suspension System? The suspension system consists of springs, tires, shock absorbers, and parts that connect your vehicle to its wheels and allows for motion between the two. The [...]

A few simple steps can help your car running smooth all summer long.  Here are the top 5 car care tips from car experts. Check and change the oil.  If you neglect to check levels or change the oil, your car engine will be ruined. Flush the cooling system and change the coolant once a year. Replace brake fluid and bleed system once a year. Protect the interior plastic and vinyl by parking in the shade or use a window screen. Check your tires for wear and tear. We’re always ready to help!  Call us today at 407-270-1506 to schedule your FREE car inspection  today! Sources: Kelly Blue Book; Top Ten Car Care Tips http://www.kbb.com/car-advice/articles/top-ten-car-care-tips/