Merritt Island Auto Repair

Florida’s winter is mild in temperature, but heavy in moisture. Cool mornings, sudden showers, and salty air combine to leave interiors damp. That moisture feeds mildew, creates foggy glass, and leaves a stubborn musty smell. The good news is that a few habits and some targeted maintenance can keep your cabin clean, dry, and comfortable all season. Why Florida Winters Invite Odors and Mold Mold thrives when humidity stays high and air sits still. On the Space Coast, you get both. Short drives do not warm the cabin enough to evaporate moisture, so wet floor mats and seat fabric never fully dry. Evening temperature drops make water condense on cool glass and plastic. Left alone, that dampness settles into carpet padding and the HVAC box, which is why a car can smell fine at noon and musty the next morning. Daily Habits That Keep Moisture Out Start with what you carry into the cabin. Knock sand and water off shoes before getting in, and shake ... read more

If your car jerks or bucks during gear changes, something isn’t right. Smooth shifting is one of the signs of a healthy drivetrain, and any unexpected movement could be a sign that a component is wearing out or malfunctioning. Whether the issue is occasional or happens consistently, it’s worth checking out. Many drivers assume a jerking sensation always means transmission trouble. While that’s a possibility, there are several other potential causes that can feel very similar. The key is to catch the problem early before it causes more serious damage or leaves you stuck on the side of the road. Is It the Transmission Itself? Your transmission is responsible for shifting gears and delivering power to the wheels at different speeds. When it starts to fail, it may cause rough or delayed shifting, hesitation when accelerating, or jerking between gears. Common transmission-related issues that cause jerking include: Low or dirty transmission fluid Worn ... read more

Living in Florida, freezing temperatures are rare, and you might wonder if a coolant flush is really necessary when your engine isn’t at risk of turning into a block of ice. While coolant, or antifreeze, does protect against freezing, that’s only one part of its job. In a warm climate like Florida, your cooling system still works hard to regulate engine temperature, and neglecting coolant maintenance can lead to overheating, corrosion, and costly repairs. Why Is Coolant Also Important in Hot Weather Your vehicle’s coolant circulates through the engine, radiator, and heater core, carrying heat away from vital components. Even if you never have to worry about freezing, Florida’s high temperatures put extra stress on your cooling system. Coolant is specially formulated to: Regulate engine temperature and prevent overheating Protect metal components like the radiator and water pump from corrosion Lubricate moving parts, such as the water pump ... read more

Not long ago, the carburetor was an essential part of almost every vehicle on the road. If you owned a car in the 1970s or 1980s, you probably heard the term often or even adjusted a carburetor yourself. But take a look under the hood of any modern vehicle today, and you won’t find one. So what happened? Carburetors were once the standard for mixing fuel and air before it entered the engine’s combustion chambers. Today, that job has been handed over to more advanced technology. Let's explore why carburetors disappeared from modern vehicles and what replaced them. What Did the Carburetor Do The carburetor was responsible for blending fuel with air in the right ratio before delivering it to the engine. It relied on air pressure and mechanical parts to regulate this mix. When it worked well, the engine ran smoothly and responded well to the gas pedal. But carburetors had their limitations. They required frequent adjustment, especially during seasonal t ... read more

We’ve all been there — the gas light turns on, and you think, “I can make it a few more miles.” While it might seem harmless to stretch your fuel until the next gas station, consistently driving on an empty tank can lead to serious problems for your vehicle. Understanding the risks of running low on fuel can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. Fuel Gauge Isn’t Always Precise First, it’s important to remember that your fuel gauge isn’t a perfectly accurate instrument. Depending on your car’s design and driving conditions, the “empty” warning might leave you with more or less fuel than you expect. Relying on this light and guessing how far you can go puts you at risk of stalling in inconvenient or unsafe locations. If your car runs completely out of gas, it can leave you stranded on a busy road or far from help, creating a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. Damage ... read more