Car Care Tips for Aiken Drivers

December 11, 2024

Essential Maintenance Advice from Aiken's Trusted Auto Experts

Maintaining your vehicle is essential to ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency on the road. At Automotive Workbench in Aiken, SC, we understand the importance of keeping your car in optimal condition, which is why we’ve compiled practical car care tips tailored for drivers in Aiken. With decades of experience serving the local community, we aim to empower you with the knowledge to extend the life of your vehicle and enhance your driving experience.

1. Regular Brake Inspections

Your brakes are vital to your safety and the safety of others on the road. It’s important to schedule routine brake inspections to ensure your system is functioning correctly. Common signs of brake issues include squealing noises, a spongy pedal, or reduced stopping power. At Automotive Workbench, our ASE-certified technicians use advanced diagnostics to keep your braking system reliable, helping you stay safe on Aiken's roads.

2. Maintain Your Suspension for Smooth Handling

A properly functioning suspension system not only makes your rides smoother but also improves steering and braking performance. If you notice uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing, or difficulty steering, it’s time to have your suspension inspected. At Automotive Workbench, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing suspension issues to enhance your vehicle’s handling, ensuring a safer and more comfortable driving experience.

3. Prioritize HVAC Maintenance for Year-Round Comfort

Your vehicle’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is critical for comfort and safety, especially during South Carolina’s hot summers and cool winters. Regular maintenance, such as checking refrigerant levels and cleaning air filters, ensures your HVAC system performs efficiently. Whether your AC isn’t cooling or your heater isn’t working, Automotive Workbench is here to provide professional HVAC services that keep your cabin comfortable year-round.

4. Preventive Maintenance Saves Time and Money

Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks, is essential for preventing costly repairs down the road. At Automotive Workbench in Aiken, SC, we recommend following your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule to keep everything running smoothly. Regular tune-ups not only improve fuel efficiency but also extend the lifespan of your car’s critical components.

5. Check Tire Health Regularly

Your tires are your vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, making their condition crucial to your safety. Inspect your tires regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or low tread depth. Proper tire pressure also improves fuel efficiency and reduces wear. At Automotive Workbench, we offer expert tire services, including rotations, repairs, and replacements, to ensure your vehicle handles optimally in all conditions.

6. Address Electrical Issues Promptly

Modern vehicles rely heavily on their electrical systems, powering everything from the ignition to safety features like airbags. If you notice issues such as dim headlights or a malfunctioning infotainment system, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected. Our ASE-certified technicians at Automotive Workbench specialize in diagnosing and repairing electrical issues to ensure your car’s reliability.

7. Don’t Ignore Transmission Issues

A healthy transmission is key to smooth gear shifts and overall vehicle performance. If you experience slipping gears, delayed acceleration, or leaking transmission fluid, bring your car to Automotive Workbench. Our team provides expert transmission services to keep your vehicle operating efficiently on Aiken’s roads.

8. Seasonal Car Care Tips for Aiken Drivers

Aiken’s weather can vary, so adapting your car care routine to the seasons is important. In the summer, ensure your AC is functioning well and your coolant levels are sufficient. In the winter, check your battery and tire tread to handle colder temperatures safely. Automotive Workbench offers year-round maintenance services to help your vehicle stay prepared for any season.

9. The Importance of Clean Engine Components

Keeping your engine clean improves performance and fuel efficiency. Dust, grime, and debris can build up over time, affecting components like the air intake and cooling systems. Regular engine cleanings and air filter replacements can help your engine breathe better, ensuring it performs at its best.

10. Build a Relationship with a Trusted Auto Shop

Having a reliable auto shop for routine maintenance and repairs is invaluable. At Automotive Workbench in Aiken, SC, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, honest, and transparent service to every customer. From brakes to transmissions, our ASE-certified technicians are here to help you with all your automotive needs.

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Mastering Suspension: How to Enhance Your Vehicle's Performance and Safety

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Braking News with Brian: Do You See the Light?

By Brian Bernard • December 9, 2025
“In the beginning there was light...” Wait— that’s not right. Wrong story. In the beginning there was a check engine light. Yes, that’s how this story starts. Bill, a longtime customer of mine, called me one morning about his 2004 GMC Sierra. He was getting ready to head out on a trip, but his truck was running a little rough. We set the appointment, and while I enjoyed a hot cup of coffee, Bill rolled into the shop. We pulled his truck into the diagnostic bay, and my technician scanned the computer for any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). What the technician found led me to a series of questions for Bill. Me: “Bill, we found some trouble codes in the computer. Has the check engine light been for long?” Bill: “Oh, that thing? Yeah, it’s been on for a couple years! But it’s been running great.” Me: “Well, it’s running terribly now.” Bill: “True… it just started acting up these past couple of weeks.” What we uncovered was a laundry list of fault codes that had been obviously ignored. He also admitted he’d been topping off his radiator with coolant from time to time. Here’s what happened: it started with a small radiator leak. As the coolant got too low, the engine overheated, off and on, over and over. That constant heat stress finally caused the head gasket to fail. By the time all was said and done, with machine shop work, new head gaskets, radiator, spark plugs, and an oxygen sensor, the bill (no pun intended) came to $3,000. The moral? Bill now “ sees the light ” and knows the cost of ignoring it. Some dashboard warning lights may be confusing, but they’re there for a reason. If a light comes on or a gauge points to a problem, don’t wait. Even if your car seems to be running fine, it’s always safer (and cheaper) to get it checked out before a small issue snowballs into a major repair. Do you see the light? Drive Safe! Brian Bernard – Owner, Automotive Workbench Your Car,… Trusted Care

Braking News with Brian: What's Your Point?

By Brian Bernard • December 2, 2025
When you see an advertisement for an oil change that includes a 28-point inspection, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? “Wow! Look at that price. They are looking over a lot of stuff on my car” . Or “What are all those points they are looking at? Is it really important”? Or my personal favorite: “Can I save money on my oil change if they don’t look at those items?” You can also ask yourself if there is anything else to look at on your car besides these 28 points. Does that cover the whole car? As a car owner, do you really know what should be looked at on your car and how often? Let me break down three important things to consider before you jump at the next “blah blah blah” point inspection deal. Know What’s Being Inspected If you’re already taking the time to get your car in the shop, make the most of it. Ask the service advisor what those points actually cover and why they matter. A quality multipoint inspection should be more than just flipping your headlights on and off. Some items may sound random, but many are critical to keeping you and your family safe. Prioritize Safety Items A good inspection list should be safety minded. Tires, brakes, steering, and suspension components are at the top of that list. Ignore them, and you could be putting yourself in real danger. Sure, wiper blades and accessories are nice to check, but you don’t need a certified mechanic to tell you when your wipers are streaking. A failing tie rod end, on the other hand, isn’t so obvious, and it’s a whole lot more dangerous. Don’t Fall for the Fine Print I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Today’s ads are filled with fine print, exclusions, and half-truths. Without a trusted repair shop on your side, you’re at a disadvantage. If your oil change doesn’t include a thorough safety inspection every single time, that’s a red flag. The truth is, there’s no magic number. 20, 28, 40, or more, the exact inspection points depend on your vehicle. My team often checks more than 40 items when servicing a car. But the real point isn’t the number. The point is peace of mind and knowing that your car is safe and roadworthy. And that, my friends, is the only point that really matters. Drive Safe! Brian Bernard – Owner, Automotive Workbench Your Car,… Trusted Care

Braking News with Brian: Parent Survival Guide

By Brian Bernard • November 25, 2025
At some time in life, many of us become parents of teenagers, and there’s one thing they want more than anything else in the world: to drive. But are we ready? For the emotions, the financial burden, and inevitable mechanical abuse that comes with it? Have you ever experienced the worry of watching your teenage daughter drive away for the very first time? Or the horror of sitting in the passenger seat while your son barrels through a red traffic light at 45 mph, with nothing but The Fast and the Furious in his eyes? How about the household budget— bankrupt by the gas card charges, auto insurance policy, and keeping the mechanic and body shop on retainer? Us parents need to be aware of what our teenagers are doing while driving. We can’t just take our teens at their word when we ask “Are you driving safe? Is the car OK?” Chances are, they’ll say yes, even if the evidence says otherwise. A little parental detective work can go a long way. Let me give you a few cases I’ve uncovered over the years: The Bald Tire Mystery While servicing a car, I noticed the right rear tire was completely bald, while the other three were still in great shape. After some “Magnum P.I.”-style sleuthing, I discovered that the owner’s teenage son was the driver of the car. Since the car was rear-wheel-drive, it was clear he had a love for jackrabbit starts and the sweet smell of burning rubber. The Vanishing Sidewalls Another telltale sign: check the edges and sidewalls of your tires. You may at one time have had nice white lettered tires on your SUV before your teenager started driving, but now, those white letters are gone, as well as the outer treads. In my experience, this usually means your young driver has been curb-checking at the fast-food drive-thru and then flying into turns like their favorite NASCAR driver. The Interior Apocalypse Finally, take a peek inside your car. If a foul odor immediately burns your eyes and makes you consider calling 911, you may have uncovered what I call “teenage terrorism.” You might find moo goo gai pan fossilized under the seat, or a two-week-old soda fermenting in the console. If you survive the first breath, congratulations, you’ve just solved the case. The bottom line: make it a habit to see what your teens are doing in the car. They won't always tell you if something's wrong because they know if the car goes into the shop, then they don’t get to drive. If they don’t get to drive, for some that means riding the dreaded school bus! There goes their reputation. Our teens may have their motives, but so do we. We want them safe. We love them, and even if their driving gives us a few more gray hairs, keeping an eye on the little clues can help us all survive the ride! Drive Safe! Brian Bernard – Owner, Automotive Workbench Your Car,… Trusted Care

Braking News with Brian: Potholes, Patience, Pavement

By Brian Bernard • November 18, 2025
Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of construction, repaving, and road repair happening around Aiken. Yea!! I’m quite happy about this because we all love smooth roads. But, of course, with the good, there always is a bit of bad. In this case, the bad is the hassle of maneuvering through rough terrain and waiting, waiting, and waiting to get through the construction zones. One day, it took almost 12 minutes for me to turn left onto E Pine Log from my shop’s driveway. What is it that Charlie Brown says? I think it’s “AARGH”! As if the construction delays weren’t enough, the weather has joined the party. Heavy rains create new potholes in the weakened asphalt, and they can wreak havoc on your car’s tires and suspension. At the shop, I’m seeing a higher-than-normal number of cars in my shop requiring alignments and new tires. Many of the tire replacements are due to damaged sidewalls and “choppy” treads. The tricky part is, a car can drive ‘as straight as an arrow,’ but the steering linkage may be way out of adjustment. That hidden problem can cause tires to wear in no time and, if ignored, may even lead to a dreaded blowout! So here are a few simple checks you can do to catch alignment, tire, or brake issues before they turn into something bigger: Pull Test On a smooth, straight road (Ha-ha, I know, tricky to find these days), momentarily let go of the steering wheel. Does the car pull to the right or left? If the car pulls in one direction, it could be a sign that your car is out of alignment, or that a tire has low air pressure. Vibration Check At a steady speed, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel. If there is a vibration in the steering wheel, that could be an indication of a wheel balance issue or a possible belt separation in a front tire. Brake Test When braking at higher speeds, do you feel vibration in the steering wheel or throughout the car? That’s a telltale sign of front suspension problems or warped brake rotors. Both issues can transfer excess play into the steering wheel. Keeping your car properly maintained not only keeps you safe but also ensures you’ll be ready to fully enjoy those smooth new roads we’ve all been waiting so patiently for! Drive Safe! Brian Bernard – Owner, Automotive Workbench Your Car,… Trusted Care

Braking News with Brian: Dashboard Hieroglyphics

By Brian Bernard • November 11, 2025
It seems the technology of today’s automobiles is advancing at the speed of light. Much like our cellphones, the car you buy today is outdated before the end of the year when a newer, “better” model rolls out. Sitting in some of the more exotic and complex automobiles can feel like you’re sitting in the cockpit of a jet airplane. There are so many buttons and switches– it’s mind-boggling. What are they all for? Will we ever actually use them? Along with the countless buttons and switches comes a series of what I call hieroglyphic images that light up our dashboards. What do they mean, and how important are they really? Some of these images are actually simple and are plain words that even I can understand. But some others are pretty bizarre. Customers sometimes come to me and say, “Brian, what does this light mean?” And even after decades of working on cars, I’ve had to admit: “I’ve never seen a light like that before!” I mean, who came up with the idea that an exclamation mark inside a U shape means low tire pressure? A circle inside a set of parentheses means low brake pads. And my personal favorite: an exclamation point inside a red triangle, which means… “check your dashboard for other warning lights.” Really? If it were up to me, the lights would be straightforward. Something like: LOW TIRE PRESSURE, LOW BRAKE PADS, or the catch-all: “HEY, &!^#)!@, SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO BREAK. Until automakers adopt my system, though, we’re left with the hieroglyphics. That’s why the most responsible thing we can do as car owners is read our owner’s manual. Painful as it may be, we can educate ourselves on all those crazy lights, hieroglyphic images, and bizarre warning sounds. Happy reading, and keep your eyes on the road! Drive Safe! Brian Bernard – Owner, Automotive Workbench Your Car,… Trusted Care

Braking News with Brian: In a Rut

By Brian Bernard • November 4, 2025
This time of the year, as the days get shorter, many of us find ourselves driving more often at dawn, dusk, or after dark. If your eyesight is anything like mine, night driving can be a challenge. My night vision is terrible! It’s been frustrating for years, and I know it’s not going to change. That’s why it’s so important, for me and for you, that our headlights are working properly. Burnt-out bulbs, cloudy headlamp covers, and overly tinted windows can all limit visibility and reduce our ability to spot hazards. And around here, one of the biggest hazards is on the move: deer. The deer population in Aiken has been a hot topic for years, and with good reason. Whether you love them, dislike them, or don’t think much about them at all, deer are out there. And with mating season happening, we can expect even more activity, especially on the roads. When bucks enter the “rut” (their breeding season), they’re full of energy, showing off their antlers and competing with each other. This aggressive behavior often leads to more roadside movement. And once the chasing begins, it’s only a matter of time before a doe darts across the road with a buck right behind her. Sudden crossings are almost guaranteed this time of year. That’s why now is the perfect time to double-check your vehicle’s lighting. Headlights, fog lights, driving lights, side markers, taillights— make sure they’re all in good working order. If your headlight covers are dull or yellowed, consider having them polished or replacing the assemblies altogether. A clear beam of light could mean the difference between a close call and a collision. At the end of the day, I think we can agree that we all want to protect the deer, protect our vehicles, and most importantly, protect ourselves and the precious cargo we carry. By staying proactive with vehicle maintenance and practicing defensive driving, we can all enjoy a safer ride, especially in our beautiful community Aiken. Drive Safe, my “deers”! Brian Bernard - Owner, Automotive Workbench Your Car,… Trusted Care

Mastering HVAC Maintenance for Optimal Vehicle Comfort

By Automotive Work Bench • November 3, 2025
Boost your car's HVAC performance with expert tips from Automotive Workbench in Aiken, SC. Enjoy optimum comfort. Visit us today for a thorough check-up!

Braking News with Brian: Crystal Ball

By Brian Bernard • October 28, 2025
I’ve been collecting mechanics’ hand tools for most of my life. I’ve shopped in stores, tool catalogs, and tool trucks. I’ve owned just about every kind of tool, except one…a crystal ball. I’ve seen them in movies and on TV, but alas, I’ve concluded that they don’t exist. So, you’re probably wondering what a crystal ball has to do with automotive repair. Well, many customers call and ask, “Is my car safe to drive?” Or “How long can my car be driven in its current condition before something serious breaks?" Most often, I’ll hear, “I know my tires are bald or getting low, but how many more miles can I go on them?” These are the moments I wish I did have a crystal ball, so I could answer with confidence and assurance. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS, 2005-2007), the data represents an estimated 2,189,000 crashes nationwide. They concluded that about 94% of these crashes were caused by the driver. The next statistic really caught my attention. Only about 2% of crashes were caused by a vehicle component’s failure or degradation. That 2% of crashes caused by vehicle parts failing isn’t tiny when you consider how many cars are on the road. It means moms, dads, kids, and loved ones are in danger not only from driver mistakes, but also from mechanical failures that often go unchecked. When safety is in question, there is no room for guessing. Too many variables can come into play, and the consequences can be disastrous. So here are my 3 defaults: Fix what is broken now. Don’t wait for it to get worse. Catch up on all past due maintenance and keep up with preventive maintenance. Oil changes, brakes, tires— stay ahead of the curve. Find a trusted mechanic and have them inspect your car at least twice a year, or in between services. If you do these three things, you’ll have a much safer car and be a more confident driver. And you can finally toss aside that imaginary crystal ball (if you were ever lucky enough to have one). Drive Safe! Brian Bernard – Owner, Automotive Workbench Your Car,… Trusted Care
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