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As summer winds down and the school year approaches, it's important for Cedar Falls drivers to make sure their car is ready for the busy days ahead. Before the hectic mornings of dropping off the kids at school begin, take some time to give your vehicle a back-to-school checkup. A well-maintained car will help ensure a smooth start to the academic year.

At Roling Ford in Shell Rock, IA, we know how important it is to keep your vehicle running smoothly and reliably. 

Part of maintaining your car is making sure your tires are rotated. This is often done at the same time Roling Ford changes your oil. While driving in Shell Rock, IA, you might notice that there is some uneven wear and tear, which a rotation can help to decrease.

A leaking exhaust system is an issue that has to be corrected as soon as possible. If this problem is not fixed right away, then the dangerous fumes will leak into your vehicle. That is why it is imperative for you to be able to recognize the signs of an exhaust leak. 

The most common type of leaks found in vehicles includes engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid leaks. Engine oil is usually the least severe. If left unchecked can lead to decreased gas mileage, increased emissions, or even engine failure.

Hydroplaning is dangerous because it can make it harder for you to brake and steer. In most cases, hydroplaning can be prevented. You need to assess the road conditions before you start driving. The more water on the road, the more likely you are to hydroplane. 

Has your engine ever backfired, raised a racket with clanging noises or just plain broke down? The culprit might be a bad timing belt. How does this one small component have such a powerful effect on a vehicle's engine? Our seasoned automotive techs here at Shell Rock, IA Roling Ford gave us a quick overview to answer this question.

At Roling Ford in Shell Rock, IA, we want our customers to be able to take care of their vehicles and drive safely on the road. That is why we are providing information on how to safely and easily perform a car battery test.

Have you ever turned your steering wheel sharply to avoid hitting something only to discover the vehicle didn’t turn as sharply as you’d hoped? If so, you experienced understeering. Oversteering is just the opposite of understeering. Both of these are terms used to describe how sensitive your vehicle is to steering. 

Given the many chemical processes that happen in your vehicle while it's running in Shell Rock, I, you're bound to notice a few odors from time to time. When those odors become consistent, though, and their smell takes a turn for the worst, it usually indicates some type of problem. In some cases, your vehicle's exhaust system can be responsible for the foul odors that you smell. Keep reading to learn why this occurs.