Mason Auto Repair

A blown head gasket is one of the more serious issues a vehicle can face, leading to expensive repairs if not caught on time. The head gasket seals the combustion chamber, keeps coolant and oil from mixing and maintains proper engine compression. When it fails, a variety of symptoms appear, and ignoring them can lead to engine damage or even total engine failure. Knowing the signs of a blown head gasket helps you respond quickly and minimize the risk of further complications. Let’s take a closer look at what you should watch for. Overheating That Doesn’t Go Away One of the most common symptoms of a blown head gasket is engine overheating. When the gasket fails, it can allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber or escape externally. This lowers the coolant level and disrupts the system’s ability to regulate engine temperature. If your temperature gauge rises quickly or your vehicle frequently runs hot even after adding coolant, the head gask ... read more

Your transmission is one of the most indispensable and expensive components in your vehicle. Whether you drive an automatic or manual, keeping your transmission in good condition is necessary for smooth shifting, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability. With the right care, you can significantly extend its life and avoid expensive repairs. Here’s how to help your transmission go the distance. Keep Up With Regular Fluid Changes Just like engine oil, transmission fluid breaks down over time. It becomes contaminated with debris, loses its lubricating properties, and can’t cool or protect the internal parts as effectively. Following your vehicle’s recommended fluid change interval helps prevent overheating, gear slippage, and premature wear. If your fluid looks dark or smells burnt, it’s likely time for a change—even if you’re still within the mileage range. Don’t Ignore Shifting Problems If your vehicle hes ... read more

A malfunctioning speedometer isn’t just a minor annoyance—it can make driving more dangerous and put you at risk of speeding without realizing it. If your speed display suddenly freezes, jumps around, or drops to zero while you’re still in motion, something in your vehicle’s electrical or sensor system isn’t working as it should. From sensor failures to dashboard issues, there are a few common culprits behind inaccurate speed readings. Knowing what to watch for can help you get the problem fixed before it turns into a bigger safety concern. Why Do Speedometers Stop Working or Act Up In modern vehicles, speed data is collected by a vehicle speed sensor (VSS), usually located on the transmission. This sensor measures how fast the wheels are turning and sends that information to the car’s onboard computer, which then feeds it to the speedometer. If that sensor malfunctions, becomes dirty, or fails completely, the system may receive b ... read more

Toyota vehicles are known for their long-lasting reliability, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to problems. Even the most dependable models can develop issues over time, especially as they rack up miles. Staying ahead of common trouble spots can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your Toyota performing at its best. What are the most frequent problems Toyota owners face, and how can you prevent them? 1. Oil Consumption in High-Mileage Engines Some Toyota models, particularly those equipped with 2AZ-FE 2.4L four-cylinder engines, have been known to develop excessive oil consumption as they age. This issue has been reported in models such as the Toyota Camry, RAV4, and Corolla from the mid-2000s to early 2010s. Owners may notice the oil level dropping between changes or needing to add oil more frequently. If left unchecked, low oil levels can lead to engine damage. Regular oil level checks and switching to high-mileage motor oil can help reduce exce ... read more

Most drivers are familiar with routine maintenance like oil changes, brake inspections, and tire rotations, but there’s one system that often gets overlooked—the differential. Whether you drive a car, truck, or SUV, your vehicle’s differential plays a major role in ensuring a smooth and stable ride. But what happens when it’s neglected? What Does the Differential Do Your vehicle’s differential is responsible for distributing power from the engine to the wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds. This is especially important when turning, as the inside and outside wheels need to move at different rates to prevent skidding or dragging. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the differential is located at the back and is connected to the driveshaft. In front-wheel-drive cars, it’s integrated into the transaxle. All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive ... read more