Wilmington Auto Repair

 Everything You Need To Know About Car Heating Systems  Have you ever been in an old car on a cold day, only to find that the heating system doesn’t work? If so, you’ve experienced first-hand just how important a car heating system is. But what exactly is a car’s heating system and how does it work? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about car heating systems.   How Car Heating Systems Work  Most cars use an engine-cooling system to generate heat for the cabin. This works by using coolant that circulates around the engine block and absorbs its heat. The hot coolant then flows into the heater core, which looks like a miniature radiator located beneath the dashboard, where it passes through small tubes inside the heater core and releases its heat energy. A fan then blows air across the heater core, warming up the air before it enters your vehicle's interior.  The amount of heat generated by your vehicle's cool ... read more

Everything You Need to Know About Electric Vehicles     Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming the way of the future. With their environmental benefits, cost-saving potential, and technological advancements, it's no wonder that more and more consumers are turning to EVs. But what exactly is an EV? What sets it apart from a traditional gas-powered car? Let's take a look at the basics of EVs and explore why they're gaining so much traction.      What is an EV?  An EV is a vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion. The power source for these motors typically comes from a battery pack located inside the vehicle. In contrast to traditional gas-powered cars, which rely on internal combustion engines fueled by gasoline or diesel, EVs generate very little emissions. This makes them an attractive option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality in their local community.    ... read more

What You Need to Know About Key Cutting and Programming  Key cutting and programming are essential services for people who need to replace lost or damaged keys. Whether you need to program a new key for your car, cut a spare for your house, or replace an old key with a new one, it’s important to understand the basics of key cutting and programming. Read on to learn more about these essential services.   How Key Cutting Works  Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using specialized equipment. This is typically done by experienced technicians who use machines that precisely replicate keys from an existing template. These machines are designed specifically for cutting keys and have been used in locksmithing for centuries. There are two types of key cutting machines — manual and automated — and each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.  Manual Key Cutting Machines  Manual key cutting machines require more skill than a ... read more

What to Look For Few things can ruin a pleasant drive quicker than the check engine light. That comfortable, relaxing drive can quickly transition into panic and stress once the light is triggered. But at Kirkwood Auto Center, we think the check engine light is misunderstood. The light actually provides you with a decent amount of information so you’ll know what to do next, as long as you know how to read it. Do you see the check engine light in your vehicle? Are you unsure of what to do next? We’re here to help with just that, as we’ll show what you need to look for whenever you see this warning light! Is The Light Steady or Flashing? When you see the check engine light, first pay attention to how it’s lighted. Is the light steady, or is it flashing? By understanding this, you’ll quickly know what you need to do next. If you see the light steady, that means there is a small problem going on in your vehicle. Technically, your vehicle is fine for the time b ... read more

Times have changed, and so have transportation and expectations for our vehicles. Think back to the Sock Hop dances of the 1950’s. Held in school gyms where street shoes weren’t allowed, young people abandoned their shoes and danced in their socks. Today, the music has changed, the dances have been updated, and we keep our shoes on in public. When you think about it, transportation bears a striking similarity. Updated designs and technology mean that we expect a smoother ride from our cars than we did all those years ago, and we better understand the protective value of keeping on our “shoes,” a sufficient amount of tire tread. These shifts create the need for ensuring proper wheel alignment. While the Sock Hop was great fun decades ago, it’s not cool when your car is a “bad dancer.” Instead of letting your car do an outdated dance, bring it to Kirkwood Auto Center in Wilmington, Delaware. Signs Pointing to the Need for Wheel Alignment If somet ... read more