If you turn the key in your car’s ignition and you get crickets, don’t despair. Milex Complete Auto Care has some steps you can take to solve the problem if your car won’t start before you resort to calling a tow truck.   Whether you are on your way to work or headed to the gym, having a car that won’t start is sure to put a crimp in your day. You may have a hot cup of coffee and snack at the ready, but it’s not likely you have easy access to the tools you need to fix your ride. If your car won’t start, Milex Complete Auto Care recommends trying some basic fixes before touching base with roadside assistance. Here are some tricks of the trade to get your car started.   Dead Battery If your car clicks when you turn the key but won’t turn over, the battery may be the culprit. Before pulling out the jumper cables, we have some alternatives.   Cycle the Key. Turn the key to the start position an ... read more

As more car owners opt to keep their vehicles longer and customers tighten their purse strings during this unpredictable season, it is becoming increasingly important to keep up with regular maintenance, including replacing the timing belt.   A timing belt is an essential component of an internal combustion engine. The timing belt is a rubber belt that syncs up the crankshaft and camshaft rotation, which ensures your engine and valves operate correctly. The camshaft operates the valves in your engine to facilitate the movement of air and gas. The crankshaft moves the pistons up and down to help power the engine. The timing belt keeps your engine’s valves moving safely and your engine running. Failing to maintain your timing belt can lead to larger problems and even more costly engine repairs.   Most car manufacturers advise replacing your timing belt every 100,000 miles, although older vehicles may need to replace timing belts every 60,000 miles.   Si ... read more

“It’s time to get that replaced.” Those are words that no car owner wants to hear. After all, replacing – or repairing -- a car part means that you’re going to spend money, and if you’re short on cash, you may understandably be tempted to put off getting something fixed. After all, if your car is fully functioning, and money is tight, why not wait a little while longer? Indeed, sometimes the answer is, “Why not?” But, take it from us, at Milex Complete Auto Care, unfortunately, sometimes the answer is: “It better not be much longer.” That’s because some car parts, when they start weakening, can set off a chain reaction and cause other problems with your vehicle. Sometimes trying to save a $60 repair job can translate into a few months from now, or in even a few days, having a $600 problem. Putting off a car repair or delaying in getting a car part replaced is often aki ... read more

With each new light on the dash, we hold our breath as the thought of expensive bills flashes through our minds. As a car owner, preventative engine maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle healthy and your wallet happy. Although it’s not always black and white when it comes to our finely tuned machines, technicians at Milex Complete Auto Care share some of the more obvious signs that your vehicle may be experiencing engine damage. Check Engine Light You may be patiently waiting in the carpool line when an immediate anxious moment hits every vehicle owner; your check engine light illuminates. We all know that dreadful feeling when our stomach sinks and we can only hope the light is informing us of a loose gas cap. As unnerving as it may be, an illuminated check engine light is a useful tool to inform you of pot ... read more

Winter Car Care from Milex As much as winter weather stresses you out, it can stress the vital systems in your car even more. Cold weather and the things we use to cope with it can increase the demands on your car’s engine, battery, gas lines, tires and windshield wipers. If you don’t regularly monitor the systems in your vehicle, you could end up stunned and stranded when the winter chill becomes too much. Here are the main systems to monitor to avoid a winter weather catastrophe. Battery | Low winter temperatures can force your car’s electrical system to work harder while reducing its output at the same time. Cold weather can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by 50 percent, which can spell disaster — especially if you use common winter accessories such as the defroster, heating and windshield wipers. You should frequently check battery cables and clamps for fraying or corrosion, whi ... read more