West Monroe Auto Repair

​​Spark plugs are a crucial piece of your car's ignition system, providing the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. There are different types of spark plugs available on the market, and it's important to know which type is best suited for your vehicle. Read on to learn more about the different types of spark plugs and how to determine which one is right for your car. Types of Spark Plugs Copper Spark Plugs Copper spark plugs are the most common type of spark plug and are typically the most affordable option. They have a shorter lifespan compared to other types of spark plugs that will be discussed today. Iridium Spark Plugs Iridium spark plugs are more durable than copper spark plugs and have a longer lifespan. They are more expensive than copper spark plugs, but they offer better performance and improved fuel efficiency. Platinum Spark Plugs Platinum spark plugs are another durable option with a longer lifespan than ... read more

Despite all the maintenance work needed to avoid certain situations and problems, there are a few extra things to keep in mind for your vehicle. The road is full of other people, and all kinds of accidents can happen - from being stranded to giving medical help. If you want to be prepared for emergencies on the road, here are some must-have items you should keep in your car. First Aid Kit There are two vital things that we recommend to have in your car. A first aid kit is one of them. It can be equipped with bandages, plaster, tourniquet, cotton balls, instant hot and cold packages, sterile eye wash, and others, depending on the kit. You can purchase a first aid kit at almost every place that has something to do with cars and maintenance. Fire Extinguisher A fire extinguisher is our second recommendation for must-haves in the car.  It can save you from some very hot situations and also come in handy for helping others in need. Jumper Cables If you find yourself with a dead c ... read more

Unfortunately, injuries and fatalities from driving accidents are extremely common. While distracted or drunk driving tends to be the lead cause of accidents, unfortunately, even sober and attentive drivers can make small mistakes — and sometimes, they suffer big consequences. By staying aware of some of the most common mistakes drivers make that lead to accidents, you can improve your proactive driving and reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. With that, here are some of the most common mistakes people make while driving. Failing to yield. One of the most difficult aspects of driving is the unpredictability of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Following the rules of right-of-way is important, and when in doubt, driving predictably and yielding as needed to prevent a collision is often the best course of action. Improperly using your headlights and high beams. If you don't use your headlights in conditions of poor visibility like darkness and bad w ... read more

Most people don’t realize how important their vehicle speedometers are until it goes bad. The reality is that we use this device every day to keep track of our speed. When the speedometer is faulty, we aren’t able to gauge whether we are speeding or not. Plus, you can be putting yourself at risk of a speeding ticket and accident if you’re not careful. If you notice something off with your vehicle’s speedometer, please visit the repair specialists at Parker Tire & Alignment soon. How to Tell If Your Speedometer is Malfunctioning Your vehicle’s onboard computer is able to detect many different problems, including a bad speedometer. Therefore, in some cars, the check engine light may come on if your speedometer is off. Next, a bad speedometer will also cause the cruise control system to be inoperative. However, the most apparent sign of a failing speedometer is if it stops or glitches. For example, if the needle is dancing all over the place, please hav ... read more

Have you noticed that every time you apply brakes your car vibrates? Even when you are driving on a smooth tarmac road, your car still vibrates immediately when you apply brakes. This is called Brake Shudder. Brake Shudder is the vibration felt through the brake pedal and steering wheel when the brakes are applied. Causes of Brake Shudder You can tell whether the issue is on the rear brakes or the front brakes by where you feel the vibrations from. If the vibrations are felt on the brake pedals, this means that the rear brakes are faulty and need fixing. When the vibrations are felt on the steering wheel, this means that the front brakes are faulty. There are a few reasons why your vehicle may shake when you apply breaks. The next time you apply breaks and experience a vibration, here are some reasons why. When braking rotors are used over time, they tend to wear out unevenly. For braking to be smooth, the braking pads need to be in complete contact with rotors. This is why if th ... read more