Repair Services

  • Brakes - how do they work?

    car brakes in depth look

    At Downtown Automotive in Siler City, we know that in order to keep your car in good shape, it helps to know how it works. Here’s a quick rundown of a system that’s very important, but you take for granted until there’s a problem; your brakes.  While there is a multitude of configurations and levels of complexity in automotive brake systems, they all essentially work the same way. Disregarding anti-lock brake systems and the like, this is how braking works in its simplest form.

  • Can’t shift out of Park?

    There may come a day when you go to shift your vehicle out of “Park”, and the shifter refuses to move. Perhaps you are already experiencing this issue intermittently, or currently have a vehicle stuck in park. While this is a serious inconvenience, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem; let Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC put your mind at ease.

  • Changed Your Oil Lately?

    oil change funnel on an engine

    If you drive a Dodge, Chevy, or Ford diesel pickup, you know the amount of hard work your truck puts in. You may also be aware that diesels run a little dirtier than your average gas burner. At Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC, our goal is to keep your Duramax, Cummins, or Powerstroke truck on the road for many miles to come. A huge part of that is keeping your oil maintained.

  • Check Engine Light Staring You in the Eye? Here's Why You Should Pay Attention

    Check engine light on the dash

    There’s a huge percentage of vehicle on the road, right now, with the check engine light illuminated. Many of them have had it on for years, even. Frequently, a check engine light will illuminate, but pose no immediate problems, so people just get used to it and learn to live with it being on. However, Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC would like you to know that it’s worth having it looked into. Typically, the problem can be diagnosed by simply plugging your car into our computer; the vehicle gives us a code, and we know what the problem is immediately.

  • Do You Smell One Of These Smells? It's Time To Bring Your Car In.

    girl smelling vents

    If you’ve owned a vehicle long, particularly one with a few miles on it, you have probably encountered a peculiar smell that grabbed your attention. Scents that you encounter while driving (emanating from your vehicle, not the horse farm down the road) are indicators of your vehicle's health and often the first warning that something may be wrong. Downtown Automotive in Siler City has assembled this list to prepare for you for the next time you smell something odd, so you’ll know what’s going on next time you notice a funny smell.

  • Don't Neglect Your Brakes

    brakes

    Obviously, your brakes are essential. However, it’s easy to neglect or ignore brake issues, and even miss them altogether; as long as the car, truck, or SUV still stops, many people don’t see the need to have their brakes serviced. From Downtown Automotive in Siler City, here are some common brake issues, and why you should fix them.

  • Feels Like Trouble (Is your vehicle driving right?)

    Nobody knows your vehicle better than you; if you suspect it isn’t driving the way it used to, there’s a good chance you’re correct. The truth of the matter is there are countless reasons and remedies for such a broad subject, but Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC has compiled a list of a few common problems that can cause a vehicle to drive poorly.

  • Get a Grip on Tire Conditions

    Tread of Tire

    What condition are your tires in? At Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC, we want to make sure you can tell. A simple visual inspection is all you need - it’s easy if you know what to look for.

  • Have an Off Track Window in Your Vehicle? Here's What to Do

    Car windows

    Automotive windows are one of those things that you take for granted, until something goes wrong. One of the more irritating issues a window can develop, is dislocating from its track while attempting to roll it up or down. Why does this happen, and how do you fix it? At Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC, we’ve got answers to your questions and solutions to your problems.

  • How Critical Are Belts On Your Vehicle?

    drive belt

    Your drive belts are simple but integral components to the function of your car, truck, or SUV. At Downtown Automotive in Siler City, belts are one of the first things we assess when looking over a vehicle, as they alone are in charge of operating your AC, water pump, alternator, and power steering.

  • How to Reduce Your Vehicle Maintenance Costs

    Man working under the hood of his vehicle

    If you want to avoid nasty and unexpected surprise maintenance costs, sticking to a regimented schedule of preventative maintenance is something you are going to want to get used to. The reason being is simple – frequent maintenance will keep your vehicle in good health, ensuring you get the most out of all those expensive-to-replace parts. While it might sound counterintuitive, the best way to reduce maintenance costs is to stick to a prescribed maintenance schedule.

  • Identifying driveway spots: how to determine what is leaking under your car

    If you drive a vehicle with more than a few miles on it, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed an occasional drip underneath it that leaves spots wherever you park. Identifying what is leaking from your car will help you determine whether or not it’s a cause for concern, and what to do about it.

    There are seven liquids a car can possibly drip: oil, gas, brake fluid, transmission fluid, gear oil, water, and coolant. How do you tell the difference? This article aims to help your know-how.

  • If it's hot, cool it down & avoid high repair costs! EASY!

    car broke down calling for help

    Repairs are costly and we all want to avoid them including our team here at Downtown Automotive!  It's our job and we take it seriously.  Here, it is all about keeping your car or truck serviced and looking for problems "before" they happen to avoid those high repair costs and ensuring you avoid any breakdowns when it's hot outside or cold outside as either is a problem for our Siler City drivers!  Nobody can forsee a flat tire or blowout due to running over a nail, but we can avoid some of the regular issues we see all the time such as....

  • Is It Time To Replace Your Ball Joints?

    separated ball joint that needs to be replaced

    We know you’re busy. At Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC, we also know that while there are certain issues with your car, truck, or SUV you can ignore for a while, some of them shouldn’t wait. While serious issues are often obvious, sometimes they aren’t - ball joints are one such case.

  • Is your vehicle heater blowing cold?

    heater in car

    The climate control system in your car works hard to keep you at a comfortable temperature. If you’re having heater issues, trust the performance car specialists with us at Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC to get you comfortably back on the road.

  • Is Your Vehicle Not Steering Right?

    Person driving with hands on the steering wheel

    Good steering is an underrated, and often neglected aspect of driving. At Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC, we believe in making sure you have the best vehicle possible, whether you’re driving across town or traveling long distance.

  • Looks Like A Problem? YES!

    Lady with car hood up - steam rising

    Sometimes it is EASY to see if your car or truck needs to come into our shop for professional repairs! 
    1.  You see steam rising from the engine!
    2.  The Check Engine Light is on!
    3.  The engine starts, but there is an odor that is not right.
    4.  You hear grinding or thumping noises.

  • Myths of Motor Oil

    engine oil

    Everyone from mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about vehicles. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

  • New Engine or New Car - Weighing Out Your Options

    Engine Maintenance

    You’ve determined it’s time to get rid of the engine you have, along with all of its issues. You’re probably considering getting something new altogether, and you’re tired of this one giving you issues. Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC is here to help you make the call.

    If your car, truck, or SUV has really been put through the wringer, it might be time for a new one. However, before you decide to throw in the towel there are a few things you should consider.

  • Quality Engine Work is a Top Priority

    Engine Maintenance

    A quality product is only as good as the quality of the installation. You’re dropping some serious money on an engine replacement, on a car that’s worth even more. Downtown Automotive in Siler City, NC is here to make sure you get the quality install you need.

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Downtown Automotive

202 S Chatham Ave
Siler City, NC 27344
Get Directions

location small (919) 742-2365
AFTER HOURS: (919) 842-2606

SHOP HOURS

Weekdays:   8:00am - 5:00pm
Weekends: Closed