In the Red (Why a Vehicle Overheats)
Posted October 12, 2025 2:15 AMHeat is one thing that can damage a vehicle, especially if a problem isn’t taken care of soon. Be on the lookout for signs that it’s getting too hot in some parts of your vehicle, starting with the most obvious one: the heat gauge/warning light on your instrument panel.
When you see that heat gauge heading into the H zone or the warning light comes on, it’s often because your engine’s coolant is contaminated or running low. It’s important to let a pro look at it soon before serious damage is done,
The radiator is another trouble spot that can cause overheating. It has a fan that needs to run properly, and it needs to be free of debris and dirt. Another radiator trouble spot is the core. When it gets clogged and coolant isn’t circulating as it should, an overheated engine can be the result. Have your cooling system checked regularly, including its thermostat.
Your water pump is another part of the cooling system that can wear out, and when it’s not working right, your engine can get hot quickly. It should also be on the list of regularly checked engine components.
Finally, your vehicle has several rubber belts and hoses that play vital roles in making sure the coolant is getting where it needs to be. It’s important to have those inspected by a technician before they fail and heat starts to build up.
Your vehicle’s cooling system is complex and critical to its operation. Plus, it must be maintained so it does what a vehicle’s engineers designed it to do. When it comes to your vehicle, cool is cool, hot is not.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903
(Ball Joint Replacement)
Posted October 5, 2025 2:15 AMEvery day that goes by, our bodies get a little more wear and tear on them. Our vehicles have the same issue. The older we get and the farther we travel, certain parts start showing some wear.
Think of your hips. There are parts of our vehicles that are similar to them; just like hips allow your legs to pivot in several directions, your vehicle has similar parts called ball joints, and they connect your vehicle’s wheels to the suspension, allowing them to move together. These ball joints get a good workout every time the vehicle is moving, especially on bumpy roads.
Usually, these joints are well lubricated with grease, so they’ll work smoothly and quietly. They’re surrounded by a rubber sleeve called a boot, but that can wear out with age or exposure to moisture or debris. When the rubber breaks, the grease can leak out, and damage accelerates.
When the ball joints start wearing out, you may start to hear clunking sounds that come from the corners of your vehicle. You might hear it more clearly when you are turning a corner or going over a bump. Over time, it might get worse. Other signs are sloppy steering, vibrations when you’re moving and uneven tire wear.
If a ball joint gets extremely worn, it’s possible you can lose control of your vehicle, a dangerous situation indeed.
If you notice any of these symptoms, bring it to us so a technician can diagnose the problem. If they determine you need a new ball joint, the technician will check the condition of all the suspension components. We usually recommend if one of a pair of ball joints goes bad, the other is likely quite worn as well and should be replaced, too. In no time, you’ll be back on the road with an updated agile suspension that feels young again.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903
