Murray's Auto Clinics

What is a Muffler?

Your car’s muffler is an essential component of its exhaust system. Located at the back of the underside of most vehicles, the muffler is designed to mute the noises created by your engine. The muffler is shaped like a round canister, and inside this canister are a series of valves and tubes that are insulated with silencing materials. As exhaust gas flows into the muffler, the muffler will gradually slow the speed of the flowing gases. This process of slowing down the gas is what allows your car to perform smoothly and noiselessly. When your muffler is malfunctioning, you will notice that your engine becomes much louder.

If your muffler is in need of service or replacement, come to Murray’s Auto Clinic. We provide the Silver Spring area with a full range of top quality auto repair services. Our many satisfied customers trust us with all of their auto repair and maintenance needs. To make an appointment with one of our auto repair professionals, call us at (240) 450-2478

Understanding the Function of Your Car's Alternator

The main function of your car’s alternator is to charge the battery. Because standard 12-volt car batteries do not have enough power to last very long on their own, the alternator is essential to supplying electricity to the engine and accessories. Continue reading to discover how an alternator works, its importance for the functioning of your car, and why you should take your car to a repair shop if the alternator experiences any problems.

Converting Piston Movement to Electricity

To charge your car’s battery, the alternator must harness the linear motion of the pistons and convert it into a circular motion. This is accomplished by a series of belts and pulleys. First, the crankshaft turns the drive belt, which then turns the rotor shaft pulley. This pulley is attached to the front of the alternator and provides it with the power it needs to generate electricity.

Running the Accessories

Accessories that depend on the functioning of your car’s alternator include the radio, air conditioner, interior lights, headlights, power seats, power mirrors, and power windows. Without the alternator, the battery wouldn’t be able to charge your cell phone either. This is why it is particularly important to get your alternator replaced at a car repair shop if it is showing signs of wearing out.

Providing Spark For the Engine

In order to operate, an engine needs a spark to ignite a mixture of fuel and air. This surge of electricity comes from the spark plugs, which receive their power from the battery. And of course, without the alternator, the battery will only be able to provide this spark for a very limited number of miles.

If your battery is relatively new but continues to die, there’s a good chance your alternator needs to be replaced. To find out other telltale signs that your car’s alternator needs to be serviced, come to Murray’s Auto Clinics or call us at (240) 450-2478. Visit our website to learn more about the services our car repair shop has to offer drivers in the greater Silver Springs area.

Why Tire Rotation Is Important for AWD Vehicles Too

Many people falsely assume that two-wheel drive vehicles are the only ones that need tire rotation services. But the reality is that all-wheel drive vehicles need to have their tires rotated just as frequently. For one, all-wheel drive vehicles do not use all four wheels evenly. Instead, many all-wheel drive vehicles distribute power only to the front or the rear axle until slippage occurs, at which point the torque distribution to each axle changes. Furthermore, remember that weight distribution is never perfectly even, and the end that bears the most weight will experience accelerated tire wear. Over time, this means that two of the tires will wear out faster than the other two unless they are taken to a car repair shop for a tire rotation service.

To get a top-notch tire rotation service for your all-wheel drive vehicle, visit Murray’s Auto Clinics. We have more than thirty years of car repair and maintenance experience. Visit our website or call us at (240) 450-2478 for more information about our locations, services, and prices.

"The service was timely and friendly"

"Thanks for fixing my wheel the same day on an emergency basis!"