Auto Repair in Murray & Paducah

Why Is My Car Overheating? 3 Common Causes Drivers Should Know When your temperature gauge starts climbing or you see steam from under the hood, it’s not something to ignore. Engine overheating can quickly turn into expensive repairs if left unchecked. At Harlan Automotive, these are common reasons we see vehicles overheating. 1. Low Coolant or a Coolant Leak Your cooling system depends on antifreeze (coolant) to regulate engine temperature. If coolant is low due to a leaking hose, radiator, water pump, or reservoir, your engine won't be able to properly remove the heat. Warning signs: Sweet smell under the hood Colored fluid under your vehicle Temperature gauge running high Catching a coolant leak early can prevent major engine damage. 2. Faulty Thermostat The thermostat controls coolant flow through your engine. I ... read more

Most car batteries are designed to last between 3 and 5 years, but real-world conditions often determine where your battery falls in that range. Factors such as extreme heat, short driving trips, and today’s power-hungry electronics all take a toll. Extreme heat is especially tough on batteries, causing internal damage over time, while frequent short trips don’t usually give the alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery. Even when your car is parked, systems like alarms and computers continue drawing power. As a battery begins to weaken, there are usually warning signs. Slow engine cranking, dim headlights, dashboard warning lights, corrosion on the terminals, or the need for a jump start are all indicators that your battery might be nearing the end of its life. Many batteries don’t fail gradually—they work fine until one day they don’t. That’s why it’s smart to start testing your ... read more

It might seem harmless to top off your windshield washer reservoir with plain water—but doing so can actually create bigger problems for your vehicle, especially during colder months. Here’s why it matters more than most drivers realize. First, water freezes, and that’s a major issue. When water freezes inside your washer reservoir, pump, or lines, it can crack components, clog the system, or completely disable your washer sprayers right when you need them the most. Windshield washer fluid is specially formulated with antifreeze properties, allowing it to function in cold weather while protecting the system from damage. Second, water doesn’t clean as effectively as washer fluid. Road grime, salt, bugs, oil film, and windshield haze won’t break down with plain water alone. Washer fluid contains detergents designed to cut through debris quickly, improving visibility and keeping your windshield clear. Clear visibility ... read more

Knowing when to use four-wheel drive (4WD) can make a big difference when driving in snow or wintry conditions. Four-wheel drive is helpful when roads are covered in snow, ice, or slush because it sends power to all four wheels, improving traction and helping your vehicle get moving more easily. It’s especially useful when starting from a stop, driving up hills, or navigating unplowed roads. However, 4WD does not help you stop faster, so it’s still important to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, and drive cautiously in winter weather. Just as important as knowing when to use 4WD is knowing when not to use it. Four-wheel drive should be turned off when roads are dry or only wet, as using it on clear pavement can cause unnecessary wear on your drivetrain and reduce fuel efficiency. Driving in 4WD on dry roads can also make turning harder and may lead to costly repairs over time. At Harlan Automotive, we encourage ... read more

Regularly changing your cabin air filter is an easy but important part of keeping your vehicle comfortable and healthy. At Harlan Automotive, we often see cabin air filters that are clogged with dust, pollen, and debris, which can reduce airflow inside your car. A dirty cabin air filter can cause weak air conditioning and heating, making it harder to cool down in the summer or warm up in the winter. It can also allow allergens and odors to enter your vehicle, which may affect air quality and make driving less enjoyable, especially for those with allergies. Cabin Air Filter Replacement helps your HVAC system work more efficiently and puts less strain on other components. This simple maintenance service can improve airflow, keep the air inside your vehicle cleaner, and help prevent more expensive repairs over time. By changing your cabin air filter as recommended, you’re taking a small but important step toward better vehicle perfor ... read more