Your Local Tire & Maintenance Experts in locust & albemarle, nc

Modern gasoline engines use direct fuel injection, a technology designed to boost horsepower and improve fuel efficiency. While direct injection provides major performance benefits, it also creates a well-known problem: carbon buildup. Over time, carbon deposits can rob your engine of power, reduce fuel economy, and even lead to expensive repairs. The good news? A professional fuel service from The Mechanics Tire & Auto can remove carbon buildup and restore your engine’s original performance and fuel efficiency. Today, even major manufacturers like Ford and General Motors recommend a fuel system cleaning every 15,000–20,000 miles to prevent long-term issues. Let’s break down what this service does and why it matters. What Is Carbon Buildup in an Engine? Any time your engine burns fuel, carbon begins to collect inside. The process is similar to soot forming inside a chimney. Because of the high heat and pressure inside a modern engine, this carbon builds up quickly and repeatedly. These deposits stick to: Fuel injectors Intake valves Combustion chambers Pistons and rings And as the buildup grows, engine efficiency drops. How Carbon Buildup Affects Your Engine Modern engines are engineered with extremely tight tolerances. When carbon forms on critical components, those parts can no longer operate as designed. Fuel injectors are a common example. They’re built to spray a precise mist of fuel into the combustion chamber. If the injector tip becomes clogged with carbon: Fuel can’t atomize properly The engine must use MORE fuel to compensate Power and acceleration decrease Fuel economy drops Premature injector failure can occur (a costly repair) Left untreated, this buildup can lead to: Rough idle Hard starting Loss of horsepower Decreased MPG Engine misfires Increased emissions Long-term engine damage Why Your Vehicle Needs a Fuel Service A fuel system cleaning removes carbon deposits throughout the entire fuel and air pathway. When performed regularly, a fuel service can: ✔ Restore fuel economy ✔ Increase horsepower and throttle response ✔ Improve idle quality ✔ Prevent injector and valve damage ✔ Extend engine life ✔ Reduce long-term repair costs This service helps your engine run as efficiently as it did when it left the factory. What Happens During a Fuel System Cleaning At The Mechanics Tire & Auto, our technicians use advanced fuel system equipment from BG Products to safely clean the entire system. The process includes: Adding cleaners to the fuel tank Circulating professional-grade chemicals through fuel lines and injectors Removing carbon from intake valves, pistons, and combustion chambers Restoring proper fuel flow and spray pattern The system is designed to be both safe and effective, removing buildup from every component fuel touches. How Often Should You Get a Fuel Service? Carbon buildup can begin forming in just a few thousand miles. That’s why many manufacturers now recommend regular cleaning: General Motors: every 15,000 miles Ford: every 20,000 miles General recommendation: every 20,000 miles for ALL modern gasoline vehicles You should also schedule a fuel service if you notice: Decreased MPG Loss of power or acceleration Rough idle Hard starting Fuel Services at The Mechanics Tire & Auto Both of our locations use BG fuel system equipment, the same brand behind ACDelco and Ford Motorcraft fuel system cleaners. This allows us to offer dealership-level quality at a significantly lower cost—often over $100 less than the dealership. If you're experiencing reduced fuel economy or want to protect your engine from carbon buildup, we’re here to help. Book your fuel service appointment online or call us to speak with one of our friendly service advisors today.

At The Mechanics Tire & Auto, we strongly recommend preventative maintenance at regular intervals, but if you’ve ever wondered why it matters, you’re not alone. Many drivers delay routine service because their car “seems fine,” but neglecting maintenance almost always leads to bigger problems down the road. Here are the top reasons you should never skip preventative maintenance. 1. The Safety Benefits of Preventative Vehicle Maintenance Nothing is more important than keeping you and your family safe. As a family-owned and operated auto repair shop, we treat every vehicle as if our own kids were riding in the back seat. Preventative maintenance ensures your car’s essential safety systems, especially brakes, stay in proper working condition. Take brake fluid for example. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which increases stopping distance and makes accidents more likely. Left untreated, it can even lead to complete brake failure. Our Brake Service replaces 100% of your vehicle’s old brake fluid with fresh fluid to protect your braking system and keep you safe on the road. 2. How Regular Car Maintenance Saves You Thousands in Repairs Preventative maintenance is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make as a vehicle owner. Routine services protect major components like your: Engine Transmission Driveline Rear differential Braking system These systems rely on clean, fresh fluid to reduce friction, lower operating temperatures, and prevent premature wear. A small investment now prevents massive repair bills later. For example: A few oil changes totaling around $200–$250 per year keeps your engine running smoothly. Skipping them could lead to an engine replacement costing $5,000–$10,000. The same goes for the rear differential. We recommend service every 30,000 miles, costing under $500 over 100,000 miles. A differential replacement? Over $5,000. It’s worth it in the long run to spend the money on regular maintenance to avoid paying for costly repairs! 3. Fuel-Saving Preventative Maintenance With today’s fuel prices, everyone wants better gas mileage. However, modern direct-injection engines naturally build up carbon deposits over time, causing: Reduced horsepower Lower fuel efficiency Poorer overall performance Our Performance Oil Change and Platinum Fuel Services remove carbon buildup from piston rings, fuel injectors, and valves. This restores your vehicle’s original power and fuel economy, saving you money at the pump. 4. How Routine Car Service Prevents Breakdowns and Unexpected Failures No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road. Following proper maintenance intervals dramatically reduces the chance of breakdowns and unexpected failures. When your engine, transmission, and other major systems stay clean, cool, and protected, they are far less likely to overheat, wear out, or fail. As the saying goes, “If you take care of your vehicle, your vehicle will take care of you.” 5. Why Regular Maintenance Increases Your Vehicle’s Resale and Trade-In Value Even if you plan to keep your car for years, maintaining resale value is important. Dealerships and buyers check CARFAX service history before making an offer. A well-maintained vehicle: Commands a higher trade-in value Sells faster Gives you stronger negotiating power If you’re selling privately, documented maintenance allows you to ask, and get, more money for your vehicle. Preventative Maintenance at The Mechanics Tire & Auto Preventative maintenance isn’t just an expense. It’s an investment in safety, reliability, and long-term savings. At The Mechanics Tire & Auto, we use premium maintenance fluids and tools from BG Products to deliver dealership-quality service without the dealership price tag. Ready to extend the life of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs? Book your appointment today or call to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable advisors about your preventative maintenance needs.