Lowell Auto Repair

How to Deal with Ignition Lock Tumbler Failure in Your Mercedes   Aside from stunning car designs and an amazing driving experience, many drivers also love their Mercedes for its quality engineering and vehicle longevity. However, even with the very best technology the German automotive industry offers, without the proper care, even top-tier luxury vehicles will begin to show the effects of time and use.   In this article we’ll be learning more about the ignition lock tumbler in your Mercedes, as well as the signs and symptoms of potential failure and how to manage any issue with the mechanism, should it fail entirely.   What is the Ignition Lock Tumbler?   Also commonly referred to as the ‘ignition lock cylinder’, your vehicle's’ ignition lock tumbler is the integral mechanism for starting your car. Comprising of the tumbler and key assembly, when ... read more

Finding an effective, reliable auto repair shop can be tricky. How can you tell from one shop to another? ASE Certification is a leading indicator of well-trained, high-quality auto mechanics like those at Mechanics Direct in Lowell, MA. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence, a professional certification from The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence in the U.S. and parts of Canada. The non-profit organization protects consumers through the promotion of excellence in vehicle repair through education and testing. Candidates for ASE-Certification must have a two-year degree in automotive repair and at least one year of on-the-job-training, or two years of on-the-job-training, and they must pass rigorous testing. The test can be tough. In fact, one out of every three auto mechanics fail the test the first time around. ASE-Certification must be renewed every five years to keep up with advancing automotive technology.   When you’re looking for top-quali ... read more

Mechanics Direct is chosen time and again by drivers throughout Lowell. Our clients trust our auto mechanics to take excellent care of their vehicle, from bumper to bumper. Because we are well-versed in the field of auto repair, we keep an eye out for issues known to cause your vehicle trouble. For drivers in the Lowell area, brakes tend to wear out quickly. You may be wondering why this is the case. Keep reading, as our team at Mechanics Direct has the answer. Just as people are affected by Massachusetts’ frigid winter, our cars are also severely impacted by this cold season as well. Moisture and freezing temperatures are leading factors in why brakes are wearing out so quickly in Massachusetts. High moisture content in your brake fluid causes longer stopping times.  In addition, moisture can freeze in your vehicle’s brake lines creating blockages that can be detrimental to your safety. Troublesome moisture and cold can also cause your metal brake rotors to rust or ... read more

Your vehicle’s suspension controls its up and down movement when you drive on bumpy roads and potholes to ensure a smooth, safe ride. Failing suspension systems can affect your ability to stop when you slam on your brakes and your vehicle’s overall stability control on the road. So, how do you know when your suspension needs attention? Mechanics Direct auto repair in Lowell, MA, recommends taking a few minutes to consider these five common indicators that your suspension needs attention.   1. Your Ride is Bumpy Your suspension system absorbs most of your vehicle’s impact with the road to provide a smooth ride. If you feel like you’re bouncing your way down smooth roads, it could mean your suspension is worn and needs to be repaired or replaced.     2. Drifting and Pulling Through Turns When turning, if you’re moving the steering wheel in the direction you want to go, but your vehicle drifts or pulls in another direction, it could mean ... read more

Knowing when to bring in your vehicle for an oil change can be tricky as it depends upon several factors including your vehicle’s year, make and model, the weight of motor oil, and driving conditions. Other factors affecting your oil include your maintenance schedule, stop and go driving, and severe weather conditions. While the standard used to be every 3,000 miles for most vehicles, the ASE-Certified auto mechanics at Mechanics Direct in Lowell, MA, recommend New England drivers have their oil changed every three to four months depending upon the type of oil you use. That’s because the harsh New England weather plays havoc with your car. Everything from rust and corrosion to potholes and poor road surfaces affects your vehicle, and high-quality, clean motor oil is critical to smooth, efficient engine performance. Failure to change and replace your motor oil could result in catastrophic effects. While we do offer towing services, at Mechanics Direct, we never want to fi ... read more