Merritt Island Auto Repair

When most drivers think about fuel economy or emissions, they tend to focus on visible components, such as the engine, air filters, or exhaust. However, one of the most influential parts in regulating how your car burns fuel and controls emissions is something small and often overlooked: the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor, or O2 sensor, monitors the level of oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust gases. This information is critical to how the engine control unit (ECU) determines the air-to-fuel ratio. If the sensor isn't working properly, it can throw everything out of balance, affecting how efficiently your car runs and how cleanly it burns fuel. How the Oxygen Sensor Works Your car’s engine needs the right mix of air and fuel to operate efficiently. Too much fuel (a rich mixture) or too little fuel (a lean mixture) can reduce power, harm fuel economy, and increase emissions. The oxygen sensor sits in the exhaust system and measures how much unburned oxyg ... read more

If you've recently purchased a new vehicle and popped the trunk expecting to find a spare tire, you might have been surprised—or frustrated—to find an empty space or a small air compressor instead. You're not alone. Many modern vehicles no longer come equipped with a spare tire, and that trend isn’t going away anytime soon. So why are spare tires disappearing from new cars, and what are manufacturers offering in their place? Here’s what you should know before hitting the road without one. Automakers Are Focused on Weight and Efficiency One of the biggest reasons spare tires are being phased out is weight reduction. Spare tires, jacks, and lug wrenches can add 30 to 50 pounds or more to a vehicle. Removing that extra weight helps improve fuel economy, which matters a lot when automakers are trying to meet strict emissions and mileage standards. By cutting out the spare, manufacturers can claim slightly better fuel efficiency and offer ... read more

If your transmission starts acting up—jerky shifts, slipping gears, hesitation, or a warning light—it’s natural to worry about the cost and scope of repairs. Many drivers assume the worst right away: that a full replacement is inevitable. But in reality, transmission repair is often a smart, practical option—and it can restore performance without the expense of replacing the entire unit. Whether you’re driving an older vehicle or just hoping to avoid a big bill, here’s what you should know before you jump to replacement. Repair Often Makes SenseNot every transmission issue is catastrophic. In fact, many problems can be traced back to specific components like solenoids, sensors, seals, or the valve body—all of which can be repaired or replaced without overhauling the whole system. Even larger components like clutch packs or ... read more

Brake fluid doesn’t get as much attention as engine oil or transmission fluid, but it plays a critical role in your vehicle’s safety. Without it, your brakes wouldn’t work at all. Yet, many drivers go years without changing their brake fluid—sometimes because they don’t know they need to, other times because it’s out of sight and out of mind. So, is replacing brake fluid really necessary, or is it just another way for service shops to upsell you? What Does Brake Fluid Do Brake fluid is what allows you to stop your car with just a press of the pedal. Your braking system operates using hydraulic pressure. When you press the brake pedal, fluid moves through the brake lines, applying pressure to the calipers, which then squeeze the brake pads against the rotors. This friction is what slows your car down. Because brake fluid is incompressible, it ensures a direct and immediate transfer of force from the pedal to the brakes. If the flui ... read more

Power steering makes driving effortless, allowing you to turn the wheel with minimal effort. But like any other system in your vehicle, it relies on fluid to function. Over time, power steering fluid becomes dirty, contaminated, or degraded, leading to stiff steering, unusual noises, or even long-term damage to your steering components. Many drivers overlook power steering fluid maintenance until they start experiencing problems, but regular fluid changes can prevent costly repairs and keep your steering system in top condition. Why Power Steering Fluid Needs to Be Changed Power steering fluid serves two main purposes: lubrication and hydraulic pressure. It allows the steering system to function smoothly and efficiently while protecting internal components from wear and heat buildup. Over time, dirt, metal particles, and moisture can contaminate the fluid, reducing its effectiveness. This can cause increased friction, foaming, and overheating, which puts stress on t ... read more