Ignoring signs of engine trouble can lead to costly repairs down the road or even a breakdown at the worst possible time. This makes it important to get to the shop at the first sign of an issue. At Mata Auto Repair, we provide expert engine repair in the greater Omaha area. Here’s a look at five symptoms of an engine problem. Check Engine Light The check engine light is your car's way of telling you that something is amiss under the hood. While it can be triggered by something as simple as a loose gas cap, it can also indicate more significant issues like a faulty oxygen sensor, catalytic converter problem, or engine misfire. Don't ignore the check engine light, even if your car seems to be running fine. This light means you should get to the shop for diagnostics. Excessive/Discolored Exhaust Smoke The color of your car's exhaust smoke can provide valuable clues about the health of your engine. If you notice black smoke, it could indicate a rich fuel mixture. Blue smoke commonly points to burning oil, while white smoke may be a sign of a faulty head gasket. Strange Noises Unusual sounds coming from your engine can indicate a broad assortment of issues, from worn belts to failing bearings. You should promptly alert the mechanic if you notice any abnormal sounds such as knocks, pings, rattles, or whines. Engine Overheating Your engine relies on a cooling system to maintain optimal operating temperatures. If your temperature gauge starts creeping into the red zone or you notice steam coming from under the hood, your engine may be overheating. Common causes of engine overheating include coolant leaks, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty water pump. Ignoring engine overheating can lead to catastrophic damage, so pull over safely and shut off the engine if you suspect overheating and seek assistance. Fluid Leaks Keep an eye out for any fluid leaks under your car, as they could indicate a variety of engine problems. Coolant leaks, for example, can lead to overheating, while oil leaks can result in lubrication issues and engine damage. Such leaks should be addressed ASAP. Engine Repair in Omaha When you need engine repair in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Your vehicle's transmission fluid plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient operation. It provides lubrication, cooling, and the fluid pressure necessary for smooth gear shifts. This makes it very important that you’re driving with the right amount and that it’s clean. At Mata Auto Repair, we provide expert transmission services in Omaha, including fluid exchanges and transmission leak repairs. Here’s a look at four warning signs that your transmission fluid is too low. Slipping Gears If you notice your vehicle unexpectedly slipping out of gear or experiencing delayed or rough shifts, it could be a sign that the transmission fluid is insufficient. Proper fluid levels are essential for the smooth engagement and disengagement of gears, and ignoring this issue may result in worsening transmission problems. Unusual Noises Unusual noises coming from your vehicle may arise from low transmission fluid. Whining or clunking sounds could suggest a lack of lubrication due to low fluid levels. These noises should not be ignored, as they may be an early warning sign of potentially serious trouble. Transmission Fluid Leaks Fluid leaks are a visible sign of low transmission fluid. If there are reddish-colored puddles underneath your vehicle, you may have a transmission fluid leak. Leaks can occur due to damaged seals, gaskets, or other components. Identifying and fixing the source of the leak and replenishing the fluid levels are crucial steps to prevent significant damage to your transmission. Overheating Transmission Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature of the transmission system. If the fluid level is low, it can lead to overheating. An overheated transmission can cause serious damage to internal components, resulting in costly repairs. One sign of an overheating transmission is a burning odor. Transmission Service in Omaha, NE When you need transmission service in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

If you notice that your vehicle isn’t firing up as easily as it typically does, then you should visit the shop ASAP. By being proactive, you’ll have the best chance of resolving the issue before it escalates and leaves you stranded. At Mata Auto Repair, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and fixing problems that cause no-start. Here are five common problems that prevent cars from starting up. Dead Battery A dead battery is a very common cause of no-start. As they get older, batteries can lose their charge, especially in extreme temperatures. If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, it could indicate a drained battery. Faulty Starter Motor The starter motor is responsible for initiating the engine's cranking process. If you turn the key and hear a grinding noise or a single click, it might indicate a faulty starter motor. Fuel System Problems Your car's engine needs a precise mixture of air and fuel to run smoothly. If there's a problem with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump, the engine may not receive the fuel it needs to start. Ignition System Failure A malfunctioning ignition system can prevent your car from starting. Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or a disrupted ignition switch can contribute to this problem. Regularly checking and replacing spark plugs can help to keep your car starting and running smoothly. Faulty Alternator The alternator plays a crucial role in keeping the battery charged while the car is running. If the alternator fails, the battery is liable to lose its charge, leading to no-start. Signs of alternator trouble include dimming headlights, a warning light on the dashboard, and malfunctioning interior electrical accessories. Auto Repair in Omaha When you need auto repair in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Your vehicle's constant velocity (CV) joints are integral to transferring torque from your transmission to your drive wheels at a constant speed. Thus, they play a crucial role in the smooth operation of your car, especially when it comes to turning and maneuvering. Eventually, these joints can experience wear and tear, leading to potential issues that may affect your vehicle's performance. If you suspect a CV joint issue, it’ll be best to get to the shop for an inspection. At Mata Auto Repair, we provide expert CV joint repair in the greater Omaha area. Here are four signs of a CV joint problem. Clicking or Popping Noises One of the most common signs of a CV joint problem is the presence of clicking or popping sounds during turns. If you hear such a noise when navigating corners, it may indicate that the CV joint is worn or damaged. This sound is often more noticeable when making tight turns at slow speeds. Ignoring these noises could lead to further damage, so it's important to address the issue promptly. Vibrations During Acceleration A damaged CV joint can cause vibrations, particularly during acceleration. If you feel an unusual vibration, especially when accelerating from a complete stop or at low speeds, it may be a sign of CV joint trouble. These vibrations may intensify as the joint deteriorates. Grease Leaks CV joints are packed with grease to lubricate and protect the moving parts. If you notice grease leaking from the CV joint boots, it's a clear indication of a problem. Cracked or damaged boots can allow contaminants to enter the joint, leading to premature wear and potential failure. Difficulty Steering or Maneuvering A damaged CV joint can impact your vehicle's ability to steer and maneuver effectively. If you find it more challenging to turn the steering wheel, especially during sharp turns, it may be a sign of CV joint problems. This difficulty can result from increased friction and resistance within the joint, affecting the overall handling of your vehicle. CV Joint Repair in Omaha When you need auto repair in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Your car's suspension system plays a crucial role in providing a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as ensuring optimal handling and control. Suspension problems can affect not only your comfort but also your safety on the road. This makes it important to get to the shop when you first suspect that suspension trouble is brewing. At Mata Auto Repair, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Omaha, NE area. Here are five warning signs of suspension trouble. Excessive Bouncing A properly functioning suspension system absorbs shocks and bumps, providing a smooth and controlled ride. If you experience excessive bouncing, especially over minor bumps or rough roads, it could indicate worn-out or damaged shocks or struts. This not only affects comfort but also reduces your ability to maintain control of the vehicle. Knocking or Clunking Noises Unusual noises, such as knocking or clunking sounds when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces, may suggest problems with the suspension components. Worn-out bushings, loose joints, or damaged shock absorbers can contribute to these noises, indicating a need for inspection and potential repairs. Pulling or Drifting If your car tends to pull to one side while driving, even when the steering wheel is centered, it may be a sign of suspension problems. A misaligned suspension can lead to uneven tire contact with the road, affecting your vehicle's stability and requiring frequent steering adjustments. Uneven Tire Wear One of the early indicators of a suspension issue is uneven tire wear. If you notice that the tread on your tires is wearing down unevenly, it could be a sign that the suspension system is not distributing the weight of the vehicle properly. This can lead to premature tire wear and compromise your vehicle's handling. Visible Fluid Leaks Leaking hydraulic fluid from the shocks or struts is a sign of a suspension problem. Addressing fluid leaks promptly is crucial to prevent further damage to the suspension components. Suspension Repair in Omaha, NE When you need auto repair in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Your automatic transmission is a complex mechanism with many interworking parts that transfer the right amount of engine power to the wheels at a given speed. If you notice any sign of trouble with your transmission—-such as delayed shifting, grinding, or fluid leaks—then you should get to the shop ASAP. Transmission issues often worsen quickly, making it important to get to the shop quickly. At Mata Auto Repair, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Omaha area. Here are seven important components in automatic transmissions. Torque Converter Torque converters are hydraulic fluid couplings that connect the transmission to the engine and enable proper acceleration. They’re also critical to keeping the vehicle in gear while stationary. Automatic Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid is vital to healthy transmission operation. It provides cooling, lubrication, rust prevention, and fluid pressure. This makes it very important that you’re driving with the right amount and that it’s clean. While it’s often recommended that transmission fluid gets exchanged somewhere between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, you’ll want to check your owner’s manual for your car’s exact mileage point and then always keep up with this important maintenance task. Pump Fluid pressure plays a critical role in proper gear operation and the pump increases fluid pressure to its necessary level. Planetary Gear Set The planetary gear set consists of planet gears, a sun gear, and a ring gear. For gear ratios to be correctly determined, the planetary gear set needs to be healthy. Valve Body Automatic transmission fluid is sent to the proper valves via the valve body’s channels. Sensors Sensors are integral to determining which gear you should be in as the car accelerates and decelerates. Clutches & Bands For gears to correctly rotate and engage/disengage, clutches and bands need to be in strong condition. Transmission Repair in Omaha, NE When you need transmission repair in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

At Mata Auto Repair, we’re proud members of the Omaha small business community. It’s our mission to exceed our customers’ expectations by providing accurate diagnostics, friendly service, fair rates, and flawless repairs. And we greatly appreciate it when our customers take the time to offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “The team at Mata is always quick and professional. They go out of their way to make sure everything is explained to the customers in detail and that no work is done without approval. It's refreshing to have such a good experience at an auto repair shop!” — Jared S. “Nice guys, honest and good quality work.” — Devon F. “Quick and friendly service. Junior goes above and beyond to make sure the quality of work is top tier! Will recommend Mata Auto Repair to everyone!” — Elena H. “The Nissan dealership told us we needed to replace the engine on our Xterra with less than 100k miles. We were referred to Mata Auto Repair by a friend to get a 2nd opinion. After inspecting, they found minor issues and fixed them for a very reasonable price and also very quickly. The best part, they said we absolutely did NOT need to replace the engine. Really great shop! Highly recommend them!” — Nebraska Kayak Polo “Amazing service, very customer oriented. I’ll never use another car place again. Highly highly highly recommend this place, amazing people!!” — Briana R. “Very honest mechanic and very quick with repairs. Will be taking my cars here from now on.” — Drew C. “The owner of the shop was very prompt in getting back with me about what was going on with my vehicle. I took the vehicle to him and he had it repaired right away. This shop I highly recommend.” — Shelia T. Auto Repair in Omaha, NE When you need auto repair in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

With a failing alternator, your battery’s power reserve may become drained to the extent that your engine won’t start. To avoid this problem, it’s best to get to the shop when you first suspect a problem with your alternator. At Mata Auto Repair, our local mechanics are highly experienced with alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Omaha area. Common Symptoms of an Alternator Problem One of the more familiar signs of alternator failure is a dead battery. But if you’re dealing with a dead battery, you don’t want to quickly assume that your alternator is the culprit. Various other issues can cause car batteries to die, such as loose/corroded connections, old age, parasitic draws, and leaving your headlights on. But if you’re confident that none of these problems are at play, then there’s more reason to investigate your alternator. An illuminated dashboard warning light is another common sign of an alternator problem. This light commonly reads GEN or ALT or flashes on in the shape of a little battery icon. It’s always important to bring warning lights to the mechanic’s attention. Otherwise, the issue could soon worsen and cause bigger trouble. A faulty alternator can also cause issues with the car’s electrical accessories. Modern vehicles are commonly equipped with computers that can determine which electrical accessories should have their power diminished when the alternator is malfunctioning. This preserves additional power for the car’s most critical electrical needs. But certain accessories may then have issues, such as power windows not rolling up/down like they should and power seats not adjusting properly. There could also be issues with the radio. And with a faulty alternator, headlights may start to dim or flicker, which could create a safety hazard. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Omaha, NE When you need auto repair in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Following your oil change schedule is a crucial part of keeping your engine in optimal health. You can refer to your owner’s manual to see your car’s exact requirements for oil type and oil change mileage intervals, which are specifications that you should always follow. At Mata Auto Repair, we provide full-service oil changes in the greater Omaha area, as well as all other types of engine maintenance that your vehicle requires. Here are five benefits of keeping up with oil changes. Correct Lubrication The biggest reason to stay current with oil changes is that it’ll be much more likely that your engine’s moving parts remain thoroughly lubricated and protected from harsh friction that could inflict serious damage. In the event that your engine becomes inadequately lubricated, signs of trouble may arise such as your oil pressure warning light coming on or abnormal sounds coming from your engine. Healthy Engine Temperature With the proper level of unpolluted oil, heat is more easily redistributed from the combustion chamber. This helps to keep your engine temperature within a safe range. Replace Oil Filter During a full-service oil change, your oil filter will be replaced. It’s important that the oil filter is periodically replaced because an old dirty filter can prevent oil from optimally circulating through your engine. Eliminate Engine Gunk When you fall behind on oil changes, there’s a greater risk of contaminants causing your oil to become gunky. When oil is sludgy, it’s less likely to keep your engine thoroughly lubricated, and should be changed as soon as you get the chance. Identify/Resolve Developing Engine Issues It’s best to get your oil changed by an experienced, ASE-certified mechanic rather than at a random express lube shop. This way, an automotive expert will get the opportunity to look at your engine. This could lead to the identification of a developing engine problem, which can then be addressed before it escalates and costs more to take care of. Oil Change in Omaha, NE When you need auto maintenance in Omaha and the surrounding area, contact Mata Auto Repair at  (402) 205-8750  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!