Best Practices

You’re standing in the shop looking at rows of motor oil, or waiting while the mechanic starts the job, and that familiar question pops up: should you go with synthetic? It seems small, but it actually affects your engine’s performance, reliability, and long-term costs.This quick guide breaks down the basics of synthetic vs. conventional oil, […]

With pothole season hitting hard across the country, tire wobble problems are popping up more than usual. The good news is that most of these issues are easy to fix if you catch them early. Here’s what causes wheel wobble, the signs you should look out for, and how Heart Certified Auto Care can help

Maintaining the right tire pressure is one of the easiest ways to stay safe on the road. It improves handling, extends tire life, and makes your vehicle run more efficiently.Still, many drivers aren’t sure where to find their recommended tire pressure, or if the PSI printed on the tire is even correct for their vehicle.This

Your tires have a big impact on how safely your car accelerates, brakes, and stays in control. Even a small drop in air pressure can affect your stability, traction, and fuel economy. That’s why modern vehicles use a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to alert you before low tire pressure becomes a real problem.If you’ve

When your brakes start squealing, feel weak, or just don’t respond the way they used to, glazed pads are often to blame. Glazing happens when your brake pads or rotors get too hot, harden, and develop a shiny surface. Once that surface forms, you lose friction, your stopping distance gets longer, and your car becomes

When your car refuses to start, stalls, or shows strange electrical issues, it’s natural to wonder what’s wrong. Most drivers jump straight to “I need a new battery,” but the real problem might be something else entirely: your alternator. Because these two systems work so closely together, the symptoms can look nearly identical. That’s why

Tires play a huge role in how your car drives, from fuel efficiency to overall safety. At Heart Certified Auto Care in Evanston, we know new tires aren’t cheap, so we’re here to help you make your current set last. A few simple tips can stretch their lifespan, boost performance, and save you money. Maintain

Northbrook winters hit hard with sharp temperature drops, lake-effect moisture, and slick, icy roads. The right tires make a big difference.This guide walks you through how to choose the best tires for Northbrook winters, which features matter most here, and which brands consistently perform well. You’ll also see when to switch to winter tires, what

Engine issues don’t just show up out of nowhere. They build up over time—starting as small noises, light warnings, or slight changes in how your car runs, then turning into bigger and more expensive repairs. For Northbrook drivers, big temperature swings, heavy stop-and-go traffic, and older vehicles make engine trouble more common than most people

When your alternator starts failing, your vehicle will usually warn you before it stops running altogether. Most drivers mistake these early symptoms for a weak battery or typical electrical quirks, but ignoring them can leave you stuck with a car that won’t start. This guide breaks down the most common signs of alternator trouble, how