Automotive News & Information - Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust

These days, it seems like the oil options for your oil changes are limitless - full synthetic, blends, conventional, high mileage, and the list goes on and on. We are frequently asked if it's okay to switch between oils, and how you know what is okay to use? At Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust in Buhl, ID we're here to help you answer that question. When it comes to engine oil, the answer to this question can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be!

At Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust in Buhl, ID we know that your commercial vehicles are a vital part of your business. These vehicles are often more susceptible to damage as well. In order to preserve the life of these vehicles, it's important to get your fleet or commercial vehicles properly maintained.

rusted car with smoke coming out of exhaust

The exhaust on your truck is an important series of components, that work together to ensure smooth, reliable operation. At Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust in Buhl, we also know that exhaust systems are especially susceptible to damage and rust; pipes, mufflers, and other parts are exposed to hazards on the road, and to the environment. This situation, combined with caustic emissions and extreme heat, creates a perfect opportunity for problems to arise.

Diesel engines are known for their reliability - that’s probably at least partially why you bought one. However, like all things, diesels and their components wear out eventually. Fortunately, the technicians at Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust in Buhl, ID have you covered. Here are some fuel system issues to watch out for.

mechanic working under the hood of a car

Transmissions are complicated and intricate pieces of equipment. Many general mechanic shops won’t touch a transmission, if it’s anything more than simply installing a new one. Transmissions are one aspect of a vehicle that even experienced mechanics often don’t dare delve into, and is easily the most mysterious and misunderstood system in the automotive world. You need a shop that you can trust to perform the best work on whatever your transmission may be in need of.

Your turbocharger will work in essentially the same way, whether you drive a Powerstroke, Cummins, or Duramax diesel pickup. While there are differences in designs and applications, turbos haven’t changed all that much over the past century. Now that you know what one is made of, we’ll look at how it works.

man putting gas in a vehicle at the pump

Like anything else on your vehicle, keeping various systems clean and in good shape is essential to long life and reliability. Your fuel system is especially important - parts are expensive, problems can be difficult to diagnose, and it doesn’t take much contamination to cause a huge issue. It’s much easier to keep your fuel system clean than it is to clean a dirty or problematic system. Performing regular fuel treatment can prove very beneficial to the life of your vehicle.

If you drive a lightweight car, truck, or SUV, the torque converter you have installed is probably just fine. For those of you with more heavy-duty applications, like high horsepower setups or towing rigs, the stock converter may not be enough. At Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust in Buhl, ID, we can help with that.