Automotive Industry News & Information - Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust

Parked car with a puddle where it is leaking

Leaky transmissions can be a pain. Not only do they make a mess on the underside of your car, and in your driveway, but the transmission fluid is expensive and inconvenient to deal with. At from Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust in Buhl, ID we want you to be an informed driver so here’s some information about where transmission leaks start, and how to end them.

Unless you are confident in your abilities as an automotive mechanic, there is really only one rule when purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle: don’t do it. Unfortunately, sometimes sellers aren’t particularly straight-forward with their used cars. Many will try to hide the fact that it’s been damaged by floodwaters at all or try to convince potential buyers that the car is in fact fine. “It has gone months with no issues” or “technically it is flood-damaged but” are two red flags, and while it isn’t impossible for a flood car to be fine, it’s altogether a good idea to stay away.

If your transmission is slipping, what are your options? As you’ve seen, a variety of issues can cause a transmission to slip. Likewise, repairs differ widely depending on the issue. Our highly trained technicians at Cowden's Automotive & Exhaust in Buhl, ID can recommend your best options. Here are some steps you should take to make sure your repair is as simple and cost effective as possible.

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.