Rockville Auto Repair

We’re proud to announce that Motor Works and owner Greg Skolnik are featured in the latest episode of the “Remarkable Results” podcast. “Remarkable Results” features personal success stories of entrepreneurs from independent and aftermarket auto shops. Greg and podcast host Carm Capriotto discuss Motor Works’ history, core values and innovative programs. Have a listen! “Remarkable Results” – Episode 46

We never thought we’d see the day we needed to use an eye chart with our cars, but here we are. Standard on more and more of Honda’s newer model cars is their LaneWatch™ system, which uses a camera in the right side mirror to give you a look into your blindspot. Sometimes that system needs an “eye exam.” Specifically, when we replace the side mirror with the camera (or you manage to tinker around in the hidden diagnostic menus and wipe out the system by mistake) we need to re-aim the LaneWatch camera. Essentially it’s telling the camera what to look at and places the guidelines on the screen in the right locations. We accomplish that by setting up a specially-designed target about 15 feet (14.764 feet, to be exact) behind the front wheel and telling the system to take a picture. It then autom ... read more

There’s a very important part of your vehicle that most people don’t ever think about. It’s called the Differential and it allows your engine to drive wheels on opposite sides of the car at different speeds, allowing you to go around corners without destroying your tires or axles. The concept is exceedingly simple, and while it’s been enhanced quite a bit over the years, it’s not too different than what General Motors demonstrates in this video from 1937! Some engineering designs are pure art. Even if you’re not technically-inclined, this 8-or-so minute video puts it in layman’s terms and it’s fun to watch

In this case, together isn’t better at all! So… we ran through our full suite of tests to determine the cause — thinking perhaps that it was the brake lamp switch (which is a little plunger-type switch attached to the brake pedal.) Then we discovered something odd: when we would turn the parking lights and headlights on, the brake lights would come on and the van would be able to shift again. So we continued running down the problem and discovered that it was a simple fix: the brake light bulbs have two filaments in each bulb — one for the parking lights and one for the brake lights. Like any other light bulb, they tend to get hot when on for long periods of time. Turns out all the stop-and-go driving in this van actually caused the two filaments to melt together, completing the circuit when the parking lights were on and shorting out the brake light circuit. Total repair ... read more

We sometimes get questions from our clients about the “Maintenance Minder” system in most newer cars. While it’s true that cars have improved over the last 35 years that we’ve been caring for them, we’ve found that it’s important to service your vehicle on a regular basis. Here’s an excerpt from Greg’s upcoming book that will be published soon. Q) How often do I really NEED to change my oil? Some places say 3,000 miles and some ads say their oil can go 12,000 miles. What’s the right thing to do? A) You’ve hit on one of my pet peeves… Short answer is it depends. How often do you need to see your dentist? If you’re planning on keeping your set of pearly-whites for the remainder of your days, then I would say “on a regular basis”, right? Preventive maintenance is just that…Pre (meaning before) and event-ive (as in something happened)…before something happens. We go to the dentist on a regular basis because, while we may not like going, we know ... read more

Weird fix of the month – A first-time client was referred to us for our diagnostic abilities. His Odyssey was giving him grief with a reoccurring check engine lamp and the same evaporative system trouble codes. After 3 (or more) visits to the dealer (some of which included payment, I am told), we diagnosed this vehicle. A spider had found a home in a plastic vent fitting located inside the frame. The spider had woven several webs inside the fitting. You can see at least five separate webs inside the plastic fitting. These caused enough of a vapor flow restriction to keep setting trouble codes. The spider is gone, and so is the problem. We employ some of the brightest diagnosticians in the area. Bring it on

Motor Works Inc. is the featured in the July/Aug 2012 issue of Shop Owner Magazine!Here’s the full article for your reading enjoyment! Download (PDF, Unknown)

Motor Works, Inc. was featured in a recent episode of Consumer Compass — a television program by Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection

2014 KBB.com Residual Value WIN for Honda & Toyota! The Kelley Blue Book website (who tracks your car’s value) recently released it’s top 10 list for 2014 vehicles’ projected residual value out to 5 years. It’s no surprise the list is dominated by SUV’s as they still hold their popularity in the US. While these are projections, it is nice to see the vehicles that we’ve been supporting all along occupy 50% of the entire list

Here is another reason to have trained eyeballs under your car’s hood on a regular basis. This pseudo-aneurysm of the upper radiator hose could leave you stranded somewhere. When this blows…and it will, the anti-freeze coolant will leave the engine and the meltdown will begin.Overheating aluminium engine components is extremely hard on your bank account or credit card.Good news, though… Honda and Toyota hoses generally last beyond ten years. There may up to 10 or 12 specially molded hoses under your hood. If there is one leak here, another isn’t far away. We usually suggest replacement of all of the cooling system hoses at the same time in order to protect your entire investment. “Look out captain, she’s about to blow