Since the first automobiles, there have been radiators. Every liquid-cooled engine on the road has, and has always needed, a radiator; without it, the engine would overheat in no time, causing catastrophic engine failure. While the efficiency of radiators, the materials they’re made out of, and the shape and size of them have changed over time, radiators haven’t actually changed much over the last century or so. At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair we know that even though radiators generally last a long time, they do occasionally fail. When your radiator is malfunctioning you can trust our technicians to repair yours and get you back on the road. 

Once your new tires are mounted and balanced, you’ll want to keep them in good shape. To get the most out of your tires, inspect them regularly and keep up with maintenance - the difference between a tire that lasts 100k miles, and one that lasts 10k, mostly comes down to how well it’s been taken care of.

At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, we know the key to making your vehicle last; good maintenance. An overwhelming percentage of the problems we see, especially the really catastrophic ones, are a result of poor maintenance. While properly maintaining a vehicle can seem like a bit of a hassle, it is absolutely worth the payoff. Good maintenance is the only difference between a car that lasts 80,000 miles and a car that lasts 400,000 miles. Preventative maintenance and repair when a problem occurs are your two concerns, and both will keep your car on the road far longer if observed properly.

Everyone from mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about vehicles. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

Do you need new brake pads? Most of the time, if you think you do, the answer is yes. While a lot of auto parts stores sell brake pads with lifetime warranties, don’t be misled...brake pads will still wear down.

You’ve determined it’s time to get rid of the engine you have, along with all of its issues. You’re probably considering getting something new altogether, and you’re tired of this one giving you issues. Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL is here to help you make the call.

If your car, truck, or SUV has really been put through the wringer, it might be time for a new one. However, before you decide to throw in the towel there are a few things you should consider.

At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, we’re focused on keeping your car, truck, or SUV running well - but we’re here to keep it looking good too. Here’s some information on wheel sizing, to help you make sure your new wheels will fit your vehicle.

So, you’ve determined your transmission is bad. What next? Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL is here to help.

There are a few things to consider when your transmission goes out. You might feel inclined to just get a new car...but should you? Here are some factors to think about.

You have determined your Cummins, Duramax, or Powerstroke engine needs to be replaced. You might be on the fence about whether you should replace the engine in your diesel, or just get a new truck. At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, we’re here to help.

At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, we have seen our fair share of preventable engine failures. Frequently, engine disaster could have been avoided if the driver had known beforehand what the warning lights or gauges on the dashboard indicated. While some dash lights are fairly benign, others indicate imminent trouble. This guide from Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL will prepare you for the next time your vehicle shows you a warning you shouldn’t ignore.

Whether you drive a Chevy, Ram, or Ford diesel pickup, your truck is a quality engineered machine. At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, we honor that quality - not only in our service, but in the parts, we provide as well.

Once you’ve determined a vehicle needs to have the engine replaced and is in good enough shape to keep on the team, it’s time to find an engine. Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL is here to help you choose the right one. There are a variety of replacement options when it comes to engines.

At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, a big part of our job is helping you make decisions that are right for you, and your car, truck or SUV. When it comes to replacing a transmission there are a lot of options out there; we’re here to help you make the right choice.

If you're prepping to go on a road trip, you need to be sure that your vehicle is ready for the journey. An unmaintained vehicle could be the difference between a good trip and a trip that goes south really quickly. Here at Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair, we want to remind you of some things to do so you and your vehicle are ready for the road. 

Fuel Systems are particularly important on diesel trucks, whether you drive a Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge pickup. At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, fuel system maintenance and repair is a service we prioritize, since we know how essential a reliable fuel system is.

At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, we see a lot of the same mistakes that cause a transmission to fail. With our help, you can avoid a preventable transmission failure and keep your car reliably on the road.

Your car’s radio and headlights, plus a slew of other important functions, are powered by an electrical current generated by your vehicle’s engine. A vital part of generating electricity is having a place to store it while it’s not being used. This is where your car battery comes into play. The battery of your vehicle holds electrical energy while the car is off in order to help the engine turn over and create a spark to start internal combustion. Without a working battery, your car will not be able to start. If you allow our team here at Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair to perform proper maintenance, an average car battery can start your car reliably for roughly four years.

Leaks and drips that get the interior of your vehicle wet are definitely an inconvenience. Sitting water promotes rust, bad smells, and can ruin your carpet. Furthermore, the water often seems to come from seemingly nowhere, adding to the frustration. From Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, FL, here are some of the leading causes of water on your floor, and what you can do about it.

The exhaust on your truck is an important series of components, that work together to ensure smooth, reliable operation. At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, 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.

Whether it’s due to damage, or simply old age, leaky trucks are a problem. At Melvin's Auto & Truck Repair in St Augustine, we can fix that for you.

Water leaks are common and hazardous. Not only do they cause rust, rot, and mold damage to your trucks, they also put any cargo inside at risk. No customer wants their boxes and products to arrive water damaged - it not only makes your company look bad but can cost you a lot of money.