Car Care: Auto Maintenance Services

Car & Truck Repair in Columbia

Barnhill Automotive is a full-service preventative maintenance and auto repair center, providing comprehensive car care services for your domestic or import vehicle to keep it running at full power. Serving all brands, models, imports, and fuel systems in Columbia, we have the tools and expertise needed to ensure your vehicle operates exactly as intended by its manufacturer.

For inquiries, please reach out to us at 803-772-5144, or you can send us an email, and our proficient experts will be delighted to address your queries and assess the necessary actions.

Our basic auto maintenance services include:

30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance
Consistent maintenance helps keep your vehicle operating at peak condition while also prolonging its life. Most automakers recommend car maintenance at 30,000-mile intervals, adhering to the 30/60/90K mile schedule provided to car owners. Our team of experts can keep you on track, preserving your vehicle's condition, optimizing its performance, and enhancing its resale value. The 30/60/90K service covers:

• Fluid replacements
• Oil and Filter changes
• Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments
• Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.
• With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable

Belts
A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car's engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle's fan belts will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Barnhill Automotive for all your vehicle's repair needs.

You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the belts replaced by auto cooling and heating experts - and get your car driving right - visit Barnhill Automotive today. The mechanics at Barnhill Automotive will thoroughly inspect your car's belts; replace all worn belts; and adjust the installed belts.

Check Engine Light
No one likes to see their car's "Check Engine" light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At Barnhill Automotive, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call at 803-772-5144 or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.

Factory Recommended Service/Maintenance
Automotive and auto parts are accompanied by a factory-recommended service and maintenance schedule. The manufacturer specifies how often to service or replace an auto part. Keep in mind, we work on all American and imported vehicles (either diesel or gas engines). Our highly skilled auto mechanics possess the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to provide this service.

Headlight and Bulb Replacement
To maintain optimal visibility and ensure your safety, it is essential to keep your vehicle's headlight bulbs in good working order. Although replacing faulty headlight bulbs is a straightforward and rapid process, it is highly recommended that you trust this task to experienced auto mechanics. This way, you will have high-quality bulbs installed by experts, ensuring your safety. Remember that this is a vital aspect of your car's maintenance.

Hoses
Hoses play a critical role in transferring coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system, including the radiator. Sooner or later, your vehicle's hoses will become dry and develop cracks. Not only should you replace the hoses with top-quality replacements, but you should also entrust this work to experts. Our mechanics will perform a comprehensive inspection of your car's hoses, replace any worn hoses, and fine-tune the newly installed ones.

Oil, Lube, and Filter
To maintain smooth operation, your vehicle heavily relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil serves to lubricate, cool, and cleanse the internal engine components. Over time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your vehicle requires an oil, lube, and filter change on a regular basis, which will vary based on a number of factors. When the time comes for a lube, oil, or filter change, entrust your vehicle to Barnhill Automotive in Columbia, SC.

Wiper Blade Replacement
Visibility plays a pivotal role in safe driving. Properly functioning wipers enhance your safety on the road. If your car's wipers are not performing optimally, leaving streaks or lines, it is imperative to replace them immediately. To have high-quality wiper blades installed on your vehicle, call us at 803-772-5144 today. We will equip your car with effective and top-quality wiper blades.

FAQs About Automobile Squeaks, Squeals and Rattles

Why is my car making a squealing noise?

It may be a slipping fan belt. Listen for a few warning signs such as a squeaking or chirping noise. Those noises are usually caused by misalignment of the belt and the pulley. If you come by Barnhill Automotive in Columbia our professional auto repair technicians can realign it to stop the noise and fix it before your fan belt completely breaks.

Why does my car make a noise when I turn the steering wheel?

If your car makes strange sounds or clicks when you turn the steering wheel the most common cause is a low steering fluid. Over time the steering fluid decreases and air enters the steering mechanism causing unwanted noises. Come to Barnhill Automotive to top off your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away immediately. If the sound returns quickly your car could be leaking steering fluid. Our professionals in Columbia can help you diagnose and repair leaks quickly and affordably.

Why does my car squeal when I start it in the morning?

A worn out cambelt (also known as a timing belt) will create a loud noise when you start your car's engine. The noise could range from squealing to hissing or rumbling. This is the sound of a cambelt that is about to break. If a cambelt breaks it can ruin your car's engine. Come to Barnhill Automotive and get it replaced right away.

Leaking Fluid FAQs

Why is water leaking on my foot on the driver's side?

The most common cause is a blocked air conditioning drain hose. This is a simple repair at Barnhill Automotive. There are other possible causes of water dripping on your foot on the driver's side of the car including a broken door seal or leaking heat exchanger.

What should I do if my car creates a small oil leak on my driveway?

If the spill is still wet, cover the stain with clay cat litter, sand, cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda. This will help absorb the oil before it soaks into the cement. Once the spill has dried, sweep up the absorbent material. Then, wash away the remaining stain with water and soap. A small oil leak on your driveway is an indication that something is wrong with your car. Bring your car to Barnhill Automotive to get the problem diagnosed. Do not ignore an oil leak as it can seriously affect your car's engine.

Why is my car leaking a sweet-smelling fluid?

If there is a sweet-smelling fluid leaking from your car, the most likely culprit is leaking coolant or antifreeze. A coolant leak can become a serious problem. If your vehicle gets too low on coolant or antifreeze, it will overheat and may cause engine damage.

Car & Truck Care, near Columbia, South Carolina

07/25/2022

I have a really old car. 1998 Honda Civic 5 speed. Tommy & Ryan keep my car running like new. They recently replaced all my hoses for me to be sure my car was seaworthy to go out of town. Just got back Friday from a 3 day trip to Moncks Corner SC, including a day trip to Isle of Palms SC. My car did beautifully with no problem whatsoever. I trust them for all my maintenance & repair needs. They are awesome.

Sherry Russell

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Undercar Services