5 Indications of Alternator Failure that You Shouldn’t Ignore

Your vehicle’s alternator is a key component of its electrical system, responsible for keeping the battery charged and ensuring that various electrical components run smoothly. When the alternator starts to fail, it can lead to a range of issues that may even leave you stranded. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Columbia Heights, MN area. Here are five common signs of alternator trouble. Dim or Flickering Lights A common symptom of alternator trouble is dim or flickering headlights, dashboard lights, or interior lights. Since the alternator supplies power to your car’s electrical system, when it starts to fail, it can't provide consistent electricity. This can cause your lights to flicker or appear dimmer than usual. Weak or Dead Battery If your car’s battery keeps dying, it could be a sign that the alternator is no longer charging it properly. While batteries do have a limited lifespan, if you find yourself frequently jump-starting your vehicle, the underlying issue may be the alternator. A failing alternator won’t recharge the battery while you drive, leaving it drained. Strange Noises Odd sounds can also indicate alternator issues. A failing alternator may produce a grinding or whining noise due to worn-out bearings or belt issues. If you hear such noises, it’s a good idea to have your alternator inspected before the situation worsens. Malfunctioning Electrical Accessories A bad alternator can cause your car's electrical system to act erratically. You might experience power windows or seat adjustments slowing down, the radio cutting out, or other electrical accessories malfunctioning. This is because the alternator isn't providing sufficient power to operate everything correctly. Warning Light on the Dashboard Most vehicles have a dashboard warning light that illuminates when there's an issue with the charging system. It might look like a battery symbol or read ALT or GEN, depending on the vehicle model. If this light comes on, it’s a potential sign that your alternator is failing or struggling to supply power. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Columbia Heights, MN When you need auto repair in Columbia Heights, MN and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at  (763) 200-4945  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

When the check engine light flashes on, it can spark concern, especially if you're not sure what's causing it. While the light can be triggered by a wide range of issues, some are more common than others. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Columbia Heights area. Here are five common check engine light triggers. Faulty Oxygen Sensor The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust system. If it malfunctions, it can lead to poor fuel-efficiency. A faulty oxygen sensor can also lead to higher emissions, and if left unchecked, it can eventually damage your catalytic converter. Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter is a critical part of your vehicle's emissions system. It helps convert harmful gasses into less harmful emissions before they leave the exhaust system. Signs of a faulty catalytic converter include decreasing gas mileage and a smell similar to rotten eggs. Failing Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps regulate how much fuel is injected into the engine for combustion. A failing mass airflow sensor can lead to poor fuel-efficiency, increased emissions, and even stalling. Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber, while ignition coils provide the necessary voltage to the spark plugs. When either of these components malfunctions, it can cause engine misfires and reduced power. Loose or Damaged Gas Cap A loose, damaged, or missing gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on. If it’s not properly secured or damaged, fuel may evaporate before your engine gets the opportunity to run on it. Check Engine Light Repair in Columbia Heights, MN When you need auto repair in Columbia Heights, MN and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at (763) 200-4945 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, it’s our mission to earn our customers’ satisfaction by consistently providing top-quality service at fair rates. No matter how big or small the job, our team will work diligently to complete it to the highest standards. From light maintenance to transmission rebuilding, our detail-oriented mechanics will make sure the job is done right. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “Always clear explanations, always an excellent job at a great price. They keep my 20 year old car running smoothly and safely as if it were brand new! I can’t say enough about how great the mechanics are at Hage-Kobany.” — Dorie J. “Was happy with the repairs and was very satisfied with the cost. They were really quick and provided excellent customer service.” — Tyer V. “Had my truck differential replaced and it is now running quiet and smooth. They have the professional mechanics to do this special work. Knowledge and years of shared experience in their staff.” — Jeff P. “GO HERE! Great service. Friendly staff. Quick turnaround time. Patched my tire up with no funny business. Will be going back for future work. Thanks, Mark and team.” — Jared L. “Work was done quickly, we really appreciated their help with an odd transmission.” — Melissa C. “Not only was this the best customer service experience I have had getting work done on a car but the pricing is more than fair and they did an excellent job in a timely manner! Could not have had a better experience and I will be back!” — Daundre D. “Very happy with the service. Very prompt, and explained work needed and done.” — Charles H. “Extremely satisfied with their service.” — Hector M. “Always honest and straight up great service!” — Mark R. “Friendly service and very reasonably priced! Will be back in future for car problems and recommend to friends.” — Josh C. Auto Repair in Columbia Heights, MN For auto repair in Columbia Heights and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at (763) 200-4945 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

If you notice that your vehicle isn’t firing up as quickly as usual, you’ll want to promptly alert the mechanic. Otherwise, the issue might soon escalate to the point that your car won’t start at all, creating a serious inconvenience. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, our local mechanics are highly experienced with diagnosing and fixing issues that cause no-start. Here’s a look at five common reasons that cars fail to start up. Dead Battery A dead or weak battery is perhaps the most common reason for a car not starting. Batteries commonly last around 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key, you may have a drained battery. Jump-starting the car or replacing the battery usually resolves this issue. Fuel Issues Running out of fuel is an obvious reason that a car won’t start, but other fuel-related problems often cause no-start. Namely, faulty fuel pumps and clogged fuel filters may be to blame for starting issues. Signs of a fuel-related problem include poor acceleration and decreased fuel-efficiency. Faulty Starter The starter motor is responsible for initiating the engine's ignition process. As it ages, wear and tear can cause the starter motor to malfunction, resulting in a car that won't start when the key is turned. A faulty starter can cause a grinding noise. Ignition Switch Issues The ignition switch provides voltage to the starter motor. If it malfunctions, then a no-start situation can arise. A sign of a bad ignition switch is that it’s hard to turn the key. Failing Spark Plugs Spark plugs play a crucial role in igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine's cylinders. If the spark plugs are worn out or damaged, the engine may not ignite properly, leading to difficulty starting or rough idling. Auto Repair in Columbia Heights, MN When you need auto repair in Columbia Heights, MN and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at  (763) 200-4945  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment !

Because transmission issues often escalate quickly, it’s always best to visit the shop at the first sign of trouble. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Columbia Heights, MN area. Here’s a look at four common symptoms of a transmission problem. Delayed Response or Slipping Gears If you notice a significant delay after shifting from park to drive or reverse, or if your vehicle hesitates before engaging into gear, you’ve got a sign of transmission trouble. Also, if your vehicle slips out of gear while driving, it's important to promptly have your transmission inspected by the mechanic. Gear slippage may occur due to contaminated transmission fluid. Burning Smell A burning smell coming from your vehicle is never a good sign and should never be ignored. If you detect a burning odor, it could indicate overheating transmission fluid. Overheating can occur due to low fluid levels, fluid leaks, or internal transmission issues. Ignoring this warning sign can result in severe damage to your transmission. Strange Noises If you hear whining, buzzing, humming, or clunking noises, it could signify issues with the transmission. Grinding noises may indicate worn-out gears or low transmission fluid levels, which can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly. Fluid Leaks Transmission fluid is essential for lubricating and cooling the various components of your transmission. If you notice reddish-colored fluid pooling underneath your vehicle, you’ve got evidence of a transmission fluid leak. Transmission fluid leaks can occur due to damaged seals, gaskets, or transmission pan, and they can lead to low fluid levels, which in turn can cause overheating and premature wear of transmission components. Such leaks should be fixed ASAP. Transmission Repair in Columbia Heights, MN When you need transmission repair in Columbia Heights, MN and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at  (763) 200-4945  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment !

As soon as you notice evidence of an engine issue, you’ll want to make it a priority to alert the mechanic. Otherwise, the problem may soon escalate, leading to a breakdown and more expensive repairs. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we provide expert engine repair in the greater Columbia Heights, MN area. Here’s a look at five warning signs of engine trouble. Abnormal Noises If you start hearing unusual noises—such as knocking, banging, hissing, or grinding—it could indicate serious engine issues. Knocking sounds, for example, may suggest problems with the engine's combustion process, while hissing could indicate a leak in the cooling system. Ignoring these noises could lead to severe engine problems. Decreased Performance There’s cause for concern if you notice issues such as sluggish acceleration, a lack of power, or difficulty starting the engine. These symptoms could point to various engine problems, such as fuel system trouble or ignition issues. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more costly problems and return your engine to optimal performance. Check Engine Light The check engine light on your dashboard is not something to be ignored. Even if your car seems to be running fine, it's essential to have the codes read by a mechanic to diagnose the issue accurately. Common causes of an illuminated check engine light include problems with catalytic converters, MAF sensors, spark plugs, and oxygen sensors. Discolored/Excessive Exhaust Smoke It’s important to pay attention to the color of the exhaust smoke coming from your vehicle's tailpipe. Black smoke could indicate a rich fuel mixture, while white smoke might suggest coolant entering the combustion chamber. Blue smoke commonly indicates burning oil. Fluid Leaks Keep an eye out for puddles or stains beneath your parked car. If you notice any, you should promptly bring them to the mechanic's attention. Oil leaks could be due to a worn-out seal, while coolant leaks might suggest a cracked radiator or a failing water pump. Identifying and repairing these leaks early can prevent further damage to your engine. Engine Repair in Columbia Heights, MN When you need auto repair in Columbia Heights, MN and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at  (763) 200-4945  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment !

Your brakes play a crucial role in maintaining your safety and that of others on the road. But like any other part, they can wear down, leading to potential hazards. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we provide top-quality brake repair in the greater Columbia Heights, MN area. Here’s a look at five symptoms of brake trouble. Squealing or Grinding Noises One of the most common signs of brake trouble is unusual noises when you apply the brakes. If you hear a high-pitched squeal or grinding sound, it's likely that your brake pads are worn down. Ignoring these noises can lead to damage to your brake rotors, resulting in more expensive repairs. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal A brake pedal that feels soft or spongy underfoot is a clear indication of trouble. This could be due to air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. When brake fluid is leaking, you’ve got a major safety hazard and shouldn’t drive your car. Rather, you should get towed to the mechanic for the repairs. Vibrations or Pulsations If you feel vibrations or pulsations when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign of warped brake rotors. Warped rotors can develop due to excessive heat buildup and uneven wear and tear. Driving with warped rotors can compromise your braking performance. This issue should be addressed ASAP. Pulling to One Side A stuck caliper could cause your car to veer off to one side. Obviously, this poses a major safety risk to you and other drivers. With this symptom, you shouldn’t operate your vehicle until the necessary repairs are completed. Dashboard Warning Light An illuminated ABS warning light means that a problem has been detected that should be promptly brought to the mechanic’s attention. This light may turn on due to issues such as low brake fluid and faulty wheel speed sensors. Brake Repair in Columbia Heights, MN For auto repair in Columbia Heights and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at (763) 200-4945 . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Your vehicle's transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, coolant, and hydraulic fluid. This makes it very important that you’re driving with the proper amount. If you’re having issues related to transmission fluid, it’s important to alert the mechanic ASAP. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we provide top-quality transmission service in the greater Columbia Heights, MN area. We can expertly handle transmission fluid issues. Here’s a look at five signs that your transmission fluid is too low. Slipping Gears If there’s a delay in the engagement of gears or unexpected shifting, it could be a sign that the transmission fluid level is too low. Inadequate fluid hinders the hydraulic pressure needed to keep gears engaged, resulting in erratic and inefficient gear changes. Unusual Noises Low transmission fluid can cause components to grind or overheat, leading to unusual noises like whining, clunking, or humming. These sounds may suggest increased friction and wear within the transmission system. Such noises mean the mechanic should conduct an inspection ASAP. Delayed or Rough Shifting A properly functioning transmission should shift gears smoothly without any noticeable hesitation or jarring movements. If you notice delays in shifting or feel a roughness during gear changes, it could be a sign of low transmission fluid. Inadequate fluid levels impede the hydraulic pressure required for smooth gear shifts, resulting in a less responsive transmission. Transmission Overheating Insufficient transmission fluid can lead to increased friction and heat within the transmission system. If your vehicle's transmission overheats, it may trigger a warning light on your dashboard. A burning odor is another warning sign. Overheating can cause severe damage to transmission components and lead to expensive repairs. Fluid Leaks An obvious sign that your transmission fluid is getting low is the presence of fluid puddles beneath your vehicle. Transmission fluid is commonly reddish in color. Leaks often form due to faulty seals and failing pan gaskets. Transmission Service in Columbia Heights, MN When you need transmission service in Columbia Heights, MN and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at  (763) 200-4945  . Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we aim to always outperform our customers’ expectations by providing top-quality repairs, fair rates, and attentive service. Whether you need in-depth transmission repair or some light maintenance, our team of ASE-certified mechanics will work meticulously to get the job done right the first time. And we’re truly thankful when our customers provide feedback about the work that we did for them. Here are some of our latest customer reviews. “Had some issues with my vehicle, they fixed my truck with wicked quick speed, quality workmanship, and customer service that was amazing. Fair prices and honest. Very impressed with them. Will recommend.” — Matthew C. “The costs of the repairs are very reasonable. I will be back for future service. It's always nice dealing with local companies that have an interest in the community. Thank you Mark for your assistance and the rest of the team at Hage-Kobany Transmissions.” — Tom F. “You are the bomb!! My car drives like a dream now & she’s all set for a fun Minnesotan winter. Mange Takk!!!!!” — Eileen S . “I was concerned because my son goes to the U in MN and he needed car repairs, we did not know a mechanic in the area. Mark was very responsive and honest, got the job done quickly for us. Will definitely use them again.” — Jen S. “We have been referring customers from our auto shop to Hage-Kobany for years as we do not do transmission work. They are always very straightforward and fair. Of the dozens of customers of ours they've helped, I haven't gotten a single complaint. Good small business that does things right.” — Chuck G . “I’m a very satisfied return customer and highly recommend their service. I’m confident in their repairs and professional attention they give me.” — Ron W. Auto Repair in Columbia Heights, MN When you need auto repair in Columbia Heights and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at  (763) 200-4945  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!