Mason Auto Repair

Taking your SUV off the beaten path can be one of the most thrilling adventures you’ll ever experience. But if you’re serious about off-roading, your stock SUV might not cut it. From rugged trails to overlanding adventures, upgrading your vehicle ensures safety, better performance, and more fun. So, where do you start? Let’s explore the best ways to enhance your SUV’s off-road prowess while keeping your goals and budget in mind. 1. Start with Suspension Upgrades Suspension is the backbone of off-road performance. A quality suspension lift improves ground clearance, allowing your SUV to conquer rocky trails, deep ruts, and uneven terrain. Brands like Westcott Designs, Icon, and King specialize in suspension kits tailored to vehicles like Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, and Lexus GX models. Not all lifts are the same, so consider your off-road goals. Are you tackling ex ... read more

Winter driving can be nerve-wracking, especially when icy roads turn every trip into a test of skill and patience. Even the most experienced drivers can find themselves caught off guard when their tires lose grip on a slick patch of ice. But skidding isn’t inevitable—it’s preventable with the right techniques and preparation. So, how can you stay in control and avoid those heart-stopping moments? Why Skidding Happens Before you can prevent skidding, it helps to know why it happens. Skidding occurs when your tires lose traction with the road surface, typically due to ice, snow, or excessive speed. Icy roads are especially tricky because they can appear deceptively clear, hiding black ice—a thin, nearly invisible layer of frozen water. Factors like over-accelerating, sudden braking, or sharp steering can trigger a skid. Your car’s weight distribution and the condition of your tires also play a significant role. The key to staying safe is ... read more

Are you considering a new car and torn between a conventional gasoline engine and a hybrid? With rising environmental concerns and fuel prices fluctuating, hybrid vehicles are becoming popular for drivers who want the best of both worlds. Offering a unique blend of fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and cutting-edge technology, hybrids can be an excellent option for your next car. But what exactly makes hybrid vehicles stand out, and why should you consider one for your driveway? Fuel Efficiency That Saves You Money One of the biggest reasons people turn to hybrid cars is the promise of fuel efficiency. Who doesn’t want to save money on gas? Hybrid cars use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, allowing you to get more miles per gallon (MPG) compared to traditional gas-powered cars. The electric motor assists the gas engine, meaning your vehicle doesn’t need to rely solely on fuel to run. If you drive in stop-and-go traffic often, hy ... read more

You pull into your driveway, park your car, and as you step out, something catches your eye—small, dark oil spots on the ground. It’s easy to brush off as no big deal, but ignoring those oil spots could lead to bigger problems in the future. Oil is required to keep your engine lubricated, and an oil leak can signal potential damage to your vehicle’s systems. If you’ve recently noticed these spots, it’s time to investigate what might be going on under your car. Let’s walk through the possible causes and what you should do about it. Where the Oil Might Be Coming From Oil spots can originate from several different parts of your vehicle, so identifying the source is the first step. Most commonly, oil leaks come from the engine, but they can also come from other components like the transmission or power steering system. When oil seeps out of these areas, it drips down and forms those concerning little puddles you see on the ground. If ... read more

Track days are the perfect playground for car enthusiasts looking to test their skills and vehicles. However, if you want to make the most of your time on the track, some essential upgrades can significantly enhance both performance and safety. While your car may feel fast on the streets, the rigors of track driving demand more specialized attention to detail. Let’s explore the top 5 upgrades for track day enthusiasts that will help take your driving experience to the next level. 1. High-Performance Brake Pads and Rotors When it comes to track days, stopping power is just as important as acceleration. Stock brakes often aren’t built to handle the intense heat and friction generated by aggressive track driving. That’s where high-performance brake pads and rotors come in. Upgrading to performance brake pads provides better grip and reduced fade when braking hard. These pads are made from advanced materials that withstand higher temperatures without w ... read more