Mitsubishi-service Archives - Mike Kelly Mitsubishi

When it comes to driving a reliable, affordable vehicle like the Mitsubishi Outlander or Eclipse Cross, the last thing you want to worry about is unexpected repair issues. Unfortunately, even the best vehicles can face a few bumps in the road. From transmission troubles to faulty air conditioning, knowing the common problems and how to fix them can save you time, money, and headaches. W

Owning a Mitsubishi means enjoying a blend of reliability, performance, and style. However, to keep your vehicle running smoothly and to ensure it remains in peak condition, regular maintenance is essential.

Maintaining your Mitsubishi in excellent condition requires regular care and attention to various components of your vehicle. Whether you're commuting through the streets of Butler, Pennsylvania, or embarking on a road trip, keeping up with essential maintenance tasks ensures your Mitsubishi runs smoothly and efficiently.

Modern car tires may be extremely tough, but they can still occasionally become damaged or wear down prematurely. Every safety-conscious driver should keep a close eye on the condition of their tires. If you ever notice the following warning signs, visit your local Mitsubishi dealership without delay to have new tires installed.

UNEVEN WEAR AND TEAR

Various factors, such as steering, braking, and weight distribution, cause car tires to wear down unevenly. Issues with the suspension or wheel alignment can accelerate how quickly tires become unbalanced in size.

When tires are no longer uniform in wear and size, it leads to performance and safety problems. You can counter unevenness with regular tire rotation at your local dealership. However, if your tires become too uneven for rotation to fix, you may need to replace the entire set of four.

DIMINISHED TREAD DEPTHS

All tires need sufficient tread depth to securely grip road surfaces. When any of your tires reach 2/32 of an inch in tread depth, it’s usually time for a new set of tires. And during chilly winter months when the roads are wet and slippery, consider changing your tires a while before they reach 2/32 of an inch.

PLUMMETING AIR PRESSURE

It’s considered good practice for drivers to check the air pressure of their tires at least once a month. If you notice any of your tires inexplicably losing pressure, have a technician inspect it. The tire may have a hidden puncture or some other problem causing an air leak.

RAPIDLY SPREADING CRACKS

Over the years, as tire rubber dries out, cracks naturally start to appear in the sidewalls. This can become a safety threat if the cracks become excessive in number or size.

SURFACE BLISTERS OR BULGES

A visible bulge or blister on the surface of a tire might indicate serious internal damage. Sometimes an impact with a curb or pothole can rupture the internal tubing, causing air to escape and form a bulge. This usually means the tire has to go.

DEEP CUTS OR GASHES

The thick area on the treads of a tire can tolerate some small cuts without necessarily compromising the tire’s strength. Any particularly long or deep cut or gash, however, might threaten the tire’s structural integrity; you’ll probably need to have it repaired or replaced.

EMBEDDED PIECES OF METAL

Tires occasionally pick up nails, screws, and other pieces of metal from the road. While checking the air pressure, also inspect your tires for any such embedded objects. It’s best to have an embedded object removed at once to see how deeply it penetrated.

Have your tires examined and rotated or replaced today by experienced technicians  Mike Kelly Mitsubishi. We’re a locally trusted full-service dealership offering a terrific range of vehicles and maintenance services.

Your car’s battery is that crucial component that means your Mitsubishi will start every time you turn the key. A failing battery can lead to breakdowns, which never come at an expected or convenient time. Here’s a guide from your Mitsubishi dealer on the signs to look for, that indicate a new car battery needs to be part of your immediate future.

DIMINISHED CRANKING POWER

One of the first signs of a failing battery is diminished cranking power. When you put the key in the ignition, do you notice that the engine struggles to start? If it cranks slowly, it’s a sure sign that your battery is losing its ability to hold a charge.

DASHBOARD ALERTS

Modern Mitsubishi cars are equipped with a variety of warning lights on the dashboard. If you see the battery warning light illuminated, it’s a sign that your battery is not charging properly. This could be due to a failing battery or a problem with the charging system.

AGE OF THE BATTERY

Car batteries have a limited lifespan, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years. If your Mitsubishi’s battery is reaching or exceeding this age range, it’s a good idea to consider a replacement, even if it’s still working fine.

DIFFICULTY IN STARTING

If you find yourself frequently needing jump-starts to get your Mitsubishi running, it’s a clear indication that your battery is struggling. While jump-starts may temporarily get you back on the road, they shouldn’t be relied upon as a long-term solution.

CORRODED TERMINALS

Check the battery terminals for corrosion. Corrosion can interfere with the electrical connection between the battery and the vehicle, leading to starting problems. If you notice a buildup of white or greenish deposits on the terminals, it’s time to clean or replace them.

ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES MALFUNCTIONING

A failing battery can also affect the performance of electrical accessories in your Mitsubishi. If you experience issues with power windows, lights, or radio, it could be due to a weakening battery that can no longer power these components easily.

SWOLLEN OR LEAKING BATTERY CASE

Inspect the battery’s case for any signs of swelling or leakage. A swollen battery case can indicate overheating, while leakage can result in acid damage to surrounding components. In either case, it’s essential to replace the battery promptly.

EXTREME TEMPERATURE EFFECTS

Temperature extremes, both hot and cold, can accelerate battery wear. In extremely cold weather, a weak battery may struggle to start the engine. On the other hand, high temperatures can lead to faster evaporation of battery fluid.

If you notice any of these symptoms or if your battery is approaching its recommended lifespan, contact Mike Kelly Mitsubishi, here in Butler, PA, your trusted source for all your Mitsubishi vehicle needs. Being proactive about replacing your battery when needed will keep you on the road safely and help you avoid inconvenience and unexpected repairs.

At Mike Kelly Mitsubishi, we know your vehicle is a crucial part of your daily life, and you rely on it to get you where you need to go safely. The headlights of your Mitsubishi play a vital role in ensuring that safe driving experience, so recognizing when you need new headlights from your Mitsubishi dealer is an important part of car ownership.

FREQUENT BULB BURNOUTS

If you find yourself replacing the headlight bulbs in your Mitsubishi more frequently than expected, it could indicate deeper issues within the headlight assembly or the electrical system of the vehicle. Consistent bulb failures can be frustrating at best; at worst, they may suggest a need for a thorough inspection and potentially a complete headlight replacement.

 

DIMMING HEADLIGHTS

The most noticeable sign that your Mitsubishi may need new headlights is dimness. Dim headlights reduce your ability to see the road ahead and can be particularly dangerous during poor weather conditions. This gradual dimming is a typical sign that the bulbs are reaching the end of their lifespan and need replacement.

 

VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY

Physical damage to the headlight assembly, such as cracks, dents, or broken seals, can keep your headlights from functioning as they should. This type of damage can allow moisture to get in, too, and that can lead to bulb damage or internal corrosion. Address any physical damage promptly.

YELLOWING OR CLOUDED LENSES

Exposure to sunlight and various environmental factors can cause the headlight lenses of your Mitsubishi to become yellowed or clouded over time. This discoloration affects the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle for sure, but it also significantly diminishes the light output, compromising your safety. When the lenses lose their clarity, come see us to get them cleaned (if possible) or replaced.

REDUCTION IN NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY

Are you finding it harder to see at night? This decrease in visibility can make driving at night more hazardous, and it might not be your eyesight that’s the issue. It’s imperative to ensure your headlights provide adequate illumination for safe driving.

ALTERED BEAM PATTERN OR FOCUS

Properly functioning headlights should provide a consistent and evenly distributed light beam. If you notice that the headlights are no longer aligned correctly or the beam pattern appears uneven, get them checked. The wrong beam pattern keeps you from seeing as well as the manufacturer intended, and it can also blind other drivers.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, come see us at Mike Kelly Mitsubishi right away to have your headlights replaced. We’ll have you in and out in a flash, and our award-winning service will impress you like it has throughout our community for the last 60 years!

Good tires make a huge difference in how your vehicle performs. They reduce road noise and vibrations, giving you and your passengers a smoother and more comfortable ride. They also enhance the safety of your vehicle by increasing traction, especially in harsh weather conditions. It’s important to replace tires before they are overly worn. But how can you tell when it’s time for new tires from your Mitsubishi dealer?

YOUR TIRES DON’T PASS THE PENNY TEST

A quick at-home test is a great way of determining if your tires are worn enough to need replacement. Simply place a penny into one of the gaps in your tire treads, with the top of Lincoln’s head facing toward the center of the wheel. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is less than 2/32 of an inch and your tires need to be replaced.

YOU CAN SEE CRACKS AND BULGES ON THE TIRES

Cracks and bulges on the sidewalls of your tires indicate heavy wear and the presence of weak spots. Both can put you at risk of a blowout, so you’ll want to schedule time to have your tires checked right away. This type of wear develops over time and can be the result of weather, improper tire alignment, and damage caused by scraping against curbs.

Tires have metal or polyester cords that support their structure. If your cords are visible, that’s another physical signal that a new set of tires is in order.

YOUR CAR SHAKES

Strong vibrations when your car is being driven at either fast or low speed are another indication that a new set of tires may be needed. If the metal belts inside your tires slip out of place, it can cause the vehicle to shake while being driven. Vibrations may also be a sign that your tires are unbalanced or out of alignment.

YOUR TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT IS FREQUENTLY ON

If your vehicle’s tire pressure light frequently comes on, signaling that your pressure is low, your tires may be wearing out. Many tires also now have tread wear bars, which are small rubber squares placed in the grooves of your tire. When the tread bars are even with the surface of your tread, you’ve experienced enough wear to merit replacement tires.

YOUR TIRES ARE OLD

Most tires should be replaced after six to 10 years on the road. If you can’t remember when you last purchased a new set of tires, it’s probably time to invest in replacement tires.

Good tires can extend the life of your vehicle by supporting safety and performance. Don’t ignore signs that your tires are wearing, and when you’re ready to schedule your next service appointment, call Mike Kelly Mitsubishi.

Your Mitsubishi’s alternator is a vital part of your vehicle’s electrical system. Whether you're commuting through Pittsburgh or navigating the streets of Butler, a properly working alternator ensures that your car stays powered and reliable.

Most drivers use an automatic transmission, and these highly sophisticated gearboxes make driving a whole lot easier. But it’s important to pay attention to signs of transmission trouble and act to fix budding issues early on. Here are five warning signs that you should visit your local Mitsubishi dealership for transmission repair right away.

WHINING SOUNDS

Automatic transmissions will often emit whining sounds when trouble’s afoot. This sound might be caused by various issues, so it’s difficult to diagnose without the help of a trained technician.

Usually, if you only hear whining whenever the transmission is in gear, then you probably have a faulty torque converter. If the whining only occurs while you’re reversing, you might have a clogged fluid line. And if the whining only occurs when you try to shift gears, you might have a problem with the cogs of the overall planetary gear system.

HESITANT SHIFTING

If you notice a lag before your transmission goes into gear, then you might have low fluid, a faulty solenoid, clogged filters, or clutch issues. Delayed gears will often be accompanied by high engine revving as the engine struggles to transmit power through the gears to the wheels.

GRINDING AND SHUDDERING

Painful grinding noises and shuddering vibrations are usually bad signs. They indicate moving parts rubbing together with too much friction, possibly from an inadequate amount of transmission fluid.

If this occurs inside the planetary gear system, you might have an expensive repair job on your hands. If you hear grinding or feel vibrations from the gearbox, it’s best to stop driving and have a technician take a look as soon as possible.

LEAKING FLUID

Transmission fluid is vital to the proper functioning of any gearbox. The fluid keeps everything fully lubricated. It also helps maintain hydraulic pressure and cleans out debris and contaminants from the system. When a leak occurs, it can very quickly lead to serious problems.

In fact, fluid leaks are one of the most common causes of other transmission issues. So if you suspect any kind of trouble, pull over and search for signs of leaking transmission fluid: a translucent dark red liquid.

HOW A MITSUBISHI DEALER CHECKS YOUR TRANSMISSION

When you take your car in for transmission servicing or repairs, the technician will first draw data from your onboard computers using an interfacing tool. They’ll then search for corrosion, leaks, cracks, and external signs of wear and tear. They’ll check your fluid levels and top your fluid up or replace it if necessary.

If necessary, they’ll also run your transmission through a series of tests, including testing the performance while in gear, in neutral, and in reverse, timing upshift and downshift speeds, and more.

Have your transmission inspected and repaired today at Mike Kelly Mitsubishi. We’re a full-service dealership offering the region’s Mitsubishi drivers an extensive range of vehicles and car maintenance services at competitive prices.

Regular brake inspections are essential to ensure that your Mitsubishi brake system is in good working condition and you are safe behind the wheel of your Mirage, Eclipse Cross, or Outlander. Below are ways to tell when it’s time to swing by your Mitsubishi dealer for brake repair to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

THE BRAKE PADS ARE THIN

Driving around with thin and worn brake pads is dangerous because your car won’t stop effectively. Check the thickness of the brake pads, and if they appear worn and are less than a quarter-inch thick, ask your Mitsubishi technician for a brake pad replacement.

YOU HEAR SQUEALING AND GRINDING NOISES

Your brake pads have wear indicators that make squealing sounds when the pads get too thin. This sound is a warning that the pads need replacing.

If you ignore the squealing sounds and don’t replace the brake pads, you will start hearing awful grinding noises. The brake pads are now entirely worn down, and the noises you hear when you brake are from the against the steel rotor.

YOUR BRAKES ARE UNRESPONSIVE

When there’s not enough brake fluid or a brake fluid leak, your brakes will become unresponsive. It will feel as if the brake pedal is sinking into the floor when you step on it, and it will take longer than usual for your car to slow down and come to a complete stop.

YOUR CAR PULLS TO THE SIDE WHEN YOU BRAKE

Brake pads don’t wear at the same rate, and when they are uneven, your car will pull to the side when you brake. One side might get thinner faster, causing your vehicle to pull to the left or right.

YOUR BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATES

Vibrations under normal braking conditions are an indication of warped rotors. Rotors that get too hot or are worn eventually warp and make uneven contact with the brake pads, causing vibrations you feel through the brake pedal.

YOU SEE PUDDLES UNDER YOUR CAR

Your car is leaking brake fluid when you notice yellow or brown puddles on the ground under your vehicle. Get the leak repaired fast to avoid brake failure.

THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT IS ON

When your car has a brake system problem, the brake warning light or the Antilock Braking System (ABS) light will light up. When you see one of these lights is on, schedule a brake system service at your dealer as soon as possible.

Keep your Mitsubishi brake system in good working order with regular brake maintenance. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the factory-recommended brake system service intervals, and call Mike Kelly Mitsubishi today to schedule a brake system service. The qualified Mitsubishi technicians will perform a thorough brake inspection to ensure your brakes work correctly.

Taking care of your vehicle needs should be easy and stress-free, and that is why you should always count on the experts. There is only one place you can trust for superior new and pre-owned vehicles and top-quality services, maintenance, and repairs. The staff at your Mitsubishi dealership has the knowledge, expertise, and specialized equipment to ensure that your car always runs optimally.

1. SUPERIOR NEW AND PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

We are proud to offer you a huge inventory of superior new and pre-owned vehicles. From quality sedans to SUVs, your dream car is here at our dealership waiting for you. Our expert staff will assist you in choosing the right model to suit your lifestyle and budget. You can visit us at the dealership or browse our new and pre-owned inventory online on our website and choose the right vehicle that is perfect for you.

2. TOP-QUALITY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

We are here to take care of all your maintenance and repair requirements. Our Mitsubishi-trained technicians know every part, component, and system that keeps your vehicle running. They will perform top-quality maintenance and repairs using specialized technology and genuine Mitsubishi parts.

Our maintenance and repair services include the following and more:

• Preventative vehicle maintenance
• General repairs
• Engine diagnostics
• Tune-ups
• Fluid and filter checks and corrections
• Transmission services
• Brake checks and repair
• Battery inspections and replacements
• Radiator and cooling system repairs
• Air conditioning and heater services
• Alternator inspections and repairs

3. OIL CHANGES

Your vehicle needs an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Check your owner’s manual or speak to one of our expert technicians on the recommended oil changes for your specific model. Regular oil changes will ensure that all the parts are well lubricated and running smoothly. When you change your vehicle’s oil regularly, you will save money in the long run and avoid expensive repairs.

4. EXPERT TIRE INSTALLATIONS

We know your car and what tires are the best for the model you drive. We stock all the major tire brands at competitive prices, and our trained technicians will expertly install the correct tires for your vehicle.

To give you added peace of mind, we offer a two-year road hazard coverage on all eligible tires.

5. 24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

We are there when you need us, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With your new Mitsubishi, you receive 24-hour emergency roadside assistance for five years regardless of the mileage on your vehicle. We will tow your vehicle after an accident to the nearest Mitsubishi dealer for repairs. We will jump-start your car, change a flat tire, and deliver fluid and fuel to you.

If you locked yourself out of your vehicle or you need minor repairs, don’t worry. We’ll sort out the problem in no time. Just phone us on our Roadside Assistance toll-free number and get the help you need fast to get you back on the road.

Always know that your dealership offers you all the services you need to keep your Mitsubishi in tip-top running condition. Contact Mike Kelly Mitsubishi today. We offer only top-quality services, maintenance, and repairs performed by our highly qualified, factory-trained technicians.