Blog

August 1, 2026
Water Pump Let's talk water pumps for vehicles in Sandy, UT. The engine is cooled by coolant/antifreeze mixed with water. This mixture circulates around the engine, absorbing some of the heat. The coolant then flows through the radiator where air cools it down for the return trip back through the engine. Your vehicle's water pump is what drives this process. Cooling system problems are the number-one mechanical failure in Sandy. So the water pump plays a pretty important role. You can't get very far in UT without a water pump. After all that distance and years of pumping coolant, water pumps just wear out. You might notice a whining or grinding sound coming from the water pump. Or maybe see coolant leaking from the pump itself. The precise location of the water pump varies depending on the vehicle. Some have the water pump attached to the outside of the engine where you can see it. With these, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt. Some have the water pump driven by the timing belt. The timing belt cover often hides the water pump with this setup, so you can't see the pump without removing the cover. When you have McNeil's AutoCare replace the water pump on one of these, you really should replace the timing belt at the same time. We've already gotten things taken apart and besides, the belt's likely been contaminated by coolant. And timing belts usually need to be replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers, anyway, so it just makes sense to do both jobs at once. The opposite is true too; when you change the timing belt on this type of engine, replace the water pump while you're at it. The water pump will eventually fail and getting to it is an expensive project. For not that much more you can take care of both the timing belt and the water pump at the same time.
July 2, 2026
The first thing you need to know is that most new engines require synthetic oil. If synthetic oil is recommended for your car – you MUST use it.
June 3, 2026
Most people don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. Maintaining your air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job.
January 21, 2026
Call McNeil's AutoCare at (801) 386-8806 for help with your check engine light in Sandy or Riverton, UT.
January 21, 2026
We have premium shocks and struts that'll improve your performance. We can even help you with upgraded, heavy-duty shocks - schedule an appointment with us today!
January 21, 2026
If it's been a while since you've had your wheels aligned, bring your vehicle to McNeil's AutoCare in Sandy UT for an alignment check, or schedule an appointment.
January 18, 2026
Your Sandy UT service technician at McNeil's AutoCare will install an alternator that meets your manufacturer's specifications. Schedule an appointment today!
Car driving on a snow-covered road with trees in the background during winter. | McNeil's Auto Care
December 2, 2025
Ready to get winter-ready? Book online in minutes or call our Sandy shop today. We’ll get your vehicle inspected, serviced, and safe - so you can focus on where you’re going, not what the weather’s doing.
November 20, 2025
The better prepared your vehicle is to deal with the snow and cold, the better your vehicle will run and the safer you and your family will be. Call us today!
October 2, 2024
August 4, 2016 - The 4th annual Hal Wing – Honoring Heroes Foundation Memorial Ride was a successful event!
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