Ultimate Automotive Service
5900 Oakwood Dr, Urbandale, IA 50322 515.270.2096

General / Misc

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Don't Blow a Gasket! (Valve Cover Gasket Replacement)

When you head out to your vehicle after it's been parked and notice oil leaking underneath it, that's something to have looked at right away.  Oil leaks mean your oil level is probably low, and r...
Published on: Feb 16, 2025

Getting Off to a Running Start (Starter Replacement)

When you start your vehicle’s engine, there’s another motor that makes that whole process possible.  It’s called the starter, and it’s a small electric motor that gets you...
Published on: Dec 15, 2024

Don't Store These in a Cold Vehicle (Items to Avoid Storing in a Freezing Vehicle)

The other day, a man walked into a restaurant carrying a can of paint. He had just bought the latex paint at the local home improvement store, and he was stopping for lunch. "Latex paint is water-bas...
Published on: Nov 03, 2023

Six Warning Signs Your Vehicle Needs Service (Repair Warning Signs)

Some drivers don't worry at all about their vehicles and neglect taking them in for service.  Here are six warning signs that it's time to head over to your NAPA AutoCare Center and get things ch...
Published on: Sep 29, 2023

Mirror, Mirror (Door Mirror Problems)

You've probably seen them lying around at the side of the road: someone's outside rearview mirror that's been knocked off by a driver’s not-so-perfect driving.  And you realize the person w...
Published on: Jun 18, 2023

The Smell of Danger (What Causes Gasoline Odors)

A driver recently noticed that her garage had begun to smell like gasoline after she parked her vehicle inside. Her Check Engine light had also just come on. This was something she'd never experienced...
Published on: Jun 04, 2023

A Few "Key" Facts (Ignition Key Issues)

You expect your key to turn in your vehicle's ignition.  But sometimes it won't, and that's a problem, whether you're trying to start your vehicle or trying to leave it.  Several things can...
Published on: Apr 16, 2023

Cold Facts about Heaters

Brrrr.  It's cold outside.  And if your vehicle's heater isn't working, then it's cold inside too.  No fun – and potentially dangerous: heat is needed to defrost your windshield.&...
Published on: Mar 16, 2023