818 OFallon Rd
St. Charles, MO 63304
(636) 498-6600

Is Your Serpentine Belt Trying to Tell You Something?

Let Weldon Spring Auto & Tire Help Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly

At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we know how important your serpentine belt is to the health of your vehicle. This hardworking belt powers essential systems like the alternator and air conditioning compressor—and in many vehicles, it also drives the power steering pump, power brake system, and even the radiator cooling fan.

While serpentine belts are built to last for thousands of miles, they don’t last forever. Over time, wear can cause the belt to slip, fray, or crack—and eventually, it could snap without warning. A failed serpentine belt can lead to serious engine trouble and leave you stranded.

That’s why we recommend regular inspections. Our technicians can spot signs of wear and let you know if it’s time for a replacement. Often, it’s smart to replace the belt tensioner at the same time. This spring-loaded pulley keeps the belt tight and running properly—if it fails, your belt won’t do its job.

Look out for these common warning signs:

  • A squealing noise when you accelerate

  • A slapping or flapping sound under the hood

  • Accessories like your AC or power steering acting up

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, don’t wait! Call Weldon Spring Auto & Tire today to schedule a quick inspection. We’ll check your serpentine belt, tensioner, and make sure everything under the hood is in great shape—so you can hit the road with confidence.

What You Should Know About Spark Plugs

From the Experts at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Modern engines rely on a carefully timed sequence of events to run efficiently—and spark plugs play a major role in that process. At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we often get questions about when spark plugs need to be replaced and what signs to watch for. Here’s what you need to know.

Today’s engine control computers are highly advanced, precisely controlling when fuel is injected and when spark plugs fire. Unlike older vehicles, modern spark plugs are far less likely to foul prematurely. But that doesn’t mean they last forever.

Electricity from your vehicle’s battery is sent to an ignition coil, where it builds up between 12,000 and 45,000 volts (depending on your vehicle). The engine’s computer tells the coil when to release that high-voltage charge, which then travels to the spark plug. At the tip of the plug, the electricity jumps between two electrodes, creating a spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.

Some engines use a single ignition coil, while others use a coil for each cylinder. Over time, these coils—as well as spark plugs and spark plug wires—can wear out. When that happens, you may experience a misfire, rough idling, poor fuel economy, or even difficulty starting your vehicle.

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, don’t ignore them. Bring your vehicle to Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, and we’ll inspect your spark plugs, wires, and coils to make sure everything’s firing as it should. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment—it’s a quick check that can make a big difference in how your engine performs.

Keep Your Engine Running Strong with Clean Fuel Injectors

Fuel System Service at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Fuel injectors may be small, but they play a huge role in your engine’s performance. At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we want to help you understand how they work—and why keeping them clean is essential to saving money and avoiding costly repairs down the road.

In simple terms, a fuel injector is a precision valve that sprays fuel into your engine. Your vehicle’s engine control computer calculates exactly how much fuel is needed and when to inject it. This process happens thousands of times per minute, and when it’s working correctly, your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

However, over time, heat from the engine and impurities in the fuel—like wax, carbon, water, and additives—can clog the injectors. When fuel injectors become dirty or partially blocked, they can’t spray fuel evenly or at the right pressure. That means your engine won’t burn fuel as efficiently, which can lead to poor fuel economy, reduced power, rough idling, and even hard starts.

The good news? We offer a full fuel system cleaning service right here at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire. Our service thoroughly cleans your fuel injectors and the rest of your fuel system, restoring proper flow and performance. Clean injectors help your engine run better, save you money on gas, and reduce the risk of future repairs.

If your vehicle isn’t running like it used to—or you just want to stay ahead on maintenance—give us a call. We’ll schedule a convenient time for you to bring your vehicle in and get your fuel system back in top shape.

Don’t Ignore Your Brakes — Your Safety Depends On It

Brake Inspections & Repairs at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. If you’ve started hearing squealing, grinding, or anything unusual when you press the brake pedal, it’s time to have them checked—and Weldon Spring Auto & Tire is here to help.

When you bring your vehicle in, we’ll perform a full brake inspection to determine exactly what’s going on. Often, those early noises mean your brake pads are worn and need replacing. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to bigger—and more expensive—problems. Once the pads wear down completely, metal parts begin grinding against your brake rotors, potentially damaging them beyond repair. In some cases, rotors can warp or crack, requiring full replacement.

Your brake system is made up of more than just pads and rotors. Calipers, which help press the pads against the rotors, can wear out too. They may develop leaks or freeze in the open or closed position—both of which are dangerous and require immediate attention. Our technicians will also inspect related components like wheel bearings and seals, which can impact overall brake performance.

At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we believe in catching brake issues early before they become serious safety risks or lead to costly repairs. If you’re noticing any signs of trouble, don’t wait. Give us a call and we’ll schedule a convenient time to get your brakes thoroughly inspected and taken care of—so you can drive with confidence.

Shocks & Struts: The Unsung Heroes of a Smooth, Safe Ride

Suspension Services at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Shocks and struts may not get much attention, but they play a crucial role in your vehicle’s safety, comfort, and handling. At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we want to help you understand why these suspension components matter—and how to know when it’s time for service.

Over time, shocks and struts wear out gradually, so it’s easy to overlook them. But they’re doing an essential job every time you hit the road: they keep your tires firmly planted on the pavement. That constant contact with the road is what gives you control through corners, over bumps, and when stopping or accelerating.

When your shocks or struts are worn, you’ll notice changes in how your vehicle handles:

  • Excessive bouncing after hitting a bump

  • Nose-diving when you brake

  • Rear-end squatting when you accelerate

  • A “wallowing” feel when going around corners

Not only does this affect your ride comfort, but it also reduces your ability to steer and stop safely. Worse yet, worn shocks and struts lead to uneven tire wear, meaning you’ll need to replace your tires more often. They can also put extra stress on other suspension and steering components, causing them to wear out prematurely.

Struts are more than just dampers—they’re a key structural element in your suspension system. When they’re worn, it’s not just your comfort on the line—it’s the safety and performance of your entire vehicle.

If your car isn’t riding or handling like it used to, give Weldon Spring Auto & Tire a call. We’ll schedule a thorough suspension check and let you know if your shocks or struts need attention. Taking care of them now can prevent bigger problems down the road—and keep your ride safe and smooth.

Is Your A/C Ready for Summer?

Stay Cool with A/C Service at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Let’s face it—most of us don’t think about our vehicle’s air conditioning until we’re stuck in 100-degree heat with nothing but warm air blowing through the vents. At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the heat with professional A/C inspections and service.

If your A/C isn’t cooling like it used to, we’ll start with a visual inspection of the system to look for any obvious signs of wear, damage, or leaks. If your system already contains A/C oil dye, our technicians may be able to spot the leak right away. If not, we’ll evacuate the old refrigerant and recharge your system with fresh refrigerant and A/C dye.

From there, we monitor how the system performs. If it starts blowing warm air again, that’s our clue to check for dye and pinpoint the leak. Once we locate the issue, we’ll give you a clear estimate of the repair costs—so there are no surprises.

Whether you’re just getting ready for summer or already sweating behind the wheel, don’t wait for your A/C to go completely out. Call Weldon Spring Auto & Tire today to schedule an A/C checkup. We’ll get your system running cold again—so you can drive in comfort, no matter how hot it gets outside.

Why a Radiator Drain & Fill Is More Important Than You Think

Cooling System Service at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Your vehicle’s cooling system works hard to keep your engine at the right temperature—and it needs clean, healthy coolant to do the job. At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we recommend routine radiator drain & fill services to protect your engine from overheating and long-term damage.

Coolant (also known as antifreeze) isn’t just there to regulate temperature—it’s specially formulated with additives that prevent corrosion and buildup inside your radiator, water pump, and other cooling system components. But over time, these additives break down, leaving your system vulnerable. If the coolant becomes too acidic, it can actually start to corrode the very parts it’s supposed to protect.

A simple pH test can tell us whether your coolant is still doing its job or if it’s time for a change. Not sure when it was last done? No problem—you can have it checked the next time you’re in for an oil change.

Keeping up with cooling system maintenance is one of the easiest ways to avoid overheating, leaks, or costly repairs down the road. Give Weldon Spring Auto & Tire a call today, and we’ll schedule a convenient time to check your coolant and help your engine stay cool under pressure.

Take Care of Your Transmission—It’s What Keeps You Moving

Transmission Fluid Checks & Service at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Your transmission is one of the hardest-working systems in your vehicle—and it depends on clean, healthy fluid to keep everything running smoothly. At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we help drivers stay ahead of problems with regular transmission fluid checks and flushes.

Whether you drive an automatic or a manual, your transmission fluid plays a key role in keeping internal components cool, lubricated, and protected—especially under heavy loads like towing. If the fluid level gets too low, or if the fluid becomes dirty or breaks down over time, it can’t provide the protection your transmission needs. This leads to increased wear, overheating, and eventually serious damage.

The best way to avoid costly repairs is by following your vehicle’s recommended service schedule—don’t wait until you’re experiencing shifting issues or the fluid smells burnt or looks dark. We can quickly check the color, smell, and condition of your transmission fluid during your next visit, or even while you’re in for an oil change.

If it’s time for a transmission flush or you just want peace of mind, give us a call at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire. We’ll set up a convenient time to inspect your transmission fluid and keep your vehicle shifting smoothly for miles to come.

Is Your Vehicle Pulling to One Side? It Might Be Time for an Alignment

Precision Wheel Alignments at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Have you noticed your steering wheel is off-center or your car is pulling to one side? You’re not alone—and it’s likely your alignment is to blame. At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we perform expert wheel alignment services to keep your vehicle driving straight and your tires wearing evenly.

Something as simple as hitting a curb or one of the many potholes we have around St. Charles can throw your alignment off. When just one wheel is out of sync with the rest, your tires can start to wear unevenly—and fast. Worse yet, poor alignment can affect how your vehicle handles, putting stress on your suspension and reducing your overall driving safety.

Each vehicle has specific alignment settings for:

  • Toe-in and toe-out (angle of the wheels turning inward or outward)
  • Camber (tilt of the wheels inward or outward from vertical)
  • Caster (angle of the steering axis)

These settings must be precisely adjusted based on your car’s make and model. If they’re off, your vehicle won’t drive as smoothly or efficiently as it should.

If you’re experiencing pulling, uneven tire wear, or any issues with your steering, don’t wait—give us a call at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire. We’ll schedule a convenient time to check your alignment and make any necessary adjustments to keep your ride straight, smooth, and safe.

Ready to Book Your Appointment?

Give us a call or schedule service online today. We’re here to help with whatever your car, truck, or SUV needs—because at Weldon Spring Automotive & Tire, your safety and satisfaction drive everything we do.