Pugh's Car Care Center

03/03/2026

Customer was complaining of check engine light on and vehicle was running bad. After an inspection of the engine compartment and pulling the intake off we found a rodent had built a nest. Guess in got hungry and started chewing wires. We’ll get her back on the road soon.

01/15/2026

HELP WANTED - Got automotive repair experience? If so, come talk to Ken at Pugh's Car Care Center in Nags Head, North Carolina. Busy shop that has been in business over 40 years. We are looking for an Automotive Technician and a Lube/Tire Technician. Auto Techs must have at least 5 year's experience with a good background in troubleshooting electrical, drivability, HVAC systems and general automotive knowledge. Lube/Tire Tech must have at least 1 year experience. Excellent pay based on experience, yearly paid vacation, paid holidays, yearly bonus on productivity, retirement plan, health insurance, plus other benefits. No WEEKEND work is a bonus as well. Call or stop by shop for interview or email resume to [email protected].

11/28/2025

HELP WANTED - Busy auto repair shop in Nags Head, North Carolina is looking for Automotive Technician/mechanic and Lube/Tire Tech . Automotive Techs, should have at least 5 years experience, must have a good background in troubleshooting electrical, drivability, HVAC systems and general automotive knowledge. Lube/Tire Tech should have at least 1 year experience. We have been in business for over 40 years and looking for the right person to join our team. Excellent pay (based on experience), yearly paid vacation, paid holidays, yearly bonus on productivity, retirement plan, health insurance, plus other benefits. NO WEEKEND work. Call or stop by the shop.

10/27/2025

Weather is getting a little cooler. Has your car been serviced for the winter? Give us a call (252-441-1931) and we will be sure you're ready! 🌬

06/27/2024

HELP WANTED - Busy auto repair shop in Nags Head, North Carolina is looking for Automotive Technician/mechanic and Lube/Tire Tech . Automotive Techs, should have at least 5 years experience, must have a good background in troubleshooting electrical, drivability, HVAC systems and general automotive knowledge. Lube/Tire Tech should have at least 1 year experience. We have been in business for over 39 years and looking for the right person to join our team. Excellent pay (based on experience), yearly paid vacation, paid holidays, yearly bonus on productivity, retirement plan, health insurance, plus other benefits. NO WEEKEND work. Call or stop by the shop.

02/20/2024

Drivers often think they can ignore a check engine light because "it's just an emissions problem." It's true that the early On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) engine computers in the 1980s just monitored the emissions systems. But that changed in 1996 with the introduction of OBD II.

On cars and trucks made after that date, a "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" along with other warning lights can indicate a problem with just about anything, including your oil, cooling system, engine, transmission, brakes, electrical accessories — even your entertainment system.

If you ignore the warning lights or dash messages, you risk serious damage to engine or transmission, costing thousands. When a warning light or message appears, get your vehicle checked as soon as possible by your mechanic.

01/25/2024

What Causes a Tire To Get Out of Balance?
Tires become unbalanced when the weight around the tires and wheels is no longer evenly distributed. These are some possible causes:

Tire/wheel assembly becomes lighter as tires wear.
Tires are over or under-inflated.
Improper alignment results in abnormal tire wear.
A wheel weight has fallen off.
An improper wheel or tire repair.
Leaky valve stem replacement.
Cold mornings cause "flat-spots."
The car has been sitting in one place too long.
The wheel is damaged from hitting a pothole or bouncing into a curb.
To extend tire life and even out wear, check tire pressure and rotate tire/wheels every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. However, If you notice vibration while driving, you'll need to have the pros balance the tires.

12/20/2023

Some simple tips to keep your vehicle going down the road instead of sitting on the side.

1. Oil change. Look in your owner's manual to see the mileage it should be changed at. Some vehicles are 3,5,7 or even 10K miles.
2. Tire care is important. Proper inflation and tire rotations help tires last longer. Also have the alignment checked if you have excessive wear. If you're getting a vibration, maybe it's time to have them balanced.
3. Check those brakes. One of the most important items on your car. If the brake rotors are in bad shape, you may want to have them replaced at the same time.
4. Engine air filter & cabin air filter. Your engine needs air to work at peak performance.
5. Fluids. Most vehicles have fluids that need to be changed at a certain mileage. These could include transmission, brake, power steering, anti-freeze, and drive train.
6. If your engine runs on a timing belt, they need to be changed. If they break while driving, it can cause severe damage.
7. Spark Plugs. Today's vehicles can go much longer than the ones in the past, but still need to be changed for peak performance.
8. The battery. Most battery's last 4-6 years, but corrosion can be a sign they are going quicker. If you can't start it, you're not going anywhere.
9. DIY mechanic. Todays vehicles are not like your dads car and everything you see on the internet is not always true. We see numerous customers trying to fix their own problems and it usually cost them more money in the long run. Replacing parts without testing them is like throwing money into the wind.

Seek a certified mechanic that can fix your vehicle properly and safely keep you on the road.

11/15/2023

We see some of these tips weekly.

There are countless self-styled experts who preach some truly terrible car repair advice. Here are the worst myths we've ever heard—and the facts to follow instead. The post 13 Worst Car Tips Mechanics Have Ever Heard appeared first on Reader's Digest.