San Jose Auto Repair

Your car is a source of great convenience which makes it important that you take it for maintenance after some time. There are also some red flags you need to be on the lookout for that indicate the need for a tune-up. Here are the symptoms that indicate you may need a tune-up. Unusual Noises Cars, especially the latest models are made to be as silent as possible while producing enough power to propel it forward or backward. As a driver, you probably are used to the obvious noises made by your car as you drive it out but once you hear a strange noise whether loud or faint, you need to check it out. As soon as you experience this, you need to call our shop and schedule for an inspection soon to avoid further complications and also to keep your car in pristine condition. Loss of Acceleration Power Depending on where you are driving, there are areas where you might want to overtake or drive faster, you need to use the accelerator but the pedal could fail. In most cases, it usually is ... read more

Your car is more than just another possession. It represents your freedom and ability to go where you please. Your automobile is also an integral part of your career and family life, providing a safe way to take care of your responsibilities. So, when your car starts to make odd noises, it is wise to pay attention to what it is trying to tell you. A knocking sound in your engine is a good example of when to take notice. What Makes Your Engine Knock? If you hear a knocking sound coming from your engine, it could be a sign of numerous problems. They range in severity from the simple fix to serious automotive damage. The "knock" usually occurs when there is an improper mixture of air and fuel. This causes the fuel in your car to burn unevenly in pockets instead of uniformly. Unless it is taken care of in a timely manner by a qualified professional, it can cause damage to the cylinder wall and piston. The knocking sound could also indicate inadequate lubricat ... read more

It is important to replace your car battery when it starts to run low. While each car is different and you may need to replace the battery at different times, there are a few generalizations to consider so you know to replace the battery ahead of time. There are three main factors that determine when to replace your car battery. These include time, heat, and vibration. If the battery has not been changed in a few years, for example, it is time to get it replaced. Extreme changes in temperatures can do this as well. It is important to look for the right signs to know when your battery is getting weak, regardless of what makes it reach this point. Warning Signs of a Weak Battery One sign that your battery is starting to run out of steam is if the starter motor cranks the engine slowly. You may also start to notice that the battery warning lamp is turned on. If you have your car in idle and notice that the headlights are dim, this is an early warning sign that your battery needs replac ... read more

As a driver, you need to stay connected to your car so that you can easily tell when something is wrong. When your car produces any unusual smell, sound, or vibrations, then you should be keen enough to take note of it right away. Since the braking system is one of the most important parts of your car, you need to keenly note how your car behaves when you apply the brakes, and if there are any anomalies, you should seek the assistance of a mechanic immediately. One of the most common anomalies that you may note when braking is vibration. If your car vibrates when you apply the brakes, it should be checked for the following issues. Braking Rotors If you feel vibrations in the brake pedals and the steering wheel, then it is possible that that the problem could be with the rotors. When you apply the brakes, your rotors get pressed by the brake pads in order to slow down your car. Therefore, when the rotors are out of balance, you may experience vibrations when applying the brakes. Howev ... read more

Most drivers may rely on roadside assistance if one of their tires goes flat. What happens if it's late and you're in an area not easily accessible? Motorists may already know how to change a tire, but the skill may not come naturally as checking the oil or topping off the fluids. Emergencies happen when we least expect them; a flat tire can leave you stranded in the most undesirable locations. In the rare circumstance that your tire blows out, knowing how to change a tire is an asset. Whether you need a bit of a reminder or a complete walkthrough, Dhillon Motorsports is here to help. Below is a quick guide to changing a tire to get you back on the road safely in no time.  Items you will need:  Inflated spare tire Jack  Lug Wrench Flashlight Pull your vehicle over to a safe location. If you notice your tire is flat, pull over to a safe area away from oncoming traffic. Scan the surroundings and make sure you're on level groun ... read more

The wildfires from Santa Clarita have pushed hazardous smoke and ash into the air, posing a potential health risk. If you’re among the population more sensitive to air pollution, try staying indoors as often as possible. Drivers should also make a note of the air traveling inside their vehicle through the vents. The vents have air filters that prevent you from breathing in dust, debris, and other harmful pollutants. Cabin air filters help prevent potential respiratory health problems. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will have suggested intervals to have it changed, but you should also take your driving habits, seasons, environmental elements into consideration. Below are three common signs, it’s time to replace your cabin filter.  Foul Smell  If the filter is dirty, you’ll notice a musty odor blowing through the vents. If the smell is making the drive unpleasant, it’s time to have the filter replaced.    Decrease in ... read more

The neutral gear serves an essential function for manual drivers. Before you drive a manual transmission, the vehicle must be placed in neutral first. Automotive drivers can move straight into the drive gear and take off, leaving some wondering what purpose the neutral gear serves. Neutral isn’t necessarily a gear; it’s a state when no gear is engaged on the vehicle. In an automatic transmission, the wheels continue to spin independently of the gas pedal, so the car keeps moving. While in neutral, the gas pedal does nothing to speed the vehicle; no power from the pedal is transmitted to the wheels. Neutral is rarely engaged in most driving trips, leaving some automatic drivers wondering – when should you shift into neutral? During A Drive-Thru Car Wash Most drive-through car washes have an automotive system that requires the car to be placed in the neutral gear to move and stop fluidly through the scrubs.  If the ... read more

Being a vehicle owner is a major responsibility. Staying on a consistent vehicle maintenance schedule not only benefits you, but it also benefits other drivers. Neglecting to prioritize your vehicle maintenance can lead to costly mechanical issues later down the road. Unfortunately, some maintenance tasks are completely forgotten by drivers. Below is a list of maintenance tasks commonly overlooked over the lifespan of a vehicle:  Transmission Fluid  Regularly changing your engine oil is a task embedded in most driver's brains and for a good reason. Oil changes keep your engine lubricated. However, most drivers forget about the maintenance of their transmission. You don't want to wait until you have a problem with your transmission before getting it inspected. Fixing and rebuilding a transmission can leave you thousands of dollars short if you neglect to maintain it. Some newer vehicles have a transmission system made to last the lifetime of the warra ... read more

It’s no secret that vehicles release some pretty harmful chemicals and gasses into the environment. These gases and emissions can severely reduce air quality, especially in larger cities that may be more congested with cars. This may be the reason some people choose to drive a hybrid or fully electric vehicle. It’s also widely believed that exhaust fumes released into the atmosphere are a contributing factor to global warming. What pollutants are being released from our vehicle’s tailpipe?  Particulates –Particulates are primarily released from diesel engines and typically emit the black airborne soot you may be familiar with. Most modern diesel vehicles have diesel particulate filters to prevent most of it from being pumped into the air.   Carbon dioxide (CO2) – Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is a severe contributing factor to climate change and ocean acidification. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated th ... read more

Have you been contemplating a hybrid vehicle for your next car purchase? You are not alone. With more people driving now than ever before, hybrid cars are increasing in popularity. A hybrid is a vehicle that combines at least one electric motor with a gasoline engine to operate. It is a system that recaptures energy via regenerative braking. Hybrid cars are not all produced the same. Some hybrid models have an electric motor that does all the work, while other types use a gas engine; other models may use both.   Below are some helpful reminders if you are considering making the switch to an electric vehicle:    Hybrids may save you money over time.  With some hybrid models going for 40-60 mpg, owning one will save you money at the gas pump. While the cost of a hybrid vehicle may be up to 20% more expensive upfront, there are tax benefits and incentives that make these vehicles smart buys. These federal and state electric car credits help lower the upfront cost ... read more