Car Talk Archives - Page 3 of 9

The Role of the Check Engine Light

Your car has many computers that monitor your engine for the best performance, your transmission for proper shifting, your braking system for safe stopping, and it monitors many other devices to make sure they are working properly. If a system detects a problem, it needs to alert you, so you can bring the car in for service. This is the role of the check engine light.

The check engine light looks different from car to car. It is usually a yellow or orange color. It will rarely be red. Most of the time it illuminates in the shape of an engine. If the check engine light comes on solid (not blinking), you can continue to drive the car until you have a chance to bring it in. This does not mean you should ignore it.

When the check engine light is on, the car defaults to a backup system that controls all the important systems. Driving around for a short time until you can set up an appointment is no problem, but continuing to drive more than 20 miles is a bad idea.

If the check engine light is blinking rhythmically, this indicates a serious problem! A computer system has had a major malfunction that will damage the catalytic converter. If you notice a blinking check engine light, you do not need to stop in the middle of the bridge and call a tow truck, but you do need to stop driving as soon as it is practical. Whether the check engine light is solid or blinking, it’s a good idea to drive gently.

The modern car is more complex than ever, and many folks believe a small hand-held code reader will tell you what’s wrong with the car. This is incorrect information. It is called a code reader for a reason; it reads the trouble code for the major systems only. A code reader will not tell you the complete story of the car’s condition.

Please don’t diagnose or replace parts based on a code reader device. The only way to correctly find all the issues with your car is to use a scanner. The scanner does what it says; it scans all the modules and systems of the car, instead of a select few that a code reader does. Most cars have 20 to 100 modules; a code reader is not set to read even half of those.

Quick story; we recently had a car come in with a catalytic converter code. It would be easy to recommend and replace the part. The cost was $1200.00. Testing and analysing the system with scan data revealed that an oxygen sensor (one of the four that are on this car) was the culprit. The cost was $400.00. We felt good doing a proper diagnosis and repair. The customer was also happy!

No one wants to pay for expensive testing, but it beats changing parts and losing that hard-earned cash we all want to spend elsewhere. Please use a shop that is well equipped and don’t rely on the old code reader any more.

Certified Auto Specialists wants to be your GO-TO place! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

Is Your Automotive Service and Repair Shop Certified? Why Certification Matters for Your Car’s Health

When it comes to choosing an auto repair shop, most of us assume that the technicians working on our vehicles are highly qualified and certified. But have you ever stopped to actually ask, “Is the shop I’m using truly certified?” If you haven’t, you might be surprised by what you find out.

The Reality of Certification in Auto Repair: What You Need to Know

In a recent survey of several hundred people, a simple question was posed: “Does the auto shop you use have certified technicians?” The overwhelming majority of respondents said they assumed that they did. However, the truth is a bit more complicated, especially here in California.

Believe it or not, there’s no mandatory certification required to own or operate an auto repair shop in California. That’s right—no certification needed! While the shop owner must hold a state license issued by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), this license can be obtained by virtually anyone. All you need is $200, a business name, and a tax ID. No proof of automotive experience, no insurance, and no tools are required to open an auto repair shop. With just a few simple steps, you’re in business, whether you’ve ever picked up a wrench or not.

This lack of mandatory certification is one of the areas in the automotive repair industry that I believe should be reconsidered. Think about it—professionals who cut hair or nails must be state-certified, but someone who works on your car’s tires, brakes, or engine doesn’t need a single day of formal training. It’s a concerning disparity, especially when you consider the potential risks involved with auto repairs.

Voluntary Certification: The Only Standard in the Industry

The good news is that there are voluntary certification systems in place, designed to help ensure that technicians have the knowledge and skills needed to perform repairs correctly. The most widely recognized of these is the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. ASE offers a series of tests that technicians can take to become certified in various areas of automotive repair, from engine performance to brakes and electrical systems.

However, it’s important to note that ASE certification is voluntary—not required by law. This means that while many reputable shops encourage or require their technicians to be ASE certified (as we do at our shop), there’s no legal obligation for them to do so. ASE certification is based on written tests, so while it demonstrates a technician’s knowledge, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee hands-on competence.

For added peace of mind, consider using a AAA-approved auto shop. These shops are required to employ ASE-certified technicians and must also meet a minimum set of standards, including having the right tools for the job. Additionally, AAA provides an arbitration system, giving you a voice if you ever have concerns about the service or repairs you’ve received.

The Hidden Costs of Choosing an Uncertified Shop

In today’s economy, it’s understandable that saving money is a priority. But when it comes to auto repairs, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Choosing a shop that offers rock-bottom prices might save you a few dollars upfront, but it could end up costing you much more in the long run.

An uncertified or inexperienced technician might not have the expertise needed to diagnose and repair issues correctly. This can lead to further problems down the road, potentially resulting in more expensive repairs—or even compromising your safety on the road. Before agreeing to any work on your vehicle, it’s crucial to ask, “Is the technician working on my car certified?”

If you ever find yourself wondering why a particular shop’s prices are significantly lower than everyone else’s, there’s usually a reason. It could be that they’re cutting corners by using subpar parts, or perhaps their technicians lack the proper training and certification.

Why Certification Should Matter to You

At the end of the day, your vehicle is a significant investment, and its maintenance and repair should be handled by knowledgeable professionals. Certified technicians have proven their understanding of automotive systems and are better equipped to provide the quality service your car needs.

At Certified Automotive Specialists, we’re proud to employ ASE-certified technicians who are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest automotive technologies and repair methods. We believe in doing the job right the first time, so you can drive away with confidence, knowing your car is in good hands.

Final Thoughts: Trust Certified Professionals with Your Vehicle

In a world where anyone can open an auto repair shop with little more than a business license, it’s more important than ever to choose a shop with certified technicians. Certification is a mark of professionalism and expertise, ensuring that your car is serviced by individuals who are truly qualified to work on it.

Before you hand over your keys, ask about the shop’s certifications and the qualifications of the technicians. Doing so can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. At Certified Automotive Specialists, we strive to be your go-to place for all your automotive needs, offering top-notch service backed by certified professionals. Don’t take chances with your vehicle—trust the experts who care about your safety and satisfaction.

Hyundai Car Warranty May Be Illegal

Do you drive a Hyundai? If so, you’re probably familiar with one of their major selling points – the “America’s Best” warranty, which is one of the best in the industry. It offers drivers 10-year, 100,000 mile warranties, which is almost unheard of from any other make. However, there’s a catch. According to the fine print, to keep the warranty intact, Hyundai owners must use only Hyundai parts.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, this is illegal. Based on previous precedent and current law, a company can’t force consumers to only purchase and use their own proprietary products in order to keep a warranty intact without permission, or without offering those products free of charge. This stipulation is in place to prevent monopolizing the system. A company can’t directly tie a consumer to their products in this way without any wiggle room or prevent them from seeking auto care from a third party if they choose.

The FTC has sent Hyundai a warning, along with several other companies who had similar policies. This is a disreputable practice that has only one goal – make the parent company more money by keeping repairs in house. There’s a reason we disapprove of this practice. In a free market, consumers need to be able to choose how they spend their money and which businesses they want to frequent. It’s not acceptable and is, in fact, illegal to offer a benefit like a warranty but only with the stipulation that your company is the only option.

Other companies who received a similar warning are ASUS, HTC, Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. Much like Hyundai, they also had practices that required consumers to use only their parts to maintain a warranty, as well as other stipulations. This sort of behavior is damaging to competitors and smaller third-party businesses that are trying to eke out a living in a highly competitive industry. For a healthy consumer economy to exist, people need to have access to options. Warrantees like these limit or completely eliminate those options.

If you have any questions about whether you can have your car looked at by an independent auto shop or have specific parts placed in your car without voiding your warranty, feel free to come see us. We’ll be able to advise you on how to protect yourself and your car’s warranty. We can be reached by phone at 626-541-2149 with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Are You Driving with Recalled Takata Airbags?

Takata airbags are a specific type of airbag manufactured by the Takata Corporation and they’ve been subject to recall for about ten years. However, millions of people are still driving around with these defective airbags in their car. Are you one of them?

To date, fifteen people have died from injuries sustained from these defective airbags and many more have been injured, sometimes after very minor collisions. Takata airbags have been known to explode, sending shrapnel at drivers and causing serious and sometimes deadly injuries. Millions of the airbags have been recalled, but only a small fraction of drivers have had theirs replaced. Even people who have been informed of the recall may not realize their car is affected.

These airbags are used in dozens of makes and models of car, including both economy and luxury makes. Among the brands affected are Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Subaru, Lexus, Jeep, Jaguar, Honda, Acura, Ferrari, and many more. The years most frequently affected are 2006-2013, although cars made earlier or later may also contain the airbags. Some models from as early as 2001 or as late as 2016 may also be affected.

Is your car one of those subject to the Takata airbag recall? There’s a simple way to tell. Visit the website safercar.gov and input your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into their recall look-up search. Also make sure to take a close look at all your mail before you toss out “junk” because there may be a recall notice that you’ve missed included in there somewhere.

Thirty-seven million vehicles have recalled airbags and only about 40% of drivers have actually heeded the recall and brought their car in for a replacement. Airbags are meant to be explosive in nature, expanding quickly to prevent injury to drivers and passengers. In these particular airbags, however, the chemicals causing that explosion are cheap and/or defective, releasing dangerous shrapnel. Please check to see if you need a replacement – it could be a matter of life and death. It’s so sad to hear stories of minor accidents that turned deadly because a recall warning wasn’t heeded.

An airbag replacement procedure is relatively simple for a professional but very dangerous for an inexperienced auto mechanic. Especially in the case of airbags with a known defect that could cause a serious explosion, you’re going to want to bring your car in to a reputable auto service center for replacement. Our technicians are highly trained and able to take all the necessary precautions to prevent damage to themselves and your car while replacing the airbag.

Please don’t leave a potential time bomb in your car because you’re not sure whether it’s part of the Takata recall. Do a quick check or reach out to us and we’ll be able to let you know whether your vehicle is affected. It’s always to better to be safe than sorry! You can reach us at 626-541-2149 with any questions.

Can Your Car Read Your Mind?

I was finally sitting down after a long day, hoping to relax a little. I turned on the news and heard that Nissan was researching technology where your car could read your mind! Whaaaattttt? I thought of road-rage drivers, under-the-influence drivers, and those who just aren’t the best drivers! Scary. I then started researching to learn more as I couldn’t believe this could ever be a good thing! Here is what I discovered:

The driver would wear a skullcap that measures brainwaves and activity.
The autonomous car would analyze this activity in real time.
The system would then alter steering, acceleration and braking based on the driver’s brain analysis…basically knowing what you want before you do.
This supposedly improves reaction time and increases driving enjoyment.
This also enables the car to respond to the driver’s needs to improve the comfort of the drive such as heating/air conditioning. This keeps the driver relaxed.

Why is this important if a car can drive itself without human interference? According to Nissan, we humans enjoy the driving experience and do not wish to give up that pleasure to “a machine.”

We will see…

Certified Auto Specialists wants to be your GO-TO place! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help.

Home Town Service You Can Count On!

Cabin Air Filters – Why They Help In Winter Months, Too!

When drivers think of cabin air filters, they usually think of them as necessary in the spring. They are, of course, very helpful in the spring as they help allergy sufferers by trapping pollen and keeping the spores out of the car or “cabin” of the vehicle. Some argue that yes, that is important, but it is even more important to make sure your cabin air filter is working well in the winter months! Why?

Tailpipe emissions release particulates that create havoc with drivers’ and their passengers’ respiratory systems. When our outside temperatures even drop 20 degrees, this release is doubled. Cabin air filters can stop these particulates even when they are as small as one micron in diameter!
Just like your car’s battery, the warmer months cause the damage in cabin air filters that is often the result of failure in colder weather. If your vehicle seems to be struggling with heat/cooling issues, it could be due to leaves, bugs, and pollen build up in your cabin air filter. It did its job protecting you and your passengers all spring, summer and fall, but now it is full of debris and needs to be changed.
How’s your defroster working? If you are finding it hard to see out the windshield, it could be due to a clogged cabin air filter. This clog restricts the blower and keeps it from delivering hot air to the windshield. This also lets you know that your cabin air filter is struggling and needs to be replaced.

Call us today and let us check your cabin air filter. Your car will operate more efficiently, and you and your passengers will breath better!

Certified Auto Specialists wants to be your GO-TO place! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help.

Home Town Service You Can Count On!

What’s the Real Cost of Owning a Car?

Do you know how much your car really costs? We do! Lucky for you, we’re happy to share. Here’s what you need to know.

Let’s talk about True Cost to Own (TCO). If you’re wondering exactly how much your car is costing you every year, visit this cost calculator and enter your information. Does the number surprise you?

Now you have your number. What does it mean and where do those costs come from? We’ll explain.

What Your TCO Means

There are a number of factors that go into the cost of your car, from monthly payments to depreciation to insurance and more. In fact, here’s a quick list of all the monthly costs that you need to factor into car ownership.

Car payment
Insurance
Gas
Maintenance and repairs
Registration fees
Taxes
Depreciation

In 2017, for vehicles driven 15,000 miles per year, the average ownership costs were found to be almost $8,500. “Yikes,” you may be thinking. You had no idea your car could be costing you so much.

Thankfully, your car gets less expensive the longer you own it. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s true. The biggest chunk (40%) of your yearly car cost comes from the depreciation hit, which is big in the beginning but decreases more and more over time. While it’s not a cost you “see,” it still impacts the overall value of your car, which is something to keep in mind.

Relatively speaking, maintenance and repair costs aren’t actually that much in the grand scheme of things, even though a repair bill can seem like a big chunk of change at the time. It’s certainly more cost-effective to keep up with your maintenance and repairs than buy a new car every few years and deal with car payments and the depreciation hit all over again.

Have more questions about the True Cost of your car? Drop us a line anytime!

Do I Have To Use A Dealer To Keep My Warranty In Effect?

When a customer buys a new car, they are always concerned that if they keep coming to my shop for routine maintenance and repair it will void the warranty! I always tell them to relax because the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) the nation’s consumer protection agency says NO! It is illegal for a dealership to even suggest that they might deny your warranty coverage because your routine maintenance and repair is done by an independent repair shop!

Oil changes, fluid exchanges, tire rotations, brake pads, belt and hose replacements and other services are considered “routine” maintenance and are essential to keep your car running well for years to come. A complete list of these services can be found in your owner’s manual.

Customers also are concerned that the use of aftermarket parts may void their warranty. This will not void your warranty and you can even use recycled parts and your warranty will still be good! The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states emphatically that it is illegal for a manufacturer or dealership to void your warranty because you chose to use an aftermarket or recycled part.

The only time a dealership or manufacturer can deny you coverage is if the following occurs:

-A part was improperly installed and caused damage
-If the aftermarket or recycled part was defective and caused other parts to be damaged

Keep in mind that if these two things should occur the dealership or manufacturer must demonstrate or prove that this did, in fact, cause damage.

We always encourage our customers to keep a record of all services/repairs but if you fail to do so, or have misplaced them, rest assured that we have those records should you ever need them.

We are always here for you!

Certified Auto Specialists wants to be your GO-TO place! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help.

Home Town Service You Can Count On!