Maintenance Archives - Page 4 of 10

How Do I Love Thee (O, Thou Automobile)?

Treating your car right can feel a little mysterious and requires resources and energy. Some say it’s a little like love. You may not want to write a sonnet to your vehicle, but you should “count the ways” your vehicle makes your life better.

For example, it takes you where you need to go without saying it has better things to do. It never tells you that instead of taking you out to dinner, it’s going to a party with some Mustang you don’t even know! Also, think of how super-lost you feel when it breaks down. Even the simplest chores like driving the kids to school or grocery shopping seem nearly impossible.

Now consider the pain you feel for a big repair bill because you neglected your car by not getting it properly serviced. Pretty awful, uh?

We want you to keep up on vehicle maintenance so that you’re paying for service rather than the much higher cost of repair. We also want you to get safely from point A to point B. You don’t want to break down on the side of the road and helplessly watch a tow truck carry your car away. Especially when it could have been prevented.

So, if you’ve been putting off getting your vehicle serviced, now is the time to show it some love!

We Listen Because We Care!

Love is all about good communication, right? Do you ever wish your car could just tell you when something is wrong?

The thing is, your car does speak to you. Unfortunately, you don’t notice until it’s “suddenly” acting, smelling, sounding, or dripping differently than usual. But how closely were you really listening?

We get calls all the time saying that a car is making a ka-thump or pinging noise, or that it is knocking, sputtering, whining or screeching. Regular vehicle checkups allow us to hear your vehicle tell us what’s wrong and to make adjustments before these symptoms get louder.

As car care professionals, we keep your vehicle healthy by listening closely and addressing issues before more expensive “complaining” has a chance to start!

Running on Empty

Here’s an easy way you can make sure your relationship with your car stays strong. When your low fuel warning light blinks on, fuel up! This indicator is telling you that your car is taking fuel from the “bottom of the barrel,” which is full of debris and allows sediment to clog the fuel filter, fuel injectors, and the pump pickup. We recommend keeping your tank above 1/4 tank for this reason.

Sure, it can feel a little dangerous and reckless to drive on fumes. When it comes to your vehicle, though, wiser is better. Your car will love it and love you for the attention, not to mention how much your wallet will appreciate it!

The dedicated pros at Certified Automotive Specialists promise to inspect your car every visit so you have the information you need to make informed decisions about maintenance and repair. We continuously train to keep up with today’s complex, high-tech vehicles and we are passionate about making your car safe and dependable. Call us at 626-541-2149 or make an appointment today!

How to Have a Lean and Mean Driving Machine

Cars are built better than ever these days and are engineered to give us miles of service. That’s why keeping them well-maintained is critical! To stay on top of this, you need a trusted partner on your side to look out for you and your car. Here are some of the essential areas that we check during regular maintenance to keep your car running right:

Oil

It’s your vehicle’s lifeblood. Dirty oil makes it harder for your engine to turn over and causes premature engine wear. We’ll set you up on scheduled oil changes, ensuring that your car is ready to roll down the road when you are for years to come.

Belts and Hoses

These are made of very durable material with relatively long lives but they do deteriorate over time. They need to be regularly inspected and replaced as needed so they don’t give out when it’s inconvenient or unsafe. We do everything we can to make sure you’re never stuck on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck.

Leaks

Other than condensation from your air conditioner, your car should never leak. Your car uses 11 different types of fluid, such as antifreeze, engine oil, power steering fluid, air conditioner refrigerant, shock absorber fluid, battery electrolyte, windshield washer solvent, rear axle or CV boot lubricant, fuel and others. Are you seeing liquid under your car? You need to bring it in right away.

Tires

Since Henry Ford’s Model A, tires are the only thing between us and the road, so it’s essential to keep them as healthy as possible. A simple, inexpensive preventative maintenance measure is to keep your tires properly inflated and rotate them regularly. You can prolong their lifespan and improve fuel economy, a win-win!

Coolant

If neglected for too long, old unchanged coolant can corrode, leaving sediment throughout your cooling system and causing clogs. This can result in hot spots that damage your engine.

Battery

The battery cables must be securely attached and free of corrosion to get power to the starter and accessories so that the alternator receives a charge. When you come in for regular maintenance, we’ll check it out and make sure you’re getting all you can out of your battery.

Flushing

Think of it this way, when it comes to fluids, our cars’ needs are similar to the human body. We need to keep our systems flushed with water to keep our bodies running well. Your vehicle needs fluids to remain healthy. Over time, these fluids get contaminated and cause corrosion. Flushing these out and refilling them with clean, fresh fluid keeps your car safe and running smoothly. It rids the system of harmful toxins and lubricates at the same time. We’ll make sure the fluids in your vehicle keep your car running right for years to come!

When you need reliable, affordable maintenance to keep your car a lean, mean driving machine, come to the experts who’ve been the industry leaders in Glendora for decades. Go with the pros at Certified Automotive Specialists! Call 626-541-2149 or, better yet, make an appointment today!

You Love Your Car, Let’s Keep It Around

You love your car even though the new car smell has long since vanished.

You baby it. You pamper it. You keep it clean inside and out. Maybe you’ve even named it.

Because you have a strong bond with this vehicle, you want it to live a good, long life. Some folks keep their cars and trucks rolling down the road for well over 200,000 miles. How can you be one of them?

The best way is to give your car the tender loving care it deserves.

A little TLC

First off, we suggest following the carmaker’s maintenance schedule. You can find it in your car’s owner’s manual. It spells out when to take care of every service for the life of your vehicle. This includes routine oil and filter changes, tire rotations, timing belt replacements, and other services.

If you haven’t kept up with maintenance so far, don’t give up! Bring your car in so we can get you caught up. Then you can start fresh and get back on schedule, extending the life of Yogi, Goldie, Arya, or Vlad.

Also, don’t skimp by using cheap parts or fluids. No-name belts, hoses, transmission fluids, and the like may be cheaper today. But, they will cost you in the long run. This includes fuel. If your vehicle requires high-octane gasoline, regular or mid-grade fuel might cause damage. We never cut corners with cut-rate products—we don’t want you to, either.

Finally, it may sound like it’s too easy to be true, but keep your car clean. Washing and waxing do more than make your car look great. It preserves the paint and prevents rust. Grit and dirt that acts like sandpaper on carpets and upholstery. You can make these surfaces last longer by regularly vacuuming. Remember, a clean car is a happy car!

We’ll Breath More Life into Your Vehicle

We want to keep Rhonda (the Honda) on the road and make sure you feel great about having a car that is safe and reliable. We can keep you on schedule with maintenance and inspections so we can stop small issues from becoming big problems. Because we only use high-quality parts and fluids you never have to worry if Rollie (the Corolla) is getting the best treatment possible. You’ll get treated right, too, with responsive customer service and great pricing.

Breathe more life into Casper, Frank, Ladybug, or Cheeto. Make an appointment online or call 253-854-6762 now!

When Good Thermostats Go Bad: Understanding the Heart of Your Car’s Cooling System

Today’s vehicles are marvels of modern engineering, packed with high-tech components that make driving safer and more efficient. But some of the most critical parts are surprisingly low-tech, like your car’s thermostat. It might shock you to learn that this essential piece of equipment operates using something as simple as wax.

How Does a Thermostat Work? The Power of Wax in Action

Your car’s thermostat is a crucial player in the engine’s cooling system. Positioned between the engine and the radiator, the thermostat’s job is to regulate the flow of coolant, ensuring the engine warms up properly without overheating. When you start your car, the thermostat blocks coolant from flowing to the radiator, allowing the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature—usually around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it hits that sweet spot, the thermostat opens up, allowing coolant to flow freely and maintain a balanced temperature.

Here’s the fascinating part: It’s all done with wax!

Yes, you read that right. The thermostat relies on the expansion of wax to function. Inside the thermostat, there’s a small cylinder filled with wax. As the engine heats up, the wax begins to melt at around 180 degrees Fahrenheit (though this temperature can vary slightly depending on the design). As the wax melts, it expands and pushes a rod connected to the valve, opening it and allowing coolant to circulate through the engine.

This simple yet effective mechanism is remarkably reliable. But, like all things mechanical, thermostats can go bad. And when they do, they can cause some serious headaches.

When Thermostats Fail: The Consequences of a Bad Thermostat

Given their reliability, thermostats are often overlooked—until they fail. And when they do, your vehicle’s engine is at risk of overheating. Here are some common reasons why a thermostat might go bad:

Prior overheating damage: If your engine has overheated in the past, it could have damaged the thermostat, causing it to malfunction.
Corrosion: Over time, the thermostat can corrode, especially if the coolant hasn’t been changed regularly.
Wear and tear: Like any component, thermostats can simply wear out with age.

When a thermostat fails, it often gets stuck in one position—either open or closed—and both scenarios can lead to trouble.

Burning the Thermostat at Both Ends: What Happens When It Sticks Open or Closed

If your thermostat fails in the closed position, the coolant won’t flow to the radiator, causing the engine to overheat quickly. This can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. You might notice the temperature gauge rising rapidly, and if you continue driving, you could end up with a blown head gasket or worse.

On the flip side, if the thermostat gets stuck in the open position, coolant flows continuously through the engine. While this might sound harmless, it actually prevents the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature. As a result, you could experience:

Lower than normal temperature readings: Your temperature gauge may show that the engine isn’t warming up properly.
Inefficient heating: The cabin heater might not get as warm as it used to, leaving you chilly on cold days.
Poor drivability: In cooler weather, your car might struggle to perform, especially during the first few minutes of driving.
Reduced fuel efficiency: An engine that doesn’t reach its optimal temperature can burn more fuel, leading to a decrease of 2 to 3 miles per gallon.
Increased emissions: Your car could emit more pollutants, contributing to environmental harm.

In short, a stuck thermostat—whether open or closed—can cause a cascade of problems that affect your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Upon Closer Inspection: Why Regular Maintenance Matters

At our shop, we take your vehicle’s health seriously. Part of our job is to catch issues like a failing thermostat before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. During routine inspections, we check components like the thermostat to ensure everything is in good working order.

We understand that some customers are wary of what they perceive as “upselling” during inspections, sometimes referred to as a “laundry list” of recommended repairs. However, it’s important to remember that reputable shops prioritize your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Businesses that push unnecessary services don’t stay in business long. Trustworthy shops, especially those with a long history—like ours, which has been serving customers since 1978—are focused on keeping you informed and safe on the road.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Experts for Your Vehicle’s Health

Your car’s thermostat might be a small part, but it plays a big role in keeping your engine running smoothly. When it goes bad, the consequences can range from annoying to catastrophic. That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of regular maintenance and trust professionals to handle repairs.

At Certified Automotive Specialists, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring your vehicle is in the best possible condition. Whether it’s spotting a failing thermostat or addressing other maintenance needs, you can count on us to prioritize your safety and satisfaction. We’ll help you navigate necessary repairs, work with your budget, and make sure your car is ready to hit the road with confidence.

When it comes to your vehicle, don’t take chances with quick fixes or neglecting maintenance. Keep it in top shape by trusting experts who care as much about your car as you do.

The Forgotten Fluid

Did you know that 60% of your body is made of water? That two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water? Though it’s more solid than liquid, your automobile’s fluid is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It is critical to the long life and good performance of your car or truck.

Most drivers know about checking their engine oil and coolant levels. They realize these need regular service. Fewer drivers take the time to check and keep up with the maintenance of their transmission and drive train fluids.

But even fewer people check or service their brake fluid. Not until there is a problem. Brake fluid is the most forgotten fluid in your vehicle. Here are some reasons to have it checked out before there is an issue:

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means it actively attracts moisture from the air, especially in humid climates. In time, more moist fluid pools in low spots of your brake system instead of staying dispersed, causing corrosion.
Small particles contaminate your fluid, reducing braking performance. When it comes to braking, every inch of stopping distance is critical!
Your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control components produce heat that breaks down your fluid. Aside from lengthening braking distances, this can harm your ABS system.

We Only Use The Best

We always use the type of fluid that the vehicle manufacturer recommends for your car. We have the equipment to test your brake fluid to accurately determine the moisture content and recommend when your brake hydraulic system needs to be cleaned, exchanged and new fluid installed. We are proud to provide you with the information you need to make informed choices about your vehicle. Your peace of mind depends upon our education. Our mission is to provide safe and reliable transportation by inspecting your vehicle and reducing the risk of break down repairs. This saves you time and money down the road!

Just like it’s a fact that your body is mostly water, your brake fluid gets tired and worn out. It periodically needs a break if you want to brake! Bring your car in and we can let you know how your brake fluid, and the rest of your car, is doing!

Addressing Your Car’s Slow Drip, Drip, Drip

The slow drip of anything can be annoying—faucets, news, sinuses. But the slow, persistent drip, drip, drip under your car is more than just aggravating. It can make a sticky, splotchy mess in your driveway and garage floor. You can end up making every place you park less attractive than when you showed up. Who wants to be someone who makes everywhere worse?

If you have been running your AC and the leaky liquid is clear and odorless, it may well be condensation from your air conditioner. No worries, then! Unfortunately, all other drips signal trouble. In fact, small drips are your vehicle’s way of asking: Hey, Bub, could you check under the hood? If you ignore this warning, your car will soon stop being so polite.

Don’t Let Minors Become Majors

Left unchecked, those slow drips will only increase. It was bad enough when you left an unsightly, environmentally unfriendly reminder of your presence every time you parked. Once small splotches become big puddles your friends and family will be asking you to park down the block!

And it isn’t just about leaving your mark in parking spaces and driveways. Your minor vehicle issue can quickly become a major problem. You’ve probably heard the advice: Don’t major on the minors.” This is good life advice for those who focus too narrowly on the negative. With a vehicle, though, taking care of the minor can stop it from being major. We advise you to go ahead and major on the minor with your vehicle since minor repairs come with minor price tags while major problems will cost you major dollars!

Seeing Red? It’s Most Likely Transmission Fluid

If the liquid is red it’s probably transmission fluid. Green or orange liquid that smells sweet most often means coolant is the culprit. Brown or black fluid indicates an engine oil leak. Also, liquid isn’t the only sign of a leak. Blue smoke from the tailpipe can also mean oil is leaking into the engine. No matter what color you see, remember that a leaking hose or seal is small potatoes compared to a catastrophic engine failure.

For minor and major vehicle maintenance and repair, call us at (253) 854-6762 or schedule your appointment online. We can’t do much about the slow drip, drip, drip of the news cycle or a runny nose, but we can certainly stop minor vehicle drips before they become major!

Want Your Vehicle to Be More Powerful and Efficient?

Who doesn’t want to be more powerful and effective? Despite New Year’s Eve resolutions or buying the latest self-help bestseller, personal growth can be hard to achieve. It’s not easy to be your own best friend. Fortunately, it is a little easier to be chummy with your vehicle and make it run stronger, quieter and more efficiently.

Fuel injection cleaning is not listed in your owner’s manual as part of routine maintenance. Still, your fuel system can become clogged with dirt and debris. This can jam up your fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel injectors. These crucial parts of your fuel system need to be clear of all that yuck to allow the right mixture of fuel and air to reach the engine.

Friends with Benefits

When you treat your car right, it treats you right! By being friends with your car you get benefits which include better fuel efficiency, more horsepower, and no more engine knocking. When you think about it, it makes sense. Your car doesn’t burn dirty fuel as well as clean fuel—a drop in gas mileage may mean you need your fuel injectors cleaned. Does your car seem to lack the get-up-and-go it once had? Is it noisier? These are other signs that your BFF is asking you to clean up its fuel system!

The reason fuel injection cleaning isn’t listed in your owner’s manual is that if you are servicing your vehicle regularly, your injectors and fuel system will remain clean. Over the years, we have noticed that folks are increasingly skipping regular maintenance. This neglect causes the harmful build-up of grime and sludge. These are not your friends!

What Are Friends For?

Fuel injection cleaning will give your vehicle a longer life span, lower repair costs, and fewer headaches! You can worry less about being stuck on the side of the road or with a car that won’t start in the morning. Call us today at (253) 854-6762 or set up your appointment online. We will ensure that your car is running right and you won’t need to empty your wallet to for unneeded parts, repairs, or services. What are friends for?

Got a Quarter? Take this Test!

Inflation! You have probably noticed the cost of goods and services rising. We have, too. We spend a lot of energy doing everything in our power to keep the cost of taking care of your car down, but we do make one exception.

For years, the traditional auto industry recommendation has been to check the tread on tires using a penny. With Abe Lincoln facing you upside-down, place the penny in one of the grooves. If you can see honest Abe’s whole head, then, no lie, you need new tires. This test tells you that you only have 1/16” of tire tread left.

Automotive specialists have been rethinking the 1/16” of tread rule. It just isn’t enough in the most critical situations. If you have to come to a sudden stop on a rainy day on slick asphalt, you need more grip on the road. Recent research by Tire Rack showed that brand new tires stop you the fastest. If you have 1/8” of an inch of tread you stop within 300 feet. But if you have just 1/16” of an inch, you might not stop until it is too late!

The Quarter Is The Way To Go

That’s why we no longer advise you to use a penny. It’ll cost you a quarter now! Let George Washington tell you the truth about whether your tires need swapping out. While running the same test with a quarter, if our first president’s whole head is visible you have less than 1/8 of an inch and we strongly suggest you get your tires replaced.

Of course, we are happy to give you some great options if you need new tires—and some more advice about inflation. Once you get your new tires, be sure to keep them properly inflated! Also, don’t forget to bring them in for rotation every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. We will keep you and your tires rolling smoothly and safely down the road!

Car Maintenance Tips Part 1

Belts – They Keep Us Moving

What causes failure in belts? They do over 35 million revolutions a year, are exposed to heat, vibration and contamination. They twist, and turn, bend and flex. This produces heat that hardens the rubber that causes the belts to loosen and slip. The rubber then cracks and frays and the internal cords will become brittle and weak. This happens from the inside out so it isn’t visible. Car manufacturers recommend replacing belts every 36,000 miles.

Hoses

What causes failure in hoses? Tiny cracks develop in the rubber causing the hoses to split, blister and/or leak. Contamination from oil and atmospheric ozone can accelerate the process. Hoses deteriorate on the inside as much as the outside. They can even look fine on the outside and be totally ruined on the inside. Small cracks and pinhole leaks weaken hose fibers. If you squeeze the hose near the clamps or connectors and the ends feel soft and mushy, the hose has been contaminated and needs replacing. Manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every 48,000 miles.

Anti-Aging For Your Car

We seem to be an “anti-aging” society. Everywhere you look there is some commercial for an anti-aging herb or cream. They all promise to keep us looking and feeling years younger. Many consumers are proving it is more than possible not only with themselves but their cars too! They are keeping their cars going 200,000 miles and longer! How? By getting their vehicle’s serviced regularly. Ask us how to keep your car’s youth!

Best Value or Just Cheap?

In today’s economy there are many businesses offering ‘cheap’ prices to get a consumer in the door. To me, these businesses aren’t offering ‘value.’ Value is when you want to provide the best possible solution for your customers. Now the best doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive, but it doesn’t always mean the cheapest either. For example, when you have to replace a part on your vehicle, you want it to be a part that has good quality and a good warranty and you want that part to last you more than a month or two. We promise value each and every time!

Buyer Beware

By now most of us have had a strange telephone call telling us our “extended auto warranty” is about to expire. If you are on a no call list at home, they may have reached you on your mobile phone. Some have been very puzzled because they knew they didn’t have an extended warranty. Some though, assumed it was a call from their dealership, incorrectly as it turned out. Consumer Reports states that whether a service plan is offered by a broker, car dealer, or manufacturer, they recommend skipping it. These ads promoting extended auto warranty may sound good but if they don’t deliver consumers’ have wasted their money. Don’t become a victim. If you really want an extended warranty plan, read the fine print, do your research and don’t be pressured by a fast-talking salesperson.

Does Your Ride Have A Mind Of Its Own?

We get calls from consumers complaining that their car seems to have a mind of its own. It wants to bounce and rock and drift and sway. We know exactly what the problem is when we hear these complaints. It is either your vehicle’s shocks or struts. Usually they wear out slowly and you don’t notice that they are aging, then suddenly, it seems like you can’t keep your tires on the road!

How Are Your Wiper Blades Holding Up?

Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may look okay, but does a lousy job of wiping when put to the test. Ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on a clear unobstructed view of the road, which means good visibility is absolutely essential. All wiper blade materials fall victim to environmental factors. Exposure to sunlight and ozone causes the rubber to age, even if the wipers aren’t used much. Then when the wipers are needed, they streak and chatter because they’ve taken a set and won’t follow the curvature of the windshield. It can be very annoying as well as dangerous. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year so you are always prepared when you need them.