For All The Football Fans Out There: Keeping Your Vehicle’s Components in the Game

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Football season is here again in and even though the staff at Certified Automotive Specialists are not football superstars, we are the superstars of auto service and repair!  Just like a football game where it takes each player doing their job correctly to have a winning team, it takes each component operating in peak efficiency to have a properly running car!

 

  • Fluids – just like you, your car must have fluids to be healthy.  We offer products that give you the home field advantage each and every time.
  • Filters –just like in football when the players block the defense from getting to the ball carrier, filters block contaminants from entering your car’s operating systems.
  • Battery & Charging System – If this system fumbles you aren’t going anywhere.  We will keep it charged and ready to go when you are!
  • Belts and Hoses – One snap or break and you are stranded and you will be calling personal foul!
  • Lights – Your lights keep you from getting picked off in the dark because others can’t see you coming or going!
  • Wipers – If your wipers aren’t working in the rain and snow and morning condensation, you risk getting sacked!
  • Tires – Proper inflation and tread keep your car rolling along in a rush.
  • Suspension – Steers your car going in the right direction so you have a complete pass.
  • Brakes – Stopping when you need and want to is a very good thing and keeps you from getting tackled by trees or other vehicles!
  • Exhaust System – If you don’t want to be put on the sidelines these systems need to operate properly. Keeps your car pleasant and safe for you and others to be around.

 

This is just a small example of all the systems that keep your car running properly.  Most mechanical failures can be traced to neglected maintenance.  Just like a football team, if each player does their job well they all benefit and run like a well-oiled machine.  Touchdown!

 

Please call us with any questions at 626-963-0814 or visit our website at www.CertifiedAutoCA.com.

 

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

 

Help Your Teenage Driver Be Prepared In Case Of An Accident

 

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I recently heard about a couple that were taking a well-earned vacation in when they received a call from their son who was in college.  “Dad, how does this car insurance thing work again?”  Not a comforting call.  He didn’t want to disturb his dad while he was on vacation but since he was involved in an accident he needed a little guidance.  Most of us seem to put the thought of accidents out of our mind so when it happens we are left not only in shock but a bit disoriented and not sure how to proceed. Being prepared is always best however; I am apt to put these thoughts on the back burner myself.

 

Don’t Let An Accident Get You All Shook Up

The first reaction many teens have when they are involved in an accident is panic.

  • “I can’t believe this has happened to me!”
  • “Mom and Dad are going to be so mad at me!”

Unfortunately, accidents do happen even when someone is diligent about being cautious. 70% of traffic accidents do not involve injuries. It doesn’t seem to matter though, whether it is a fender bender or a totaled vehicle; accidents cause a lot of stress.  It is always a good idea for teens and all motorists for that matter, to keep a check list in the glove box just in case of an accident so one can more calmly assess the situation and act in a rational manner.  Here are some things for a teen to keep in mind.

 

  • If your vehicle is smoking or on fire, get out of the vehicle quickly.
  • Call 911 if someone is injured or call the police if not.
  • If possible and there isn’t a lot of damage to the vehicles move a safe distance from traffic and put your hazard lights on. Make sure your car is as visible as possible and if it is dark outside turn on the interior dome light as well. This lets other drivers realize you have a situation and they are more apt to give you some space.
  • The best place to be is on the right shoulder if at all possible.  If not, just do your best to get out of an active lane of traffic.  It seems we don’t realize just how fast cars are going until we are sitting there on the sidelines and feel the rush of wind as they fly past us.
  • Exchange information but only discuss the accident with the police and your insurance agent.
  • When the police arrive they will fill out an official accident report for you.
  • Never leave the scene of an accident until the police tell you it is okay to do so.
  • Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

 

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

  • Do I have rental car coverage?
  • Do I have comprehensive coverage (covers theft, fire, vandalism, glass replacement and deer claims)?
  • How much is my deductible?
  • If I have an accident, what kinds of parts will be used to repair my vehicle (new original manufactured parts or new aftermarket parts or reconditioned parts)?
  • What does full coverage mean (you have collision but not necessarily rental, comprehensive or new original manufactured parts coverage)?
  • Your insurance company may recommend a couple of different body shops but you can choose where to have the work done.  If you prefer a certain body shop, just tell your insurance agent.

 

Questions to Ask Your Body Shop

  • Can I get a written estimate and an explanation of planned repairs?
  • Will I receive a written guarantee from your shop?
  • When is my deductible due?
  • Will my vehicle be available for the insurance adjuster’s inspection?
  • What is the estimated completion date of my repairs?
  • Will I owe more than the insurance estimate?

 

Hopefully your teen won’t be in an accident any time soon but just in case, these are points to ponder and remember.  It might be an excellent idea to have these in the glove box for a reference as well.

Remember to tell them to stay calm and as always, safety should be their first consideration.

 

Please call us with any questions at 626-963-0814 or visit our website at www.CertifiedAutoCA.com.

 

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

 

When Do My Shocks Need to be Replaced?

A good suspension system gives a vehicle a smooth, even ride while providing Glendora motorists with good handling and control. But like any system on your sedan, essential parts of the suspension system can wear out, leading to a lower ride quality and safety concerns. So it’s a good idea for Glendora motorists to remember an inspection of their suspension system in their schedule of an important preventive maintenance. Springs do most of the work of the suspension system. The most common types of springs are coil and leaf, but air springs and torsion bars are becoming more common. The body of the vehicle is “suspended” by the springs.

If springs were the only working component in your suspension system, however, you’d spend your travel time bouncing up and down like a bobblehead. That’s where your shocks come in. They keep the rebound, or bounciness, of the springs under control. Shocks also keep your tires on the road, which keeps the driver in control of the sedan. Some vehicles have struts in their suspension system. Struts are a compact combination of springs and shocks. They do the same essential job but in a single package.

Shocks wear out gradually, so it can be difficult for Glendora drivers to notice when they need to be replaced. There’s no definitive point when a vehicle’s ride goes from smooth and controlled to a bit imprecise. To check if your shocks or struts are worn, you should first do a visual inspection on them. If they are leaking fluid, they need to be replaced.

There are other less obvious signs that your suspension system needs important attention. For example, an uneven, cupping wear on your tires may indicate that your shocks are worn. If your vehicle feels “floaty” when you turn, or, in other words, you don’t feel that you have full control of the vehicle, you should check your shocks. Also, if the front end of your vehicle dips noticeably when you stop, it’s time for new shocks.

Your owner’s manual gives recommendations on how often the shocks should be checked, usually between 15,000 and 30,000 miles (24,000-50,000 km). If one of your shocks does need to be replaced, you should replace all four. This will keep your suspension even and ensure good handling of your vehicle. If you carry heavy loads, tow a trailer or drive on uneven Los Angeles area terrain, you might also consider upgrading to a heavy-duty shock.

Regular shocks contain hydraulic fluid. The vital fluid helps them absorb the bumps or “shocks” of the road so the impact doesn’t transfer to the sedan’s body. Premium shocks are filled with compressed nitrogen gas, which costs more but does a better job of controlling body motions. Regular shocks can develop air bubbles that reduce their effectiveness; the premium shocks don’t have this problem. So if you want higher handling performance, if you drive off-road around California or if you just want added comfort, you should think about upgrading to premium shocks or struts.

Replacing struts can put your sedan out of alignment, so an alignment check should always follow this type of repair. Talk to your reliable service advisor at Certified Auto Specialists in Glendora.

Bouncy Bouncy

When Glendora motorists think about preventive maintenance, what usually comes to mind is oil, fluids and brakes. We don’t generally think about our shocks or struts, but these essential auto parts keep our tires on the road.

Glendora motorists don’t think about shocks as often as oil changes because shocks and struts last a long time and wear out slowly. They don’t need to be checked as often as our brake pads or air filters. By the time your shocks have fifty thousand miles on them, their performance will have noticeable degraded. If you want to restore the handling and ride designed for your sedan, consider replacing your shocks and struts.

Of course, if you drive off-road around Glendora, carry heavy loads, tow a trailer, or put in a lot of mileage on poor driving surfaces, your shocks or struts will wear out more quickly. You’ll need to replace them more often or upgrade to better shocks.

Your suspension system uses springs and shocks to absorb the “shocks” and vibrations of driving over road surfaces. Springs support the sedan’s weight, suspending it above the axles so the body of the sedan is protected from most of the bumps on the road. Shocks control the bounciness of the springs by moderating rebound. They also push your tires down onto the road’s surface, maximizing traction. Without shocks, your wheels would bounce over bumps and lift against curbs and corners. Shocks are critical to the safe handling of your sedan as well as a comfortable ride. Struts are a combination shock and spring in one unit.

Worn shocks result in lowered vehicle handling performance. If your vehicle “squirms” around corners or gets “floaty” over bumps, then you need to check your shocks. If the rear end of your vehicle squats while accelerating, the front end dips while braking, or one corner sags, you probably need new shocks.

Uneven tire wear may also be an indication of bad shocks. If shocks are damaged or leaking, they definitely need to be replaced.

If one of your shocks needs to be replaced, you need to replace them all. This will maintain an even ride and predictable, safe handling.

If you’re unsure whether you need new shocks, or if you’re considering upgrading to a higher quality shock, then consult with your reliable Certified Auto Specialists technician. They can give you vital auto advice on the condition of your shocks and how to match your driving needs to the quality of your shocks.

Good car care is essential to the safety, performance and efficiency of your sedan. It can improve the comfort of your ride as well.

Check Your Shocks and Struts at Certified Auto Specialists

Today we’re talking to Glendora motorists about shocks and struts. They’re so easy for California folks to forget about because they last so long and wear out so slowly. But your shocks are really responsible for keeping your tires on the road – so they’re very .

Without shocks, your wheels would be bouncing over bumps and lifting in corners. The shocks push the tire down to the road to maximize traction. Good shocks equal good ride quality and safe handling for Glendora drivers.

Visit Certified Auto Specialists to have your shocks and struts inspected by a professional service professional. You can find us at 476 Vermont Avenue, Glendora, California 91741
Or give us a call at 626-963-0814 to make an appointment.

There’s a difference between shocks and springs. Springs support the weight of the vehicle, keeping it suspended up off the axles. The shocks moderate the rebound motion as wheels hit bumps. Now a strut combines a shock and a coil spring in one compact unit.

When your shocks are worn out you may notice degraded handling as you drive around our Glendora streets. Your vehicle feels squirmy around corners and floaty over bumps. Glendora car owners may notice the rear end squatting when they accelerate or the front end diving when you brake. Your car might even be sagging at one corner. 

Uneven tire wear can also be a an essential sign of worn shocks for Glendora car owners. Of course, if your shocks are leaking or have a big dent, they need to be replaced. Talk to your reliable Certified Auto Specialists service professional.

Your owner’s manual will have a recommendation for when to replace the shocks and struts on your sedan. It’s usually between thirty and fifty thousand miles. Of course, if you tow a lot, regularly carry heavy loads or do a lot of driving on bumpy Glendora roads, your shocks might wear out faster.

If those Los Angeles area driving conditions apply to you, you can get special shocks that are better suited to your driving.

The shocks that come from the factory are designed for the way most consumers are expected to drive that particular vehicle. If you have different needs for your driving around Glendora, California, you can get premium shocks that improve performance handling, off-road abilities or towing comfort. Your Glendora, California service professional at Certified Auto Specialists can help you determine your needs and then give you some options.

It’s best to replace all four shocks at the same time. That way you’ll have even, predictable handling at all four corners. Anything less could be dangerous.