Gene's Car Tips - Page 11 of 47

Unaware Your Spare Is Now Just a Repair Kit?

Do you remember when every car came with a full-sized spare tire? That was before the invention of the small temporary tire, sometimes called a “doughnut.” The doughnut cost less and shaved at least 20% of spare tire weight, increasing fuel efficiency.

Now, to save even more weight, many manufacturers are tossing out the day-old doughnut and replacing it with a repair kit.

Sometimes called an inflator or mobility kit, the repair kit also takes up very little room and consists of an air compressor with an attached hose and an integrated bottle of thick, sticky sealant.

unaware-your-spare-is-now-just-a-repair-kit

The weight savings is pretty huge. The standard spare and jack is the heavyweight of the options at 30-50 pounds. The doughnut and jack, on the other hand, weighs in at a svelte 20-25 pounds. Your loaded laptop case might weigh more than the repair kit, which is just 2 or 3 pounds.

What happens when you get a flat? No more jacking up the car, taking off lug nuts, and replacing the tire with a full-sized or temporary spare. Now you simply plug the unit in, secure the valve stem, and turn it on.

Easy enough, right?

Manufacturer’s estimate that the repair kit will work about 85% of the time. Those are decent odds, but unfortunately, if you get a major blowout that’s larger than a quarter of an inch, or if the puncture is on the side of the tire, the repair kit won’t do the job and you’ll need to get towed.

Without a spare tire, it is even more critical that you don’t ignore your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). It alerts you when there is a leak so you can address issues before you need to make an emergency roadside repair.

Carmakers are hurtling toward the 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which mandates that cars average 54.5 miles per gallon of fuel. Though they aren’t replacing every spare with a repair kit, it’s something you need to be aware of. Bring your car in and let us take a look when you get a TPMS alert. We don’t want you stuck in the middle of nowhere looking for a spare that isn’t there.

If you have questions about this or any other automotive issues, contact your vehicle repair and maintenance experts when you have a “spare” moment. We’ve been recognized four times by Motor Age as one of the top ten shops in America, including being honored as the absolute best auto repair shop in 2012! For old-fashioned customer service and state-of-the-art methods and equipment that will get you back on the road with a safe, reliable vehicle, call Certified Automotive Specialists 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!

Don’t Worry, Your Carmaker’s Warranty Is Safe Here

Is your car still under the manufacturer’s warranty? Are you worried about risking it by taking your vehicle to an independent auto repair shop?

Don’t.

Most folks have never heard of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Passed in 1975, it ensures you get complete information about your warranty. It also clears up confusion about keeping your warranty valid. Though dealerships may encourage you to come to them for repairs and maintenance, they can’t make you pay their higher prices.

What does this mean for you? It means we can take care of you here!

Dealership or independent—where should you go?

We have strong feelings on this subject. They have larger facilities and more employees with higher salaries. This gives them much higher overhead than us, and it makes them much more expensive.

But, that’s not all.

The same as dealerships, our ASE-certified technicians only use state-of-the-art tools and equipment. We stay current with on-going training to keep up with the latest vehicle innovations. We also never cut corners and only use high-quality parts and fluids.

Unlike at dealerships where you are assigned an “advisor,” you can speak to a mechanic here—someone with years of experience who understands your car inside and out. This allows you to better understand your options, making the process smoother and more hassle-free.

You don’t have to believe us, though. A recent Consumer Report survey came to the same conclusion: you’re more likely to end up satisfied with your automotive repair experience at an independent.

Stop worrying! We’ve got you covered!

Way better prices. Better customer service. Quality that’s as good as (or superior to) the dealerships.

It doesn’t sound like such a tough choice. We also offer our own warranty—an industry-leading 36-month/36,000-mile guarantee on parts and labor for repairs.

Do you want maintenance and repairs done right the first time, every time? Call Certified Automotive Specialists at 253-854-6762 or schedule an appointment online 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.

What Does That Warning Light Really Mean?

It doesn’t matter if they are yellow, orange, or red. You probably feel a pang of anxiety when a warning light flares up on your dashboard.

Why?

It’s most likely because you’re not sure what the light means. That’s why we’re here. We’ll break it down and take the mystery out of it. We want you to know how to respond so you can keep your car around as long as you need it!

Oil Pressure Light

Your oil pressure warning light is usually signified by an old fashioned oil can. It can flicker on briefly when you first start your car then turn off almost immediately. If the light remains lit, you must turn off the engine ASAP and check the oil level. If it is low, add some oil and start your car back up. You are good-to-go if the light stays off. Still lit up? Do not drive your vehicle! No or very low oil pressure causes severe engine damage. Give us a call and we’ll talk to you about your options, which might include towing your vehicle to our shop.

Temperature Light

The temperature light—often displayed as a thermometer above water—is telling you that your engine is overheating. Pull over and turn off your car immediately! Let your engine rest for at least 30 minutes before checking anything. If you try to remove the radiator cap immediately, you can be seriously burned by escaping steam and water. Once things have cooled down, remove the cap and check the coolant mixture level. If it’s low, add the appropriate 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.

The only way to know for sure if everything is okay with your cooling system is to pressure test for internal links. This is best left to professionals. Call us and we’ll work out a game plan, including making arrangements to get your car to the shop so we can get it fixed and back out on the road!

Brake Light

The brake warning light is often a red circle with an exclamation point inside. It lights when you engage the parking or emergency brake. Make sure the parking brake is fully disengaged. If that does the trick, you’re fine. If it doesn’t flicker off, you might have a fluid leak. This can be quite dangerous, causing your brakes to fail or veer to one side. It is best to bring your car in as soon as you can to get your brake fluid checked. You want to be sure you have full braking capability when you need to stop in a hurry or road conditions are slick!

Alternator Light

A red battery with plus and minus signs indicates trouble with your alternator and tells you your charging system is not working properly. It might mean a slipping belt drive or some other issue. Calling us sooner rather than later will save you from getting stranded somewhere inconvenient, or even dangerous.

Check Engine Light

An illuminated orange motor icon once put fear into the hearts of drivers. It now seems that many car owners are capable of ignoring it for miles. This is probably because most of the time it is just saying that your gas cap isn’t on tight enough or something else minor. Even this isn’t insignificant though. It means you’re wasting fuel and polluting the environment. If tightening the cap doesn’t turn the light off after some driving, it means something is wrong that needs to be looked at.

Whenever a warning light remains on, you can refer to your owner’s manual. It will give you general explanations and let you know if it’s safe to continue driving. To speak with helpful professionals about your warning light or other automotive issues, Certified Automotive has great prices, responsive customer service, and the highest-quality workmanship. To figure out what your warning light is trying to tell you, schedule an appointment online with us or call 253-854-6762 today!

Hope For Your Vehicle’s Transmission

Transmission repairs have become an interesting phenomenon in the automotive repair industry. I thought I would share some information with you that could result in saving you money!

Most cars will start to experience transmission issues around age six
When a check engine light illuminates, 20% of the time it is because of the transmission
50% of those issues can be fixed easily
80% of repair shops, because they don’t have enough knowledge about transmissions will tell you it needs to be replaced. That is because for them it is just easier to replace the entire thing since they don’t know enough about transmissions to fix it or don’t want to be bothered with it.

Consumers might opt to buy a different car rather than pay to repair their current one if the cost is high. Replacing a transmission is a lot to pay for a repair and if the vehicle will need more of the same, say in six months, I am completely up front with them. I want them to make the right decision for them and for their budget.

If you feel you are having transmission problems, before you pay out an exorbitant amount of money to have it replaced, ask what the problem is exactly. A really good shop, like Certified Auto Specialists, can save you a lot of money! The average repair shop just guesses instead of investigating.

Sometimes, of course, it really does need to be replaced but again, a shop that really knows what they are doing will give you options rather than “just replace it” as a solution.

If you suspect your vehicle is experiencing transmission problems, give us a call!

Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help, or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

Oil Consumption

Question: How often should you check the oil level in your car?

Every 1,000 miles of driving; the newer the car and the lower the mileage. This seems to be the forgotten “check list” item.

Question: How often do you check the oil level in your car?

Our shop is seeing more cars come in with no visible oil on the dipstick. Granted, the majority of the cars have 75,000 miles or more. Remember, that many cars with smaller engines also have less oil capacity (four quarts or less) to lubricate the moving parts.

When technology builds in lights, bells and whistles to replace opening the hood and pulling a dipstick or visually inspecting the under-hood fluid, I get concerned. The warning systems are great backups but should not replace physically inspecting items.

The reason for the oil consumption concern is due to low tension piston rings used to get better miles per gallon. This causes engines to run hotter than ever to achieve better MPG. Today, lighter oils (0w20 and 5w20) are also used for, you guessed it, better MPG, with 0w16 in the new models coming into production.

The latest change is GDI (gasoline direct injection), which is a completely different way for the fuel injector to deliver the fuel into the engine. Yep, this is for MPG also. Combine all these changes and add the extended oil change interval, and you get major oil consumption.

The car mentioned above, with no oil on the dipstick, also did not have a warning light on to let the driver know what was going on. That tells us the light comes on when the car is beyond critical for the oil level and is doing internal engine damage.

The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, in car terms, means servicing your car more, and often equals 200, 300, or even 400,000 miles of driving. We have many customers that have continued success because they adhere to regular servicing of their car!

Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help, or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com