Gene’s Car Tips

Something To Consider 

Car Maintenance

The cost of new cars is high! Here is something to keep in mind. Keeping and maintaining your existing car could be a great investment! The average cost of service for most cars is $800 to $1200.00 per year.

Consider these facts:

Just 8% of new cars on the market right now cost less than $30,000. That’s down 38% from before the COVID pandemic began in 2020.

In 2017, the average cost of a new vehicle was around $35,000. Today, it’s nearly $50,000, according to CNBC. 10% of all vehicles sold cost more than $70,000. That is an increase of 7% from five years ago.

According to an Edmunds report, the average price for used cars are 44% higher than five years ago. Thankfully, the price has dropped 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023.

Interest rates are also hammering buyers of both new and used vehicles. The average annual percentage rate (APR) on new vehicles bought in the first quarter of 2023 jumped to 7%, compared to 4.4% a year before. This is the highest level since the first quarter of 2008.

“Consumers paid an average monthly payment of $730 for new vehicles in the first quarter of 2023, compared to $656 a year ago, according to Edmunds. For used cars, consumers paid an average monthly payment of $551, a slight increase from the $542 they paid last year,” Fox reported.

Monthly payments exceeding $1,000 has hit a new record. 65% of auto buyers who have $1,000 monthly auto payments have an average loan-term range of 67 months and 84 months, with their average APR rate between 8.5% and 9.6%. 

There are better ways and worse ways to spend $1,000 per month on a vehicle.

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!

Make It A Happy Thanksgiving!

Whether an extended road trip, a rush to the airport, getting groceries or just doing some Black Friday shopping, you probably will need your car. Here are what the road-side assistance companies say to have checked out before the holiday to make sure your vehicle is safe and your Thanksgiving less stressful:

  • Tires – Make sure each is properly inflated.  If even one has bad tread wear and needs to be replaced, it is better to do it before you breakdown!  
  • Wiper Blades – Many accidents could have been avoided if drivers could see where they are going, and most people are not seeing as clearly as they might believe.  New wiper blades can make a huge difference.
  • Battery – If your car’s battery is dead, so are your plans.  A simple 10-minute test is all you need.  
Don’t let your car be a “roadside assistance” Thanksgiving statistic this year. Let us do a quick vehicle inspection – it will give you what we all want most on any trip – peace of mind! Besides, I would be personally offended if one of my customers had to sit by the side of the road – and you do want me to have a happy Thanksgiving also, don’t you?!

How Often Should You Have Your Car Serviced?

How Often Should You Have Your Car Serviced?

I know in this day and age it is sometimes difficult to remember certain appointments…like going to the dentist or the doctor every six months…or having your vehicle serviced at least twice a year!  You can ignore it until suddenly you aren’t feeling your best, or you experience a toothache, or your car breaks down.  

Here is what your car’s owner manual tells you should happen and how often.  We recommend you visit us every six months to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape!

Your owner’s manual states that every time you stop for fuel you need to:

  • Check engine oil level and add as required
  • Check windshield washer solvent and add if required

Once a month you are supposed to:

  • Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage
  • Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required
  • Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, power steering, brake master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed
  • Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct operation

At every oil change you are supposed to:

  • Inspect exhaust system
  • Inspect brake hoses
  • Rotate tires at each oil change interval shown on schedule “A” (Highway miles) or every other interval as shown on schedule “B” (Stop and go miles)
  • Check coolant level, hoses, and clamps
  • Examine threaded fasteners for looseness

That is what the kindly, full-service gas station attendant used to do for us.  Now that everything is self serve, we tend to drive up, fill up and drive off. Think about it. Do you check your engine oil level or your washer solvent at each fuel stop?  Every month, do you check your tire pressure, inspect your battery, and check fluid levels, lights and other electrical items?  Many drivers never lift the hood of their car or even looks at their tires, much less check the pressure.  Some, when it is time for an oil change are adamant that we just change their oil as they are in a hurry and everything else seems fine.  

It is true that our cars are increasingly sophisticated pieces of machinery and that our oil is better able to withstand a couple of extra thousand miles between changes but how about all those other services that the gas station attendant used to take care of for us?  Sadly, the answer for the most part is no one!  You should at least have your vehicle serviced twice a year at the minimum. If you don’t, think about what can go wrong between visits without someone lifting the hood and someone checking your tire pressure and fluid levels.  

Remember, we love cars, trucks and SUV’s!  We want them to run at peak efficiency so that they are safe and reliable for you.  Don’t be a stranger.  Stop on by and let us lift the hood for you.

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.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

The Problem with Air Fresheners!

The Problem With Air Fresheners

Those little trees that dangle from vehicles’ mirrors may look innocent, but are they?  Here are a few things to consider if you use them.

  1. They can obstruct your view and are actually illegal in many states!
  2. Oil residue from them damages the plastic trim around a car’s air vent.
  3. Chemicals in the fragrances can cause allergies and also trigger asthma, headaches, and even dermatitis. 
  4. They can add potentially hazardous pollutants to a car’s interior due to their volatile organic compounds.

The best way to keep a vehicle’s interior fresh is to clean it.  The “fresh” scent from these dangling air fresheners don’t last long.  If you simply can’t part with these little trees, please read the instructions carefully before use.  They can do harm to your car’s interior when they come in contact with plastic, painted and varnished surfaces and upholstery by melting and then sticking.  

We just felt this was something you “auto-know.”

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!

How To Know You Need Car Air Conditioning Repair & Service?

How To Know You Need Car Air Conditioning Repair & Service?

It can get hot here, which is why it’s so important to find an auto repair shop that provides reliable car air conditioning repair & service. Believe it or not, a working air conditioning system can be essential in the winter, too! In many cars, the air conditioner plays a direct role in helping to keep your windows defrosted. Without regular service, the compressor and evaporator can start to develop problems; refrigerant leaks are also common. 

Here are some common signs it’s time to schedule car AC repair:

  • Poor airflow
  • The AC blows hot air
  • Foul odors coming from the vents
  • Burning smells when the AC system is running
  • The air starts out cool but increases in temperature within a couple of minutes
  • The AC compressor clutch doesn’t engage 
  • You hear the AC clutch engaging and disengaging frequently
  • Water leaks underneath the dashboard
  • Visible refrigerant leaks
  • Strange sounds like squealing, rattling, clinking, grinding, or groaning when you turn on the AC

Servicing Your AC Prevents The Need For Repairs

Even if your AC seems to be working fine, you should bring your car in annually to have the system inspected and serviced. Over time, the fittings, hoses, seals, and O-rings can wear out, reducing your air conditioner’s efficacy. We’ll also make sure the system has the correct lubrication and refrigerant levels. And if you find yourself putting off maintenance or repairs because it’s inconvenient to be without your vehicle, we offer low-cost rental cars for only $25 a day! Simply let us know that you need one when you make your appointment.


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.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

Spark Plug Replacement

Some auto manufacturers recommend 100,000+ mile spark plug replacements; we’ve discovered that many drivers seem to believe that all cars have 100,000-mile plugs. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case! Spark plugs have become more reliable and longer lasting over the decades, and some premium spark plugs are actually designed to last up to 5 years or 100,000 miles. However, waiting too long for spark plug repair or replacement can affect the efficiency and performance of your vehicle, which is why many service intervals are significantly less—typically 30,000 miles.  

For this reason, we recommend following the spark plug replacement interval suggested by your vehicle’s manufacturer—as well as the same type of spark plugs. Using a different brand of spark plugs can cause drivability issues in some cars. It’s also important to keep your driving habits and conditions in mind when determining replacement intervals. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service interval or ask your service advisor.

Some common signs you need spark plug repair include:

  • Difficulty starting your vehicle
  • Engine misfires
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Rough, loud idling
  • Your car struggles to accelerate
  • The check engine light is on
  • The engine sounds louder than normal

When you need spark plug replacement, visit the skilled professionals at Certified Automotive Specialists. Since 1978, we’ve prided ourselves on offering the best auto repairs and maintenance in the area. Our shop is ASE-certified and AAA-approved—we’ve also been named one of the top 10 auto repair shops in the nation by Motor Age magazine! From oil changes to engine and spark plug repair, there’s no job too big or small for our talented technicians. 


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!

What Is Scheduled Automotive Maintenance?

Scheduled Automotive Maintenance

Factory scheduled maintenance is a list of maintenance items that each vehicle manufacturer recommends at designated intervals. The intervals themselves and types of automotive maintenance can vary by make and model, so it’s always important to check your owner’s manual for specific details for your car. Typically, the intervals are at every 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 90,000 miles, or more. 

Keeping up with your scheduled maintenance not only keeps your vehicle running smoothly, but it also prevents expensive repairs and breakdowns. When you bring your car in for scheduled maintenance, it gives us the chance to spot minor issues that may be developing—before they can turn into a larger repair. Many drivers mistakenly believe they need to return to the dealership for their factory scheduled maintenance, but that’s not the case! We can perform any of your maintenance services and your warranty will still be valid.


If you want to keep your car, truck, or SUV running safely and efficiently, vehicle maintenance is critical. Our technicians are trained and certified to perform anything from oil changes and scheduled maintenance to performance upgrades and extensive repairs. If you have questions about the maintenance requirements for your vehicle, contact Certified Automotive Specialists and we’ll provide guidance on its various maintenance requirements.

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.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

How We Keep Your Car Going Strong in the Summer Heat

By Gene Morrill
Maintenance is easy to schedule. Breakdowns are not.

Home » Helpful Hints » Gene’s Car Tips

We know we can feel our energy ooze out of us in the summer heat and your car feels it too! Just imagine sitting there day after day on the hot pavement while the relentless summer sun shines down on you. Car’s components such as rubber are very sensitive to heat and tend to become brittle and crack. Here are just a few things we at Certified Automotive Specialists look for when we service your vehicle for summer:

• Batteries take a beating.  Between the car’s vibrations and heat, they usually only last five years.  It is always a good idea to have them tested and our technicians can help determine how much life they have left in them.

• Cooling systems are very susceptible to summer heat.  You will notice more cars sitting on the side of the road with steam pouring out from under the hood during the summer months.  We always check your cooling system thoroughly to make sure the coolant isn’t contaminated.  We also check the rubber components for cracks and frays.  If they are past their prime, we will recommend replacing them so you don’t end up on the side of the road. 

• Tires need the proper inflation to function well. They don’t operate well if they are over-inflated or under-inflated.  They need to be just right!

• Fluids and filters need to be checked and replaced if needed.  They do a lot of work to protect our vehicles.

• Air-conditioning systems are a must and need to be looked at so you and your passengers stay comfortable no matter how high the outside temperatures climb.  We make sure to check the refrigerant and other components.  

We are here to help your car face the challenges that come with hot days. Give us a call. You and your car will be glad you did! 

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!