San Mateo auto repair

It's best if you don't see any warning lights go off in your vehicle, but that's just not the way life works. You are going to have issues arise and when it happens, it's good to know what's going on and what to do about it so you don't panic. When you are driving along and your battery light goes on, you may not know if you can keep driving safely or not. Know your vehicle and how it warns you of certain things to be a confident driver. If your battery light comes on when you first turn the car on, that is normal. It should turn right back off when the car starts up. The battery light is a misunderstood warning light and it is often trying to tell you something, but maybe not what you think. Often, when the battery light is on, the battery is fine, but the alternator is not charging right. The light coming on does not mean the battery is bad automatically. When you see that light come on, can you still drive your vehicle? Yes, you can. But you probably should ... read more

Why Tire Rotation is So Important Tire rotation means regularly changing each of the four vehicle tires'; this is completed following the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. It is imperative to rotate new tires every 5,000 miles, this is because deep, fresh tread is more prone to uneven wear. Regularly rotating your tires presents an excellent opportunity to have each tire inspected for damage, air pressure issues, tread depth checks, and balancing. There are several reasons why rotating your tires is an essential part of your standard tire care methodology. These reasons include: The tire wear is spread evenly through regular tire rotation across all four tires, maximizing tread life. This is because each tire position on your vehicle requires a different torque/friction for each tire, leading to more or less wear on the tire. Even tread wear prevents the tread depth on your tires from becoming inconsistent, helping keep t ... read more

Your car's alternator is one of its most vital parts, keeping the battery charged while driving by converting mechanical energy from the pulley into electricity. There are hundreds of electrical wires buried inside your car that rely on the alternator for power. With such a responsibility, alternators are made to be durable and usually last for up to 10 years without much maintenance. That being said, there are a lot of components inside the alternator which can break down or wear out. The Components of an Alternator Stator and Rotor: With one static and one rotating (we'll let you guess which is which), these components work together to convert energy into electricity. Diodes: The diodes take the alternating current generated by the stator and rotor and turn it into a direct current. This ensures it travels in one direction, to charge the battery. Voltage Regulator: This maintains the voltage so it doesn ... read more

Manufacturers designed modern suspension systems to last without wear up to 75,000 miles. This makes suspension problems challenging to notice or diagnose. Major suspension damage symptoms can be occurring but may be mistaken for everyday wear or other types of issues. A healthy suspension system keeps your vehicle performing optimally by providing a smooth, safe drive. Recognizing the first signs of trouble can prevent minor issues from turning into major costly repairs. Below are five indicators that your suspension system should be inspected.  The drive is bumpy.  A common sign of suspension damage is your drive becoming more rough and bumpy. One way to tell whether there’s an issue, park your car and press your entire weight onto the front of your vehicle. If your car bounces up and down more than three times, have your shocks and struts inspected. And also, make a note of any creaking or squeaking sounds for the automotive technician.  Your vehicle is more ... read more

When your wheels are in alignment, they operate at their maximum potential. Proper alignment promotes longevity by preventing premature wear. Tires are sensitive, and environmental factors and road hazards make maintaining steady alignment difficult. Routine wheel alignments can help prevent any long-term damage while also giving the additional benefit of better fuel economy. Getting an alignment service doesn’t just ensure a smooth ride; it prevents expensive suspension repairs that can appear later down the road. An alignment service involves adjusting the suspension angles, so the tires make better contact with the road. Below are three of the most common signs that it’s time to schedule an alignment service. The tires are wearing unevenly.  The steering wheel has started to shake or vibrate. You have to force the steering wheel to remain straight. The drive is bumpy even though you’re driving on ... read more