San Mateo auto repair

Summertime means trips to the beach, taking a swim in the pool, and barbecuing with friends. However, you cannot do all these things without a working car. To avoid any breakdowns this summer, we recommend giving your car some TLC beforehand. Follow some of our summer car maintenance tips below: AC Check - Air conditioning is a must-have on your drives this summer. At Four Car Garage, we can test your car’s A/C and check for leaks. If you need any parts repaired or extra refrigerant, we’ve got you covered. Battery Test - The heat can be harmful to your car battery. That is why we suggest having it tested to see if it can hold a sufficient charge. Our team can also remove any corrosion and ensure all cables are properly tucked away. Coolant Flush - A cooling system inspection is necessary for the summertime. To prevent your car from overheating, we can top you off on coolant and check your radiator, hoses, and other components. Oil Change - If you’ve got a long tri ... read more

At every oil change, the technicians at Four Car Garage can help you inspect your engine air filter. If we recommend a replacement, it only means that it is necessary. You may be wondering, what is the engine air filter even for.   To understand what an engine air filter does, you should focus on the air that you drive in. What is the air quality outside in San Mateo, CA? Can you see smog? Is there a lot of pollen? What about dust? If you’re not prone to allergies, then you probably don’t notice those things. However, you should know the answer to those questions because the engine air filter is responsible for all those harmful pollutants from getting into the engine.    Your motor needs fresh, clean air for a smooth operation. If you want a well-balanced fuel and air mixture, you’re going to need an effective engine air filter. Without a clean filter, the inside of your engine can break down a lot sooner than you think.   For every gallon o ... read more

When it comes to the braking system of a car, brake pads are an essential component. The caliper, the brake pads, and the rotor all play a role in disc brakes' proper operation. The rotor is held in place by the caliper's brake pads, which are located within the caliper. To stop the wheel, friction on the rotor wears away at the brake pads over time. Brake pads are divided into four following categories: Semi-metallic Semi-metallic brake pads contain approximately 30% to 65% metal. Materials like steel wool, wire, and copper might be added. These components are then joined by an organic resin. They are then shaped and fired in a furnace to increase their durability. One of Semi-Metallic's great advantages is their toughness. They withstand heat better and are gentler on rotors than ceramic pads. They are cheaper, and when there is about 60% metal in them, they can handle hard braking for a long time. Semi-Metallic brake pads are ideally designed for high-performance vehi ... read more

When you refer to a car stalling, it simply means that your engine has shut off abruptly. Unfortunately, a vehicle may stall in any situation due to various mechanical problems. Sometimes, it may occur right after starting up or even on the road. As you can assume, engine stalling mid-drive can be especially dangerous. Thus, it is important for drivers to understand what can cause their cars to stall. Problems That Can Lead to Engine Stalling There are several malfunctioning parts that can cause your vehicle to stall: Out of Gas If you've been ignoring the low gas light for a while, an empty gas tank can surely turn off your engine. Insufficient Fuel to Air Ratio An uneven fuel mixture may also cause your engine to stall, especially when it is not concentrated enough. Broken Fuel Pump If your fuel pump stops working, your engine will not receive the fuel it needs to run. You will likely need a tow to an auto repair shop for fuel pump repairs. Electrical Issues A dead batt ... read more

It's not unknown that driving at night is much more challenging and dangerous than driving during the daytime. In fact, statistics have shown that vehicle collisions are three times more likely to occur at night. The lack of light and visibility is the number one explanation for the increased likelihood. Not only is it harder to see the road and objects in the distance, but other vehicle lights can cause glares and blind you. We've put together these safe driving tips for the evening and night to protect yourself and optimize your visibility. Keep a Clean Windshield - Dirty, cloudy, or damaged windshields can cause the light from other vehicles to scatter across the surface. To ensure you can see clearly through your glass surfaces, we recommend getting in the habit of cleaning them. Remember to wipe off both the inside and out. Additionally, top off on windshield washer fluid to ensure it's readily available. Use High Beams Wisely - At Four Car Garage, we encourage you t ... read more