Sonoma – Auto Repair

Before you drop off your vehicle at a local Sonoma County auto repair shop or have it towed in for repairs, call and talk directly with the service manager to see if they offer the repair services you need. It’s smart to have a prepared list of questions and to write down the answers the auto technicians give you. Use the following questions as a guide:

• Has your company earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?
  
• Does your auto repair shop specialize in the car repairs my vehicle needs (auto electrical repairs, engine repair, car brake repairs)?
  
• How often do you repair vehicles that are the same make and model as mine (i.e. Ford, Chrysler, GM, Toyota, BMW, Honda, Lexus, etc.)?
  
• Do your auto repair technicians hold any auto repair certifications?
  
• Is this a common car problem for my make and model?
  
• What kind of replacement auto parts do you use? (OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] parts, used parts or salvaged parts?)
  
• If you use salvage or used auto parts, will you guarantee those auto parts?
  
• Will your automotive repair shop honor any warranties currently covering my vehicle?
  
• Will the needed car repairs affect my manufacturer's warranty?
  
• Will you give me a written, itemized estimate for all necessary vehicle repairs?
  
• How do you price auto repairs? (Flat fee pricing structure or time and materials?)
  
• What warrantees and guarantees do you offer on car repairs? Are there any exceptions I should be aware of?
  
• I live in _____ (Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Windsor, Sonoma, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, West County, etc.). Do you offer courtesy cars or rental vehicles while my car is in the shop?
  
• How long has your auto repair shop been operating in Sonoma County?

How can you tell that auto repair facilities in Sonoma County are all they say they are?

That’s where independent research and scientific surveys come in. All Diamond Certified auto repair shops have undergone a ratings process that most other companies can’t pass. If you want quality from a vehicle repair shop in Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area, you’ll have confidence when choosing Diamond Certified companies. You can read Diamond Certified reports on all certified companies, including verbatim survey responses. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews because all research is performed by live telephone interviews of a large, random sample of real customers.

If you can’t find a Diamond Certified car repair shop within reach, you'll need to conduct some research of your own. Even if you’re in a hurry to get your repairs done right away, it is still a good idea to take a little time to check references. If you do, auto repair shops in Sonoma County should be willing to give you a list of recent customers you can call. Keep in mind, though, that references provided by the shops are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references are “cherry-picked,” not randomly selected from all customers, so shops are likely just giving you a few satisfied customers to call.

If you do call on references, specifically ask for a list of their 10 most recent customers (to help avoid them giving you only customers they know were satisfied) and call those references. Ask general questions about their experience with the shop’s personnel as well as specific questions about the car repairs. Questions you might want to ask include:

• What auto repairs did _(auto repair shop name_) do for you?
• Were you satisfied with the car repairs from this Sonoma County auto repair shop?
• If you live in a smaller town such as Bodega, Penngrove, Fulton or Sebastopol or in rural West County, was your auto shop willing to tow your car or truck to their auto repair garage?
• Were you pleased with the auto repair technicians’ turn-around time?
• Did the auto repair mechanics and service writers listen to and communicate with you?
• Do you feel the price was fair for the auto repairs you had done?
• What did you like best about this particular Sonoma County automotive repair shop?
• Would you go back to this car repair facility if your vehicle needed additional work?
• Would you/have you recommend this auto repair garage?

Emergency car repairs don’t have to be such a setback. Now that you’ve found a local Sonoma County auto repair shop you trust for regular vehicle maintenance, it will give you peace of mind while dealing with your mechanics even if your repairs are unexpected.

First, you’ll want to meet with the service writer and explain what the problem is. Use the notes you took so that you’re able to accurately describe the concerns you have and what you’re experiencing. Be as detailed as possible, and don’t let the mechanic or service writer rush you. It’s important to answer their questions and listen to their suggestions and observations. If you don’t understand what the repair shop representative is telling you, ask for an explanation. You deserve to completely comprehend the problem and the solutions.
All estimates must be provided to you in writing before the work begins. This estimate must include the total estimated cost for all parts and labor and an itemized list of all parts needed and the method of repair. Remember, for your protection, never sign a blank work order.

Sometimes a more thorough diagnosis is needed before a repair shop can give you an accurate estimate for auto repair costs. In this case, the estimate you sign may include just the cost of the diagnosis or the car repair diagnosis and estimated auto repair labor cost. However, if the estimated auto repair costs are more than the original estimate, the technicians must contact you before they move ahead with the repairs.

Sign a Contract with Your Repair Shop for Auto Repair Work
When you’re satisfied with the information your Sonoma County repair shop has given you, sign the estimate and service agreement. Verify that the repair shop has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while your vehicle is in the shop. They must get your approval for any repairs or additional work, and it can slow down or even stop progress on your repairs if they can’t reach you to get consent for work not listed on the original work order.

Once they’ve identified the problem or needed repairs, most mechanics in Sonoma County including the larger cities of Santa Rosa, Windsor, Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Healdsburg, will allow you to see the damaged auto parts. Remember, it’s your legal right to have damaged parts returned to you if you ask the car repair shop for them when they’re writing up the service request.

If the actual repair costs exceed the amount agreed upon on your estimate, the auto repair shop must get your approval before moving ahead with the car repairs. Your approval must be noted on the estimate and the invoice.

When the work is completed, your mechanic is required to give you a written invoice. This must include:

• The name and physical address of the shop and their auto repair registration number.
  
• A list of all work performed, including warranty work done at no charge.
  
• An itemized list of all replaced parts. This list must state whether the parts installed were new, used, salvaged, reconditioned, or rebuilt auto parts.
  
• The total auto repair cost, including the amount charged for auto repair labor.
  
• Any applicable hazardous waste disposal fees and the shop’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) number.
  
• Your vehicle’s odometer reading at drop off and pick up, if you asked for the reading before signing the service agreement.

Remember, you're entitled to have original parts returned to you, but only if you asked for them when you signed the estimate. Your mechanic may not be able to return to you parts that are under warranty as they may need to return them to the supplier, but you still have the right to see them.
 

Automotive repair shops in Sonoma County provide all types of maintenance and vehicle repair services. However, some repairs are more common than others. The following are the most familiar requests for local auto repair shops.

Routine Vehicle Maintenance
Also known as a tune-up, routine vehicle maintenance is the regular check-up schedule recommended by vehicle manufacturers. It is usually recommended at 30-, 60-, and 90,000 mile intervals. Routine maintenance usually involves checking and replacing air filters, fuel filters, cabin filters and spark plugs. Most car mechanics in Sonoma County will also check, flush and refill auto fluid and ensure the engine, exhaust and electrical systems are functioning correctly. These routine vehicle maintenance checks allow auto repair mechanics to prevent expensive car repairs by seeing small issues before they become big problems.

Auto Electrical Repair
As vehicles become more computerized and complex, auto electrical repairs become more common. Most auto electrical repairs are required for the alternator, the component that continually charges your battery. Vehicle starter repairs are also common. Experts recommend checking your entire auto electrical system every two years and whenever you experience drivability problems that appear to be electrical in nature.

Automobile Brake Repair
Brake repairs are a common request made of local auto repair mechanics in Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol and all throughout Sonoma County. This is because brakes wear down as you use them. Most brake repairs are simple replacements of the brake pads, and are relatively inexpensive. Because you rely on them to stop your car on time, brakes should be checked regularly, especially if you experience any of these signs:

• The brake pedal feels hard when you step on it
• Low or spongy-feeling brake pedal
• The brake warning light stays on continuously
• Squealing or grinding sounds when you brake

Vehicle Brake Replacement
Like brake repair, auto brake replacements are common car repairs in Sonoma County. Full brake replacements, including the brake disc, drum and rotor can be costly, but may be necessary if you’ve been driving with worn or damaged brakes that have warped or damaged the brake system.

Auto Engine Repair
Often signaled by a lit Check Engine light, vehicle engine problems can also present themselves as sputtering, choking, fast or rough idling, slow acceleration or the vehicle not starting even though the ignition turns over. Because there is such a range of engine problems that can cause these symptoms, few car owners attempt do-it-yourself engine repairs. There are automobile mechanics throughout Sonoma County that specialize in automotive engine repairs.

Auto Ignition System Repairs
Automobile ignition system repairs include battery, starter and car ignition replacements. Starters and ignitions can be expensive, but they are necessary in order to guarantee your car will start reliably.

Auto Electrical Repairs
Auto electrical problems can be as simple as blown fuses or burned-out headlights or as serious as electrical problems that keep you from safely driving your vehicle. Because these auto repairs demand special equipment, tools and repair methods, most auto electrical repairs are best left to automobile electrical repair technicians in Sonoma County.

Auto Fuel System Repairs
Clogged fuel pumps are a common problem for Sonoma County drivers who regularly run on less than ¼ tank of fuel. Other auto fuel system problems include clogged fuel filters, engine flooding and choking sounds. Auto fuel system repairs are usually best handled by professional car mechanics who have the experience and tools to clean, repair and replace fuel system components.

Auto Belt and Hose Repair and Replacement
Vehicle belts and hoses including the drive belt, fan belt, serpentine belt, timing belt, heater hose and fuel hose keep your engine and other vehicle systems running smoothly. Signs that may indicate a problem with belts and hoses include squeaking noises, leaks, warning lights and engine overheating.

Mobile Auto Repair (Mobile Mechanic)
Mobile mechanic shops in Sonoma County are increasingly popular. Instead of having vehicles towed to repair shops, many customers opt to have licensed mechanics come to them. From tune-ups and routine maintenance to auto electrical repairs and belt and hose replacement, mobile mechanics come to your home or place of business by appointment to service your vehicle.

Below are key auto repair terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your auto's repair from beginning to end in the Sonoma County vehicle repair shop of your choosing.

air filters
A paper or synthetic filter that blocks dust, dirt and debris as air enters the engine.

Also known as: auto air filters, car air filter, performance air filter, auto air filter replacements, auto cabin air filter

aftermarket auto parts
Auto repair parts not made by the original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made to fit and function the same as the original parts, but they’re often less expensive than OEM parts. Some aftermarket auto parts are redesigned to increase performance.

Also known as: aftermarket parts, functionally-equivalent auto parts, off-brand auto parts, off-make auto parts, performance aftermarket parts

auto repair shop
An automotive repair shop that maintain and repair the internal working parts of automobiles. Some auto repair shops specialize in specific repairs, such as auto electrical repair shops, automobile brake shops, muffler repair shops and automobile engine repair shops. Other vehicle repair centers are general repair garages that do all types of maintenance and service repairs.

Also known as: car repair shop, auto mechanic shop, car mechanic shop, automobile repair shop, auto repair garage

all-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive systems increase traction on slippery roads and off-road surfaces. All-wheel drive is different from 4-wheel drive because drivers cannot disengage AWD systems.

Also known as: AWD

anti-freeze
Liquid in the cooling system that dissipates heat. Antifreeze prevents freezing during winter, cools the engine in summer and protects the cooling system from corrosion and rust.

Also known as: coolant, auto coolant, vehicle coolant, liquid coolant

auto electrical repair
Auto repairs to the electrical system of a vehicle. Auto electrical repairs may include alternator repair, auto starter repair, ignition repair, and auto electrical wiring repairs or replacement.

Also known as: automobile electrical repair, automotive electrical repair, car electrical repair, auto electrical service

catalytic converter
A vehicle’s catalytic converter isolates exhaust particles and burns them before they leave the tailpipe.

Also known as: cat, catcon

chassis
The undercarriage of a vehicle is known as the chassis. The chassis carries all power train and suspension parts.

Also known as: framework, auto case, auto frame, auto undercarriage

control arms
The moving suspension components mounted between the vehicle frame and the wheels.

Also known as: car wishbone, auto double wishbone, vehicle suspension

crankcase
The largest engine section, the crankcase contains the crankshaft.

crankshaft
The rod that transfers power from the engine to the transmission.

Also known as: crank

differential
The differential is important for turning and cornering. It’s the gear system that allows one wheel to rotate faster than the other.

domestic auto repair shops
Auto repair garages that specialize in repairs on domestic vehicles. General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler (also known as The Big Three) are considered domestic vehicle manufacturers.

Also known as: American car repair, American car shops, domestic vehicle repair shops

fast idle
When a vehicle’s engine runs fast while the vehicle is stopped and idling.

flooded engine
When too much fuel is in the cylinders and makes starting difficult or impossible.

Also known as: engine flooded with gas, car flooded, engine stall, flooded vehicle

foreign auto repair shops
Foreign auto repair shops perform repairs and maintenance on vehicles manufactured by foreign car companies, including some models built in the United States, including BMW, Toyota, Honda and Lexus.

four-wheel drive
4WD is a drive system that powers all four wheels and provides better traction during off-road use and poor weather conditions.

Also known as: 4WD, 4x4, four by four, sport utility vehicle

front-wheel drive
A driving system that powers the front wheels of the vehicle. Front-wheel drive systems can be automatic or manual shift.

Also known as: FWD

fuel injection
The fuel delivery system where injectors (also known as nozzles) spray fuel into the cylinders, giving better fuel control and efficiency.

Also known as: electronic fuel injection (EFI)

hesitation
The momentary loss of power on acceleration that causes a vehicle to hesitate when gaining speed.

Also known as: engine hesitation, engine sputtering, auto stumbling

horsepower
The amount of energy produced by a vehicle’s engine.

Also known as: HP, mechanical horsepower, car horsepower, vehicle horsepower, electrical horsepower

idle
The term used to describe a vehicle that is stationary but running.

Also known as: idling

mechanic
An auto mechanic is a professional who repairs and maintains vehicles.

Also known as: auto mechanic, automobile mechanic, auto repair technician

mobile auto repair
A mechanic who repairs vehicles on-site is considered a mobile auto repair service. Mobile auto repair shops can often do minor and major repairs and tune-ups.

OEM auto parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Auto parts made by the vehicle manufacturer. While they may cost more than aftermarket auto parts, OEM parts usually fit better, last longer and are covered by warranties.

Also known as: Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, stock vehicle parts, stock parts

power loss
When an engine runs at reduced speed or requires more throttle to maintain speed.

Also known as: auto power loss, low power output, automobile hesitating

power train
The term referring to the transmission and engine, the parts that deliver power to the vehicle.

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
The speed at which the engine crankshaft is turning.

rebuilt auto parts
Rebuilt auto parts are used auto parts that have been remanufactured, reconditioned and restored.

Also known as: salvage auto parts, salvage car parts, salvaged parts, used auto parts, replacement parts, used car parts, refurbished auto parts, rebuilt auto parts

rough idle
Rough idling is when the engine shakes and vibrates while the vehicle is running and stationary.

Also known as: vibrations, auto choking, engine sputtering

salvage parts
Auto parts taken from recycled vehicles are called salvage auto parts. These are often inexpensive auto repair parts, but they usually don’t come with warranties because they haven’t been repaired or altered so their reliability can’t be guaranteed. Salvage auto parts are often a last resort for vehicle owners looking for hard-to-find parts for rare or older vehicles.

Also known as: salvage auto parts, salvage car parts, salvaged parts, used auto parts, replacement parts, used car parts

serpentine belt
Serpentine belts are also called multi-vee or multi-rib belts. They are a long, continuous belt that runs several automotive engine components, indulging the alternator, power steering pump, air pump and water pump.

Also known as: multi-vee belts, multi-v belts, multi-rib belts, auto belts

shimmy
The term for a side-to-side motion that causes a vehicle’s tires and steering wheel to shake.

Also known as: car shaking, vehicle vibrations

sluggish performance
When a vehicle does not accelerate smoothly or quickly enough.

Also known as: auto hesitation, vehicle loss of power

suspension
The shock absorbers and springs that create a smoother ride by dampening the motion of a vehicle as it drives.

Also known as: suspension system

timing belt
The timing belt is a toothed belt that is operated by the crankshaft and drives the camshaft in a vehicle Broken timing belts cause valves to remain open and can cause engine damage when the valve is struck and bent by a piston.

undercarriage
The underside of a vehicle that supports and creates the framework.

Also known as: automobile framework, car body, auto frame, vehicle chassis

vacuum hose
A hose that creates vacuum suction force in the engine. Vacuum hoses move fluids from one part of the engine to another.

water pump
The pump that moves coolant (antifreeze) through the radiator and engine.