The Essential Guide to Car Repairs & Maintenance

FREMONT — Whether you drive an older or newer car, whether it’s a foreign or domestic model, there’s one thing you shouldn’t waste your money on: resurfacing your brake rotors. Resurfacing is a method for restoring and extending the operating lifespan of rotors that are still in reasonably good condition at the time of brake pad replacement. While this may sound like a good idea, it’s usually more trouble than it’s worth. It’s not uncommon for problems to arise with resurfaced rotors. For example, within six months of having your brake pads replaced and the rotors resurfaced, you may start to have pulsation issues when coming to a stop. You shouldn’t have to deal with this kind of issue so soon after having your brake pads replaced. Read more

SAN FRANCISCO — A car’s tires may be “where the rubber meets the road,” but another important aspect of a vehicle’s traction is its shocks. Unfortunately, unlike tires, shocks tend to be overlooked, which is why the first time you typically hear about them is when they’re leaking, at which point they’re already well beyond their useful lifespan. However, due to the critical part they play in vehicle operation, it’s important to be proactive about inspection and replacement. Most people think shocks are primarily there to make driving more comfortable, but in reality, they have a far more versatile function. For example, shocks’ role in controlling vehicle body movement also translates to safety and stability while driving, Read more

ANTIOCH — Much like a “quick stop” oil change, a transmission flush provides a fast and affordable means of maintaining a vital vehicle component. However, upon closer inspection, this convenient service may not be as good an idea as it appears. The problem with a transmission flush is it only addresses the fluid itself, which means components like the filter and gasket are ignored. While the fluid gets changed, any debris buildup inside the transmission case gets left behind, most of which becomes trapped in the filter. Over time, if the filter becomes plugged up with debris, it can result in a worse issue with the transmission than existed previously. For this reason, Read more

ROHNERT PARK — You’re probably aware that your home’s furnace has a filter that keeps your indoor air relatively clean. But did you know there’s a similar situation in your car? In fact, your vehicle likely has not one but two types of air filters. First, there’s the cabin filter. Just as a furnace filter provides clean air for the home’s inhabitants, a cabin filter provides clean air for the vehicle’s driver and passengers to breathe. Since the air on the roads and freeways can be saturated with smog and other noxious elements, a cabin filter is a valuable asset for driver and passenger health. Cabin filters are typically located at the front of the vehicle interior (below the dashboard or behind the glove compartment) and can be removed and replaced as needed. Read more

SUNNYVALE — Brakes are one of the most important components of any vehicle, which is why it’s vital to proactively maintain them. A crucial part of brake maintenance is being able to tell when they need to be replaced altogether. To take the guesswork out of brake replacement, some modern cars are equipped with brake pad wear sensors. Mounted on the brake pad and routed through the caliper, this sensor warns drivers if the pad is becoming excessively worn and needs to be replaced, usually by triggering a warning light on the vehicle’s dash. However, not all vehicles are equipped with such warning devices, which is why you should have your brakes inspected on a routine basis. Read more