Auto Diagnostics

REDWOOD CITY — Host, Sarah Rutan: Thanks to an automotive industry innovation, checking your vehicle’s brakes has never been easier. Today we’re in Redwood City with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Chris Williams of Chestnut Automotive & Towing to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Chris Williams: Here is the piece of equipment that you might be interested in to see what this equipment can do. It’s called, “Snap-on Camera.” And it is very unique. It has a very small camera that you could look up various things, such as brakes or any place that is very hard to go. And you can introduce this camera into that section and take a look at it, Read more

OAKLAND — When your vehicle starts making unusual sounds or acting strangely, your first inclination should be to schedule a diagnostic appointment with your local auto repair shop. While a technician will typically be able to resolve the issue, you can actually help the diagnostic process by communicating accurately and specifically about your vehicle’s symptoms.

Diagnostics is one of the most time-consuming aspects of auto repair. When a customer brings a vehicle to a shop, the technicians will typically begin the process by verifying the customer’s complaint, whether that means taking the vehicle for a test drive or just running the engine. When the symptom is identified, an in-depth inspection usually follows to determine the cause. Read more

SANTA ROSA — Most drivers know to be concerned when their vehicle’s “check engine” light comes on, but few are aware of the potential complexity of the situation. Here are a few tips to help you better understand your “check engine” light:

1) While the purpose of a “check engine” light is to alert the driver of a problem sensed by the vehicle’s onboard computer system, there are several things that can cause it to come on, from an issue with the emissions system to something as simple as a loose gas cap. Though it’s a good idea to get an illuminated “check engine” light diagnosed, you may save yourself a trip to the mechanic by checking to see if your gas cap is screwed on tightly. Read more

SANTA ROSA — Host, Sarah Rutan: In caring for your vehicle, its vital to maintain fluid levels to avoid damage. Today, we’re in Santa Rosa with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Dave Proffer of Empire Auto Repair & Smog to see why.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Dave Proffer: Okay, so what we have here is a differential that went low on fluid and caused damage to the actual gears. If the fluid was kept up to par, we would be changing the fluid and servicing it and putting new fluid in. But as a result of it being low on fluid, we are having to go through and completely overhaul this differential because the premature bearing wear, Read more

BELMONT — There are a lot of warning lights on a vehicle’s dashboard, all of which help ensure safety on the road. While some are self-explanatory, others aren’t as obvious, so it’s important for drivers to acquaint themselves with the various warning lights and their functions. Here are some important ones to know:

Battery warning light
This light is in the shape of a car battery and usually indicates a problem with the alternator. Since the alternator recharges the battery, it’s important to directly address any issues because its failure can render your vehicle inoperable. If the battery light comes on and stays on while you’re driving, the most common cause is a broken alternator belt. Read more

BELMONT — Host, Sarah Rutan: Ever wonder what all of those warning lights on your dashboard mean? Today we’re in Belmont with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Ralph Kirberg of Kirberg Motors to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Ralph Kirberg: Alright, do you know what all the warning lights on your dashboard mean? I’m using this BMW here as an example. If you’d like to take a look, what we have first off is the battery warning light, which indicates alternator charge. If that warning light is on, or you do not see if it all, there’s an indicator that there’s a possibility of alternator problems.

Right next to it is the oil pressure warning, Read more