Additional Tips For Staying Safe Behind The Wheel

• Don’t speed
• Take your time before heading out, leave early
• Be aware of road conditions
• Be aware of weather conditions
• Reduce your speed in rain, snow, ice
• Before taking a road trip, familiarize yourself with the route
• Don’t pass on the right, obey all traffic rules
• Make sure your car is clean, especially the windows, headlights and other exterior lights
• Always stay calm in all circumstances
• Be aware when driving from day time too night time. Your eyes need time to adjust
• Always use your seat belts and make sure passenger use their seat belts too
• Don’t drink and drive
• Don’t tailgate and be aware of other cars tailgating you
• Watch out for reckless drivers on the road
• Lock you doors
• Watch out for potholes. Potholes can cause severe suspension or tire damage and may leave you stranded on the road

Why you should use seatbelts, even if your car has air bags?

Seat belts save lives. That’s a fact. The number of injuries caused by not wearing seats belts is in the tens of thousands each year.  As a vehicle collision examiner, I can tell you first hand that wearing seat belts lowers the chance of sustaining a serious injury, even at lower speeds. 

In the event of an accident, a split second before the crash occurs; the seat belt locks you in the correct position to prepare your body for the deployment of the air bag. This function greatly increases your chances of surviving or sustaining major injuries.  The rapid deceleration of the vehicle triggers the seat belt mechanism to keep you secured in your seat. On some cars, the seat belt will actually pull you back into your seat a split second before the air bag deploys.   Be safe on the road, obey the rules of the road and wear your seat belt.

Vehicle Break down away from home ?

 Call us for a competitive rate as we work with several towing companies, and we will pass our discount rate to you. We also offer free towing up to 7 miles with repairs $300 or more. This offer applies to most cars and light trucks. Offer not valid if recovery of a vehicle is required, or if there is limited accessibility to the vehicle.


For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Car Body Modifications

 The best German body kits available in the market today.

Lowering spring and strut kits from the worlds leading tuner manufacturers.

A wide variety of exotic wheels including 3 piece barrel style rims.

Custom exhaust systems made to your vehicles specifications.

Supercharger sales and installation.

Expert advise on creating your dream machine!


For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Tips for Finding the Right Auto Mechanic

Auto Repair Mechanic

When a back light goes out, the power windows are malfunctioning, or there’s an annoying sound coming from underneath the hood, finding the right mechanic is like finding the right doctor, it takes research and trust. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) took in a huge number (12,682) of grievances against automobile mechanics, and this year, the bureau has gathered almost another 11,000. For that reason, the BBB offered some of the following advice (we added to it of course) for those seeking quality automobile repair.

• Obtain a minimum of three recommendations from trusted sources before hiring a mechanic.
• Search for infractions against the mechanic on the BBB website, as well as other user rating sites such as Yelp. Although user online reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, they can provide helpful information.
• Check a shop’s certification and make sure they’re licensed. For big jobs, like transmission or engine work, seek out a specialist.
• Ask a lot of questions until you understand exactly what the mechanic wants to do and why. Also make sure you know how much the work is going to cost before work begins.
• When at all possible, get a written description of the work to be performed and obtain approximate calculations for both labor and parts.
• Be clear about all the mechanic’s customs and business practices, including rates, guarantees, and accepted methods of payment.
• When you pick up your car, make sure the work was done properly.

Detailing Auto Services

 Interior detailing, Carpet stain removal, odor removal, cigarette burn removal, seat repairs, leather restoration, exterior detailing, paint restoration, light scratch removal, bumper repair. Repair of cloudy headlamp lenses.

Interior detailing from $85

Interior Stain removal of carpet and upholstery from $69

Odor removal from $79

Exterior detailing from $89.00

Headlamp lens restoration from $49 per lens

Exterior detailing with "Clay Bar" service from $199

Leather restoration from $69

Bumper repair, call for a quote

Paint restoration, call for a quote

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Factory Radio Repair

 Modern factory radios can be repaired at a reasonable price. Why repair a factory radio and not just replace it with an aftermarket unit? Resell value is affected slightly when the factory radio is missing. The factory radio matches the design of the vehicles interior, and the fit and finish remain unchanged.  The original radio may have features that are only compatible with your vehicle, such as radio controls on the steering wheel. And in some instances, the factory amplifier will only work with the OEM radio. Unlike the factory installed radios in the past, these modern units offer terrific sound quality and are matched well with the speakers, amplifier and acoustics in your vehicle. The cost depends on the model of the vehicle and the type of failure.

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Four Wheel Drive Repair

 Services we provide:

Four wheel drive electrical failure (will not engage) Diagnosis $89 (applies toward repairs)

Transfer case fluid service $69 - $99 depending on fluid type required.

Front and rear differential fluid service $69 - $99  depending on the fluid type required

Four wheel drive hub repair $279 - $479 depending on parts required and vehicle


Transfer case repair or overhaul Starting at $599 installed .

Front and rear differential bearing kit replacement $550 - $950 depending parts required & vehicle  .

Rear drive shaft repair or replacement $150- -$250 most cars.

Universal joint replacement $79 - $129 most cars

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Smog & Exhaust System Repairs

 The technicians at San Jose Auto Repair specialize in exhaust system leaks, broken exhaust pipes, muffler welding, cracked exhaust manifold, rusted and broken exhaust bolts.

Neglected exhaust leaks will cause additional parts failures. More importantly however, poisonous exhaust fumes will pool under the vehicle and enter the passenger compartment creating a hazardous condition for all occupants.

The typical exhaust system components consist of the following:
Exhaust Manifold(s)  - Located in the engine compartment and directly attached to the engine. Made of heavy cast iron, the manifold is designed to absorb the extreme heat created by the engine. Common problems include cracking and broken attachment bolts which in turn create an exhaust leak. A cracked exhaust manifold is normally a result of a poorly maintained engine causing more heat the exhaust manifold was never designed to handle.

Front Pipe & Flange Gaskets  - The front pipe is attached to the exhaust manifold and connects to the catalytic converter. Usually this is the location of the primary (sensor 1) Oxygen Sensor. The oxygen sensor tip is constantly measuring the presence of the exhaust gas oxygen content. The value derived is sent to the vehicle’s onboard computer, to determine whether to enrich or lean the air/fuel mixture. The flange gasket is designed to seal the pipe and manifold connection.

 Catalytic Converter(s) -  Locations can vary from a direct attachment to the exhaust manifold or behind the front pipe. A second oxygen sensor (sensor 2) is located behind or directly on the converter.

 The catalytic converter reduces the emissions of the following pollutants:
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Oxides of Nitrogen (O2x)
Hydrocarbon (HC)

A properly functioning catalytic converter will reduce harmful pollutants by up to 90%. The converter contains precious metals Platinum and Rhodium.

The platinum in the converter creates a reaction initiating oxidation (burning), which cause the HC and CO to combine with oxygen, this creates water vapor and carbon dioxide.

Tip: The catalytic converter is designed to operate between 700 and 1500 degrees F.

Muffler(s) & Intermediate Pipe(s) - Mufflers are simply designed to create exhaust back pressure and reduce noise. The curves in the exhaust pipes are engineered with back pressure in mind and positioned to reduce wind drag under the vehicle.

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Radiator & Cooling System Repair

 Average repair cost of a radiator replacement is $195 to $295 depending on the vehicle.

 Do it yourself customers can purchase a radiator from $89 plus tax.

Average replacement cost of a thermostat is $79 - $149 for most vehicles. Water pump replacement can vary widely as some are very easy to access (1-2 hours), and other vehicles require removal of other components to gain access to the water pump (5-6 hours). Price range $195 - $595 for most cars. Tip; Ask your tech about which services and wearable parts can be replaced during a water pump replacement. This strategy can save you money in the long run of vehicle ownership. Coolant flush service price range $69 - $99 for most vehicles.

 Cooling fan repairs start at $59 for wiring or sensor related problems to an average of $250 - $350 for entire fan and motor assembly replacement. Radiator caps cost average $7 -$14 Intake manifold gasket replacement is common on later model Chevy Malibu, Chevy Impala, Chevy Blazer, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, although the gasket can fail on any neglected vehicle. Cost range $485 - $$650 Cylinder head repairs can range from $795 for a simple 4 cylinder engine to $1595 for a complex DOHC 6 cylinder engine.

Heater Core average cost for the Ford, Lincoln, Mercury is $575, Dodge and Jeep average $675, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar can cost upwards of $1000 or more. Call for a quote on your particular vehicle. Average cost of a cooling hose replacement is $58 plus coolant/antifreeze. Tip; Always take the recommendation to replace hoes in pairs, and with a thermostat if not yet replaced in 80000 miles. Tip; Do not install “stop leak” into a leaking cooling system or radiator. This usually will only plug up the radiators flow and creating a second problem.

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Turn Signal & Hand lamp Repair

  Most common repair is a burned out bulb. If the bulb is good, then we will check the socket and wires to ensure a good connection and no corrosion. Occasionally we find that the turn signal relay or combination switch require replacement.

Tip: Stay away from inexpensive aftermarket headlamps and tail lamps. In our experience, we have found that rain water enters the lens, which can cause electrical problems.

 Turn signal repairs average cost $22 - $259 most vehicles .

 Headlamp repairs average cost $22 for a bulb replacement - $150 - $300 for electrical part failure .

 High beam repairs average cost $22 for a bulb replacement - $150 - $300 for electrical part failure .

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Xenon lamp repair & conversion

 Upgrade your vehicle with custom xenon lamps, limited to select vehicles, call for details.

Replacement of a xenon bulb: $150 - $200 depending on your vehicle

Replacement of the xenon headlamp assembly can cost $1100 - $2400 depending on your vehicle.

We highly recommend a lighting diagnosis is performed before replacement of the bulb or the lamp assembly.

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Cruise Control Repair

  The cruise control computer gets its signal from the following sources: brake pedal switch, clutch pedal switch (if equipped), electronic vacuum control valve, throttle position sensor, wheel speed sensors and vehicles on board computer.

 A failure in any of these parts will cause the cruise control stop working. Most common failure however is a relay or the brake lamp switch.

Average cost for diagnosis $59 for most cars. Average cost for repairs $159 - $259 for most cars.

  What’s in the future for cruise control system: 

Adaptive Cruise Control

A more advanced cruise control that can automatically adjust a car's speed to maintain a safe following distance. This new technology, called adaptive cruise control, uses forward-looking radar, installed behind the grill of a vehicle, to detect the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it.

 Adaptive cruise control is similar to conventional cruise control in that it maintains the vehicle's pre-set speed. However, unlike conventional cruise control, this new system can automatically adjust speed in order to maintain a proper distance between vehicles

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Power Window Repair & Door Lock Repair

  The main components of the power window system, the window motor, regulator, window switch, wiring and relay.

 The first clue of a failing window regulator are unusual noises from the door as the window is raised or lowered. Followed by the window moving upward at an angle or dropping suddenly.


 The window motor is subjected to extra stress when the window is not moving smoothly and can cause the motor to fail.

 Window switches do fail but is less common than the window regulator.

 Power door lock system generally contain metal rods, actuators, door handle, lock mechanism, switch and lock cylinder.

 In most cases the interior door panel will be removed to test and inspect the source of a window or door lock failure.  We are very careful to ensure the panel is not damaged upon removal, we determine the source of the failure and can replace the required parts usually in one day.

 Diagnosis and inspection $49 - $99 which includes removal of the interior door panel, this fee applies toward repairs

 Window regulator average cost $169 - $259 for most vehicles

 Power window motor average cost $140 - $260 for most vehicles if not included with the regulator .

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Brake Service Provider in San Jose

 We recommend that the entire brake system be inspected at least twice per year and immediately when you are experiencing any brake problems or symptoms






Common symptoms include:

1. Brake pedal sinks to the floor 
2. Brake warning lamp is illuminating intermittently or on the lamp is on steady 
3. Steering wheel shakes when the brake are applied 
4. Brake pedal shakes when the brakes are applied 
5. Brake fluid loss 
6. Screeching noise when brakes are applied 

Basic front brake service start at $129 for new brake pads, resurface front brake rotors, top off brake fluid if required, clean and adjust rear brakes if required.

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Steering , Suspension Problem & their Repair Cost

Common symptoms include: 

•  Steering wheel shakes.
• vehicle pulls to the right or left.
• steering does not feel firm and controlled.
• vehicle "dog tracks" or gets pulled along into grooves in the road bed.
• Tires seem to wear out fast or the tires are wearing on the outside edge or inside edge.
• Tires are wearing in a "blocking" or "alligator" pattern along the tread.

We start with a thorough inspection. 

Steering & Suspension

Road test vehicle, check power steering pump, p/s hoses, steering gear or rack and pinion unit for leaks and condition, check tie rod ends, check power steering fluid level and condition, check shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, strut mounts, steering gear, sway bar bushings, links, springs, check wheel bearings, check tire condition and tire pressure. 

 Inspect cost varies between $39 - $69 depending on the vehicle. Inspection will apply toward repairs. 

 Average cost for suspension & steering component repairs average $159 - $799 most vehicles. 

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Hard starting or no start symptoms

 San Jose Auto Repair find following  starting  problem , related  costing

 Diagnosis fee: between $59 - $89 Diagnosis applies toward repairs






Common failures: 

•  Battery terminals (loose or corroded)  $25 - $35 most cars 
•  Battery  $59 - $99 most cars 
•  Starter $159 - $259 most cars 
•  Alternator $159 - $259 most cars 
•  Distributor  $275 - $550 most cars 
•  Ignition Module $125 - $225 most cars 
•  Ignition switch $150 - $250 most cars 
•  Electrical wiring to starter $49 - $79 most cars 

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Lighting & Electrical Repair for Vechicle

 San Jose Auto Repair  specialize in electrical repairs, where most shops ignore or not willing to tackle these repairs as they are either very simple or too time consuming (less profitable). We are prepared to take on challenging electrical repairs in an efficient manner and fair price.

 Need to replace a burned out headlamp bulb? 

 We stock most bulbs to get you back on the road quickly. Average cost is $22 installed, for most vehicles.

Already replaced a bulb and it still doesn't work?

 Likely the problem is the socket,  loose or broken wiring or the sensor that commands the lamp to illuminate. Average cost for repair $49 - $99 for most  repairs. Let us check the basics to get you back on the road safely and avoid the risk of a fix-it ticket.

Headlamps not as bright as they should be? 

 Many modern vehicles have a plastic protective lens to protect the headlamp.  Trouble is, the plastic becomes cloudy due to exposure to sunlight, reducing the headlamp brightness significantly. The average cost for headlamp lens polishing is $89 per pair depending on condition.

For the vehicles interior, we repair:

• cigarette lighter socket
• instrument cluster lighting
• turn signal repair
• fuel gauge
• cruise control
• interior dome lamps
• heater & air conditioning electrical failure
• radio controls
• electric windows
• electric door locks
• power seats
• defroster
• horn
• non-operational windshield wipers & washer jets
• speedometer
• heater fans
• ignition switch & cylinder lock replacement

Under the hood, we repair:

• alternator
• starter
• voltage regulator
• difficult electrical repairs
• wiring harness repair & replacement
• distributor
• diagnose electric non operational electric cooling fans
• A/C compressor operation

We can rebuild your vehicles onboard computer (electronic control module) saving $’s.


For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Clutch Fluid Services

 Most modern 5 speed equipped vehicles have a clutch master and slave cylinder which replaced the older design “clutch cable”.  The clutch fluid which is actually DOT 3 brake fluid should be replaced  every three years.

Average cost $39 for most vehicles.


Clutch adjustment

Vehicles equipped with a clutch cable, do require periodic adjustment, is also prone to breaking at the cable ends, or the cable itself can break.

Average cost for clutch cable adjustment $39 for most vehicles.

Clutch replacement

A clutch replacement almost should always consist of replacing the following parts: clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, pilot bushing, and either replacing or resurfacing the flywheel. Be aware of estimates that seem to be to good to be true when calling for estimates on a clutch replacement. You may be given a quote on the labor and the "clutch disc" only, with the news for additional parts after the vehicle’s transmission has already been removed.

TIP: Ask your tech to inspect the "rear main seal" located on the back of engine after the clutch has been removed. If it is leaking, the replacement should be less than 20 minutes additional work. Same applies for broken CV axle boots, worn out front brakes; take advantage of the time your are paying to have the transmission removed by getting additional worn parts replaced for no or little additional labor cost. (ask for a package deal).

Manual transmission gearbox
   
Usually a customer will experience a "grinding" gear or great difficulty getting the sifter into a particular gear. Most common is 1st or reverse gears. It is likely that a bad "syncro", or bearing for that gear is affected and the rest of the manual transmission is ok.  Gearbox still requires removal and disassemble to replace the broken parts, it is labor intensive and not as many skilled gearbox re builders as there are automatic transmission re builders out there.

It requires experience and special tools to tackle most of these repairs.

Average manual transmission tear down, replace bearing and syncro kit, $850 - $1500 depending on the vehicle.

Shifter repair

A common perception of a failing  manual transmission can actually be attributed to worn out shifter bushings. The bushings are easy to replace and will keep you from possibly damaging the manual transmissions syncros, has mentioned above.

Average cost $89 - $149 depending on your vehicle.

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

Transmission Fluid & Filter Services

  During a flush service, the transmission pan is not removed to gain access to the transmission filter.

Fluid is circulated though  the transmission lubrication and cooling system continuously until the system is entirely clean. Transmission Flush service can use up to 16 quarts of transmission fluid, and some transmissions require a synthetic or proprietary manufacturers fluid. On the other hand, a transmission fluid drain and filter replacement will extract about half of the transmission fluid in the system. Which service to choose depends on your vehicles fluid type, the condition of the fluid, and the miles since the last service to determine the most cost effective service.

Average cost for a transmission fluid flush $150 - $250 most cars and up to $375 for lifetime fluids.

Average cost for a transmission fluid filter and fluid service $89 - $159 most cars and light trucks.

Common Transmission Symptoms: 

The most common problem we encounter with our customers is "no reverse" or a severe delay before reverse gear will engage. In some cases the transmission may not need to be replaced or rebuilt. 

A reverse section in some transmissions can be repaired, and you are back on the road, as long as the forward gears are not delaying or "slipping" too. 

 Another symptom is no overdrive; the last gear your transmission shifts into, at highway speeds. The overdrive lamp may blink, or will not turn off as a possible clue to an overdrive problem.  Again in some vehicles the overdrive section of the transmission may be repaired rather than the entire transmission being replaced. 

TIP: All modern transmissions have electronic solenoids and sensors which command and control the transmissions activities. At least 30% of the time, a customers perception of a failing transmission can be repaired, (with proper diagnosis) by replacing for example; electronic components; repairing a valve body, or even replacing a  plugged transmission filter. We have saved our customers thousands of dollars  by giving our customers a second opinion and good news about lower cost options for their vehicle. 

Diagnosis :

Transmission fluid condition can give some indication as to the transmissions health but usually not a complete picture if the transmission has  symptoms such as: erratic  shifting, delayed shifting, "stack shifting" , transmission may be taking off in a higher gear than designed, exhibit symptoms only when the vehicle is cold in the morning or after many miles of driving, delay in reverse, slipping between gears, etc. 

 We conduct a through road test, scan the vehicles inboard computer for transmission fault codes and engine fault codes. Check for applicable technical service bulletins for your vehicle, verify symptoms, check fluid level and condition, analyze whether the problem is electrical, computer controls, an internal failure and if so, to what extent. 

Average diagnosis or evaluation cost FREE - $125 if further electrical pinpoint tests are required. 

Repair :

Overdrive or reverse  repairs have historically cost $495 - $1100 depending on the vehicle .
Valve body repair average $250 - $650 most cars.Solenoid or sensor repairs  average $150 - $750 most cars.

Replacement or rebuilt Transmission :

Transmission replacement or rebuilding price range $850 - $1900 including installation, most cars. Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volvo, Jaguar, Range Rover are also available at discounted prices, call for details. Starting at $1500

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com

AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING

San Jose Auto Repair provide component of automotive air conditioning  material.

 Your air conditioning system is made up of a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, receiver drier, refrigeration lines, pressure and cycling sensors, and an electric cooling fan for the condenser.

Compressor:

This is the heart of your a/c system. The compressor is what takes the refrigerant (the gas) and pressurizes it so it will cool the air. It's run by an engine belt. The compressor also has an electrically operated clutch that turns the compressor on and off as you demand more cool air.

Average cost $359 - $589

Condenser :

Located at the front of the engine, next to the radiator. Sometimes the condenser will have its own electric cooling fan, too. The hot, compressed air passes through the condenser reduce the tempurature. As it cools, it becomes a liquid.

Average cost $150 - $350

Evaporator :

The evaporator is another little radiator usually located under the dashboard near the heater core. As the super-cool liquid is passed through its tubes, a blower forces air thru it and cools to about 45 degrees in a properly operating system as it exits the vents to the passenger compartment. As it warms up again, the refrigerant starts turning back into a gas.

Average cost depends on the location of the evaporator, if it is located in the engine compartment it will be hundreds less than if it is located under the dash. $175 -$650 evacuate and recharge of A/C system extra $99 utilizing R134 Freon.

Thermal Expansion Valve

also known as an Thermal Expansion Block Controls the flow of super-cool refrigerant to the evaporator.

Average cost $100 - $200, evacuate and recharge of A/C system extra $99 utilizing R134 Freon.

Drier or Accumulator:

The drier, also known as the receiver-drier, is sort of the safety catch for your system. The compressor is only supposed to compress the gas form of your refrigerant. However, there's always a chance that some liquid could make it back that far. The drier catches this liquid before it can damage your compressor. Since even a small leak or careless installation can introduce water moisture to the system, the drier absorbs this chemically, using what's called a desiccant. The drier also has a filter that catches contamination in the system.

Average cost $99 - $149, evacuate and recharge of A/C system extra $99 utilizing R134 Freon.

A/C hoses and O-rings:

Leaks at the a/c hoses and o-rings which seal the hoses are the most common source of freon loss.

Average cost $39 - $99 for o-rings, $89 - $179 for hose replacement, evacuate and recharge of A/C system extra $99 utilizing R134 Freon.

Tip: if your defroster does not automatically engage your air conditioning system, run the A/C system at least 20 minutes a week during the winter. This will keep the o-rings lubricated and compressor healthy when you really need it during the summer months.

HEATER SYSTEM

Main components to the heating: Coolant, Heater Core, Heater Control Valve and Thermostat. 

For More information visit San Jose Auto Repair or contact on (408) 258-6625 or sanjoseautorepair@gmail.com