Gas-saving maintenance tips

• Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.
• Replace dirty or clogged air filters and improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.
• Improve gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Driving behavior also impacts fuel efficiency.
• Avoid excessive idling. Idling gets zero miles per gallon.
• Warming up the vehicle for one or two minutes is sufficient.
• Avoid quick starts and stops. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city.
• Consolidate trips. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much gas as one longer mulch-purpose trip.
• Don’t haul unneeded items in the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces fuel economy up to 2 percent.

“Be Car Care Aware” consumer education promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair . For a free copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit http://sanjoseautorepair.com/"

The Effect of Exhaust Fumes

The carbon monoxide in vehicle exhaust can have many harmful effects on you and your family. It’s important to avoid long-term exposure to vehicle exhaust.

Prevention starts with education. Understand how carbon monoxide-related problems can impact the human body, and avoid situations where you might be exposed to harmful fumes that contain dangerous pathogens. 

How does it affect me?

Found largely in exhaust fumes, carbon monoxide can suffocate you over time. In addition to the risk of death, a number of other pathogens are found in exhaust fumes that adversely affect the body, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde. Health risks associated with these pathogens include:

• Damage to bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes

• Bloodstream-related issues, including anemia

• Bone marrow harm

• Damage on a cellular level, which can cause various cancers

• Exacerbate heart diseases, due to hypertension 

• Cell degeneration in blood vessel walls

• Negative effects to the central nervous system

Prevention is key

Protect yourself and your family by avoiding any exposure to these harmful pathogens. Steer clear of closed areas with a running vehicle, and away from the back of running buses and trucks that use diesel fuels. The black soot you see in the fumes isn’t only dirty and bothersome – it’s a serious health hazard.

Need To Learn About Auto Repair? These Tips Are For You!

Have you thought about what you can do to deal with things when they start to happen to your vehicle? Have you considered fixing the problems yourself? Perhaps you want better insight about what goes into choosing the right person to do the job for you. Keep reading to learn more about these choices.

Don’t underestimate how important it is to have some kind of emergency kit within your vehicle. Include a spare tire, a jack, a battery charger and a container full of gas. Should your car break down in the dark, it is helpful to have extra batteries, a flashlight, and some blankets.

Ask auto mechanics if they have worked on your particular make and model of car before contracting with them. If the mechanic says they have, then they are likely aware of just what repairs need to performed in order to have your car operating well again.

Read online reviews of local body shops. This will give you an idea of how the public likes their customer service, and how well they are at fixing problems. You can find a place you feel comfortable enough with to fix your car.

Replacing your own taillights and headlights is an easy way to save money. It’s easy in some vehicles, and it’s a lot cheaper than having someone else do it. Find out if anyone in your family can do it and could pass along their knowledge to you.

Take off your key chains from your car keys to reduce the weight on your ignition. Too many items on your key chain can weigh down your car’s ignition. If your key sticks, install new tumblers and use a lighter key chain.

Always remember when you need to have the oil changed in your car. Your vehicle may mot run smoothly or efficiently if you do not take this important step. It can vary a bit between different vehicles and cars go much longer between oil changes than they used to. But you must do them when recommended.

It is often best to get minor issues checked by a qualified professional if you are not sure how to fix them. Sometimes when there are small issues with your vehicle, ignoring them will only lead to the problem becoming much larger as time goes on.

Tips on used car purchase.

So you think found a used vehicle to fit your needs…it has a fair price, looks and drives good, even passed a multi point safety inspection. Whether purchased from a used car lot, or private party – AS IS, NO WARRANTY - are generally the terms of the sale, and you are on your own, including any routine maintenance, repairs, and unexpected breakdowns.

In most cases when customers bring the vehicle to us for inspection after purchased, we find that needed repairs and routine maintenance were ignored, overlooked, and have not been completed by previous owners or used car lots. This adds unexpected expense to the actual purchase price to make it safe and reliable.

Most cars, trucks & SUV’s that are typically for sale out there have between 80,000 – 120,000 miles on them and this is when most of the major maintenance items and repairs are due. Often times this is the reason the vehicle is being sold – the owner has decided to purchase a new or newer vehicle because they do not want to spend the money on costly maintenance or repairs. Therefore, even if the vehicle you purchase is running “good” at the time you buy it, expensive maintenance and repairs could be just around the corner.

Yes we specialize in re-purchase inspections. However, if you do not live in the area or are not purchasing the vehicle locally, it might not be possible to bring it to San Jose Auto Repair. We feel it’s important for everybody to be armed with as much information as possible in order to get the best bang for their buck so here are some simple tips to help make an informed buying decision.

There are some simple items that get overlooked on many so called professional inspections that any person can perform a basic check in a matter of minutes.

Now let's talk about, instrument cluster, or dash warning lights. Now we all know when a warning light is on that there is some type problem, but do we know that the light bulb works? If the light bulb is burnt out, that’s one thing, but if the system that turns on the light isn't working properly, there can be unexpected safety issues, and repairs. There are six or more important dash warning lights for different vehicle systems. The details on color, location, and description vary from year, make, model and the details are best found in the vehicle owner’s manual that came with it.

How to Change the Oil in Your Car ?

First step: Determine how often you need to change your oil. For the most certain and trustworthy answer, consult your service manual. Or, if necessary, an authoritative reference work,, will help you know what is the best oil change schedule for your specific vehicle. Some modern vehicles possess oil life monitoring systems which are also trustworthy, accurate, and well worth your time to become familiar with.

Next up, Gather your tools and supplies. You will need:

•  Possibly you do not need to elevate the front of your car, but it will certainly make your job a lot easier. Car ramps can be bought cheap at your local auto repair parts store. If you use a jack, be extra cautious and positive it is properly positioned and supporting the weight of the car.
• Replacement oil filter. Refer to your manual, if you’re not sure what size you need.
• Replacement oil. Again refer to your manual to see how many quarts you need. Most cars take 4 or 5 quarts to refill.
• Oil pan. To catch the used oil. You can buy a jazzy new oil pan, or you can save money by using basically anything handy. Grab an old plastic bucket or that old paint can you’ve been saving for some reason.
• Socket set. Different sizes are needed for different vehicles, but a 3/8” set is common for oil changes. You will use it to loosen the drain plug.
• Oil filter wrench. If you can’t unscrew the filter by hand, use this tool to loosen it, and to tighten the replacement.
• Funnel. Makes pouring in the new oil much easier.
• Extras (cleaning supplies to make your life easier). Rags, rubber gloves, containers (consider saving a few old milk cartons) and cat litter, sand, or other sopping agent to help with any oil you failed to catch.
•  
• To be safe and efficient, park on a completely flat and level area. Pavement is always good. Use that parking brake. Let someone know what you’re doing if you don’t already have a buddy on hand. Set braces behind the rear wheels.
  Now to get dirty, heh. Or to get your rubber gloves dirty. Your oil has cooled some and is warm, but not hot. Pop your hood and remove your oil cap to speed up the drainage. Locate your oil-drain plug. It’s often at the bottom rear of the engine’s oil pan. Some newer vehicles have an under-shield you will have to remove to get to it. Try your socket wrench to get it loose, but don’t unscrew it all the way. Slide your oil pan or substitute under the hole (but be aware the oil will not dribble straight down, but will stream out at an angle in the direction the hole faces). Keep a firm grasp as you unscrew the bolt, so you don’t have to get messy fishing it from the pan.
  After a few minutes, the oil will be drained completely. Replace the drain plug firmly but do not over tighten and strip it. Now locate and remove the old oil filter. Hint: it’s cylindrical and, duh, you have a new one, so you can compare the shape you’re looking for. There will be spillage as you pop the seal free, so keep your pan and rags handy. Once you’ve removed the old one, you will want to wipe away the old oil, as well as to dab some new oil on the new filter seal to prime it. Tighten the new filter in place (one full turn by hand will likely be enough).
  Now grab your funnel and add that spanking new oil. Start up the engine for thirty seconds and check under the vehicle for any leaks before you lower it. Check your dipstick to be sure your oil’s at the proper levels, clean up any spillage, recycle that old oil properly, and treat yourself to something cold. Even Mother Teresa would be proud of you.
   

Top 5 Questions to Ask your Auto Mechanic

Your local technician should be qualified, experienced and able to thoroughly answer your important car-related questions. Schedule a time to ask your local car mechanic the five most important questions concerning your auto service or repair:

1. Tell me about your certifications, education and training. 

Your local mechanic should have classroom education, vocational training, and be ASE-certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

2. What is wrong with my car?

Your auto mechanic should present a detailed description of your vehicle’s problem in a face-to-face conversation, allowing you to ask questions along the way.

3. When can I pick up my car?

Make sure you understand when your vehicle will be ready before you leave the drop-off appointment.

4. Where do you think the problem started? Was it a lack of maintenance?

By understanding what caused your car trouble in the first place, you’ll be able to better prevent similar issues in the future.

5. Why did my vehicle break down?

Were you overdue for a mileage check? Or, was the breakdown caused by an external factor? Discuss these issues with your local mechanic to better understand the situation.

What Does Your Engine Air Filter Do and When Should it be Replaced?

If you never thought of your car as a living, breathing thing then this blog post might change your mind about that. For example, did you know that your car needs to breathe clean air in order to operate efficiently? It’s true. Without that air, you’re going to spend more money at the pump and your car’s engine will perform poorly.

Understanding How Your Car Engine Operations. 

Your engine operates on a mix of fuel and air. Oxygen is what makes fuel burn so that it can power your engine. But there’s a small catch. The air has to be clean – otherwise, you can get all sorts of dirt and debris into your engine. That’s no good. A dirty engine is an engine not long for the earth. The solution? An air filter, which keeps the majority of particulates (up to 99 percent) out of your engine.

What Happens When You Don’t Replace Your Air Filter?

Car engines don’t just need air. They need a certain amount of it. They’re built to require a specific ratio of air to fuel in order for their engines to run properly. If your engine’s not getting enough clear air – as can happen when your air filter is either clogged up or isn’t filtering properly – this can strain and damage your engine.

When Should You Replace Your Air Filter?

Knowing when to replace your engine’s air filter can be as easy as eyeballing it to see if it looks dirty. This isn’t always a scientific method, though, and a lot of shops will recommend that you change your air filter every time you change your oil – which some experts say is excessive. For a good guide, check your owner’s manual. Usually, manufacturers recommend changing your engine air filter every 60,000 miles or every few years, whichever comes first.

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For help finding a top-notch mechanic in your area, - See more at: http://blog1.openbay.com/#sthash.9qVm7nGU.dpuf

 For help finding a top auto mechanic in your area, Call San Jose Auto Repair on (408) 258-6625

Early signs that your car or truck has transmission problems

It’s tough to really point to any part of your car or truck and say “This is the most important thing to keeping your car running.” Think about it. Without oil, your engine seizes. Without coolant, it overheats. Without a battery, it will not start. And without air in your tires, you’re not going anywhere. You get the picture. A car is truly the sum of its parts – and when any of those vital components aren’t maintained and fail, you’re stuck and it’s time to call roadside assistance.

Many technicians will point to your transmission as the most important thing to care for. While it’s not the only thing to stay on top of, it certainly ranks way up there. You will not find a garage that specializes in coolant flushes, battery replacement, etc, but there are garages that specialize in transmissions. That has to tell you something. Your car’s transmission is essentially the component that transmits power from the engine to the wheels and makes it “go!” That’s why it’s so important to be able to identify transmission problems.

Early Warning Signs of Transmission Trouble

1. Slippery gears. Even if you’ve never experienced a slipped gear, it’s pretty easy to identify as it’s happening. Imagine driving along and suddenly putting your car in neutral and pushing the gas. The engine revs and nothing happens. With a slipped gear, you may experience this, followed by a sudden lurch as the gear catches and your car begins to roll again. Usually this means your transmission fluid is low, which could be caused by a leak or neglecting to keep the fluid reservoir filled.
2. Shifting issues. If you drive a manual transmission and have problems shifting gears, this is a dead giveaway you’re having issues with your transmission. If you drive an automatic and notice your car shifting either too early or too late, this is also a sign your transmission could be full of dirt and other gunk and needs to be flushed.
3. Momentary stalling or surging. Neither of these things are normal. If your car starts lurching forward or suddenly slowing for no reason while driving, it’s time to have a mechanic take a look at your transmission.

Check Your Transmission Level

• Sometimes it’s easy to determine if you need a transmission flush or a topping off of transmission fluid just by popping your hood and checking the level that’s in your reservoir. Your transmission will have a dipstick similar to your oil dipstick that you can check in the same way. Just remember the following.
• Make sure your engine’s warm and your car is on. Also, make sure your emergency brake is engaged.
• Transmission fluid should be clear or pinkish. 
• If not, it’s time for a flush.If the level doesn’t reach the dipstick’s FULL line, add more.

4 Important Winter Automotive Maintenance Tips

As winter quickly approaches, it’s important to perform simple preventative maintenance steps to stay safe in the blustery conditions. Investing in these simple repairs could be the difference in arriving to your destination on time or waiting for a tow truck on the side of the road.

Here are the basic winter maintenance repairs that the certified mechanics at San Jose Auto Repair recommend you do before the snow flies each year:

1. Wiper Blades
Changing your wiper blades is one of the most important repairs you can make to your vehicle. There’s nothing more frightening to be blinded by the mud, snow and salt splashed on your windshield while frantically trying to wipe it off with old, ineffective wiper blades. The auto repair pros at San Jose Auto Repair will help you select and install the best wiper blades for your vehicle.

2. Brakes
During the winter, the ice and snow can have a dramatic effect on your vehicle’s stopping distance. Why make it even worse with bad brakes? Having your brakes inspected by a certified professional will give you the piece of mind to know that your braking system is safe for winter driving. If your brake pads or rotors need to be replaced, we will give you an honest estimate and have you back on the road in no time.

3. Battery
There’s nothing fun about getting into your car and hearing the slow “Ka-Chugging” of the starter due to dead battery. Don’t get caught in the cold this winter, check your battery for signs that it needs replacing. Take a look at the posts on the battery. If there is a build-up, chances are that your car battery needs to be replaced. All vehicle batteries should be replaced every five to seven years. Not sure or need a second opinion?  Our certified technicians will give you an honest answer and a fair price for all your automotive battery needs.

4. Alignment
Navigating the icy roadways can be a difficult task for any winter driver. Having the proper alignment in your vehicle can help you avoid potential accidents. Check your vehicle for signs that you need an alignment. Uneven wear on the tread of your tires, shaking when driving or pulling to one side are all indicators of alignment problems. If you are experiencing one or more of these issues, bring your vehicle into your San Jose Auto Repair right away.

Top 3 Causes for Engine Repair

Engine repair can be both costly and time-intensive. Most engine problems, however, can be easily avoided with proper routine maintenance and service checks. Make sure you discuss what service your car needs and when it needs maintenance with your  auto mechanic at San Jose Auto Repair.

Avoid serious engine repair by understanding the most common causes for engine repair. Take steps to keep your engine clean, healthy, and working well for you and your car.

1. Neglecting to change oil and filters

When you fail to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (exact mileage is dependent upon your car make and model), your engine will feel the effects. Fresh oil, proper oil levels, and new filters should be installed and monitored on a regular basis. Ask your local mechanic or check your owner’s manual for the mileage requirements specific to your car.

2. Overheating

If you notice smoke seeping out from underneath your hood, your vehicle is overheating. Avoid further danger to your engine; turn your car off and call your local mechanic right away. An engine can overheat as a result of improper coolant levels, a cracked head or blown gasket, a faulty thermostat, or dirty coolant fluid.

3. Catalytic converter failure

A vehicle’s catalytic converter can fail due to a leak caused by rust or corrosion, or as a result of internal plugging caused by excessive carbon buildup. The catalytic converter is normally responsible for cleaning emissions from the tailpipe.