• Reasons to Trust Frank’s Automotive

    You have a lot of choices when it comes to automotive repair shops in Sacramento, so why should you trust your car’s maintenance and repair to Frank’s Automotive? For starters, Frank’s Automotive has been providing excellent service since 1969, making them one of the most experienced auto shops in the area. Speaking of experience, the knowledgeable technicians at Frank’s have over 100 years of combined experience. And if you like free stuff, Frank’s Automotive has you covered:

    • Free 45-point courtesy inspection
    • Free car wash with every visit
    • Free shuttle service within Sacramento city limits
    • Free vehicle concierge service

    To learn more about the automotive maintenance and repair services offered at Frank’s Automotive, or to schedule service for your vehicle, call (916) 288-8297. You can also schedule an appointment online or ask one of Frank’s service techs a question.

  • Why Your Car’s Oil Matters

    Oil itself isn’t very expensive and oil changes aren’t very difficult or time consuming, but neglecting the oil inside your vehicle can have disastrous consequences later on, especially for your wallet. Oil plays a vital, multifaceted role in your engine. But over time, as motor oil breaks down and gets dirty, oil can actually start to have a negative effect on the engine’s performance, efficiency, and overall health. Read on to learn more about the importance of the oil inside your car and why you shouldn’t delay getting an oil change in Sacramento .

    What Oil Does

    The modern internal combustion engine requires the right lubrication to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. First of all, motor oil keeps all the moving parts lubricated to minimize friction, heat, and wear that can lead to premature engine failure. Oil also helps keep engines cool, which is especially important in the summertime when engines are more likely to overheat. And because a cool, well-lubricated engine runs more efficiently, keeping your engine loaded up with fresh clean oil can help maximize your gas mileage.

    Why Oil Changes are Important

    Motor oil gets dirty and breaks down over time, which causes it to lose its lubricating abilities. That’s why going past the manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals is considered to be one of the worst things you can do for your vehicle. Driving on old, dirty oil will cause unlubricated engine components to warp and wear out due to friction and heat, which will eventually lead to engine problems that will need to be addressed by a mechanic. Eventually, if the oil is not changed, the entire engine will fail and need to be replaced.

    Signs You Need an Oil Change

    So, how do you know when it’s time for an oil change? First, refer to your owner’s manual. Each manufacturer recommends different oil change intervals for their vehicles. There are also some signs that can indicate it’s time for an oil change , such as dirty, burnt-smelling oil and an engine that runs louder than usual. If you recognize these signs, or if you simply don’t remember the last time you had an oil change, visit an auto repair shop in Sacramento for this important service.

  • Is Your Transmission Fluid Low?

    Transmission fluid plays three very important roles. This fluid lubricates, cools, and even helps to power a transmission, which means low fluid can result in all sorts of problems. That’s why it’s important to learn to recognize the symptoms of low transmission fluid so you can add fluid before your transmission is damaged or fails completely. Watch this video to learn more about the role of transmission fluid and how to tell when your vehicle’s transmission fluid level is low.

    If your transmission fluid is low because of a leak, visit an auto repair shop in Sacramento that specializes in transmission service and let a trained technician have a look at your vehicle. Transmission leaks are never a good sign, and should be repaired as quickly as possible by a professional. Also, when checking the transmission fluid, take note if the fluid looks very dirty or smells burnt. In either case, this is a sign you need to bring your vehicle in for a transmission flush.

  • Don’t Ignore These Transmission Problems

    It’s not a question of if your transmission will go out, but rather when . Although transmissions can last for many years and many thousands of miles, especially when well maintained, no transmission will last forever. The good news is that transmissions rarely fail suddenly without any warning at all. Indeed, transmission failure is usually preceded by some telling signs that indicate the need for transmission repair. And because transmission problems only get worse (and more expensive) over time, visiting a transmission repair shop specializing in German vehicles in Sacramento at the first sign of trouble in your German car can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Visit an auto repair shop if you recognize any of these transmission warning signs.

    Leaking Transmission Fluid

    Transmissions are sealed units, which means they should never leak. If you notice bright red or dark brown leak spots on your driveway or garage floor where you park, lay down a piece of cardboard under the engine to determine if it’s an active transmission leak. If you confirm that your transmission is leaking, visit a transmission repair shop to have the leak repaired so you can add fluid and maintain an appropriate fluid level.

    Rough Shifting

    Most transmission problems are impossible to ignore, because most of them affect the way a vehicle feels and performs. For example, if you feel your car clunking or grinding when the transmission shifts gears, or if you notice your car has difficulty getting up to speed, visit an auto repair shop and let a transmission mechanic have a look.

    Delayed Engagement

    Another noticeable symptom of a transmission in need of attention is delayed engagement. For example, there may be a long pause after you shift out of park and into drive. Any noticeable delay before the car actually engages into drive and moves forward should give you concern. Delayed engagement is a common sign that a bigger transmission problem is on the horizon, so don’t wait until things get any worse to visit a transmission repair shop in Sacramento.