• Having Transmission Problems in Neutral?

    While certain transmission problems will reveal themselves as you are driving down the road, others may only appear when your vehicle is in neutral. If your vehicle emits a strange bumping or clunking sound when it is in neutral, this is a signal that you need to schedule immediate transmission services in Sacramento . A technician that offers professional transmission repairs will know precisely how to fix your car’s transmission problem.

    Transmission issues that arise in neutral can be caused by a few common maintenance problems. One of the most common reasons for bumps and bangs in a natural position is low transmission fluid. If you have been neglecting a transmission fluid flush, ask your mechanic to check and refill your transmission’s fluid reservoir. If replacing your transmission fluid does not remedy the issue, you may need mechanical repairs for your vehicle. Neglecting to replace worn-out bearings or damaged gears could ultimately cause your transmission to fail completely.

    car - transmission

  • Is My Engine Losing Power?

    As your car increases its mileage, its engine will experience natural wear and tear. While some engine repair problems are minor, other engine issues require immediate service from an engine repair specialist. If your check engine light is illuminated, or you are experiencing other unusual symptoms, do not wait to set up engine repair in Sacramento . Your auto technician can get to the root of what is causing your engine problems, and he will be able to get your car safely back on the road. To help you figure out what is going wrong with your vehicle, here are some signs that your engine is losing power. car - engine

    You are pressing harder on the accelerator.

    As you get to know your car’s typical performance dynamics, you will be able to figure out how much pressure is required on the accelerator to achieve certain speeds. If you feel like you are flooring the accelerator pedal, but your car’s engine is failing to respond, you may be facing a fuel line issue.

    Your tailpipe is emitting strange smoke.

    Many engine problems can be diagnosed by examining the type of smoke that is coming out of the exhaust system. Depending on the source of your engine problems, you may notice black or blue smoke billowing out of your tailpipe. When your tailpipe emits black smoke, this problem may be accompanied by an engine backfire. At the first sign of strange smoke coming from your engine, make an appointment at the auto repair center right away.

    Your engine idles more roughly than usual.

    A fully powered engine that is in good mechanical shape should be smooth and quiet as it is idling. Extremely rough idling could indicate a problem in your spark plugs, cylinders, or fuel filters. No matter the source of your rough idle, any unusual engine sensations are good indicators that your engine is starting to lose power. A qualified mechanic can repair the problem and restore your engine to full functionality.

  • When is the Work Done?

    We get a lot of calls from clients asking if we can “clear codes”, “perform software updates”, “resetting service indicators”, “re-adapt”, or “program components”. They had another shop install parts but they didn’t have the right tools or knowledge to complete the work . So I ask you,“Does it sound like that shop completed the work?“

    That is why it is important to check on who is working on your vehicle, verifying they have the equipment and capabilities to complete the work. Anyone can replace parts but the proper tools and knowledge is needed to complete the work. They may be able to give you a very low quote for replacing parts, but they are only doing half the job. You can go to a restaurant and order a meal but what would you say if they brought you a plate of raw food and told you they didn’t have the tools to cook it? That would be unacceptable. Looking at it that way, do you think it would be acceptable to leave service indicators lit, check engine lights on, or your vehicle not running properly?

    At Frank’s Automotive , when we quote a price, that quote is for installing components and performing the necessary actions to Complete The Job . Also, a very important part of completing the work is standing behind the work we do. That is why we give you a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty. We want you to know that we are here to take care of you.

    So next time you call for a quote ask not only for a price but verify that they can…

    Complete the Work!

  • Is Your Engine Oil Bad?

    A vehicle that gets an oil change in Sacramento when needed stands to be more effective and efficient than one that doesn’t, so you should be able to tell when your car is due. Regular oil changes keep your car operating the way it should, meaning you will have fewer problems to deal with over the long term. Watch this video on how to tell if your engine oil is bad.

    Determining whether or not you are due for an oil change is not a particularly difficult process, and there are a few ways you can go about it. If you know you haven’t changed your standard oil in 4,000 miles or your synthetic oil in 6,000 miles, it’s probably time for an oil change.

    We at Frank’s Automotive recommend splitting your Manufacturer’s recommended oil service interval in half. So if your Manufacturer recommends 15,000 miles before oil service, we recommend oil services every 7,500 miles. For clients who drive their vehicles sparingly and do not put 3,000 to 5,000 miles on their vehicle, the Manufacturer’s recommend once a year. For vehicles that are burning oil or oil looks sludgy, check out our Bluechem product .

  • Signs That Your Fuel Pump Is Malfunctioning

    Your fuel pump provides your car’s engine with gasoline as you are driving down the road. If you have started to notice that your car is sputtering, stalling, or having other difficulties as you drive, you may want to have your auto mechanic take a look at your fuel pump. An auto shop that specializes in German auto repair near Sacramento will be able to replace your car’s failing fuel pump with a top quality part. To help you decide if it is time to visit the mechanic, here are some signs that your fuel pump is malfunctioning. fuel - pump

    Sputtering Sensations

    When your fuel pump is starting to go out, you may start to notice some strange, sputtering sensations as you drive. The sputtering may start at random intervals, and may last for a few seconds or longer. A sputtering engine is particularly worrisome when your car is travelling at faster speeds. As your fuel pump has more and more difficulty delivering fuel to your engine, these sputtering sensations may increase in frequency or duration.

    Loss of Power

    Another sign of a fuel pump problem in your car is a sudden loss of power while accelerating or driving. When you step on the gas pedal, your car should accelerate smoothly and safely. A fuel pump issue may cause your vehicle to suddenly decelerate, even with your foot on the gas. You may find that your car loses power when you are driving up an incline or under other extreme driving conditions.

    Sudden Surging

    Along with creating a loss of power in your engine, fuel pump problems can also cause your car to surge suddenly. When your car surges, it may leap forward unexpectedly. A surging vehicle could pose a serious safety threat to you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. If you are suspicious of a fuel pump problem, or you have noticed surging and other issues, you will want to book immediate mechanical repairs for your vehicle.

  • Is Your Muffler Broken?

    A cracked or broken muffler is a serious car repair issue. When you watch this video, you will learn some key methods for identifying whether your muffler is broken. If your muffler is broken, you may find that your car makes a lot of noise while you drive. Since your muffler is located on the bottom of your vehicle, you may need to hire an auto mechanic in Sacramento to visually inspect the quality and condition of your muffler.

    In order to repair your broken muffler, it is a great idea to bring your vehicle to a shop that specializes in German automotive repair . Mechanics that are trained in German auto repair methods will be able to correctly identify and fix the muffler in your Mercedes. A German auto shop will also carry parts that are specifically designed for use in your foreign vehicle.

  • Getting Peace of Mind with a Frank’s Automotive Warranty

    At Frank’s Automotive, we are dedicated to ensuring the satisfaction of every customer that we assist. In order to show that we stand behind the excellence of our repairs, we are thrilled to offer a comprehensive warranty to all of our customers. When you bring your car to our auto shop in Sacramento, you can rest assured that your car repairs will be completely covered by this warranty.

    Before you book your auto repair appointment, it is a great idea to learn more about the benefits of our warranty. Under our warranty, your car repair services will be covered for a 24 month period. If you are dissatisfied with our workmanship within two years after your initial service date, you can bring your car back to us for a free car repair service. In order to be eligible for our warranty, you will need to have your car inspected within 6 months of your procedure.

    To learn more click here.

    car - warranty

  • Warning Symptoms of Brake Problems

    Your car’s brakes are among its most important safety features. Without properly working brakes, you would not be able to properly slow or stop your vehicle. Over time, the different components in your car’s braking system will naturally experience wear and tear. To prevent a car repair emergency, you should be sure to visit a top rated auto mechanic in Sacramento at the first sign that your brakes are going out. By staying on the lookout for the signs of brake problems, you can help prevent serious damage to your vehicle. Read on for a closer look at some of the top warning signs that your car is in need of brake repair.

    Unusual Sounds

    One of the top signs that your brakes need attention from an auto repair professional is when you start to hear unusual sounds as you step on the brake pedal. Your car’s brakes are equipped with brake wear indicators, which are designed to make a distinctive squealing sound when your pads have worn down too far. Ignoring these sounds could result in severe damage to your braking system.

    Reduced Responsiveness

    When your brakes are working properly, you should feel as though your brake pedal is responsive to all of your braking cues. In a malfunctioning braking system, however, it may begin to feel like your brake pedal is losing responsiveness. Your auto mechanic will be able to pinpoint the cause of your sinking brake pedal and restore your brakes to proper condition.

    Grinding or Shaking

    Finally, you will also want to be on the lookout for any grinding or shaking sensations coming from your braking system. In the event that your brake pads or rotors become warped or worn, you may find that your brakes start to feel strange when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. With the help of an auto shop that specializes in brake repair, you can get your car back on the road in no time.

  • The Importance of Following a Maintenance Schedule

    You rely on your car almost every day, which is why there’s no such thing as a good time for your vehicle to break down. Fortunately, you can keep your ride in tip-top shape by following a maintenance schedule set by the carmaker or recommended by your Sacramento auto mechanic . Either way, following a maintenance schedule is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle (and your wallet). Read on to learn more about the benefits of following a routine maintenance schedule.

    Prevent Major Automotive Problems

    There’s no telling when an automotive problem can materialize, but you can take steps to keep your car running smoothly and without hassle by following a routine maintenance schedule. The maintenance plays a role in preventing automotive problems, but the real benefit is bringing your vehicle to a car repair shop in Sacramento where a mechanic can look for signs of minor problems before they get any worse. If you visit the same car repair shop for all of your maintenance needs, you can build a relationship with your mechanic who will be even better at spotting problems.

    Keep Your Car Running Efficiently

    Gas prices are low at the moment, but there’s no telling when prices can skyrocket again. Fortunately, following a routine maintenance schedule can go a long way towards optimizing your vehicle’s fuel economy. When everything is running smoothly, your engine is able to burn gasoline more efficiently which means fewer stops at the pump and more miles per tank.

    Put Extra Money in Your Pocket

    If you need another reason to follow a maintenance schedule for your vehicle, how about this: Routine maintenance will put extra money in your pocket over the life of your vehicle. First, by preventing major automotive problems, maintenance can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on auto repair costs. And you’ll also notice savings at the pump since you won’t have to fill up as often thanks to your car’s improved gas mileage.