• 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.

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  • 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.

  • Preserving the Life of Your Fuel Pump

    You need fuel in order for your vehicle to operate, and your fuel pump is an integral part of the system. If you take proper care of your fuel pump, you might never have to bring it into the auto shop in Sacramento for replacement. Work with your auto mechanic to maintain your fuel pump—and your vehicle in general—regularly, and try not to run your tank dry. You should also make sure you only work with qualified auto mechanics and car repair shops to avoid damage to your fuel system. Read on for tips on preserving the life of your fuel pump. fuel - pump

    Stick to a Maintenance Plan

    If you want your vehicle to continue to run as well as it did the day you drove it home for the first time, you need to stick to a maintenance plan. This means that in addition to taking your car to the auto shop, you should do what you can to maintain the car on your own. Sometimes this means nothing more than looking out for problem signs and understanding how to treat your car properly. By working with your auto mechanic and taking care of your car on your own, you can extend the life of your fuel pump.

    Don’t Empty Your Tank

    Running out of gas is an inconvenience no matter how you look at it, but it can be particularly harmful for your fuel pump. Your gas is partially responsible for keeping your fuel pump cool, so it’s best to avoid dropping below a quarter of a tank. Additionally, more fuel in the tank means less work for the fuel pump, and fewer trips to the auto shop. Make sure you fuel up whenever you start getting low.

    Only Work with Pros

    A shoddy looking auto shop may be your only option when you’re in the middle of nowhere. However, you should always do your best to find an auto mechanic that you can trust. Corroded nozzles and watered down gasoline can negatively impact your fuel pump, so try to see a reputable auto mechanic.

  • Get to Know Your Suspension

    When you have a problem with your suspension, you can always visit your auto mechanic in Sacramento . However, you should also have some idea of how it works so you can take care of it. Check out this video and get to know your suspension.

    Whenever you drive down a particularly rocky road or cross over a speed bump, you rely on your suspension to keep the ride comfortable. Your rear suspension takes power from the engine and converts it to the wheels, and your leaf spring secures your rear axle. Keep in mind that different driving conditions will impact your suspension in different ways. Highway driving shouldn’t strain your suspension so much, but bumpy roads can take their toll. If you feel like your car doesn’t drive as smoothly as it should, you might want to talk to your auto mechanic about replacing your old shocks with new ones.

  • Car Diagnostics 101

    When you bring your vehicle in for routine auto maintenance, your technician will typically include a car diagnostic procedure as a part of your appointment. During an auto diagnostic procedure in Sacramento , your mechanic will gain important insights into the condition of all of the different internal systems of your car. Auto diagnostic equipment may even be able to help your mechanic to find hidden conditions that have not started to show noticeable symptoms.

    Auto diagnostic equipment works by scanning the internal computer logs that are generated by your car’s computer. If the computer notices a mechanical or electrical problem in any of your vehicle’s components, it will log a trouble code. Using a special diagnostic scanner, your mechanic can read these trouble codes and determine their severity. The auto diagnostic process can also reveal other maintenance issues, such as dirty engine oil or low tire pressure. In order to achieve the best results from your auto repairs, you want to make sure that your technician is using diagnostic equipment to scan your vehicle.

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  • A Look at Common Problems in Car Electrical Systems

    Today’s vehicles rely on sophisticated automotive electronics for many of their most important systems and functions. If your car electrical system starts to fail, your vehicle may begin to experience severe driving troubles. With services from a shop that offers alternator repair near Sacramento, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your car’s electrical problems have been addressed properly. Read on for an overview of some of the most common problems in car electrical systems. car - engine

    Trouble Starting

    Perhaps one of the most common signs of car electrical problems is when a vehicle has trouble starting. The starter system in your vehicle relies on sensitive electronic components to tell the engine when it is time to start turning. Without a properly working alternator and starter, you might find that your car is unable to move from where it is parked. If nothing happens when you turn your key in the ignition, this is a good indication that your vehicle has an electrical issue affecting the starter.

    Visible Battery Damage

    Your car’s battery powers all of its electrical systems. At periodic intervals throughout the year, it is a good idea to pop your car’s hood and take a look at the condition of the battery. If you can spot visible signs of damage to the exterior of your car battery, your vehicle may be on its way to having electrical problems. A common visual clue of battery damage is corrosion or leaking liquid on the battery’s surface.

    Dimming Lights

    Lights provide visibility and safety during the nighttime hours, and whenever road conditions make it harder to see. When you observe that your vehicle’s headlights are dimmer than usual, you might be dealing with an electrical issue in your car. Electrical issues can also cause your headlights to become dimmer as you are driving at lower speeds. Replacing your battery or fixing your alternator could address the underlying electrical cause of your headlight problems.

  • Why You Need Specialized Service for Your German Car

    When you invest in a luxurious German vehicle, you will want to make sure that you provide it with top of the line car repair services. Would you go to your dentist to get your eyes checked? He may have some basic knowledge about the subject but is not qualified to work on it. Rather than bringing your car into just any auto shop in your local area, you’ll want to book services with a shop that is dedicated to German car repairs in Sacramento . There are a few reasons why German cars need special car repair services.

    We are familiar with the technical & mechanical workings of these vehicles. We have the proper tools, understanding, & experience to fix them right the first time. A team of technicians/mechanics at a German auto repair facility will have the knowledge that is needed to properly diagnose and fix these highly specialized vehicles . Your German facility will also keep European parts in stock, so you will not have to wait around while your shop orders a part. Overall, bringing your car in to a German auto specialist is a great way to preserve its performance, efficiency, and safety.

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  • Maintenance Advice for Your Automatic Transmission

    Without a properly working transmission, you will have difficulty keeping your car on the road. By addressing the signs and symptoms of automatic transmission issues as soon as they appear, you can avoid catastrophic failure in your car’s transmission system. A shop that offers transmission repair near Sacramento can diagnose your transmission problems and help to restore your vehicle to drivable condition. If you are wondering about how to care for your car’s transmission, here is a look at some essential transmission maintenance advice. car - maintenance

    Schedule Regular Fluid Flushes

    In order to keep your automatic transmission running smoothly, you will need to set up transmission fluid flushes at routine intervals. The ideal frequency for your transmission fluid changes depends on the specific year, make, and model of your vehicle. Many mechanics recommend that car owners replace their transmission fluid every 15,000 miles. Placing fresh fluid in your transmission system will help to lubricate, cool, and clean out its many moving parts. But, it is important to note that a transmission service is not a fix all.

    Look for Signs of Transmission Issues

    To prevent a minor transmission problem from becoming a major maintenance issue, it is a good idea to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of transmission issues. If your transmission seems to be slipping out of gear , harsh shifts, or having trouble shifting out of neutral, you will want to bring your car into the auto shop right away. Other signs of transmission problems include fluid leaks, burning odors, and strange sounds coming from under the hood of your car.

    Take the Time to Warm Up Your Car

    Every system in your car can benefit from getting to warm up before you drive off first thing in the morning. By letting your car idle for a minute or so before you shift out of park and start to drive, you can ensure that your transmission fluid is able to fully lubricate your entire transmission system. If you have further questions about the art of transmission maintenance and repair, do not hesitate to get in touch with your local transmission repair specialist.

  • A Preventative Maintenance Guide for Porsche Owners

    A luxurious Porsche vehicle will be crafted to meet the demands of the discerning driver. Whether you have recently purchased a new Porsche, or you are a lifelong Porsche owner, you will want to make sure that you bring your vehicle to an auto mechanic that specializes in German car repair . A mechanic that repairs German cars near Sacramento can provide the finely-tuned components of your Porsche with the care and attention that they need to remain in great operating condition. Let’s review some essential preventative maintenance tips that all Porsche owners should keep in mind. porsche - maintenance

    Pay Attention to Your Brakes

    In order to harness the incredible power of your Porsche’s engine, you will need to make sure that your vehicle is equipped with a properly working set of brakes. If you hear squealing noises whenever you hit the brake pedal, this is a sure sign that you need to set up brake maintenance with your mechanic. Having your brakes & brake fluid inspected at regular intervals will help to ensure the safety of your Porsche.

    Inspect Your Tires

    During your routine preventative maintenance procedures for your Porsche, you will also want to make sure that you inspect your tires. As your tires start to wear down and lose their tread, they will no longer provide your Porsche with the traction that it needs to drive safely or efficiently. When you notice the tread wear indicator bars appearing on your tire treads, this will let you know that it is time to schedule a tire replacement with your mechanic. We also check manufacturing dates on your tires. Your tires may look new but they can be old. An old tire can be just as dangerous if not more dangerous than a worn tire. Old tires can come a part under the stress that you can put your vehicle under.

    Choose the Right Engine Oil

    Changing your engine oil is an essential preventative maintenance step for your Porsche. When you bring your Porsche in for an oil change, you will want to check with your mechanic to make sure that you are using a high quality motor oil that is suited for the delicate components of your engine. Most modern Porsches require owners to use high-grade synthetic oil, which helps to keep the engine clean and lubricated. We also recommend an oil change once a year no matter how few mile you may have on your vehicle.

  • What Do Brake Calipers Do?

    Brake repair is a vital service for any vehicle. When you schedule brake repair in Sacramento, your mechanic will take a careful look at your brake calipers, as well as your brakes and rotors. Your brake calipers play a vital role in the braking performance of your vehicle. When you step down on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid tells your calipers to extend the brake pistons. This extending action is what engages the brake pads, thereby allowing your vehicle to slow or stop safely. Without properly working brake calipers, the performance of your entire braking system could become compromised. An important part of proper brake maintenance is routine brake fluid servicing. Most Manufacturers recommend brake fluid servicing every 2 years, especially in humid climates. We test for water content in brake fluid with a meter. Anything 2% or over we recommend brake fluid servicing.

    If your car is in need of brake repair, Frank’s Automotive can provide you with all of the necessary services. When you start to experience strange sensations or hear unusual noises when you step on the brake pedal, it is time to schedule immediate brake repair. With professional brake services, you can get your car safely back on the road in no time.

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