• 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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  • Signs of a Transmission Problem

    When you drive a luxurious German vehicle, you will feel great knowing that your car’s transmission has been crafted from top quality components. Even the best transmissions, however, will eventually require transmission repair after many miles of driving. When you start to see the signs of transmission problems in your German car, you should be sure to call your transmission shop serving Sacramento. Using the latest transmission service equipment, your technicians can return your transmission to safe driving condition. If you are wondering whether it is time to schedule repairs, here is a look at the top 3 signs that your car has a transmission problem. car - transmission

    Slipping Gears

    A transmission that is experiencing mechanical problems may begin to gradually slip in and out of gear. Typically, a slipping transmission feels as though it is lacking power or struggling to remain in the proper gear. When your car starts to lose its smooth shifting performance and overall transmission power, you will need to schedule immediate transmission repair services.

    Failure to Move Forward

    When your transmission is functioning properly, it will engage as soon as you shift your car from park into drive. If you have started to feel as though your car fails to move forward right away after you move the stick shift, you may be suffering from transmission problems. By adjusting the gear ratio of your transmission, your mechanic will be able to make sure that your car is fully responsive to your shifts.

    Leaking Fluid

    Leaking transmission fluid is a sign of a very severe transmission problem. When your transmission fluid leaks, the gears inside of your car may begin to grind or overheat. In order to identify a transmission fluid leak in your vehicle, you can look for a bright red puddle that forms underneath where your car is parked. You can also check to see if your transmission fluid is low by examining the dipstick in your car’s engine.

  • What to Know About Your Car’s Electrical System

    Your car is more than a thousand pounds of metal on wheels; it also involves complex automotive electronics in Sacramento to make itself as safe, effective, and convenient as possible. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the automotive electrical components that are included in your car; this will also help you identify problems early on. Be sure to talk to your alternator repair specialist for tips on solving electrical problems, and take a look ahead for more on what you should know about your car’s electrical system. car - electrician

    Electrical Components

    A vehicle’s electrical system is made up of several components, all of which serve specific purposes and contribute to the overall functioning of your car. In addition to your radio, dashboard camera, and built-in television screens, your automotive electronics consist of systems like the battery, the computer, and the alternator. These components are important when it comes to basic functioning of your car—even getting it started. Your electrical system keeps you and others safe by powering your headlights and your turning signals, while your alternator allows your vehicle to keep moving. Knowing about your automotive electronics and what they do can make you better prepared to notice problems with your electrical system. An important fact about most modern cars, all components from light management to stereo to engine management communicate with each other. With electrical issues, you want to start with the basics.

    Common Problems

    If you get into your car on a hot day and try to roll your windows down to no avail, there might be a problem with your electronic system. Similarly, having trouble starting your car or issues with your seats and automatic locks can point to automotive electrical problems. You might even notice your headlights dimming or shutting off completely, which can compromise your safety on the road. How you handle these issues can impact the working life of your vehicle and your own wellbeing.

    How to Solve Them

    It’s always a good idea to talk to a professional when working on your automotive electrical system. You want to make sure your battery and charging systems are in proper functioning order. So it is important to check all systems when looking for electrical gremlins. You might end up doing more harm than good if you try to deal with the problem on your own, so play it safe and see your specialist for professional help.

  • Simple Ways to Preserve Your Transmission

    Transmission services are recommended to be performed according to manufacturer’s specifications. As you put miles on your car, you will also be creating wear and tear in your vehicle’s transmission. By bringing your car to a transmission shop in Sacramento , you will be able to make sure that its transmission runs smoothly for every mile that you drive. Along with routine transmission repair, there are several actions that you can take to extend the longevity of your transmission. Read on for an overview of some simple methods for preserving the transmission in your vehicle. transmission - repair

    Check Your Fluid

    Checking your transmission fluid regularly is a simple but effective way to prevent transmission repair problems. You can check your transmission fluid by carefully removing the dipstick while the engine is running. If you find that your transmission fluid is low, or you see signs of a fluid leak, you will need to refill your transmission fluid right away. Driving with low transmission fluid can severely damage your vehicle.

    Avoid Extreme Driving Conditions

    Your transmission will last longer if you drive gently, and under normal conditions. Driving across hilly terrain, accelerating very quickly, or towing heavy cargo can all put extra strain on your car’s transmission. While it may not be possible to avoid all extreme driving conditions, you will want to be aware of how your driving affects your car’s transmission. Being conscientious of the way that your drive your car will help you preserve its transmission.

    Schedule Key Maintenance Services

    Throughout the lifespan of your vehicle, it may require transmission services at important mileage milestones. Neglecting to follow the recommended transmission maintenance intervals for your car could cause your transmission to wear out faster. If your transmission is already having problems like harsh shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement, it could already be too late. To determine when your car needs transmission flushes and other services, you can talk to your mechanic. A trained mechanic will be able to provide you with the tips and information that you need to keep your car in peak driving shape.

  • Symptoms of a Slipping Transmission

    A slipping transmission is a serious issue for any car owner. Typically, automatic transmissions are more likely to slip than manual transmissions. In the event that the clutch bands slip or become loose, you may notice some unusual symptoms when you drive. One of the symptoms of a transmission slipping in a German car is failure to accelerate when you step on the gas. Additionally, you may also find that your engine revs unexpectedly as you drive. An auto mechanic offering transmission repair in Sacramento can help you diagnose and fix any problems that may be happening in your transmission. To help you determine when it is time to schedule transmission maintenance and repairs, check out this short video.