• My Tailpipe is Smoking. What’s Next?

    The exhaust that comes out of your car’s tailpipe can provide you with important information about what is going on with your car’s internal systems. If you start to see smoke billowing out of your tailpipe, this is a sign that your car needs immediate auto repair. A shop that offers radiator repair and other car repairs in Sacramento will have the diagnostic tools that are needed to figure out the source of your car’s worrisome smoke. Let’s take a look at what your tailpipe smoke may be telling you. tailpipe - smoke

    Blue Smoke

    In certain instances, the smoke that is coming out of your tailpipe may take on a blue hue. When your tailpipe is releasing plumes of blue smoke, the origin of the problem may lie in your vehicle’s motor oil sealing system. When oil leaks from your car’s internal seals, it will burn up as it spills onto your engine. The resulting smoke is usually bright blue in color. To remedy the problem, you may need to schedule a seal repair appointment with your mechanic.

    White Smoke

    While white smoke may be less worrisome than black or blue smoke, any type of smoke coming from your tailpipe can indicate a mechanical issue in your vehicle. If water or antifreeze have cross-contaminated your car’s fuel lines, your car may start to emit large clouds of white smoke. To prevent your car from overheating, you will want to refill your coolant reservoir and bring your car to an auto repair center.

    Light Gray Smoke

    Automatic transmission failure can be another source of smoke in your tailpipe. If your automatic transmission system is leaking fluid into your engine, the fluid will start to burn and create light gray smoke. To diagnose a transmission fluid leak at home, you can start by checking your transmission dipstick for signs of low or burnt fluid. A professional auto repair appointment will be necessary to remedy your transmission fluid problem.

  • Harmonic Balancer Separation 101

    The harmonic balancer is one of the most crucial parts of your vehicle’s crankshaft. As your engine turns, the harmonic balancer absorbs its vibrations and provides you with a smoother and more enjoyable ride. If your harmonic balancer is damaged or broken, you will need to make an appointment for car repair in Sacramento. A German auto repair facility will have the tools needed to get your harmonic balancer up and running properly.

    One of the most serious issues that can occur in a harmonic balancer is when the unit separates from the engine belts. When your harmonic balancer separates, it is in danger of falling out of the crankshaft. To prevent catastrophic damage to your engine, you will need to schedule an immediate appointment at your auto shop . Using special tools, your mechanic will be able to rejoin the harmonic balancer to the belts and restore your car’s crankshaft to proper function.

    harmonic - balancer

  • How Your Mercedes-Benz Mechanic Will Change Your Headlight Bulb

    Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with sophisticated components that should always be replaced by a car repair professional. This video from Car and Driver Magazine will show you how your Mercedes service mechanic will change your car’s headlight bulb. After removing the housing, your mechanic will carefully insert the new headlight into place. An auto shop in Sacramento will have the special replacement parts that are needed for use in your luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

    If your headlight or taillight has recently gone out, now is the time to schedule car repair services. Your mechanic can quickly replace your broken bulb and restore your car to safe driving condition in no time.

  • What You Should Do After an Accident

    While an automotive collision may cause visible damage to your car body, it can also cause problems under the hood. After you experience an accident while driving your car, do not hesitate to visit Frank’s Automotive for engine repair near Sacramento. Even if you are not aware of engine issues after an accident, your car may be suffering from serious and lingering issues that will cause further problems in the future.

    When you bring your car to Frank’s Automotive for engine repair, we will start your appointment with a comprehensive diagnostic service. If your check engine light is illuminated, we can use our equipment to obtain your computer’s trouble code. Using our certified parts and tools, our team of mechanics will be able to repair any engine damage that was caused by your collision. We will make sure that you drive out of our repair shop with total confidence in the performance and safety of your vehicle.

    engine - repair

  • What You Need to Know About Transmission Fluid Leaks

    Transmission fluid is responsible for keeping this part of your car in safe operating condition whenever you hit the road. When you schedule transmission repair in Sacramento , your technicians will look for visible signs that your car’s transmission has sprung a leak. Leaking fluid can cause major damage to your automatic or manual transmission, so it is important to diagnose and repair this issue right away. Here’s a look at what every driver needs to know about car transmission fluid leaks: car - transmission

    Transmission leaks can be difficult to diagnose.

    When you spot a bright red pool of liquid underneath your car, this is a clear indication that your vehicle is leaking transmission fluid. While you may be able to easily identify the fact that your transmission is leaking, pinpointing the cause of the issue can be much more difficult. The best way to diagnose this type of fluid leak is to bring your car to a dedicated automotive repair shop for servicing.

    Transmission leaks can cause serious problems.

    If your car has recently started to leak transmission fluid, you may be tempted to continue driving it until you have time to book a service appointment. However, leaks can wreak havoc on the performance and safety of your transmission. Waiting to repair your vehicle’s leak can cause your gears to grind together, and may eventually lead to a total transmission fluid failure.

    Transmission leaks can be repaired.

    While leaks are serious, you should not despair if you notice fluid leaking from your car’s transmission system. By bringing your car to a certified mechanic that specializes in transmission work, you will be able to fully address the issue. From repairing leaky seals to fixing gaps in the various parts of your transmission, your mechanic can provide you with the services needed to get your vehicle back up and running like normal. After your leak has been repaired, you may want to set up transmission fluid flushes at routine intervals.

  • Is Your Transmission Failing?

    Your car’s transmission transfers power from your vehicle’s engine to its wheels. In this video, you will learn some signs that your car is in need of transmission repair near Sacramento. When you start to notice that your transmission is acting funny, this could indicate that it is failing . If your transmission fluid is starting to smell burnt, this is another indicator that your car is having problems.

    With services from a shop that specializes in transmission repair, you will be able to get your car back on the road in no time. From minor leaks to full rebuilds, your mechanic will have no problem providing you with the services that are required to return your transmission to a fully operational condition.

  • Recognizing the Sounds of Transmission Failure

    If you think there might be something wrong with your car, it’s typically a good idea to turn the radio down and listen for strange sounds. In the event that you are in need of transmission repair in Sacramento, there is a good chance that you will hear some strange sounds coming from your vehicle. Abnormal noises are common symptoms of malfunctions in all kinds of appliances, so it might not point you directly to the problem. If you do hear any strange sounds, be sure to talk to your auto mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue. Read ahead for some help in recognizing the sounds of transmission failure.

    A transmission problem is not the only type of malfunction that can cause your car to make strange noises. However, there are other signs that typically accompany transmission failure. If you hear noises you have not heard before while also dealing with these symptoms, then you might be more confident that you’re indeed dealing with a transmission problem. If you hear grinding noises coming from the car while also experiencing slipping gears or leaks, then it is most likely time to visit your transmission repair shop.

    car - transmission

  • Should You Replace Your Car Battery

    In order to avoid an automotive electrical emergency in your car, you will want to make sure that you replace your car battery before it fails. This video will provide you with essential information about knowing when to replace your car battery. If your battery is more than four or five years old, it should be replaced. Your car electrical service center in Sacramento can help you pick out the right replacement battery for your vehicle.

    Since your battery is an integral part of your automotive electrical system, it needs to be replaced before it fails to operate completely. An older battery may be more prone to car electrical problems during the very hot days of summer, so now may time to visit your auto repair center to schedule a battery change for your vehicle.

  • 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.

  • Wheel Alignments 101

    Wheel alignments help to protect the performance and handling of your vehicle. In this video, you will learn about the basics of wheel alignments. It is also important to note driving your car in poor road conditions can also contribute to wheel alignment going out. When you bring your car in for a wheel alignment in Sacramento, your auto care professional will use diagnostic equipment to determine whether your wheels are toe-in or toe-out. Once the wheel alignment issue has been evaluated, your mechanic can make subtle adjustments to straighten the path of each wheel.

    If you are preparing to set up auto maintenance for your vehicle, be sure to ask your mechanic whether or not your car is in need of a wheel alignment. By taking the time to align the wheels of your vehicle, you will be able to make sure that your German car is performing at its peak level of efficiency and safety.

    wheel - alignment