Willow Glen Auto Repair

Just like your body needs regular check-ups to stay healthy, your car also needs regular tune-ups to keep running smoothly. A tune-up is a routine maintenance service that involves checking and adjusting various systems in your car to ensure they are working properly. In this blog post, we'll explain why regular tune-ups are so important and what you can expect during a typical tune-up service. Why Are Tune-Ups Important? Regular tune-ups can help you avoid costly repairs down the road by catching potential problems early on. For example, during a tune-up, a mechanic might discover that your spark plugs are worn out, which could cause your engine to misfire. By replacing the spark plugs before they cause a bigger problem, you can save yourself from a more expensive repair later on. Tune-ups also help to ensure that your car is running at its most efficient. For example, if your car's air filter is dirty, it can reduce the amount of air that reaches the engine, which can caus ... read more

Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for car owners. It can have a significant impact on your budget and the environment. But how do you maximize fuel efficiency? Let's look at several tips to help you get more mileage out of each drop of fuel. Plan Your Route Planning can go a long way toward increasing fuel efficiency. If you know where you are going, take some time to map out the most direct route with the least amount of traffic. An alternative way may save precious minutes but cost extra gas in the long run. Proper Maintenance Regularly checking and maintaining your vehicle will ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible. Tires should be properly inflated and aligned, and oil should be changed periodically. Neglecting your car can lead to decreased fuel efficiency of up to 25%. Don't Speed Speeding is not only dangerous, but it drastically reduces the amount of mileage you get from each drop of gas. Speeding can lower your gasoline mileage by as much as ... read more

If you have a traditional power steering system, you most likely rely on power steering fluid for smooth and easy turns. Power steering fluid provides hydraulic pressure, and it sometimes requires maintenance. If your steering fluid is dark, contaminated, or leaking, you will need the appropriate repairs to restore your steering. You may notice the following signs when your power steering is malfunctioning: Stiff Steering Wheel If your steering wheel is super stiff and hard to turn, it is a tell-tale sign that you need power steering repairs. It can be hazardous for your power steering to disengage in the middle of driving. You may need a mechanical repair or power steering fluid service. Slow Response On the other hand, your steering wheel may feel overly loose. If your wheel movements don’t correspond with your steering wheel, it can mean that you have an alignment issue. However, it is also worth checking if the power steering system is affected.  Noisy Steering If ... read more

The water pump is a component of the engine that pumps water and oil through the machine. The oil is used to lubricate parts of the engine and to cool it down. The water helps to cool the oil and provide lubrication. The water pump is part of an engine's cooling system. It draws water from the radiator and forces it through a series of tubes, eventually transferring it into a tank on the other side of the car. When you turn on your vehicle, this tank fills up with cold water and then flows to one or more cylinders in your engine, where it flows through them until they are sufficiently cooled down. Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump When your car's water pump fails, you may notice the following: Shuddering when you start your vehicle or turn it off. Loud noises from under the hood (such as a clunking sound) An oily or slippery feeling under your car when you get in or out. Your car may suddenly lose power, especially when you stop at a stop sign or red light. You may hear ... read more

Just like everyone around you seems to have an opinion on what you need to personally do to stay healthy and fit, the same is true for your car. It seems that everyone has a different perspective about which maintenance schedule you should follow in order to keep your vehicle operating at its optimal best. The reality is that it depends on your driving habits and the type of car that you own. That being said, there are some general rules that you should follow when deciding how often to perform maintenance on your vehicle. Idle Cars Need Maintenance As Well Many car owners make the mistake of thinking that a vehicle seldom driven is a vehicle that never breaks down. This is not actually the case. Cars actually need to be driven quite often in order to continue performing at their best. This is because needs to get hot, the oil needs to move through the system, and batteries depend on a moving vehicle in order to charge. Even tires can begin to show wear if they sit for too long. If y ... read more