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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!
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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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Don’t Ignore Your Check Engine Light
Being in tune with your vehicle means knowing what kinds of problems to look for and what types of signs your car might provide when it’s dealing with an issue. Your check engine light in Sacramento can help alert you to a problem with your car, but it’s your responsibility to talk to your engine repair specialist and get to the bottom of the issue. Check engine lights can indicate a wide array of malfunctions, so you shouldn’t waste any time in looking for a diagnosis. Continue reading to find out why you shouldn’t ignore your check engine light.
The longer you wait to find out what’s making your check engine light illuminate, the more time you will give the problem to develop. Even minor issues can become serious if you don’t address them, but a check engine light could also indicate a significant malfunction. Try looking at your gas cap when you notice your check engine light is on; you might just need to tighten it. If the check engine light stays lit, you could have a problem with your spark plugs, catalytic convertor, or oxygen sensor. Make sure to talk to your mechanic to get these problems sorted out.
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Symptoms of an Alternator Problem
If you want your vehicle to last as long as possible, it’s helpful to understand what types of problems you should look out for. When you know what to look for, you can call for alternator repair in Sacramento before the problem gets out of control. You might want to call your automotive electrical specialist about alternator repair if you notice strange noises coming from your car. Other symptoms include electrical issues like dimming lights, and problems when starting your vehicle. Read on for a closer look at some of the symptoms of an alternator problem that you should be aware of as a driver.
Odd Sounds
A loud, strange, or unexpected sound tends to surprise people, as it typically indicates that something is out of order. Just like you would investigate an unidentified sound in the middle of the night, you should keep an ear out for odd noises coming from your car. In some cases, your car might be making this sound because you have a problem with your alternator. Make sure you don’t waste any time in bringing your car in to your specialist for alternator repair so you can keep your bearings in place and your car functioning properly.
Electrical Issues
Problems with your automotive electronics may suggest that you need alternator repair, and they can show up in a few different ways. A failing alternator might leave you with dim or flickering headlights, as the alternator is responsible for providing power. An analogy: A vehicle with a charging system problem is like a child’s toy with weak or dying batteries– it may function but it will start to act weirdly. Lights, Radio, Climate Control & even Engine functions can be compromised. You should also pay attention to your power locks and windows, radio, and other automotive electronics in your car. Your battery could even drain due to a malfunctioning alternator, so seek help as soon as you can.
Trouble Starting the Car
When you get into your car and realize that you had left the interior light on all night, you might not be surprised when your car fails to start. If your car is routinely difficult to start, however, you might be having a real problem with your automotive electronics. Even if your battery is working, a failing alternator might not be able to get the power to your engine. However, a lot of times people confuse the vehicles ability to turn on lights in-dash as the battery being okay. The battery maybe strong enough to turn on lights but too weak to crank vehicle over. There is a difference between “Not Starting” & “Not Cranking Over”. If a vehicle cranks over and does not start, there could be another issue rather than the battery or starter. If your key turns over but engine does not crank over, that could be a charging system or starter issue. This is why we recommend a Car Diagnostic to be able to determine where the issues lies.
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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 .
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How to Choose a Technician
After you purchase a luxurious German vehicle, you will want to make sure that you bring your car to a shop that specializes in German auto repairs. By taking the time to find a qualified auto repair shop in Sacramento , you will be able to preserve the performance, efficiency, and safety of your vehicle for many miles to come.
There are several factors to consider when you are choosing a technician. You may want to explore an auto shop’s reviews from other customers in the area. A shop that has great reviews from its customers will be dedicated to providing quality services. When you bring your car to a German automotive repair specialist, you will be able to keep your car in peak running condition.
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The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Whether you have just purchased a brand new car, or your vehicle is higher in miles, scheduling regular oil changes with your auto technician is one of the most important steps of car care. Without routine oil changes at a certified auto shop in Sacramento, the performance and efficiency of your vehicle will start to decline. A technician that specializes in German auto repair will be able to help you set up the right oil change and maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top reasons why regular oil changes are so important for your vehicle.
Save Money Over Time
One of the top reasons why oil changes are so important is that these simple maintenance procedures can save you big bucks on repairs in the future. By taking the time to change your oil at regular intervals, you can avoid some of the maintenance problems that are associated with excessive wear and tear on your vehicle. Spending a bit of money on an oil change now will help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Prevent Engine Damage
Without regular oil changes, your engine could become severely damaged. The moving parts of your car’s engine create a significant amount of friction when your car is in motion. When you schedule oil changes at your auto shop, your technician will swap out your used and dirty oil for a brand new product. With fresh oil, your engine will be able to run smoothly, without a risk of damage.
Boost Fuel Efficiency
Staying on top of your car’s oil change maintenance schedule may also help you boost the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. With regular oil changes, the internal components of your engine will be able to operate more smoothly and efficiently. As a result, your vehicle’s gas mileage ratings will be preserved over time. After learning about the importance of oil changes, be sure to set up an oil change procedure with a licensed technician in your area.
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A Look at the Components of Brakes
Learning about your car’s internal systems can help you determine when it is time to visit the auto repair shop. Brakes are among the most critical safety systems in any vehicle. When your brakes and rotors start to wear out, your car’s stopping ability could be seriously compromised. By setting up brake service in Sacramento when you start to notice a problem with your braking system, you can prevent further damage to your vehicle. If you are interested in gathering information about how brakes work, read on to learn more about the different components of your car’s brakes.
Master Cylinder
The master cylinder is responsible for powering the entire braking system. When the driver places pressure on the brake pedal, this will signal the master cylinder to send hydraulic fluid through the brake lines. The hydraulic power will activate the brakes pistons and cause the vehicle to slow or stop.
Brake Lines
A car’s brake lines are designed to transport brake fluid throughout the braking system. The master cylinder is connected to the other parts of the braking system through a series of brake lines. If the brake lines become damaged, a car may start to leak brake fluid.
Brake Caliper
The brake caliper is designed to house all of the different mechanical components of a braking system. Inside the brake caliper, you will find the brake piston, brake pads, and brake rotors. If a car is experiencing braking problems, the technician may need to disassemble the brake caliper in order to repair the issue.
Brake Pads
A brake pad replacement is one of the most common brake repair services that any car owner will need to schedule. The brake pads are designed to grip the brake rotors, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop. Since the brake pads receive a high degree of friction, they will wear down more quickly than any other brake component.
Brake Rotors
The brake rotors are directly connected to the wheels of a car. As pressure is placed on the brake pads, the brake rotors will stop the rotation of the wheels.
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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.
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.
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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.
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