People visit their doctors for a health checkup all the time, and yet few people every take such precautionary measures with their vehicles. However, there are just as many benefits of knowing the health and condition of your car as there is of knowing your own physical health. Fortunately, Frank’s Automotive in Sacramento offers automotive diagnostics services that can give you a detailed overview of your vehicle’s condition. By knowing the state your car is in, you can prevent minor problems from getting worse and costing you more in automotive repair costs later on down the line. Diagnostics can also save you time and frustration by helping to prevent a break down later on.

To learn more about Frank’s car diagnostics services, call (916) 28-8297. You can also schedule a diagnostics appointment online. When you call, be sure to ask about Frank’s current automotive maintenance and repair specials.

Check engine light on? This is one of the biggest automotive headaches drivers deal with, not necessarily because a check engine light means anything serious but because of the number of different possibilities that could be causing the light to come on. That’s why your best bet is to visit an auto repair shop in Sacramento that specializes in check engine light diagnostics . A mechanic will use advanced diagnostic equipment to pinpoint exactly what’s causing your check engine light to come so you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. In the meantime, here’s a look at some possible causes of a check engine light.

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the vehicle’s exhaust system. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to burn more fuel than needed, resulting in up to 40% lower fuel economy. Failure to replace a faulty oxygen sensor over time can also cause damage to the catalytic converter.

Damaged Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Typically, the catalytic converter will become damaged due to neglected maintenance or a problem with one of the sensors (mass airflow sensor, oxygen sensor, etc.). Your vehicle will not pass emissions testing with a faulty catalytic converter, and you can experience reduced performance in addition to poor fuel economy.

Loose or Missing Gas Cap

That’s right, one of the most common causes of the check engine light is simply a loose or missing gas cap. If the check engine light is on, make sure the gas cap is securely fastened and doesn’t appear to be cracked, chipped, or visible damaged in any way. If the gas cap looks good, bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop in Sacramento and let a mechanic perform a check engine light diagnostic to figure out exactly what’s going on with your car.

The old rule of thumb regarding oil changes (every 3,000 miles or three months) doesn’t necessarily hold up today. Although this is a great benchmark to stick to, modern engines and new oil additives and technologies have allowed drivers to go much longer in between oil changes. It depends on the age and condition of your vehicle, as well as the type of oil you put in the engine. Watch this video to learn more about oil change intervals.

To take the guesswork (and grease work) out of changing your car’s oil, bring it to a car repair shop in Sacramento. An experienced mechanic will be able to change the oil in your vehicle and get you back on the road in no time at all. When you visit an auto shop for the first time, ask the mechanic for a recommended oil change interval based on the age and condition of your engine. Your mechanic may recommend a different maintenance schedule from what’s in the owner’s manual based on the condition of your vehicle.

You rely on your car almost every day, which is why there’s no such thing as a good time for your vehicle to break down. Fortunately, you can keep your ride in tip-top shape by following a maintenance schedule set by the carmaker or recommended by your Sacramento auto mechanic . Either way, following a maintenance schedule is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle (and your wallet). Read on to learn more about the benefits of following a routine maintenance schedule.

Prevent Major Automotive Problems

There’s no telling when an automotive problem can materialize, but you can take steps to keep your car running smoothly and without hassle by following a routine maintenance schedule. The maintenance plays a role in preventing automotive problems, but the real benefit is bringing your vehicle to a car repair shop in Sacramento where a mechanic can look for signs of minor problems before they get any worse. If you visit the same car repair shop for all of your maintenance needs, you can build a relationship with your mechanic who will be even better at spotting problems.

Keep Your Car Running Efficiently

Gas prices are low at the moment, but there’s no telling when prices can skyrocket again. Fortunately, following a routine maintenance schedule can go a long way towards optimizing your vehicle’s fuel economy. When everything is running smoothly, your engine is able to burn gasoline more efficiently which means fewer stops at the pump and more miles per tank.

Put Extra Money in Your Pocket

If you need another reason to follow a maintenance schedule for your vehicle, how about this: Routine maintenance will put extra money in your pocket over the life of your vehicle. First, by preventing major automotive problems, maintenance can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on auto repair costs. And you’ll also notice savings at the pump since you won’t have to fill up as often thanks to your car’s improved gas mileage.

You have a lot of choices when it comes to automotive repair shops in Sacramento, so why should you trust your car’s maintenance and repair to Frank’s Automotive? For starters, Frank’s Automotive has been providing excellent service since 1969, making them one of the most experienced auto shops in the area. Speaking of experience, the knowledgeable technicians at Frank’s have over 100 years of combined experience. And if you like free stuff, Frank’s Automotive has you covered:

• Free 45-point courtesy inspection
• Free car wash with every visit
• Free shuttle service within Sacramento city limits
• Free vehicle concierge service

To learn more about the automotive maintenance and repair services offered at Frank’s Automotive, or to schedule service for your vehicle, call (916) 288-8297. You can also schedule an appointment online or ask one of Frank’s service techs a question.

Oil itself isn’t very expensive and oil changes aren’t very difficult or time consuming, but neglecting the oil inside your vehicle can have disastrous consequences later on, especially for your wallet. Oil plays a vital, multifaceted role in your engine. But over time, as motor oil breaks down and gets dirty, oil can actually start to have a negative effect on the engine’s performance, efficiency, and overall health. Read on to learn more about the importance of the oil inside your car and why you shouldn’t delay getting an oil change in Sacramento .

What Oil Does

The modern internal combustion engine requires the right lubrication to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. First of all, motor oil keeps all the moving parts lubricated to minimize friction, heat, and wear that can lead to premature engine failure. Oil also helps keep engines cool, which is especially important in the summertime when engines are more likely to overheat. And because a cool, well-lubricated engine runs more efficiently, keeping your engine loaded up with fresh clean oil can help maximize your gas mileage.

Why Oil Changes are Important

Motor oil gets dirty and breaks down over time, which causes it to lose its lubricating abilities. That’s why going past the manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals is considered to be one of the worst things you can do for your vehicle. Driving on old, dirty oil will cause unlubricated engine components to warp and wear out due to friction and heat, which will eventually lead to engine problems that will need to be addressed by a mechanic. Eventually, if the oil is not changed, the entire engine will fail and need to be replaced.

Signs You Need an Oil Change

So, how do you know when it’s time for an oil change? First, refer to your owner’s manual. Each manufacturer recommends different oil change intervals for their vehicles. There are also some signs that can indicate it’s time for an oil change , such as dirty, burnt-smelling oil and an engine that runs louder than usual. If you recognize these signs, or if you simply don’t remember the last time you had an oil change, visit an auto repair shop in Sacramento for this important service.

Transmission fluid plays three very important roles. This fluid lubricates, cools, and even helps to power a transmission, which means low fluid can result in all sorts of problems. That’s why it’s important to learn to recognize the symptoms of low transmission fluid so you can add fluid before your transmission is damaged or fails completely. Watch this video to learn more about the role of transmission fluid and how to tell when your vehicle’s transmission fluid level is low.

If your transmission fluid is low because of a leak, visit an auto repair shop in Sacramento that specializes in transmission service and let a trained technician have a look at your vehicle. Transmission leaks are never a good sign, and should be repaired as quickly as possible by a professional. Also, when checking the transmission fluid, take note if the fluid looks very dirty or smells burnt. In either case, this is a sign you need to bring your vehicle in for a transmission flush.

It’s not a question of if your transmission will go out, but rather when . Although transmissions can last for many years and many thousands of miles, especially when well maintained, no transmission will last forever. The good news is that transmissions rarely fail suddenly without any warning at all. Indeed, transmission failure is usually preceded by some telling signs that indicate the need for transmission repair. And because transmission problems only get worse (and more expensive) over time, visiting a transmission repair shop specializing in German vehicles in Sacramento at the first sign of trouble in your German car can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Visit an auto repair shop if you recognize any of these transmission warning signs.

Leaking Transmission Fluid

Transmissions are sealed units, which means they should never leak. If you notice bright red or dark brown leak spots on your driveway or garage floor where you park, lay down a piece of cardboard under the engine to determine if it’s an active transmission leak. If you confirm that your transmission is leaking, visit a transmission repair shop to have the leak repaired so you can add fluid and maintain an appropriate fluid level.

Rough Shifting

Most transmission problems are impossible to ignore, because most of them affect the way a vehicle feels and performs. For example, if you feel your car clunking or grinding when the transmission shifts gears, or if you notice your car has difficulty getting up to speed, visit an auto repair shop and let a transmission mechanic have a look.

Delayed Engagement

Another noticeable symptom of a transmission in need of attention is delayed engagement. For example, there may be a long pause after you shift out of park and into drive. Any noticeable delay before the car actually engages into drive and moves forward should give you concern. Delayed engagement is a common sign that a bigger transmission problem is on the horizon, so don’t wait until things get any worse to visit a transmission repair shop in Sacramento.

The benefits and conveniences that motor vehicles offer are obvious; however, some people have an extra special relationship with their German cars in Sacramento. If you want nothing but the best for your ride, you won’t just take it to any old repair shop. At Frank’s Automotive, we understand how much your car means to you and are proud to keep it in outstanding condition. Our auto repair shop offers a wide range of services, and we take our work seriously. If you want to make sure your vehicle gets the care and attention it deserves, keep reading to get to know Frank’s Automotive .

The story of Frank’s Automotive starts in Italy, where Frank Lettini emigrated from in 1959. Ten years later, after working at a Volkswagen dealership in Sacramento, he opened up his own specialty shop specifically geared towards German cars. Frank’s son Nick took a liking to working on cars with his father at a young age, and he became more involved as he grew older; he is now the head of the company and building on the foundation that his father created. As a family business, we understand the ins and outs of quality customer service.

Car accidents are not to be taken lightly; even a seemingly minor collision can lead to injury or even death. This is why you should communicate with your auto mechanic in Sacramento and have your vehicle regularly inspected to ensure that it is in proper working condition. One of the most important aspects of this regular car maintenance is the inspection of your brakes . Working brakes can save lives, and you don’t want them to fail when you need them the most. Here is a look at a few signs you need your brakes checked.

Odd Noises

You don’t have to know much about your car to recognize a strange sound when you hear one. When components of your car malfunction , they will often give some indication that there is a problem. Your brake system will alert you when your brake pads are worn out with a high-pitched squealing sound. Once you notice this sound, you should take your vehicle to your local repair shop as soon as you can. If you hear a grinding sound through the sensor’s squeal, you may have worn your brake pads down completely. This can lead to much more serious issues, like damaged rotors.

Maneuverability Problems

If you haven’t had your brakes checked in a while, you might start to notice problems with the maneuverability of your car. When a caliper becomes stuck, one wheel may experience excessive friction and start to pull your car to the right or left. Pulling can also occur due to uneven brake pads or a collapsed brake hose. Pulling is not the only maneuverability problem you might experience when your brakes malfunction; you might also notice that your brake pedal feels off. Whether it engages your brakes too readily or not readily enough, take your car to the shop and have your mechanic take a look.

Vibrating Pedal

Antilock brakes help you make emergency stops by quickly and repeatedly engaging the brake system. If your brake pedal vibrates and shudders in such a fashion normally, you may have a warped rotor. Have this issue addressed before it becomes worse.