Rohnert Park Auto Repair

When was the last time you thought about your car battery? If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t think about it much, unless there’s a problem. Car batteries manage a variety of tasks, from starting the engine to powering the headlights and electrical components like the onboard computer. Just like with other systems in your vehicle, regular battery maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and reliably; dead or damaged batteries are one of the top reasons drivers place roadside assistance calls.   How Long Do Car Batteries Last? When properly cared for, car batteries can last for five years or more, but most batteries tend to last around three years with daily use. Like other types of batteries, car batteries become less efficient every time they’re charged. If your battery is between four and five years old, it’s important to have it checked on occasion to ensure it’s still able to hold a charge.&nbs ... read more

Most drivers know that regular oil changes are important to keep their cars running well, but there’s more to engine maintenance than just replacing the oil and filter. Tune-ups are another type of engine maintenance that’s essential for maximizing performance and drivability.    What’s Involved in a Tune-Up? In the past, tune-ups involved manually adjusting and cleaning various engine components like the distributor cap, ignition coils, and breaker points. With today’s vehicles, these adjustments are controlled by the onboard computer—but that doesn’t mean that tune-ups aren’t still necessary. Today, a tune-up may include: - Replacing the fuel filters - Replacing the engine air filters - Replacing spark plugs or spark plug wires - Inspecting or replacing the PCV valve - Inspecting the distributor cap - Replacing the oxygen sensor - Fuel induction serv ... read more

Breaking down in your vehicle is always inconvenient; fortunately, vehicles often give us warning signs that there’s a problem long before breaking down—you just need to know what to look for. If you catch a problem early enough, you can get it repaired before it leaves you stranded on the side of the road or causes a safety issue. You’ll also likely avoid a bigger, more expensive repair in the future. To help you spot signs of trouble, we’ve compiled a helpful list of warning signs to be aware of:   Dashboard Warning Lights Most vehicles today are equipped with sophisticated diagnostic systems that will let you know they’ve detected something wrong with your car. Although it might be tempting to ignore warning lights, especially if your vehicle seems fine, it’s important to take them seriously. While some of the lights indicate minor issues, here are five that you should never ignore: Low engine oil pressure: this indicat ... read more

Every system in your vehicle serves an important purpose and needs to be maintained to continue working as it should; the suspension system is no different. However, it’s often easy to overlook the suspension—at least until there’s an obvious problem.    What Does the Suspension System Do? The suspension system is vital for maintaining control of your vehicle and ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride. It does this by maximizing the contact your tires have with the road—which maximizes the friction between the tire tread and the road. This ensures good traction, steering stability, and optimal handling. The suspension system also helps absorb the energy from bumps and other imperfections in the road, allowing the body and the frame to stay stabilized while accelerating, cornering, and braking.    In addition, the suspension system aids with braking. If your shocks and struts are worn, it can increase your stopping distance, especiall ... read more

Do you pay attention to your dashboard lights? You should! These lights generally come on when your vehicle is trying to alert you of an issue. Ignoring these lights could only lead to expensive and/or permanent damage.    Below, we’ve described some common dashboard lights, what they mean, and how to fix the problem your car is experiencing. Take a look!    Engine Temperature Warning Light  If this warning light comes on, then your car’s engine temperature has increased past the recommended degree. This light usually means that your vehicle is overheating, but not always. The engine temperature sensor could also be damaged. Regardless, an overheating engine can cause serious problems. It’s better to be safe than sorry. When this warning light comes on, it’s best to avoid driving your vehicle until it’s looked at and given the clear by a professional technician.    Oil Pressure Warning Light  Yo ... read more

Is your car costing you too much money? Are you searching for ways to cut back or maybe even save? Specifically, are you searching for ways to save money on car repairs?    You’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of tips for you to consider trying that will (hopefully) allow you to cut back on the price of repairs. Take a look!    Read Your Owner’s Manual  While it may not be a page-turner, your owner's manual can reveal important information about your car. This information could help you save money on repairs or even avoid repairs altogether. To keep your vehicle running smoothly, pay attention to this document.    Do Preventive Maintenance  Perhaps the best way to avoid an expensive repair is to catch the problem before it becomes a bigger problem. This can be accomplished through preventive maintenance and regularly scheduled tune-ups.    Fix the Issue Yourself If you are knowl ... read more

Are you currently experiencing car trouble? Could it be your transmission? You don’t have to be too knowledgeable about automobiles to understand that a vehicle requires a properly functioning transmission to run smoothly.    Below, we've put together a list of warning signs that could indicate the car trouble you experience is due to a faulty transmission. Take a look!    Odd Burning Smells  Again, you don’t have to be a mechanic to understand that when driving your car, you shouldn’t smell anything burning. A burning smell should raise a huge red flag. You never want the transmission fluid to start burning, as this could lead to expensive and permanent damage. If you do notice an odd burning smell, do not continue to drive your vehicle. Instead, visit an auto shop.    Check Engine Light Comes On To be fair, your check engine light can come on for myriad reasons—but one of those reaso ... read more

Today, with the rising price of gasoline, you may be searching for creative ways to make your fuel last a little longer. The obvious solution, drive less, may not be a realistic option for you. Don’t worry, though: We’ve put together a list of helpful (and more realistic) tips to consider trying. Take a look!    Watch Your Speed, Drive Steady  Did you know that driving fast can increase drag, leading to an increase in fuel consumption? Additionally, if your speed isn’t kept at a consistent pace, you could find yourself using more gas than normal. When you can, consider using cruise control.    Monitor Your Braking  Just like it's important to pay attention to your speed, it's equally as important to pay attention to when and how you brake. Specifically, try to avoid braking excessively, as doing so wastes gas.    Turn the Engine Off  It doesn’t matter how fast the errand is or how ... read more