Los Altos Auto Repair

You've probably never paid much attention to the writing on the sides of your tires, but they contain a wealth of information.  There's a long combination of letters and numbers that can tell you a whole lot about what tires your vehicle was designed to be riding on.  Let's check out this example found on an SUV: P245/70R17 108T.

The first letter, P, means it's intended for passenger vehicles.  If there's no letter, it means it's a metric tire.  If there's an LT at the beginning or end that means a tire designed for light trucks.

Moving on to our example, the 245 shows how wide the tire is in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.  The number that follows in our example, 70, means the height of the tire is 70% of its width.  The letter after that in our example, R, describes the type of tire (on this vehicle, radial).  Following that is the diameter in inches, in our SUV example, 17 inches. 

How much load the tires' sidewalls are designed to take is what that next number is all about (108 in our example).  The higher the load index, the more weight the sidewalls can take.  And the last letter is the speed rating of the tire, in our example, T.  The further along in the alphabet that letter is, the higher its speed rating.  So now you know what those letters and numbers mean.  But why are they important?

When you are getting ready to replace those tires, those numbers are telling you what the original equipment was when your vehicle was new.  Sticking with the same rated tires is always a good idea.  If you don't know what you're doing, trying different sized tires and wheels can cause real issues when it comes to performance and safety, considering all the computerized systems now found on vehicles.  When in doubt, consult your service advisor when it comes to buying new tires.  He or she knows what those tire numbers and letters mean… and a whole lot more.

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Cayenne here, and we all don't like to fail on something, especially on our first try, but it happens.  Your car may have even failed its first attempt on its emissions, and I am sure you want to know why.  So today, we will bark about why your car could have failed on its emissions test. 

We all want to breathe clean air and keep our planet green.  One of the ways to do that is by requiring all vehicles with internal combustion engines to pass an emissions test.  That’s because these vehicles can be big polluters.  

Everyone wants their car to pass the test so they can continue their day-to-day driving routine.  But then comes that one day when they tell you your vehicle has failed.  Why does that happen?

One of the most common reasons is that your gas cap is leaking or loose (or maybe you don’t even have one on your vehicle!).  The gas cap is supposed to seal in vapors, but sometimes its seals or gaskets dry out or crack. Replace it, and you’re good to go.

Another common reason your vehicle failed the test is that your catalytic converter isn’t doing its job. It is supposed to convert toxic gases from your engine into ones that don’t pollute the air.  There are many reasons the catalytic converter may not be working.  It may be physically damaged, or the steady flow of exhaust gases has fouled the converter. 

You may have a bad oxygen sensor. It’s supposed to measure how much oxygen is in your exhaust.  This can cause the air-fuel mixture to be too rich, resulting in too many hydrocarbons in the exhaust. Your ignition system may also have problems, such as worn-out spark plugs.  Dirty fuel injectors can contribute to excess emissions.

Believe it or not, a dirty engine air filter may be the culprit. If it hasn’t been replaced for a while, your vehicle may be emitting too many hydrocarbons -  something that will cause your vehicle to fail the emissions test.

You can usually avoid a failed emissions test by maintaining your vehicle regularly.  The best way to do that is by bringing it to our trained technicians so your vehicle gets the service it needs, scheduled and non-scheduled.  Plus, you’ll be doing your part to keep our air clean.

Here is my inspirational quote for this week,

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Emergency, Emergency!  Hey it's the Duke here and today we are going to bark about emergency items you should have in your vehicle.....besides extra dog bones of course.  So let's get barkin' on this important subject today!

"I never expected it could happen to me." Countless drivers have said that after an emergency, they turn their lives upside down. So before that happens to you, let's think about planning for an emergency with a few things you should keep in your vehicle.

• Road flares. If you've ever driven by a disabled vehicle sitting at the side of the highway at night, you know how terribly hard it is to see, especially in bad weather like rain.  If you are the one in that broken-down vehicle, you run the risk of being hit by a vehicle whose driver literally may not be able to see you.  The best emergency signal includes one or more road flares.  There's a reason police officers and firefighters carry them in their vehicles.  When you see a series of burning red flares at the side of the road, you know something serious is going on.  These are far more visible at a much longer distance than nearly any other portable signal device.

• Fire extinguisher.  Thousands of vehicles catch fire every year.   Most fires start small but can get out of control. Having a fire extinguisher in your vehicle is vital, and several small ones are designed especially for the job.  Since many different types of vehicle fires can start, make sure the extinguisher you choose will handle every fire, from gasoline to electrical. Some have handy mounting brackets. And keep it up to date!

• Flashlight.  Sure, your cell phone likely has a light in it.  But you will need that phone for communication if there's an emergency. Plus, the light’s just not that bright.  So carry an LED flashlight designed for automotive use.  LEDs produce a lot of light with little power; plus, many of those designed for vehicles include a lantern, which will light up a wider area. It’s vital if you have to read your vehicle's jack instructions or tend to an injured person.

• Drinking water and snacks.  If your vehicle breaks down during bad weather and you may be forced to stay with it for a long time, you'll need food and water to survive until help can arrive.  These are simply the necessities of life, so have a small supply on hand, just in case.

Other things like basic tools, a first aid kit, a space blanket and jumper cables are also good ideas.  Many service repair facilities offer these items for sale, and you can ask your service advisor for suggestions.  While it's fresh in your mind, plan a shopping trip and put together your own emergency kit now.  Sure, you can put it off, but you may find yourself stuck in a difficult situation, saying to yourself, "Only if…"

and for this week, here is your inspirational quote,

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Hello Los Altos, Cayenne here!  You swap your winter boots for flip-flops in the summer.  Why not change your winter engine oil for summer, hot-weather oil?  While it may make sense, there's some good news.  Most drivers don't have to, and here's why were barkin about this today.  

Engine oil can be made in different thicknesses.  That thickness is called viscosity, which is how easily it flows.  Now, it makes sense that the hotter it gets, oil gets a little thinner and doesn't lubricate as well.  So if you used a thicker oil in the summer, it's logical that it would protect better in the hotter weather. 

While there was a time when oils could be only made in one viscosity, times have changed.  Using an ingenious formula, oil can now be created that changes its viscosity (called "multi-viscosity") as the temperature rises and falls.  It self-adjusts to match the conditions.  Now, that's what I call a great invention.

In most temperate climates, you don't have to swap out the type of oil you use in your vehicle each season. There are exceptions in extreme climates, but your service advisor can advise you on that.  Your vehicle's owner's manual recommends the proper viscosity oil to use.

Remember that even though you may not have to switch to a different type of oil, you DO have to CHANGE the oil at specific intervals.  That's because oil eventually breaks down and picks up contaminants, and if you have old, dirty oil in your engine, it can cause damaging friction and heat. Regular maintenance at your vehicle service facility will ensure your vehicle runs like a well-oiled machine. 

My inspirational quote for the New Year,

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Duke here, and we are in the winter months here in California, and it is starting to get chilly for us.  No matter what the temperature is outside, it's important for your vehicle's engine to remain cool, calm, and collected.  Well, cool, anyway. So today we will bark about keeping your vehicle cool even when it's cold outside.  Let's get barkin'!

If your vehicle has a gasoline engine, it's powered by many explosions involving spark plugs, pistons, gasoline, and air.  And the by-product of all those things working together? HEAT. There's a whole cooling system to keep everything at a tolerable temperature for your engine's parts, and a key part of that is the water pump.  Technically, it's pumping more than water. It should be called the "coolant" pump since the liquid circulates through the system is a mixture of water and coolant. 

Basically, the water pump keeps this coolant moving through your engine, picking up the engine heat and then is pumped into the radiator, where it gets rid of that heat.  When a water pump fails, the engine heat can build up.  When you get a warning light on the dash (either a gauge or a light) that shows the temperature is too high, it could mean a bad water pump. 

They can fail for many reasons. They have bearings that wear out, as does the seal between the pump and the engine. They're often driven by a belt or chain that can go bad.  Corrosion can spell the end of a water pump, too. 

If a technician determines your water pump has failed, it's time to replace it. In addition, other components of the cooling system will be inspected.  The best way to avoid a water pump failure is to maintain your cooling system regularly, which includes draining and flushing the coolant. 

Just like it's important for you to keep your cool, the same goes for your vehicle's engine.

My quote for the end of December 2024,

Sometimes it's better to keep your cool, remain silent and smile

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Happy Holidays!  Cayenne here and as you start to go back to the mall this week to return some of those unwanted gifts, have you notice you car not steering straight?  Maybe pulling to the left or right.  Well today, we will bark about the importance of why alignment matters on your car.  Let's get barkin'!

 It's one of those things that can happen on a multi-day road adventure or a quick trip to the grocery store.  You hit a pothole, go too fast over a speed bump, nail a curb.  When it happens, you think, "I wonder if that was hard enough to do any damage?"  But things seem okay, and you continue on your way. 

Keep in mind that any blow to your vehicle's suspension can throw it out of alignment.  It can be a hard knock from the road or from another vehicle, such as being involved in a minor accident.  When your suspension is out of alignment, it means that the wheels aren't all pointing where they should.  After a while, it can make your tires wear unevenly and cause problems with steering and handling.

Let's go back to that pothole or curb you hit hard.  Even though you think there was no damage done, if you wait until you see tire wear, you may need to replace all four tires, not an inexpensive proposition.

That's why it's a good idea to make sure your alignment is regularly checked by a qualified technician. If you get regular oil changes (a MUST!), consider having an alignment check while your vehicle is in.  That's especially important if you drive roads that resemble the lunar surface.  If you buy new tires, it's also strongly recommended that you have your alignment checked. 

You can have your front wheels aligned or all four, and if your vehicle is newer, it's not a bad idea to spend a little extra for the four-wheel alignment check.  Good alignment pays off with better steering and handling, less tire wear, and—BONUS—better fuel economy since aligned wheels offer less resistance when they roll on the road.

I leave you with my quote for the week,

Straight roads do not make skillful drivers ~ Paulo Coelho

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Happy Holidays everyone, Duke here and you know dogs can see better than humans even at night.  Our visibility to detect small and large creatures running around at night is amazing but you, not so much. You've all been through it. The vehicle ahead of you kicks up mud, slush, snow or salt on your windshield and you can't see a thing.  And not being able to see a thing when we're driving?  Not a good thing.  So today, we will bark out the importance of having visibility by cleaning the glass on our vehicles. Let's wipe away the dirt and get barkin'!

Debris on a vehicle's glass can be blinding when driving directly into the sun.  Other things can ruin visibility: scratches on the glass, fogged windows, and mineral deposits. 

So let's make one thing clear:  Your windows.  Here are some tips.

• Number one rule, don't use abrasives on glass. That means no gritty cleaners that are made of metal.  Avoid at all costs those dark green abrasive pads on some kitchen sponges that are made to clean metal pots and pans UNLESS the manufacturer specifically says they can be used on glass.
• Use the appropriate cleaner for the substance that's being cleaned off. Special automotive glass cleaners are available, and your Allied Auto Works service advisor can make recommendations.
• Vinegar can work wonders. Sometimes you'll see hard, grayish water spots on your windows that nothing seems to take off. Distilled white vinegar (available in the grocery store) gets rid of them safely, quickly and easily.
• Use a microfiber cloth designed for cleaning glass; that's what professional detailers choose.
• Clean the insides of windows, too. That film that develops on the inside of vehicle windows can be the result of plastic interior surfaces decaying in the heat of sunlight (plastic contains oil). The film can also be caused by cigarette smoke. Clean that oily layer off thoroughly.

Now that you have clean windows, here's how to keep 'em clean.

• Replace your wipers at least once a year. Rubber deteriorates the older it gets, even if you rarely use your wipers.
• You might consider a newer type called a "beam" blade. Most have an aerodynamic design that cleans your windshield better, especially at higher speeds.

Your service advisor at Allied Auto Works will be able to recommend good wiper blades for your vehicle and install them properly.

Visibility.  See what we mean?  Now where did I see my bone last??

Happy Holidays to all,

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Hello, Cayenne here today.  TPS......hmmm, that sounds like it stands for Tender Porterhouse Steak.....yummy.  No, don't be silly and wishful.  What it really stands for is Throttle Position Sensor.  Yes, I know it's not as tasty sounding, but it's very important to your vehicle.  So today we will bark about what TPS is.  Let's get barkin'!

You know you have an accelerator pedal; step on it, and your vehicle is supposed to go.  But did you know there is a part in your vehicle that keeps track of where the throttle is? It's called the Throttle Position Sensor, or TPS.

The TPS is a sensor that helps your vehicle determine the right mix of air and fuel reaching your engine.  It does that by keeping track of the throttle and sending that information to your vehicle's computer.  Other factors affect how well your engine is performing, including air temperature, how fast the engine is turning over and air flow. 

When the TPS isn't working right, you may find your vehicle won't accelerate or doesn't have the power you're expecting when you press on the accelerator.  In some cases, it may accelerate on its own.  Sometimes, your vehicle won't go over a certain speed.  Your Check Engine light may go on.

Any of these symptoms should be checked out soon. If your TPS stops working right, your vehicle may not be safe to drive. Fortunately, most vehicles have a "limp home" mode that allows you to get off a busy road and to a safe spot. 

Your service advisor can tell you which TPS is the correct replacement for your vehicle. Your shop may have to re-program the new TPS so it works correctly with your vehicle's software.

It's a fact of life these days that computers control many of a vehicle's functions. The sensors that feed information to those computers help make your vehicle work how it was engineered to and keep you motoring safely and efficiently down the road.

As we move into Winter, I leave you with this,

He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.

-John Burroughs

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Hello, Duke here. December has rolled with holidays among us. Everyone is pouring themselves some holiday cheer, but have you wondered what to pour into your vehicle? Well, today, we will bark about the ever-changing fluids in today's vehicles. So let's get barkin'!

Changes in vehicle design and manufacture have resulted in changes in fluid requirements for our vehicles. With the sophistication of engines, transmissions, differentials, etc., it's best for Los Altos residents always to use the proper type of fluid for their vehicle. Using incorrect fluids can actually damage your engine.

As engines have become more sophisticated, new engine oil weights (or grades) have been introduced. Today, there is a much wider range of weights for engine oil as well as a variety of formulations for different types of engines.

Transmission fluid, brake fluid and coolant/anti-freeze have changed because the materials that go into making the systems they protect have changed. The fluids in our vehicles generally have two jobs: to lubricate and to prevent corrosion. The fluids formulated for your vehicle are specifically designed to protect the materials that make up its engine parts. Using the wrong fluid may leave some parts vulnerable to corrosion. Further, using the wrong fluids can also void your vehicle's warranty. So Allied Auto Works recommends Los Altos drivers follow the fluid recommendations in their owner's manuals.

Vehicle fluids, including engine oil, are also designed in special formulas for higher-mileage vehicles. These formulas contain additives that help clean older engines and transmissions as well as recondition older seals and gaskets. These fluids are perfectly okay for your vehicle as long as you match the original fluid recommendations in your owner's manual. In other words, a high-mileage oil is fine as long as it is the same weight as the oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.

Good vehicle care always includes proper attention to your vehicle's fluids. Understanding and using correct fluids will keep your vehicle running well and will help prevent early corrosion and wear of vital engine parts.

Talk to your Allied Auto Works service advisor for more information.

Wishing you much cheer this holiday season,

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

It's Thanksgiving week, and the delicious smell of turkey is awaiting me. Hi, Cayenne here and you know I love the smell of turkey coming out of the oven, but have you ever had an awful smell coming from inside your car? Rotten egg smell, yuk, and today, we will bark about what that horrible odor is.  

The pungent smell of rotten eggs can send people running for the hills, so when that odor is inside your vehicle, yikes! Yolks! The good news is that a trained service technician can locate the source of that smell and stanch the stench… that comes from another word that begins with S.  Sulfur.

Fuel contains small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, but they're enough to stink up a vehicle when it's not properly burned.  You may know that the smell of rotten eggs often signals a catalytic converter that isn't working as it should.  That could be due to age, damage or an abundance of oil clogging it up. 

If a sensor in charge of managing the fuel fails, the engine can run with a fuel mixture that is too rich.  That can overload the catalytic converter and allow some byproducts to escape without interruption from the chemical reaction that prevents them from going out of the tailpipe.

There's another possibility, but it's usually only found in stick-shift vehicles. That's leaking old transmission fluid.

Catalytic converter repairs are best left to a professional. Technicians at your vehicle service facility have equipment and training that can help them pinpoint the cause of this funky fragrance. Once the cause is found, repairs are made, and/or parts are replaced, and the smell should go away fairly rapidly.

Now, let's start talking about the smells I do love: turkey, pumpkin pie, and sausage stuffing......I can go on

Happy Thanksgiving,

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com