Los Altos Auto Repair

Brrrr, it's cold this morning in California. The seasons are definitely changing. Duke here and when I am in the car for a ride, I sometimes look in the rearview mirror and notice objects appear to be close. You may remember a song that went, "Objects in the rearview mirror may appear closer than they are." While that was a song about life's lessons, there are a few things we should all know about how important rearview mirrors are to safe driving.  So let's open our eyes and start barkin'!

While new electronic devices are helping drivers be aware of surrounding traffic in high-tech ways, the good old rearview mirror is still a dependable way of letting you know what's around you.  There are usually 3 on each vehicle, 1 attached to the windshield inside and 2 attached outside on each of the front doors.

It's important that they be adjusted properly before you start driving (not while you're driving). Experts say the windshield rearview mirror should cover the area behind the vehicle while the outside mirrors should not simply duplicate that view but extend it to the sides, where blind spots normally are.

Your rearview mirrors must be able to hold the positions they're adjusted in; it there's play in them or they move around, you'll never be sure they're pointed in the direction that will let you see where traffic is.  The one on the windshield must be firmly attached.  If it won't stay where you want it, head to your service facility, where they can tighten it or replace any parts necessary to let the mirror maintain its aim. A technician can reattach it with the proper adhesives or fasteners if it has fallen off the windshield completely.  There may be electronics that need to be properly connected as well.

The outside mirrors cover your blind spots and they must be able to hold their adjustments, too.  Many adjust electronically; switches and motors can fail, electrical connections can detach or become corroded and the reflective glass can crack, discolor or develop a hazy fog.  A technician can diagnose and repair those problems and recommend any replacement parts you might need.  Mirrors that are adjusted manually should also be restored to proper working order for you to maintain this essential rear visibility.

Drivers don't think about their rearview mirrors all that much.  On reflection, don't they deserve respect and care for the important job they do?

"Life is a mirror: if you frown at it, it frowns back; if you smile, it returns the greeting"

Duke

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

Put on the brakes! Cayenne here and today I want you to give me a brake.....brake light that is. If that little brake warning light pops up on your dash, do you know what it means? Well, if you said no, you wouldn't be alone. You know it has something to do with your brakes, but exactly what? You're not sure. One of the reasons is that it could mean many different things.

It could be something simple, like putting your parking brake on and forgetting to take it off. It's an easy fix, and you'll be on the road in seconds.

Or, it could mean there's something wrong with your anti-lock brake system. That is a pretty complex symphony of speed sensors, computers and wiring, and sometimes things get a little out of whack. You could have a defective sensor or some wiring may have gotten damaged or come loose. A trained technician with special equipment at Allied Auto Works can sort it all out.

It's also possible you have low brake fluid. Several things could cause that. One simple reason is that your brake pads have worn down. Replacing them could solve the problem. Another possibility is that you have a leak in your brake system. That could be serious. If your brake fluid level gets really low, your stopping power goes down along with it, and a vehicle that can't stop is a safety hazard to you and others on the road.

Of all the warning lights on your instrument panel, pay attention to the brake warning light. If it comes on, come on over to Allied Auto Works very, very soon. A vehicle is great when it's moving. But if it can't stop, well, that is a disaster waiting to happen.

We’d love to hear from you. Let us know if you have any questions.

And remember, give this old hound a brake....lol

Cayenne

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

Hello Duke here and I have a questions for you. What part of your vehicle has little metal balls inside that are lubricated and allow you to cruise on down the road?  Answer: They are wheel bearings, and automotive designers might argue they are human beings' second greatest invention of all time (the first is, of course, the wheel!).  So today we will bark about how important this little piece of metal is.  So let's get barkin' and meet the metal.

You have a wheel bearing at each wheel.  They allow your wheels to turn freely, minimizing friction that would ordinarily slow you down when metal meets metal.  When one of your wheel bearings starts to go bad, it lets you know. A wheel bearing does its work quietly when it's in good health but starts getting noisy when it isn't.  People describe the noise differently.  Sometimes it sounds like road noise, a pulsating, rhythmic, sound.  That pulse speeds up when your vehicle speeds up. 

Here's what's happening when you hear that sound.  As mentioned, the bearing has these little metal balls inside a ring.  They have a lubricant inside to reduce friction between the balls; modern wheel bearings are sealed and they're intended to do their job without any maintenance. 

Wheel bearings take a beating; you hit some rough potholes or go over some uneven railroad tracks. Sometimes water can get into a bearing and reduce the ability of the lubricant to do its job.  Time starts to take its toll, too. When the lubricant isn't reducing friction like it should, the bearing can heat up. One of those little balls can start shedding pieces of metal and soon those shards start grinding up the other balls.  Friction takes over and soon your wheel isn't turning smoothly. That's what's causing the sound.  If a wheel bearing is not fixed, it could eventually seize up completely, and you can be stranded.

It's a lot easier if you heed the early warning signals, that pulsating noise.  Now, sometimes a similar noise can be caused by a bad tire, but in either case, it's important to have it checked out. Our Allied Auto Works technicians will be able to tell you fairly quickly what the problem is and offer a solution.

Wheel bearings generally don't fail often and usually last from 85,000-100,000 miles/140,000km to 160,000km. But consider them a long-term maintenance item that, once fixed, will keep you heading smoothly to the next destination.

I leave with my quote of the week, metal related of course,

"Strength through adversity. The strongest steel is forged by the hottest fires" ~ Pleasanton Express

Duke

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

Good Day, everyone. Cayenne here.  Do you know what TPS stands for? No, it's not Tender Porterhouse Steak, even though that sounds good to me. It means Throttle Position Sensor. Yes, I know it's not as tasty-sounding, but it's very important to your vehicle.  So let's get barkin' about TPS.

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 tracks 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 play a role in how well your engine is performing, including air temperature, how fast the engine is turning over, and airflow. 

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.

I leave you with an inspirational quote for the week,

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." ~ Walt Disney

Cayenne

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

Duke here and you know when you climb inside your vehicle, start the ignition, and reach for the fan control for the heating or air conditioning, but no air comes out of the vents. It can make for a very uncomfortable trip, whether hot or cold outside.  Well today we are going blow some reasons into why air is not coming out of our vents.  So open up your vents and let's get barkin'!

It’s important for the comfort of you and your passengers to regulate the temperature in your vehicle’s cabin.  Not having air coming through the vents can also be a safety issue when trying to defrost the windshield and front windows when they fog up and your visibility is affected.  

There can be many reasons why the air isn’t blowing through your vents.  The blower motor may have failed or the switch that controls it wore out.  It could be as simple as a blown fuse, or perhaps an electrical component that regulates the fan speed may have stopped working. One of the ducts that direct the air from the outside to the cabin may have broken.  The air intake where the outside air is collected may be clogged up with leaves or other debris.

If your vents aren’t blowing air, it’s time to bring in your vehicle to have one of our technicians diagnose and repair it. They will examine the electrical and mechanical components to see where the problem is. The remedy can be simple or involve a more extensive repair.  

Keeping the cabin temperature temperate and having good airflow is vital to your comfort, especially when the weather outside is extremely hot or cold. 

Us Hounds, though, love the air in our faces wether hot or cold, so we just stick our heads out the window and take it all in, 

Duke

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

Cayenne here today. Everyone loves things that sparkle. Our vehicles send out their own spark through the ignition coil.  But how do you know it might be time to replace the ignition coil?  Well today we will ignite you some sparkling information on the subject.

Ever wonder how your vehicle’s engine can take the 12 volts from its battery and ramp that up to as high as the tens of thousands of volts it takes to fire its spark plugs? The secret is something called an ignition coil. Most newer vehicles have an ignition coil at each cylinder, but older ones have one that serves all the spark plugs. 

There are telltale signs that you have an ignition coil problem. As you might expect, one symptom is that it’s hard to start your engine or that it won’t start at all. If your engine is misfiring or not running smoothly, or you see the Check Engine light come on, those could all point to an ignition coil failure.

Several things can contribute to ignition coil trouble in addition to normal wear and tear. Moisture and dirt may have gotten inside the coil, and the heat and vibration of your engine over time can cause it to go bad. Bad spark plugs or plug wires can also be a cause.  

While ignition coils can last 100,000 miles/160,000 km, depending on how you drive and in what conditions, if you start noticing some of the signs and symptoms just described, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit to see us so a technician can diagnose what’s wrong. Driving too long with an engine misfiring can damage your catalytic converter, which can be expensive to replace.

A technician will thoroughly check your ignition system and determine where the failure is. If only one coil is bad, it may be the only thing that needs replacing. If your vehicle has a distributor, it may also need replacing. Properly working ignition coils will help your vehicle operate at its best and help prevent future engine damage.

Leave a little SPARKLE wherever you go,

Cayenne

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

Good day California, Duke here and you know whether we're trying to save money on dog treats, save gas or save the environment, most of us Los Altos drivers have an interest in decreasing fuel consumption. We've all heard about ways to save money on gas in CA, but does it really add up to much? How much can we boost our fuel economy through preventive maintenance and more courteous driving?  Well, I'm here to bark on how you can accomplish this......so let's get barkin'!

The US government has a website that actually answers that question. Let's look at some of the data and find out if any of these fuel-saving ideas are really worth the effort. We've all heard that a tune-up can improve gas mileage. It turns out that it can save us 4% at the pump. At $3.50 a gallon, that's 14¢ per gallon in savings, and at $4.00 a gallon, that's a 16¢ per gallon savings.

Other common repair items can also save you at the pump. For example, if your oxygen sensor is faulty, it's not delivering the information to your engine's computer that allows it to calculate the proper fuel-to-air ratio. The result? The fuel doesn't burn efficiently. Replacing that faulty sensor can save you 40% at the pump. That's certainly a reason to improve your car care and have the automotive professionals at Allied Auto Works inspect things once in a while.

A faulty oxygen sensor will activate the check engine light. So will a lot of other problems that are big fuel wasters. Finding out why your light is on and fixing the problem will also improve fuel economy. Bring your car into Allied Auto Works in Los Altos and we will take care of it for you.

What about tires? Los Altos drivers have all heard that keeping them inflated will improve our gas mileage. True? Yep. It's a 3% savings for that one. And even small drops in tire pressure can start to add up, so a weekly tire check is in order.

Using the correct weight in motor oil is another way you can save at Los Altos area gas pumps. It adds up to a 2% savings.

What about that courteous driving? That doesn't cost us anything and doesn't require our Los Altos service center to implement anything. Is it worth the bother?

Again, the answer is yes. Sudden acceleration, such as charging away from stoplights, sudden stops and quick lane changes all add up in lowered fuel economy. Taking it easy when you drive on CA roads amounts to a 5% savings around town and a whopping 33% savings on the freeway. Is it worth your time to slow down? How much do you get paid?

Speeding is another way we ding ourselves at the gas pump. We've all heard that it's okay to drive five miles over the speed limit, but that actually hurts our wallets. Eventually, it could add up to more than a speeding ticket. An extra five miles over the speed limit ends up costing us 7% per gallon. Fifteen miles over? 23% Now, there's a reason to slow down.

Another thing Los Altos vehicle owners can do to improve that costs nothing is to toss the junk out of our trunks. In other words, clean out the car and stop hauling around non-essentials. Don't treat your vehicle like a storage locker. Dumping one hundred pounds of extra weight adds up to a 2% savings at the pump.

So when you tell someone you were going somewhere anyway, and they're welcome to come along, that's okay. But if someone tells you they need to come along and it's no harm to you since you were going anyway—well, now you can tell them, “Sorry, dude, but you're an extra fifteen cents a gallon!”

All joking aside, let's do ourselves a favor and fatten up our wallets by practicing good car care and better driving habits in CA. Now you can afford the delicious dog treats!

Duke

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

Hi Cayenne here and warm weather or cold, Los Altos drivers still need to consider their vehicle's air conditioning. Most Los Altos people don't service their air conditioning until after it fails. At Allied Auto Works, we can advise you on your vehicle manufacturers' preventive maintenance schedules for air conditioning service, just as we do for transmission service, oil changes, and so on.

Maintaining your air conditioning system means always having enough refrigerant to do the job properly. Small leaks in the vehicle's air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can't cool the air as well. We see that a lot at Allied Auto Works in Los Altos.

The refrigerant also contains oil that lubricates air conditioning components and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil means that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and all Los Altos vehicle owners know that air conditioning repairs can be costly. At Allied Auto Works, we recommended that the air conditioner be run regularly, even during winter months, to keep the parts and seals lubricated.

Los Altos drivers need to be aware that there's one more thing that isn't directly related to air conditioning service but does impact the air quality in your vehicle. And that's your cabin air filter. This filter cleans dust, pollen, pollution, and other air impurities from the heater and air conditioner. The cabin air filter needs to be replaced when it's dirty. If you don't, it'll start to smell. Not all vehicles have one, so ask your Allied Auto Works service advisor to check your cabin air filter while they're doing your air conditioning service.

And as we leave Summer and enter into Autumn, I leave you with this,

Autumn leaves don't fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar

Cayenne

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

Duke here and organization is the key to managing a busy life in CA.  I wake up in the morning, go out and do my business, eat, take a nap, go on squirrel patrol, nap again, and then go for my afternoon walk.  Your vehicle also has routines that need to be followed, so today, we will bark about ten services you do not want to overlook.  Let's get barkin'!

Setting up an annual calendar for vehicle care can keep Los Altos residents on top of preventive maintenance. But you can't just write “oil change” every few months on the calendar. Modern vehicles have many systems that are vital to the safe operation of a vehicle, and they all need to be inspected. Los Altos residents can't afford to overlook any of them.

The following is a list of preventive maintenance services that vehicle owners often overlook in the Los Altos area. They are not presented in any particular order.

1. Duke's Power Steering Service. Moisture gradually builds up in your power steering fluid, which can lead to corrosion in your steering system. The fluid also gets dirty, which can gum up your steering system. The fluid needs to be replaced periodically.

2. Duke's Wheel Alignment. Wheels that are out of alignment will cause a vehicle to pull to one side. This is dangerous for Los Altos residents and can lead to accidents. Also, it causes uneven and rapid tire wear, which means tires must be replaced more often.

3. Duke's  Differential Service. They are part of the drive train system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Damage or wear in this system can make a vehicle undriveable.

4. Duke's Cabin Air Filter. Your vehicle may or may not be equipped with a cabin air filter. Its job is to remove dust and pollen from the air that enters the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If this filter clogs, it can stink. So check your owner's manual to determine if your vehicle has a cabin air filter. If so, visit us at Allied Auto Works and get it changed according to the recommended schedule.

5. Duke's Timing Belt Replacement. Most passenger cars and some vans and trucks have timing belts. Los Altos residents can check their owner's manual to determine if their vehicle has one. If so, you can't drive without it. And if it breaks while on the road, you may be looking at thousands of dollars of repairs. So it is essential to inspect it occasionally. If your vehicle has close to 60,000 miles/100,000 kilometers or more on it and you haven't had your timing belt replaced, then you need to find out the recommended replacement interval NOW.

6. Duke's Transmission Service. Transmission fluid gets dirty and has to be replaced. If not, you risk repairs.

7. Duke's Air Conditioning Service. The refrigerant in your air conditioner needs to be replaced periodically. This fluid doesn't just refrigerate air; it provides lubrication to the air conditioning system and conditions seals. Lack of fluid can damage components.

8. Duke's Brake Service. Even if your brakes are quiet and working well, the brake fluid still might need to be changed. Over time, moisture builds up in brake fluid. Water has a different viscosity than brake fluid, so the brakes can't compress properly when there's too much moisture in the fluid — and you shouldn't need to be told how it is to drive with brakes that are compromised. Moisture in your brake fluid can also corrode parts in your brake system, causing it to fail altogether.

9. Duke's Coolant System Service. Antifreeze is another fluid that needs to be changed regularly. If not, it actually becomes corrosive and begins to damage your cooling system. Eventually, it can eat holes in your radiator.

10. Duke's Fuel System Cleaning. Over time, your fuel system gets gummed up, which can interfere with the flow of fuel in several ways.

Of course, your next question should be: How often do I need to get all of this done? Well, the answer varies depending on which service we're talking about, the make and model of your vehicle, the climate where you live in CA, your usual driving conditions and your driving habits.

But don't lose heart. Your owner's manual will give you a recommended service schedule for most of the service items listed. You can get quality auto advice from your friendly and knowledgeable Allied Auto Works service advisors to help you meet the service intervals that suit your vehicle.

I leave you with this quote for the week,

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

Duke

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

Hi Cayenne here and today we will breathe new life into your MAF sensor.  So take a deep breath and let's get barkin' on this subject!

If you’ve noticed your vehicle is hard to start, stalling, or has lost power, the culprit may be a part with an odd name: the MAF sensor.  You may have never even heard of a MAF sensor, but it’s essential that it be working correctly, or you may be experiencing some reasonably significant engine issues.

All vehicles bring in air and direct it through an air filter before it goes into your engine, where it mixes with fuel to provide power to get you going. A tube-like device with a sensor inside it measures how much of that mass of air is passing through. That’s why it’s called a mass air flow sensor, or MAF sensor.  If the MAF sensor isn’t working right, the engine’s computer can’t determine the right amount of fuel to mix with it, and your engine may hesitate or stall.  Sometimes, this will cause your Check Engine Light to come on, and any time it does that, make sure you have your vehicle checked by a professional so you’ll know what’s going on.

When you take your vehicle into your service facility, a technician will thoroughly check the system to see just where the problems are.  If your air filter is dirty, your MAF sensor may get dirty too, which might be causing the problems.  You may find your fuel economy isn’t what it used to be either.

Other things can cause the same symptoms, too, such as a leak in a vacuum hose or a broken electrical connector between the MAF sensor and the engine. 

The technician can use electronic diagnostic equipment to help pinpoint the exact problem or problems, replace worn parts, and test drive your vehicle to make sure it’s working correctly.

It’s also a good idea to change your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can contribute to an MAF sensor failure. One of the big benefits of having your vehicle regularly maintained at one facility is that they know your vehicle. So, they keep track of which of your vehicle’s parts should be periodically replaced before problems develop. 

Keeping clean air heading into your engine can help it work efficiently and with the power it was engineered to deliver. Isn’t that a breath of fresh air?

Breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in, breathe in, breathe in
Got a machinehead, it's better than the rest ~ Bush

Cayenne

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