by Admin | Sep 20, 2019 | Auto Care Blog
There are laws that auto shops must follow in the state of California. These laws are in effect to protect consumers from fraud and general misunderstandings. If it isn’t in writing, then there’s going to be confusion on both the mechanic’s and the customer’s end. Here is some of what’s covered by these laws.
Car Repair Estimate
The California car repair estimate laws cover a few different points.
Whether or not there is a charge for the estimate is up to the mechanic. They can charge for estimates if they want, but most auto shops offer this for free for their customers. The law requires, however, that the estimate is written down.
This written estimate must include:
- The total estimated price of parts and labor for this repair. And the mechanic is to be held to those exact parts and labor costs, unless you agree in writing in advance.
- You must sign the estimate or work order before the mechanic does the work. Never sign a blank one. Your signature is approving the cost of the repair on that estimate or work order. If you sign a blank work order, then you are responsible for whatever the mechanic charges you.
- Make sure the estimate specifies if it’s for both the diagnostics and the repair, or just one of them.
- If you want the old parts given to you, you must tell the mechanic at the time of the estimate. Have him put it in the estimate.
- It’s up to you to understand what’s in the estimate. You must ask for clarification or you’ll waive your right to those explanations.
- You can give your approval for the repair by phone, email or fax. The mechanic will note it on the work order.
- When it turns out that the repair is going to cost more due to unforeseen issues, the mechanic must contact you for your approval and note that on the work order.
California Bureau of Automotive Repair
There are more finer points on this topic. See the California Bureau of Automotive Repair for all the details on the laws pertaining to car repair estimates.
by Admin | Sep 13, 2019 | Auto Care Blog
If your car turns off while you’re driving, you certainly have a problem going on. It might be an expensive one, and it might not be an expensive one. This is how you can tell.
Car Turns off While Driving
From the obvious to the obscure, here are some things that could cause your car to turn off while you’re driving it.
Out of Gas
Before you quickly disregard this one, if you have an older car then it’s possible the fuel gauge is broken. It can be showing a full tank (or any other level) and actually be completely out of gas. So fill it up and keep an eye on it to see if it’s misrepresenting the amount of fuel in your tank.
Ignition Switch
Sometime the ignition switch will start falling apart inside. If it shorts out then it’ll cause the car to turn off – even when you’re driving. If the ignition switch has been giving your grief lately, suspect that first.
Alternator
A dead alternator doesn’t work and when that happens, the battery will step up to the task of running your vehicle. But that isn’t going to last forever. The battery will run out of charge and die, too. When that happens your car will turn off.
Computer Problems
Just when you thought you were safe from a computer problem by driving around in your car, the computer problem will find you. Cars are run by computers these days and they break, too, just like in your office. When a car computer breaks, all sorts of weird things can happen.
You Might Be Hacked
If your vehicle has the ability to access the internet, then a hacker might have taken control of your car and shut it off as a prank. Most car owners don’t think of this as a possibility, but it is a possibility.
Get Your Car Checked Out
If your car ever turns off while you’re driving it, call A1 Performance Auto Repair for an appointment. We’ll get to the bottom of it and get it fixed.
by Admin | Sep 4, 2019 | Auto Care Blog
There are worse problems than a blown head gasket, but a car head gasket problem is bad news, for sure. If you’d like to try to rule out this costly repair, here are some signs that let you know it’s probably a blown gasket.
White Smoke
White smoke coming from the tailpipe usually means one thing: the car head gasket is having issues.
Water Coming Out of Tailpipe
While it’s a sign of a head gasket problem, it is also a sign of some other things that are not problems. It could be condensation in the exhaust on a cold day or just the catalytic converter doing its job. The water alone is not a sure sign of a problem.
Overheating
Engine overheating is always a problem, it may or may not be a costly one. If your coolant is full and the car’s overheating, you need to figure out the cause before driving it again. It’s a sign the head gasket needs replacing.
White Stuff in Oil
Finding what looks like milk in your engine oil is a real bad sign. Your coolant has mixed with your oil. You certainly have some type of engine problem.
Bubbling Radiator
If your radiator is bubbling as soon as you turn on the car then the head gasket is blown. If it is just a little bit of bubbling, then you can try an additive to seal up the head gasket. But it’s always best to have the mechanic at A1 Performance Auto Repair properly replace the head gasket. Sometimes additives can do more harm than good.
Head Gasket Repairs
If you’re concerned about how your car is running and suspect the car head gasket, then give us a call for an appointment. We can let you know right away if that’s the cause. It is always best to catch this type of problem right away, before it causes more damage.
by Admin | Aug 26, 2019 | Auto Care Blog, Brake Repair
If you’re having a high pitch squeal when you drive, should you stop driving and start freaking out? Naw. It is a warning sound that you should pay attention to, but it doesn’t mean your car is going to blow up or that aliens are about to land. Although, it does sort of sound like that last one. Here is what you need to know.
The High-Pitched Squeal
If the high-pitched squeal happens while you’re driving and goes away when you push on the brake pedal to slow down or stop the car, then it’s just a warning indicator that’s built into some brake pads. So, not to worry, it’s ok. But it is telling you that something is amiss. Your brake pads have worn down to the point where if you don’t replace them then it’s about to get expensive. So get that appointment on the calendar to have the mechanic at A1 Performance Auto Repair replace your brake pads.
But what if you just replaced the brakes?! If you hear the squeal when you’re braking instead of when you’re driving around, and you just had a brake job, it’s likely the brake pads. Some budget-priced brake pads are noisy when you brake. The only thing you can do is to have them replace the pads with ones that are quiet.
Another thing with just having a brake job is that the mechanic might not have lubricated all the spots that needed it. Or the pads and shoes are slightly out of adjustment. That doesn’t do any harm to the vehicle, but it will make an annoying noise. The best thing to do is to return to your mechanic to have them make adjustments and lubrication to stop the noise.
A1 Performance Auto Repair
When you want to avoid high-pitched squeals, have the mechanic at A1 Performance Auto Repair fix your brakes. We hope to see you soon.
by Admin | Aug 20, 2019 | Auto Care Blog
Here are some of the most common reasons you’ll suddenly start getting poor gas mileage. The odds are the cause is one of these, but if you rule these out you’ll need to get some help diagnosing the problem. Hopefully, it is one of these easy things to fix and you’ll be getting that great gas mileage again.
Causes of Poor Gas Mileage
There are a whole bunch of problems that can cause your great gas mileage to drop. Here is where to start in diagnosing the problem and getting it fixed.
Missing Gas Cap
You’d think it wouldn’t matter if your gas cap was on or not, but it does. It can have a dramatic effect on mileage. So, be sure it is on and screwed down tight.
Incorrect Tire Pressure
Make sure your tire pressure is correct. It should be listed in the doorjamb of your car. But you can look it up on the tire manufacturer’s website if you think the information is incorrect in the door.
Low Oil Level
Check your oil and make sure the level is where it should be. If it’s low then you might have a leak. Have that checked out right away.
Dirty Oxygen Sensor
Have this checked at your next oil change or sooner
Fuel Pump Issues
You probably already thought of this one but check it. If it looks to be leaking or smells of gas, have it checked out right away. You don’t need a fire under the hood.
Your Nephew
Your sister’s kid has been racing the car. Seriously, is someone else with poor driving habits driving your car lately? Jackrabbit starts and speeding uses a lot of gas. If it’s you, still blame the nephew.
Get it Checked Out
If you’ve checked all the easy stuff you can control and you still haven’t located the cause of your poor gas mileage, then make an appointment with A1 Performance Auto Repair. We’ll find the problem and get it fixed.
by Admin | Aug 4, 2019 | Auto Care Blog
The oldies are the best cars ever. They were stylish, expertly crafted out of real wood and steel and drove like a boat floating on water. At A1 Performance Auto Repair, we love the classics, too, and love to work on them. So, “Where can I buy classic cars?” you ask? There is a place close-by in San Jose.
Where Can I Buy Classic Cars?
It is easy to think only SoCal has options for a good place to buy classic cars, but here in the Silicon Valley there’s a place. So, don’t worry, you won’t have to become Jay Leno’s best buddy in order to snag a great classic car.
American Motors Custom & Classics specializes in selling restored classic cars. They’ve got your muscle cars, your Studebakers and Edsels. They are fully restored and some you can even customize.
This company sells cars and trucks worldwide. So, if you’re looking to sell the classic you already own, they’d likely be a good choice to help you sell it.
It’s always best to purchase from an expert. You might think you’ve scored big on an old car that a private seller has, only to find out it has parts from unrelated vehicles from different time periods and fake parts. It is very easy to trick a person who doesn’t look at these cars all day, every day. If you like the car, there is nothing wrong with buying a car that was inspired by one of the great models. But you sure don’t want to pay the price of an collector’s car, if it isn’t an original.
A1 Performance Auto Repair
From time to time we might know of a classic car for sale, as many of our customers drive restored cars. When you come in for maintenance or repair, ask us if we know of anyone who is selling. We’re happy to help you find where you can buy classic cars, when we know of someone who is selling.
