by Admin | Mar 20, 2023 | Auto Care Blog
Your beloved sedan or truck needs some tender love and care so that it treats you well on the road and in your pocket.
But no matter how well you follow the maintenance schedules and care tips, your car will eventually need new parts. So, do you go for the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts or aftermarket parts?
Both types of spare parts will get the job done, but there are key benefits to choosing original parts.
Why You Should Choose Original Parts for Your Vehicle
- Perfect fit: OEM parts are from the same manufacturer that made your car, which means they’re the perfect fit. These parts are like the perfect shoe that fits, so the likelihood of problems down the road is slim.
- Made from high-quality materials: OEM parts are built to serve you longer, and that means the replacements are few and far between. The original parts may have a higher price tag, but they recoup the investment in the long run.
- Backed by a warranty: the manufacturer will always back the OEM parts with a warranty. This shows confidence in the quality of their products. On the other hand, most aftermarket parts may not have a warranty, so you’re on your own should something unexpected happen.
- Resale value: car buyers prefer a used car maintained with OEM parts because it’s the clearest indication of longevity.
Undoubtedly, aftermarket parts will save a few bucks and may be a good choice in the long term. However, OEM parts last longer, work well, and save you from headaches. Original parts keep the vehicle running for longer and maintain its value. You get what you pay for.
At A1 Performance Auto Repair, we use original parts when fixing your vehicle. This is because our focus is quality services to keep your car on the road for longer and be productive. Contact us today in case you’re having issues with your vehicle.
by Admin | Feb 5, 2023 | Auto Care Blog, Ford
We can say that the American market keeps fresh and bubbly inside the transit cargo vans. You see, transit vans have been the proverbial mules that haul all the stuff of enterprises from one store to the other or from the store to the client’s premises – you get the idea.
The Ford Transit Cargo Van has been a go-to for contractors, delivery drivers, and anyone who has needed a versatile and reliable ride for years. But why is it the trusty Ford Transit Cargo Van?
Versatility
The Ford Transit Cargo Van ticks the boxes to handle any situation you throw at it.
The van comes in three different body lengths, two wheelbases, and three roof heights to pick the perfect configuration for your needs. This comes in handy whether you’re hauling a ton of stuff or need a compact ride for tight city streets.
Comfort
Don’t let the fact that it’s a workhorse fool you – the Transit Cargo Van is quite comfortable to drive. Its suspension and weight distribution provide a smooth ride, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The cabin is spacious, so you can stretch out and work comfortably for as long as needed.
Fuel Efficiency
Someone said you could not use the term fuel efficiency and a workhorse in the same sentence when describing a transit van. But they probably never met the Ford Transit cargo van.
Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? The Transit Cargo Van offers a range of engines, including a fuel-efficient diesel option. You can therefore choose the one that best meets your needs and budget. And no matter your engine, you’ll still get excellent fuel economy and save money at the pump.
Load Capacity
What is a transit van with an insufficient load capacity? Something else, but not a transit van. That’s for sure!
The Ford Transit Cargo Van is like a pack mule – it can haul a ton of stuff! With a payload of up to 4,650 pounds, the van is perfect for contractors, delivery drivers, or anyone who needs to transport a lot of heavy items. So go ahead and load it up – the Transit can handle it!
Technology
Gone are the days of groping with a map and a calculator to figure out your route. The Transit Cargo Van comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can easily navigate, make calls, and listen to music. And with available features like a rearview camera, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system, you’ll have all the help you need to stay safe on the road.
Safety
Safety is no joke, and the Transit Cargo Van takes it seriously. It has a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and has various safety features like airbags, stability control, and traction control.
Still need convincing why Transit Cargo is so popular in the US? No? Thought so!
by Admin | Jan 5, 2023 | Auto Care Blog, Toyota
An evaporation system controls the engine’s temperature by taking excess heat from the engine and transferring it to the air outside your car. This process allows your vehicle to run more efficiently, which helps save you money on fuel costs.
Rav4 may be more affected by this evaporation system issue than any other brand.
Where Does the Evaporator Issue Come from?
There are several issues with the evaporator system in the Rav4, and the most common is a leak in the evaporator core. When this happens, you will hear a hissing sound when you turn off your car and open the door. This is because air pressure gets lost when you open the door, and air flows out of the cabin through the hole where the evaporator core is leaking.
The other issue that can happen is if there is a problem with your blower motor. In this case, you might see smoke from your vents or smell something burning inside your car. This is because your heater core has failed and started to overheat. The lack of circulation causes it to melt away from under your dashboard.
It can also be a clogged evaporator core. The evaporator core is the part of your air conditioner that cools the air from your vents. When it gets clogged, it stops cooling properly. You’ll know this is happening if your car feels warm even though your heater and defroster are turned on.
Also, when the expansion valve leaks or is stuck open, it causes an overfill of refrigerant in the system. This causes an increase in pressure and makes it harder for your compressor to work properly. The result? Poor performance from both the AC and heating systems!
It could also be a leak somewhere (usually at a fitting). The refrigerant leaks out, reducing pressure in the system and causing poor performance from both systems mentioned above and decreasing fuel economy.
If either of these things happens to you, we recommend taking it to a repair shop so they can diagnose exactly what’s wrong with it and replace any parts that need replacing at an affordable price. A1 Performance Auto Repair will diagnose any issues with your Rav4 in Sunnyvale, California, and fix it.
by Admin | Sep 5, 2022 | Auto Care Blog
Certainly, owning a car is a great experience but is never a bed of roses. It takes hard work to keep the vehicle on the road. Usually, you have to give the automobile some tender loving care, and it’ll reciprocate with reliability, convenience and enjoyable riding.
For example, don’t accelerate during start-up. To keep the engine in better shape, be gentle with the accelerator and often shift to neutral at a red light.
Treating your car better and acknowledging its limits will ensure the repair periods are few and far between.
Wash and Wax the Car
How the exterior looks is often a reflection of our personality, so you should keep it clean, shiny and free from rust.
Spilt beverages can be corrosive, and the dust particles can scratch the exterior or the interior. Vacuum the interior and use a soft, damp cloth on the dashboard and the plastic parts.
Waxing regularly protects the paint, creates a protective barrier against bird droppings, and slows oxidation. As much as possible, park in the shade as this avoids the UV rays that crack your paint job.
Regularly Change Oil and Filter
Changing the oil frequently flushes abrasive particles and dirt that can increase the engine’s wear. Don’t skip the oil filters as well, as they accumulate dirt and particles that blend with the new oil (you want to avoid this).
Regularly Check on the Battery
Some manufacturers claim the battery is maintenance-free, but you’ll still need to check on it regularly to prolong its life.
Keep the terminals clean with a damp rug and some detergent, and check for any signs of damage. Does the battery have any bulges and cracks? If it does, then it is due for replacement.
Maintain the Right Tire Pressure
Regularly checking the tire pressure and keeping it at the proper levels according to the manual recommendations is vital. Keep an eye out for uneven tire wear because it indicates wrong wheel alignment, even worn-out shock absorbers, tire damage, bent wheel or bad brakes.
Clean the Engine Annually
A clean engine is happy, so it runs smoother and cooler. You can quickly identify any leaks on the engine when it’s clean and have it fixed. While you can choose to clean your engine, letting a professional do it is preferable to prevent damage to the sensitive parts.
Change the spark plugs after the recommended mileage to ensure better engine performance and fuel mileage.
A professional vehicle repair and maintenance service on speed dial is vital to keep the vehicle functioning at its best. A1 Performance Auto Repair is the experts you need to handle your vehicle the way it deserves and keep it on the road for longer. Contact us today!
by Admin | Jul 5, 2022 | Auto Care Blog
A puddle beneath the car can be disturbing for new vehicle owners, but it’s not something to worry about in most cases. The culprit may be condensation from the exhaust or the air conditioning system.
Is the puddle around the rear of the engine compartment? If that’s the case, it’s likely from the AC condensation, an everyday occurrence and nothing to lose sleep over.
Alternatively, the water may be from exhaust condensation when the puddle is around the exhaust area. Don’t worry about it if it’s in small amounts.
When to Worry about Leaking Water from the Vehicle
Large clouds of white water from the exhaust may suggest the coolant has leaked into the combustion chambers and is burning together with the air-fuel mixture. This indicates a blown head gasket – something much serious and requiring a professional to fix.
If you suspect a coolant link before you set off for a trip across the state, check with your garage service first. But if the coolant levels are good, and it’s just some water under the rear of the engine compartment, it’s probably AC condensation and nothing to postpone your trip over.
Another possible cause of a leak is a cracked windshield wiper fluid reservoir. If water leaks into your windshield wiper fluid and freezes, the reservoir will crack and leak fluid. Often, the color of the leaking fluid is light green or light blue and likely settles around your front tires.
How Can You Be Sure It’s Water Leaking?
The leaking can be difficult to identify against a concrete background. So what do you do?
Place a piece of white paper under the leak and get a better picture. Does the fluid have any color? If not, then it’s just water. Probably AC condensation.
If your leak has some strange color, you have a leaking coolant on your hands. Your next step is to check how much coolant you have. Low coolant levels are a recipe for damage that costs you an arm and a leg – you don’t want it to come to this.
Get to a service center such as A1 Performance Auto Repair immediately to avoid further damage when you notice the fluid levels are low.
by Admin | Jun 20, 2022 | Auto Care Blog, Auto Mechanic, Uncategorized
Early discovery of transmission issues can save you big bucks in repair bills. Transmission failure is not hard to detect when you’re keen enough. Don’t wish the problem away when you notice something is amiss because it will not.
Visit your garage service when you notice any of the following symptoms.
Leaking Fluid
A pool of reddish fluid under your car is the most straightforward indicator of identifying a transmission problem. Let your mechanic know when the trouble starts, and they’ll check the transmission fluid level.
Burning Smell
A burning smell is a powerful indicator of something wrong with the transmission. The transmission may be overheating, or the transmission fluid may be burnt and old.
Dragging Clutch
A failure to disengage the clutch disc when you press the clutch pedal causes a clash of the gears. The leading cause of a dragging clutch is clutch misplacement and mechanical failure.
Difficulty in Switching Gears
When changing gears becomes a daily struggle, your transmission system is in the process of giving in. Sometimes, it could be you’re using the incorrect type of transmission fluid, or the transmission fluid is leaking somewhere.
Slipping Gears
A slipping transmission is dangerous and a telltale sign that the system is broken. A delay in acceleration and general harsh response when shifting gears and revving indicate slipping gears.
Sometimes, the gear change will be unresponsive when moving from park to drive.
Noises when You’re in Neutral
Weird noises when the vehicle is in neutral are not a good sign. At the minimum, it can mean the transmission fluid is overdue for a change, or the system needs a check by a professional.
Other strange noises such as humming, clunking and whining when driving are not good signs. Let a professional have their hands on it immediately.
A1 Performance Auto Repair can check your transmission and repair it if needed. We can also inspect for other problems and ensure your car is whole again for daily use.
