by Admin | Mar 4, 2020 | Auto Care Blog
When the manufacturer of your vehicle decides to recall your vehicle for a repair they’ll send a letter to the address on your car’s registration. Then you’ll need to get your car repaired. Here is how to do that for free.
Recalls
In order to receive your notice of recall for your car, van or truck, you’ll need to have your correct name and address on your car’s registration. This is an easy to overlook task after you move. But it’s important that you keep that address current for recalls and other notices that the DMV might be sending to you – like automated traffic violations from those pesky cameras.
There is another way to receive notices for recalls. You can register your email address with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You’ll fill out the form which includes the year, make and model of your car. You have the option to add more vehicles and to subscribe to all vehicle notices.
What to Do
When you receive a recall notice for a vehicle you currently own, it’ll give you information on what needs to be repaired and where to get it repaired. The repair is free to the car owner providing you have it repaired at the auto dealership. If you use a private mechanic to do the work then you’ll have to pay for it.
You don’t have to get the repair done, but it’s highly recommended that you do. Recalls are issued when it’s a safety issue. If you don’t fix it then you’ll probably be putting you and your passengers in harm’s way.
Car Maintenance
At A1 Performance Auto Repair we provide recall information for our customers’ convenience. We do not do any recall work for the manufacturers. You’ll get an appointment at the auto dealership for those repairs. We can do your car’s maintenance and other repairs that are not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
by Admin | Feb 26, 2020 | Auto Care Blog
If you were thinking of fudging the details about your solo fender bender on that country road late at night, you’d better think again. Whatever details you report to your insurance company had better match what your car told them first.
The Spy – Your Automobile
Your vehicle is spying on you. Every street you take, every rock you collide with, every bump in the road, it’s all being turned in to your car’s manufacturer constantly. The intention of this reporting isn’t to spy on you or catch you doing something wrong, but it may be used against you for just that reason.
The Event Data Recorder (EDR) is meant to keep an eye on the vehicle’s performance. This provides valuable information on the car’s safety. Instead of having to wait until X number of car owners report a vehicle problem and then having to sort of exactly what it is they are trying to describe, the vehicle sends the data along with everything needed to diagnose the problem. It was the EDR that discovered the Chevrolet Cobalt’s ignition switch was shutting down the car while it was still in use. The manufacturer recalled 2.6 million vehicles to fix it.
Luckily, California has joined several other states in putting legislation in place to protect consumers from unnecessarily spying on the car’s drivers. In California, the car’s owner must give permission to use this data. But a court order can also get that data without the car owner’s or driver’s permission. If it’s used for research, then they can collect that data. They can also use the data without permission for diagnosing and servicing of the vehicle.
What It All Means
What this means to you is you might think twice if you’re considering changing the details on what happened in a car accident. Your insurance company might have access to the data logged at the car’s manufacturer.
by Admin | Feb 13, 2020 | Auto Care Blog, Brake Repair
Brakes wearing out is a quiet, almost unnoticeable process usually. You drive the car every day and push the brake pedal often. Any change that is going on is so small that its unnoticeable. That’s why when the mechanic tells you that your brakes are in bad shape, you wonder how you could not have noticed they were so worn down.
Brake Need Repair
It usually takes a person who has never driven your car before to notice that something is amiss with your brakes. If their car has good brakes, it is very noticeable when they drive with worn brakes that need work. Here are some tips to use in recognizing brake problems in your own car.
Mushy Brakes
When your brake pedal feels mushy or goes almost to the floor when you press it, the brakes are in need of repair immediately. The car isn’t safe to drive probably.
Veering
When you press the brakes, your car should continue in a straight line and not veer off to one side. If it does, it could be a simple fix, but it needs a mechanic to find the cause right away before serious damage is done.
Fluid Leak
Brake fluid is clear or a light golden color. If you see this color on the pavement where you park then you probably have a brake line leak.
Wobbling
If you feel a wobbling sensation in the steering wheel or hear it when you apply the brakes, it is an indicator that the rotor has worn unevenly. You’ll need to have your brake repaired before it quickly shreds your brake pads.
Grinding
Grinding or squealing that sounds like metal on metal is the indicator sound the pads make when they are worn down. But if you just had your brakes done then it’s probably just cheap brake pads making their annoying sounds.
Get Your Brakes Checked
If you’re concerned you might need a set of brakes repaired, call for an appointment at A1 Performance Auto Repair. We’ll be happy to check it out and find the cause of the problem you’re having.
by Admin | Feb 4, 2020 | Auto Care Blog
Of course, the most common problems that can cause you to get into an accident are weather problems and driver error and phone usage, but there are mechanical issues that can cause you to get into an accident, too. Here are the most common mechanical problems that can turn dangerous on the road.
Mechanical Problems That Cause Accidents
Aside from very obvious problems like the car suddenly breaking down and stopping in heavy, fast traffic, there are some minor mechanical problems that can get you into trouble, too.
Worn Out Brakes
A major problem is brake failure. Even with a dual brake system, worn out brakes are still a problem that can cause you to hit someone, something or another vehicle. Have your brakes checked once per year to make sure they are always in great shape.
Faulty Suspension
When your suspension is in disrepair, you’ll be bouncing around so much that you cannot control the car properly. And then you’ll become a hazard on the road. Faulty steering is also a problem that will cause you to lose control of the vehicle. When you notice odd behavior in the steering or suspension, contact A1 Performance Auto Repair soon to have it diagnosed and repaired.
Worn Out Wiper blades
Windshield wiper blades need replacing every year at the least. When they no longer completely clear your windshield, you become an accident waiting to happen.
Faulty Headlights and Taillights
When your lights are blinking on and off, too dim to see or won’t go on at all, you’re not going to see well and others are not going to see you. This is a recipe for disaster. Get your headlights and taillights checked every year.
Bad Tires
Worn out tire tread puts you at high risk for a tire blowout. Make sure you always have enough tread and the wear is even.
A1 Performance Auto Repair
Anytime you have a problem with your vehicle, give us a call for an appointment. We’ll figure out what it the problem is and promptly fix it. Stay safe on the roads.
by Admin | Jan 20, 2020 | Auto Care Blog
If you have nothing better on the schedule today, go ahead and daydream about what you’d do with a brand-spankin’ new Tesla Cybertruck. You can’t buy one just yet, but they’ll let you reserve one for a mere $100. Yay!
Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is projected to be ready for ordering for late 2021 or 2022, depending on the model. That is only for configuring the Cybertruck for your order, it is not taking delivery. And as things always go, that date is likely to move farther away, not sooner. But hey, it is only $100 to put an imaginary one on hold today. Fun. And it is fully refundable.
The Tesla Cybertruck goes 60mph in 6.5 seconds, which is about the speed of a Chevy Silverado. You weren’t looking for a sportscar speed anyway, right? It’s a pickup truck. Sort of.
This is an electric car, so there is a range of how far this vehicle can go on a charge. For this Cybertruck it is 250+ miles on the single motor model. That should be plenty for hauling things around the city. If you plan on going on a tour, you’ll need to make sure there are some Tesla charging options along the way.
There have been many very amazing and mind-bending claims made by Elon Musk and Tesla about how much this little vehicle can tow. That number is 7,500 pounds for the single motor RWD model. That is comparable to the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but about half of what the Silverado 3500 HD can tow, to give you some perspective. However, order the Tri-Motor AWD and now you’re talking 2.5 seconds on the 0-60mph and over 14,000 pounds towing capacity.
But it’s fun to dream the big dream and be on board with the creation of a brand-new vehicle, right? Just a side note: There is a driverless option for only $7,000. Oh, yeah! So, curl up on the couch, shut your eyes and your Cybertruck will be here in only about 2 years.
by Admin | Jan 13, 2020 | Auto Care Blog, Auto Mechanic
The most popular vehicles owned in the Silicon Valley are Honda and Toyota models like the Civic, Camry and Corolla. But there is an unusual choice that is up near the top of the popularity chart and that vehicle is the Ford Pickup. Specifically, it is the Ford F-Series Pickup truck. No matter how popular this Ford choice is, it does have its issues. Here are some of the more common problems this vehicle has.
Typical Ford F-Series Truck Problems
Some people prefer the hauling conveniences afforded by driving a pickup truck. But when you don’t need anything big to haul stuff around the San Francisco bay area, you’ll pass on the popular Dodge Ram and Chevy Colorado options. It is the Ford F-Series that the city folk want.
The Ford Pickup truck is always the most popular smaller truck choice, no matter where you live. It has a reputation for being well-made, comfortable and affordable to buy and drive. But it does have its issues.
MyFord Touch feature working improperly
This problem is so common and so problematic that there is a class action lawsuit over it.
Frozen Door Latch
This door latch has been recalled.
Gearshift Recall
It is impossible to shift when this gearshift problem happens. 15,000 trucks have been recalled because of it.
Limp Mode
A malfunction of the Electronic Throttle Body causes a “limp mode” problem. Even if the problem goes away, it is not recommended to drive the vehicle after even 1 incident. This truck will suddenly lose momentum.
Where to Get Help
If your F-Series Ford truck has any of these issues and is still under warranty or if it’s a recall, then go to the nearest Ford Dealer to have it repaired. If you’re no longer under warranty, or you want to check out the truck before you buy it, we’re able to assess the situation. Just give us a call for an appointment.
