Auto Care Blog
Auto Tech Tips
Why a Pre-Purchase Inspection is So Important
When you’re shopping for a used car you need to use care in checking it out thoroughly before making your purchase decision. One of the most valuable investments you can make is a pre-purchase inspection, which can save thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs...
Ford F-150 Engine Power Loss
As master technicians with over 20 years servicing Ford trucks here in Sunnyvale, we've diagnosed countless F-150 engine power loss cases that leave drivers stranded on Highway 101 or struggling up the Santa Cruz Mountains. The sudden loss of power while driving isn't...
The Most Annoying Honda Problem Is the Transmission
Honda cars are one of the most popular cars in Sunnyvale, but they aren’t perfect. This might be something you already discovered. There is one problem, though, that really stands out as a problem for Honda vehicles. I want to address a common problem that many Honda...
Synthetic Oil – What You Need to Know
Every oil change tells a story. Every drain plug removal is a diagnostic opportunity. Natural vs. Synthetic Oil Conventional oil comes straight from crude petroleum. It’s refined but maintains its natural molecular structure. Synthetic oil is engineered from chemical...
Best SUV Tire Choices for Every Budget
After thirty years working under the hood, I've learned that choosing the right tires for your SUV doesn't have to break the bank – but understanding your options makes all the difference. Let me walk you through three solid choices that I regularly recommend to...
How Electric Vehicles Use Regenerative Braking
Electric and hybrid cars can actually recharge their batteries while slowing down, essentially turning every stoplight into a mini charging station! This demo below shows how regenerative braking works. The demo shows the key insight: while traditional cars waste all...
When You Should Do the Auto Repair Yourself
Is repairing your vehicle yourself the best choice? Or should you always take it to the mechanic? Which way is the best for you and your car? Let’s look at some of the benefits of DIY car repair and maintenance. Safety and Liability Would you trust a repair person to...
Dangerous Carbon Monoxide Levels Inside the Car
For years the cause of the buildup of carbon monoxide inside the Ford Explorer was a mystery. At least one police officer passed out from being in his Ford Explorer upfitted police cruiser due to the toxic fumes. And many other cops complained of severe headaches...
The Frightening JL Wrangler Death Wobble
The JL Wrangler has a vibration that violently shakes the driver and passengers is so frightening that those who have experienced it or investigated it have branded it the “JL Wrangler Death Wobble.” To date, there is no specific cure, but here is what we know. The...
Mechanic Warns about a Grand Cherokee Nightmare
In extreme frustration, Brandon (@mopartechbrando on TikTok) took to TikTok to let others know about what should have been a minor repair on the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee but was SO not. Millions of followers watched. Here’s what was going on. How It Began Brandon, an...
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is Delighting Consumers
If you’re thinking of upgrading your vehicle right now to avoid tariffs, you might be making a very smart move. It could save you $10,000s if those huge tariffs are put into effect. When buying a Japanese new vehicle, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is definitely worth taking...
Is the Ford F150 Death Rattle Dangerous?
If you own an F150 pickup truck, you might be experiencing what people are calling the F150 Death Rattle. This is definitely something you should be concerned about. Which F150s Has the Death Rattle? This problem, or series of problems, is typically with the 3.5L...
Hertz Accuses Innocent Customers of Auto Theft for Years
Hundreds of customers were falsely accused of stealing the vehicle they rented by the rental car giant Hertz. Innocent customers were sometimes arrested and imprisoned on these bogus charges. This continued for three years. The Unimaginable – Erroneous Car Theft...
Why the 2024 Kia Forte is the Budget-Friendly Compact Car Worth Considering
Perhaps with a vehicle like the 2024 Kia Forte, who needs horsepower when you’ve got charm per square inch? See what we did there? Priced at just $20,915, the 2024 Kia Forte finds a balance between affordability, fuel efficiency, and essential features. "Small cars:...
Mercedes me Charge Service Has Added 10,000s Charging Stations
Mercedes me Charge Service, which is used by Mercedes BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) owners, is working on an expansion of their charging network. This will eventually expand their network up to 110,000 stations throughout the US and Canada. This major expansion...
Putting Off Oil Changes Can Cause This One Pesky Problem
It’s super easy to keep putting off your oil change until it looks dirty, if not sticky. We’ve all been there, “next week I’ll do it” “It doesn’t really need it until 15,000 miles”, etc. As it turns out, when you do this with a VW vehicle you’re going to have a...
Do Car Repairs now before the Tariffs Happen
The US trade and economy are full of chaos and confusion, but there is one thing we know for sure at A1 Performance Auto Repair. Your vehicle parts are going to take a huge jump in price. Head off Inflation If you love foreign made vehicles, the best thing you can do...
Why Your Tires Aren’t Lasting as Long as Expected
When you buy tires, they have a certain life they should get. They are advertised by how many miles they should last. You figure you’ll possibly go ten years, if you drive only occasionally. But why did your mechanic say it’s time to replace those tires? It seems too...
