by Admin | Mar 5, 2025 | Chevy, Renault
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 is buy your new car now before the new tariffs happen. But if you think your Ford, GM, Dodge Ram are not going to be affected, think again. They are mostly foreign made, as well.
Even Tesla, a company that is currently bragging about being North American made, is actually only 50% USA made. By saying North American, they are trying to cover the fact that their car parts are being made in Canada. And Canada is subject to tariffs, just like Europe, Mexico and Asia.
If you’ve been putting off replacing brakes, shoring up the suspension, replacing car door locks and even changing out your tires, it is time to do all that work now. Tariffs will drive up the price on just about everything. If it isn’t the actual manufacturing of the product it is it’s parts that are foreign.
Where are Auto Parts Manufactured?
If you live in the USA, you probably think most of them are manufactured in the USA. But that is not correct.
Top Auto Part Manufacturers
- Robert Bosch GmbH – Germany
- Denso Corporation – Japan
- Continental AG – Germany
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG – Denmark
- Hyundai Motor Group – South Korea
- Aisin Corporation – Japan
- Magna International Inc. – Canada
- Valeo – France
- Lear Corporation – U.S.
Chances are excellent any repair on your vehicle is going to pay tariffs, raising the cost dramatically.
Schedule Today
We expect to be extremely busy in the coming months with the rush to get cars maintained and repaired before the costs rise 25-50%. Schedule your appointment today, so we can get you taken care of.
by Admin | Jan 5, 2025 | Chevy
General Motors (GM) has announced another significant safety recall, this time affecting nearly half a million vehicles due to a potentially dangerous transmission defect.
The recall encompasses several popular models from 2020-2022, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon.
This latest safety campaign adds to GM’s complex history of recalls over the past decade.
Past Recalls
In 2014, the automaker faced its most notorious crisis when a faulty ignition switch led to a recall of 2.6 million vehicles and was linked to 124 deaths. That scandal cost GM over $2 billion in penalties and settlements, severely damaging public trust.
The current transmission issue poses significant risks, as the control valve failure could cause rear wheels to suddenly lock up – a frightening scenario that could lead to loss of vehicle control, especially at higher speeds. GM has taken swift action by ordering dealers to halt deliveries of affected vehicles and offering free software updates to address the problem.
For consumers, this recall’s impact extends beyond safety concerns. Owners will need to schedule dealer visits for the software fix, causing inconvenience and potential transportation disruptions. However, GM’s decision to implement a special coverage program for repairing defective transmission control valves demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive customer support.
The automotive industry has seen a surge in recalls related to electronic and software systems in recent years, reflecting vehicles’ increasing technological complexity. This trend highlights the challenges manufacturers face in maintaining reliability while incorporating advanced features.
Proactive Approach Key
For GM, managing this recall effectively is crucial for maintaining customer confidence. The company’s proactive approach – identifying the issue early and providing free repairs – aligns with lessons learned from previous recalls. However, the incident raises questions about quality control processes in modern vehicle production.
Owners of affected vehicles should contact their local GM dealer to schedule the necessary repairs. While waiting, drivers should remain alert for any unusual transmission behavior and exercise additional caution, particularly during higher-speed driving conditions.
by Admin | Aug 5, 2023 | Chevy
Ah, the Corvette! The epitome of American muscle and a symbol of automotive excellence. Some folks say they can’t see the C1 without thinking of Schwarzenegger and Bill Paxton.
But do you think you know everything there is to know about the legendary sports car? Think again!
The Secret Birth
Did you know that the birth of the Corvette was shrouded in secrecy? Back in the 1950s, General Motors was experimenting with a top-secret project codenamed “Project Opel.”
The goal? To create a world-class American sports car that could rival European legends. The result was the stunning Corvette, a true icon in the making.
The Undercover Alias
Even the Corvette had an undercover alias! During its early development stages, the car was known as the “Opel GT” to maintain secrecy.
The covert name gave the Corvette an air of mystery as if it was destined to be something truly extraordinary. And boy, did it live up to the hype!
A Slow Start
Contrary to its reputation as a speed demon, the first Corvette didn’t precisely zoom off the production line. In fact, only 300 units were produced in the inaugural year of 1953.
But patience paid off, and soon the Corvette would become an unstoppable force on the roads, capturing the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Schwarzenegger will agree!
The Hidden Fuel Injection
Prepare to be amazed! While the first Corvette was released with a carbureted engine, a hidden gem lurked beneath the hood.
In 1957, Chevrolet introduced an optional fuel injection system that transformed the Corvette into a high-performance machine. This innovation allowed the Corvette to achieve unprecedented power and acceleration, leaving its competitors in the dust.
The Elvis Connection
Yes, even the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll had a soft spot for the Corvette! In 1956, Elvis Presley treated himself to a brand-new Corvette, a shining symbol of his success.
But here’s the twist: he didn’t just buy one; he bought two identical models, one in pink and one in white. The King knew that when it came to style and performance, nothing beat a Corvette.
by Admin | May 20, 2023 | Chevy
The Chevrolet Express is the favorite of small businesses in the US. But that doesn’t mean it’s problem-free. The compact van needs regular TLC to keep it in tip-top condition.
One common issue with the Chevrolet Express that we’ve seen is braking and ABS issues. So how do you keep your Express on the road for longer?
The ABS Issue
The role of the ABS (anti-lock braking system) is to prevent the locking of the wheels during hard or sudden braking. The vehicle would skid and lose control when the wheels don’t spin.
Because your ABS works so hard, it’s prone to malfunctions. A failed ABS makes the brakes feel spongy, and the ABS warning light often comes on.
Keep in mind that ABS diagnosis and fixes are best left to experts. Our certified mechanics have dealt with numerous ABS systems and will ensure your Express is up and running as soon as possible.
A1 Performance Auto repair uses diagnostic tools to identify the problems’ source. Sometimes, the issue is with the hydraulic system. Or even a faulty sensor. It could also be a serious issue requiring the control module or the ABS pump replacement. Either way, an experienced mechanic will tell.
Braking Issues
A heavy vehicle requires a set of strong and reliable brakes. Your Chevrolet Express, full of supplies, needs to stop safely when you need it to.
When you start experiencing squeaking and grinding brake noises or even a spongy brake pedal, something is off. Your brakes are due for a check at our A1 Performance Auto repair shop.
But what could be eating your Express brakes?
Often, the issue is with worn brake rotors or pads. It’s natural for the braking system components to wear down because of so much friction. Replace periodically.
A safe and reliable Chevrolet Express mainly involves keeping up with the maintenance schedules. Don’t wish that the sudden strange sound that came on would eventually go away. It could exacerbate the problem or make it more difficult or expensive to repair when ignored long enough. Instead, bring the Chevrolet Express to A1 Performance Auto Repair for a check.
by Admin | Jun 5, 2021 | Chevy
More than half of the 2018 Chevy Malibu complaints were associated with the fuel system and engine problems. That is according to NTSA. But these problems are not restricted to the 2018 Malibu. Other years have also been affected.
Symptoms range from reduced speed control to low idling, shaking, stalled engines, and sometimes even fires. Reports indicate that fuel system problems start much earlier, between 5000 and 7000 miles, in Malibu’s life. This is much earlier than the transmission problems.
Fuel System Issues
A bad fuel pump is the worst that can happen to your Malibu. If it happens, this problem restricts the fuel flow to the engine, resulting in a stalled or engine that is not running at all.
In modern vehicles, the fuel pump is inside the fuel tank for effectiveness. But how do you know that you have a fuel system problem on your hands?
Your first order of business should be to check for any trouble codes saved by the engine’s computer. For example, the P0087 trouble code detects a low-pressure fuel system. The same problem can also raise an oxygen sensor trouble code or others. The problem with a bad fuel system diagnosis is that its symptoms are similar to those of others, which complicates matters.
Basically, a bad fuel pump will cause insufficient fuel supply to the engine, which feels as if your Malibu is running out of steam when heading up a hill. It shares this symptom with a faulty catalytic converter. But with a bad catalytic converter, the loss of hill-climbing power is smooth and produces the P0420 or P0430 trouble codes.
Other symptoms of faulty fuel system include a failed engine start or challenges starting the engine. There just isn’t enough pressure needed to atomize the fuel in the combustion chamber.
Are you having trouble with your Chevy Malibu’s fuel system? If it’s still under warranty, you can see your dealer for a free repair. If you are out of warranty, A1 Performance can help. Reach out today!
