Maintenance Archives - Page 4 of 10

2020 X Monitors and Drive Cycles

Recent repairs to your vehicle’s “Check Engine Light” have included a reset of the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. This process has also reset the OBD readiness monitoring system. The readiness monitors now need to re-test the computer system before verifying that all systems are functioning as designed and working properly.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Drive the car normally. All OBD systems self-test the computer while you’re driving and you will never know it. Depending on the manufacturer of the vehicle, there are 5 to 10 readiness monitors that need to be tested.

To allow your vehicle’s readiness monitors to perform their tests and reset the OBD system to a “ready” state, and to determine that all systems are working properly, your vehicle will have to be driven through a drive cycle.

(Who knew my car had to pass a test to work properly?)

Your vehicle’s specific drive cycle can depend on the vehicle make and model. A normal drive cycle is 5 miles of city, stop and go driving, and 5 miles of steady 60 MPH of freeway driving in the same key cycle.

Keep in mind that repairing a check engine light for one system or code may unlock another hidden pending code of another system while the drive cycle tests are being performed.

So, if the Check Engine Light illuminates on the dash again, don’t be alarmed. It means the system failed the test. This may happen because when the original check engine light was on, all OBD monitoring stops. Just stop in and we will re-check the system.

NOTE: A flashing check engine light should be corrected immediately.

Thank you for your trust in us and please ask if you are not clear on the computer readiness monitoring system. We will be glad to help you.

Unnecessary Service

I hear the phrase “unnecessary service” and wonder what that means. We visit the doctor for physicals, we visit the dentist for cleanings, we have our home air-conditioning unit cleaned and checked, a yearly eye exam and of course, the car needs a checkup too.

All of these professionals recommend some kind of service or checks to keep everything working properly. Most shops recommend services on cars that come in to their bays using the guidelines set out by the manufacturers or from the shops’ experience of early component failures. Sometimes there are a few recommendations and sometimes there are many service recommendations.

What Do We Suggest?

We recommend service to keep your car safe and reliable, just like the dentist tells you about issues developing with your teeth and gums. We know no one likes to spend hard-earned dollars on maintenance services, especially when after these services are performed, the car seems to run as usual with no noticeable differences.

I have found there are basically two types of philosophy on maintenance. The people who believe in maintaining and those who believe it’s better to wait until it breaks, then fix it. There are at least 30,000 parts on the average new car and over 5,000 of them are moveable parts. All moving parts require a clean source of lubricating oils, coolant, or greases along with filters set in place to catch harmful materials. In addition, we have electronic parts that can be affected by poor maintenance habits. The simplest of new cars have more computing power than the Apollo Moon Lander. In fact, you could get to the moon with just 1/10^th of the computing power found in the modern car! Today’s electronics are so sophisticated that cars may run well even when there are serious failures in progress. The systems have enough authority to mask developing problems. By the time you have a detectable malfunction, one that you can feel or sense, you may have damaged expensive parts. The only outward indication the driver may get is a warning light on the dash.

Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help, or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

Why My Vehicle Needs an Inspection

There are a lot of questions about inspecting a car when it comes into a shop for service.

In years past vehicle manufacturers suggested you change your oil every 3,000 miles. That meant you visited a service facility 3-4 times a year; that was 3-4 times a year that your technician had the opportunity to look over your car and catch potential failures in your vehicle’s tires, wipers, brakes, fluids, leaks or any other concerns.

Today, the vehicle manufacturers are now extending oil and servicing to 7, 10, and even 15 thousand miles. This also extends the time your technician gets a look under the hood of your vehicle. This gives your technician less times per year to inspect and identify issues with your vehicle.

Consider air transportation; a jetliner goes through a safety inspection before each flight. In fact, all public transportation including planes, trains, and city busses all go through a certification and regular inspection process to find, identify, and fix potential problems before they happen.

Benefits of an Inspection

Our personal vehicles, on the other hand, usually see their technician for oil changes and maybe get a check over every few years. Just as regular oil changes keep your car healthy, having a professional inspection done on a regular basis will save you time, money and avoid the headaches of major mechanical repairs.

A basic inspection can be simple, fast, and efficient. It will allow the technician to fill your tires, top off your fluids and give you peace of mind when you are on the road.

Talk to your service professional about a scheduled inspection program to supplement your vehicle’s service plan.

Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 or contact us online with any questions and we will be glad to help!

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

How Do I Love Thee (O, Thou Automobile)?

Treating your car right can feel a little mysterious and requires resources and energy. Some say it’s a little like love. You may not want to write a sonnet to your vehicle, but you should “count the ways” your vehicle makes your life better.

For example, it takes you where you need to go without saying it has better things to do. It never tells you that instead of taking you out to dinner, it’s going to a party with some Mustang you don’t even know! Also, think of how super-lost you feel when it breaks down. Even the simplest chores like driving the kids to school or grocery shopping seem nearly impossible.

Now consider the pain you feel for a big repair bill because you neglected your car by not getting it properly serviced. Pretty awful, uh?

We want you to keep up on vehicle maintenance so that you’re paying for service rather than the much higher cost of repair. We also want you to get safely from point A to point B. You don’t want to break down on the side of the road and helplessly watch a tow truck carry your car away. Especially when it could have been prevented.

So, if you’ve been putting off getting your vehicle serviced, now is the time to show it some love!

We Listen Because We Care!

Love is all about good communication, right? Do you ever wish your car could just tell you when something is wrong?

The thing is, your car does speak to you. Unfortunately, you don’t notice until it’s “suddenly” acting, smelling, sounding, or dripping differently than usual. But how closely were you really listening?

We get calls all the time saying that a car is making a ka-thump or pinging noise, or that it is knocking, sputtering, whining or screeching. Regular vehicle checkups allow us to hear your vehicle tell us what’s wrong and to make adjustments before these symptoms get louder.

As car care professionals, we keep your vehicle healthy by listening closely and addressing issues before more expensive “complaining” has a chance to start!

Running on Empty

Here’s an easy way you can make sure your relationship with your car stays strong. When your low fuel warning light blinks on, fuel up! This indicator is telling you that your car is taking fuel from the “bottom of the barrel,” which is full of debris and allows sediment to clog the fuel filter, fuel injectors, and the pump pickup. We recommend keeping your tank above 1/4 tank for this reason.

Sure, it can feel a little dangerous and reckless to drive on fumes. When it comes to your vehicle, though, wiser is better. Your car will love it and love you for the attention, not to mention how much your wallet will appreciate it!

The dedicated pros at Certified Automotive Specialists promise to inspect your car every visit so you have the information you need to make informed decisions about maintenance and repair. We continuously train to keep up with today’s complex, high-tech vehicles and we are passionate about making your car safe and dependable. Call us at 626-541-2149 or make an appointment today!

How to Have a Lean and Mean Driving Machine

Cars are built better than ever these days and are engineered to give us miles of service. That’s why keeping them well-maintained is critical! To stay on top of this, you need a trusted partner on your side to look out for you and your car. Here are some of the essential areas that we check during regular maintenance to keep your car running right:

Oil

It’s your vehicle’s lifeblood. Dirty oil makes it harder for your engine to turn over and causes premature engine wear. We’ll set you up on scheduled oil changes, ensuring that your car is ready to roll down the road when you are for years to come.

Belts and Hoses

These are made of very durable material with relatively long lives but they do deteriorate over time. They need to be regularly inspected and replaced as needed so they don’t give out when it’s inconvenient or unsafe. We do everything we can to make sure you’re never stuck on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck.

Leaks

Other than condensation from your air conditioner, your car should never leak. Your car uses 11 different types of fluid, such as antifreeze, engine oil, power steering fluid, air conditioner refrigerant, shock absorber fluid, battery electrolyte, windshield washer solvent, rear axle or CV boot lubricant, fuel and others. Are you seeing liquid under your car? You need to bring it in right away.

Tires

Since Henry Ford’s Model A, tires are the only thing between us and the road, so it’s essential to keep them as healthy as possible. A simple, inexpensive preventative maintenance measure is to keep your tires properly inflated and rotate them regularly. You can prolong their lifespan and improve fuel economy, a win-win!

Coolant

If neglected for too long, old unchanged coolant can corrode, leaving sediment throughout your cooling system and causing clogs. This can result in hot spots that damage your engine.

Battery

The battery cables must be securely attached and free of corrosion to get power to the starter and accessories so that the alternator receives a charge. When you come in for regular maintenance, we’ll check it out and make sure you’re getting all you can out of your battery.

Flushing

Think of it this way, when it comes to fluids, our cars’ needs are similar to the human body. We need to keep our systems flushed with water to keep our bodies running well. Your vehicle needs fluids to remain healthy. Over time, these fluids get contaminated and cause corrosion. Flushing these out and refilling them with clean, fresh fluid keeps your car safe and running smoothly. It rids the system of harmful toxins and lubricates at the same time. We’ll make sure the fluids in your vehicle keep your car running right for years to come!

When you need reliable, affordable maintenance to keep your car a lean, mean driving machine, come to the experts who’ve been the industry leaders in Glendora for decades. Go with the pros at Certified Automotive Specialists! Call 626-541-2149 or, better yet, make an appointment today!

You Love Your Car, Let’s Keep It Around

You love your car even though the new car smell has long since vanished.

You baby it. You pamper it. You keep it clean inside and out. Maybe you’ve even named it.

Because you have a strong bond with this vehicle, you want it to live a good, long life. Some folks keep their cars and trucks rolling down the road for well over 200,000 miles. How can you be one of them?

The best way is to give your car the tender loving care it deserves.

A little TLC

First off, we suggest following the carmaker’s maintenance schedule. You can find it in your car’s owner’s manual. It spells out when to take care of every service for the life of your vehicle. This includes routine oil and filter changes, tire rotations, timing belt replacements, and other services.

If you haven’t kept up with maintenance so far, don’t give up! Bring your car in so we can get you caught up. Then you can start fresh and get back on schedule, extending the life of Yogi, Goldie, Arya, or Vlad.

Also, don’t skimp by using cheap parts or fluids. No-name belts, hoses, transmission fluids, and the like may be cheaper today. But, they will cost you in the long run. This includes fuel. If your vehicle requires high-octane gasoline, regular or mid-grade fuel might cause damage. We never cut corners with cut-rate products—we don’t want you to, either.

Finally, it may sound like it’s too easy to be true, but keep your car clean. Washing and waxing do more than make your car look great. It preserves the paint and prevents rust. Grit and dirt that acts like sandpaper on carpets and upholstery. You can make these surfaces last longer by regularly vacuuming. Remember, a clean car is a happy car!

We’ll Breath More Life into Your Vehicle

We want to keep Rhonda (the Honda) on the road and make sure you feel great about having a car that is safe and reliable. We can keep you on schedule with maintenance and inspections so we can stop small issues from becoming big problems. Because we only use high-quality parts and fluids you never have to worry if Rollie (the Corolla) is getting the best treatment possible. You’ll get treated right, too, with responsive customer service and great pricing.

Breathe more life into Casper, Frank, Ladybug, or Cheeto. Make an appointment online or call 253-854-6762 now!

When Good Thermostats Go Bad: Understanding the Heart of Your Car’s Cooling System

Today’s vehicles are marvels of modern engineering, packed with high-tech components that make driving safer and more efficient. But some of the most critical parts are surprisingly low-tech, like your car’s thermostat. It might shock you to learn that this essential piece of equipment operates using something as simple as wax.

How Does a Thermostat Work? The Power of Wax in Action

Your car’s thermostat is a crucial player in the engine’s cooling system. Positioned between the engine and the radiator, the thermostat’s job is to regulate the flow of coolant, ensuring the engine warms up properly without overheating. When you start your car, the thermostat blocks coolant from flowing to the radiator, allowing the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature—usually around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it hits that sweet spot, the thermostat opens up, allowing coolant to flow freely and maintain a balanced temperature.

Here’s the fascinating part: It’s all done with wax!

Yes, you read that right. The thermostat relies on the expansion of wax to function. Inside the thermostat, there’s a small cylinder filled with wax. As the engine heats up, the wax begins to melt at around 180 degrees Fahrenheit (though this temperature can vary slightly depending on the design). As the wax melts, it expands and pushes a rod connected to the valve, opening it and allowing coolant to circulate through the engine.

This simple yet effective mechanism is remarkably reliable. But, like all things mechanical, thermostats can go bad. And when they do, they can cause some serious headaches.

When Thermostats Fail: The Consequences of a Bad Thermostat

Given their reliability, thermostats are often overlooked—until they fail. And when they do, your vehicle’s engine is at risk of overheating. Here are some common reasons why a thermostat might go bad:

Prior overheating damage: If your engine has overheated in the past, it could have damaged the thermostat, causing it to malfunction.
Corrosion: Over time, the thermostat can corrode, especially if the coolant hasn’t been changed regularly.
Wear and tear: Like any component, thermostats can simply wear out with age.

When a thermostat fails, it often gets stuck in one position—either open or closed—and both scenarios can lead to trouble.

Burning the Thermostat at Both Ends: What Happens When It Sticks Open or Closed

If your thermostat fails in the closed position, the coolant won’t flow to the radiator, causing the engine to overheat quickly. This can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. You might notice the temperature gauge rising rapidly, and if you continue driving, you could end up with a blown head gasket or worse.

On the flip side, if the thermostat gets stuck in the open position, coolant flows continuously through the engine. While this might sound harmless, it actually prevents the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature. As a result, you could experience:

Lower than normal temperature readings: Your temperature gauge may show that the engine isn’t warming up properly.
Inefficient heating: The cabin heater might not get as warm as it used to, leaving you chilly on cold days.
Poor drivability: In cooler weather, your car might struggle to perform, especially during the first few minutes of driving.
Reduced fuel efficiency: An engine that doesn’t reach its optimal temperature can burn more fuel, leading to a decrease of 2 to 3 miles per gallon.
Increased emissions: Your car could emit more pollutants, contributing to environmental harm.

In short, a stuck thermostat—whether open or closed—can cause a cascade of problems that affect your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Upon Closer Inspection: Why Regular Maintenance Matters

At our shop, we take your vehicle’s health seriously. Part of our job is to catch issues like a failing thermostat before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. During routine inspections, we check components like the thermostat to ensure everything is in good working order.

We understand that some customers are wary of what they perceive as “upselling” during inspections, sometimes referred to as a “laundry list” of recommended repairs. However, it’s important to remember that reputable shops prioritize your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Businesses that push unnecessary services don’t stay in business long. Trustworthy shops, especially those with a long history—like ours, which has been serving customers since 1978—are focused on keeping you informed and safe on the road.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Experts for Your Vehicle’s Health

Your car’s thermostat might be a small part, but it plays a big role in keeping your engine running smoothly. When it goes bad, the consequences can range from annoying to catastrophic. That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of regular maintenance and trust professionals to handle repairs.

At Certified Automotive Specialists, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring your vehicle is in the best possible condition. Whether it’s spotting a failing thermostat or addressing other maintenance needs, you can count on us to prioritize your safety and satisfaction. We’ll help you navigate necessary repairs, work with your budget, and make sure your car is ready to hit the road with confidence.

When it comes to your vehicle, don’t take chances with quick fixes or neglecting maintenance. Keep it in top shape by trusting experts who care as much about your car as you do.

The Forgotten Fluid

Did you know that 60% of your body is made of water? That two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water? Though it’s more solid than liquid, your automobile’s fluid is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It is critical to the long life and good performance of your car or truck.

Most drivers know about checking their engine oil and coolant levels. They realize these need regular service. Fewer drivers take the time to check and keep up with the maintenance of their transmission and drive train fluids.

But even fewer people check or service their brake fluid. Not until there is a problem. Brake fluid is the most forgotten fluid in your vehicle. Here are some reasons to have it checked out before there is an issue:

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means it actively attracts moisture from the air, especially in humid climates. In time, more moist fluid pools in low spots of your brake system instead of staying dispersed, causing corrosion.
Small particles contaminate your fluid, reducing braking performance. When it comes to braking, every inch of stopping distance is critical!
Your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control components produce heat that breaks down your fluid. Aside from lengthening braking distances, this can harm your ABS system.

We Only Use The Best

We always use the type of fluid that the vehicle manufacturer recommends for your car. We have the equipment to test your brake fluid to accurately determine the moisture content and recommend when your brake hydraulic system needs to be cleaned, exchanged and new fluid installed. We are proud to provide you with the information you need to make informed choices about your vehicle. Your peace of mind depends upon our education. Our mission is to provide safe and reliable transportation by inspecting your vehicle and reducing the risk of break down repairs. This saves you time and money down the road!

Just like it’s a fact that your body is mostly water, your brake fluid gets tired and worn out. It periodically needs a break if you want to brake! Bring your car in and we can let you know how your brake fluid, and the rest of your car, is doing!