Gene’s Car Tips – Page 35 – certifiedauto.com

Automotive Detective Work In Glendora

There’s a reason we use the word “diagnose” when we talk about fixing cars in Glendora. Figuring out what’s wrong with your sedan has a lot of similarities to figuring out what’s wrong with someone who is ill. Vehicles are a mass of complex systems that can produce a variety of symptoms when something goes wrong. As with human diagnoses, a specific symptom may be indicative of a number of problems, and figuring out the specific cause takes training and experience.

Sometimes the diagnosis of your sedan’s trouble comes down to a matter of trial-and-error. This can be frustrating for Glendora car owners because time and money are on the line. You may feel you should only be paying for repair work. Of course, you only want to pay for the right repair – and a proper diagnosis is part of getting it right. Like at the Glendora doctor’s office — some of what you pay for is the doctor’s time and effort to figure out what’s wrong with you, not for the actual cure.

The good news is that Glendora motorists can do a lot to help out their reliable Certified Auto Specialists service professional in figuring out what’s wrong with their sedan. Again, the medical office is a good analogy. The more information you can give your doctor about where it hurts, when it hurts and how it hurts, the more quickly he will be able to help you. In the same way, the more you can tell your Glendora service technician about when the problem occurs, what is sounds like, how often it occurs, where it occurs, etc., the more efficiently he will be able to get you back on the road.

Good auto advice: learn how to talk to your Glendora service professional.

If fluid is leaking from your sedan, you should note the color of the fluid, where under the car the puddles form, and when they form (e.g. only when it’s parked for a while, only if the engine’s hot, when the weather turns cold, etc.). For example, if your sedan is making an unusual sound, you should indicate where the sound is coming from, what kind of sound it is, and when you hear it (again, be very specific). The more details you can give, the more helpful you will be. “I hear the sound when I turn left” is more helpful than “I hear the sound when I turn.” After a few conversations with your Certified Auto Specialists service professional, you should get a feel for the kind of information he needs.

If you drop your car off, leave a detailed note describing information about your sedan’s problem. A quickly scrawled “Making a funny noise” will only lead to frustration for both your technician and for you. Good communication leads to better car care for Glendora auto owners.

If your sedan is occasionally stalling or sputtering, you may need a little more patience than with other types of car trouble because these types of problems are intermittent. In order to fix the trouble, your service advisor often finds it helpful to reproduce the symptoms. And if the problem is intermittent, it may take a while to do so.

In these cases, specific information can be invaluable, as it can significantly reduce the time it takes for your reliable service professional to get your sedan to misbehave. For example, if you can tell your technician that the vehicle only acts up after it’s been driven for 20 minutes and over 50 mph, it will allow him to quickly reproduce your problem, greatly reducing the time it will take for a car diagnosis in Glendora and then get it repaired.

Good preventive maintenance goes a long way to keeping your car out of the Los Angeles repair shop, but if you need to get it fixed, good communication will get you back on the road quickly.

Should I Use AC Leak-Sealer, or Will It Damage My AC System?

If you’re dealing with a leaking air conditioning system in your car, you might be tempted to grab a can of AC leak-sealer from the nearest auto parts store. After all, it’s an easy fix, right? But before you go down that road, there are some important things you should know about these products and how they might affect your vehicle in the long run.

Two of the most common questions we hear from our customers are:

Can AC leak-sealer damage my car’s AC system by gumming it up?
Is it true that most shops won’t service a car’s AC system if it contains leak-sealer because it could damage their equipment?

These are valid concerns, and the answers might surprise you.

What Happens When You Use AC Leak-Sealer?

Imagine this scenario: Your car’s AC isn’t working because of a bad leak on the manifold line and the O-ring leading to the compressor. You’re planning a long road trip, and with summer in full swing, you can’t afford to be without air conditioning. You head to the auto parts store and pick up a can of R-134A refrigerant that also contains oil and leak-sealer. The clerk reassures you that the sealer is minimal and poses no risk—after all, they recommend it to customers and use it themselves.

But here’s the thing: just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s the best solution. While the idea of a quick fix is appealing, the reality of using an AC leak-sealer can be far more problematic.

Will AC Leak-Sealer Destroy My AC System?

The short answer? It’s possible.

AC leak-sealers are designed to plug small leaks by reacting with moisture and air at the site of the leak, forming a seal. However, this process doesn’t always go as planned. If your AC system has a significant leak, the sealer may not work at all. And even if it does, the fix is often temporary.

Over time, the sealer can start to clog other parts of the AC system, such as the condenser, evaporator, or compressor. This can lead to bigger issues down the line, requiring expensive repairs or even a complete system replacement.

A good rule of thumb: If your AC system can’t hold a vacuum for 45 minutes during testing, no amount of sealer is going to save it. It’s better to repair the leak properly than to risk further damage by using a stop-gap solution.

Will Shops Refuse to Service an AC System with Leak-Sealer?

This is where things get tricky. Many repair shops, including ours, will not service an AC system that has been treated with leak-sealer. Why? Because when the sealer runs through our equipment during the evacuation process, it can contaminate and potentially ruin our expensive machines.

If our AC recovery machine gets clogged with sealer, it can be costly to repair or replace. That’s why many shops, including ours, take a hard pass on working with systems that have been treated with these products.

The Bottom Line: Fix It Right the First Time

When it comes to your car’s air conditioning system, shortcuts can lead to costly consequences. If you’re dealing with a leak, the best course of action is to have it repaired by a certified AC technician. They can properly diagnose the issue, replace faulty components like hoses and O-rings, and recharge the system to ensure it’s working efficiently.

Our recommendation? Skip the stop-leak products altogether. Whether it’s for your AC, power steering, or even tires, temporary fixes like these are rarely worth the risk. Instead, invest in a proper repair that will save you money and headaches in the long run.

What You Can Do

If you’re handy and comfortable with basic car repairs, you might consider doing some of the work yourself. For instance, if the issue is with a hose and O-ring, you could

replace those parts on your own and then bring the car to a professional for a system vacuum and recharge. This way, you’re ensuring the problem is fixed correctly without introducing harmful sealers into the system.

However, if you’re not confident in your skills, or if the problem is more complex, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. A certified technician has the tools and expertise to handle the job without causing further damage to your vehicle.

Final Thoughts: When It Comes to AC Repairs, Skip the Quick Fixes

AC leak-sealers might seem like a convenient solution to a frustrating problem, but they often do more harm than good. Rather than risking damage to your AC system—and potentially voiding any future service options at your local shop—take the time to have your AC repaired correctly. In the long run, this approach will save you time, money, and stress, ensuring your car stays cool and comfortable during those long summer drives.

If you have any questions or need professional advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you keep your car in top shape—without the risks that come with quick fixes.

The Certified Auto Specialists Guide To Caring For Your Transmission

Most cars and trucks have automatic transmissions, yet a lot of Azusa drivers only have a fuzzy understanding about what a transmission does. Think back to the last time you rode a bike in Azusa. You started out in a lower gear and shifted to higher gears as you went faster. Down shift for hills, stuff like that. Think of your legs as the engine – there’s an ideal speed you can pedal and you change gears to leverage the work you’re doing.

Lower gears for power on hills or for starting out. Higher gears for more speed. That’s what the automatic transmission does – it automatically starts in lower gears and shifts up to higher gears to go faster on California interstates. And automatically shifts back down to climb Azusa hills, pass or start up again.

sedan automatic transmissions have certainly gotten more sophisticated in recent years. They have more speeds than before: the base is four speeds, five is very common.

At Certified Auto Specialists, we routinely service transmissions with six speeds and several have seven or even eight speeds. As you can imagine, this means more parts. Any they all have to fit into roughly the same space.

Transmissions are computer controlled these days, with some high end transmissions having two or three computers. Transmissions are engineered to last. But they are also engineered to tighter tolerances. If a portion of the transmission is starved for lubrication, it can lead to failure.

Not enough fluid can starve the transmission or dirty transmission fluid can clog small passages in the transmission, then the lubricant is blocked and can’t get to all the parts to protect them, so they wear out prematurely. The technicians at Certified Auto Specialists see far too many transmissions that needlessly failed due to neglect.

And, as you can imagine, repairing one of these new transmissions at any Glendora service center can be quite costly. That’s why manufacturers have a schedule for how often you should change the fluid and what type of fluid to use.

It’s really important for Azusa motorists to carefully follow the manufacturer’s transmission service schedule.

At Certified Auto Specialists in Glendora, we hope you never become shiftless in Azusa because you didn’t take care of your transmission.

Check Your Shocks and Struts at Certified Auto Specialists

Today we’re talking to Glendora motorists about shocks and struts. They’re so easy for California folks to forget about because they last so long and wear out so slowly. But your shocks are really responsible for keeping your tires on the road – so they’re very .

Without shocks, your wheels would be bouncing over bumps and lifting in corners. The shocks push the tire down to the road to maximize traction. Good shocks equal good ride quality and safe handling for Glendora drivers.

Visit Certified Auto Specialists to have your shocks and struts inspected by a professional service professional. You can find us at 476 Vermont Avenue, Glendora, California 91741
Or give us a call at 626-963-0814 to make an appointment.

There’s a difference between shocks and springs. Springs support the weight of the vehicle, keeping it suspended up off the axles. The shocks moderate the rebound motion as wheels hit bumps. Now a strut combines a shock and a coil spring in one compact unit.

When your shocks are worn out you may notice degraded handling as you drive around our Glendora streets. Your vehicle feels squirmy around corners and floaty over bumps. Glendora car owners may notice the rear end squatting when they accelerate or the front end diving when you brake. Your car might even be sagging at one corner.

Uneven tire wear can also be a an essential sign of worn shocks for Glendora car owners. Of course, if your shocks are leaking or have a big dent, they need to be replaced. Talk to your reliable Certified Auto Specialists service professional.

Your owner’s manual will have a recommendation for when to replace the shocks and struts on your sedan. It’s usually between thirty and fifty thousand miles. Of course, if you tow a lot, regularly carry heavy loads or do a lot of driving on bumpy Glendora roads, your shocks might wear out faster.

If those Los Angeles area driving conditions apply to you, you can get special shocks that are better suited to your driving.

The shocks that come from the factory are designed for the way most consumers are expected to drive that particular vehicle. If you have different needs for your driving around Glendora, California, you can get premium shocks that improve performance handling, off-road abilities or towing comfort. Your Glendora, California service professional at Certified Auto Specialists can help you determine your needs and then give you some options.

It’s best to replace all four shocks at the same time. That way you’ll have even, predictable handling at all four corners. Anything less could be dangerous.

The Importance of Using the Right Motor Oil: Ensuring Optimal Performance and Longevity

When it comes to routine oil changes, providing exceptional service means more than just draining old oil and refilling it with new. It’s about understanding the intricate details of motor oils and making informed decisions that best suit your customers’ vehicles. While most automotive professionals know that oil is vital for engine health, not everyone fully understands the labeling and codes found on motor oil packaging. To offer the best service possible, it’s crucial to grasp the differences and similarities among various oils, as well as how to interpret the labeling system.

Why Motor Oil Matters: The Basics

Motor oil does more than just lubricate the engine. It plays a vital role in keeping engine parts moving smoothly in both low and high temperatures, protecting the emission system, and even enhancing fuel economy. Modern motor oils are formulated with specific additives that allow them to perform additional functions, such as reconditioning seals in older engines or boosting a vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

But what exactly makes one type of motor oil different from another? Understanding the three main types of motor oil used in most vehicles is the first step.

Conventional Oil: This is the traditional motor oil, made up of refined crude oil. Conventional oil typically comprises 75% to 80% of this refined base, with various additives mixed in to distinguish one brand or type from another.
Full Synthetic Oil: A popular alternative, full synthetic oil is engineered from a standard base and combined with advanced additives. The molecular structure of synthetic oil is manipulated to maintain optimal viscosity across a wide range of temperatures, preventing solidification in cold weather and offering superior engine protection.
Synthetic Blends: As the name suggests, these oils are a mix of conventional and synthetic base stocks, offering a balance between the affordability of conventional oil and the enhanced performance of full synthetic oil.

The Role of Additives: Enhancing Engine Performance

Additives are the unsung heroes in motor oil formulations, playing a crucial role in enhancing engine performance. These include:

Antioxidants: These prevent oil oxidation, keeping the oil from thickening and ensuring it flows smoothly through the engine.
Detergents: Added to motor oils to keep high-temperature surfaces clean and free of deposits.
Dispersants: These additives capture dirt and other contaminants, holding them in suspension to prevent buildup on engine parts.
Seal Conditioners: Found in high-mileage motor oils, these ingredients help rejuvenate internal seals, preventing leaks and restoring seals to a soft, pliable state.

Decoding Motor Oil Labels: What You Need to Know

The labeling on motor oil can seem like a confusing array of letters and numbers, but it’s essential to understand what they mean to make the right choices for your customers’ vehicles.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the primary source for motor oil classification in the United States. To simplify things, the API developed a “donut” symbol found on motor oil packaging, which provides crucial information:

Top of the Donut: Indicates the oil’s performance level, such as “API Service GF-4.” This label means the motor oil has passed the latest round of API tests and is approved for use in most gasoline engines.
Middle of the Donut: This is where you’ll find the “SAE” designation, followed by a code like “5W-30.” SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the code refers to the oil’s viscosity, or thickness, at different temperatures.

Viscosity is critical because it determines how well the oil flows in various conditions. The first number in the code (before the “W”) indicates the oil’s performance in cold weather. A lower number means better flow at low temperatures, which is important for engine startup in cold climates. The second number refers to the oil’s thickness at high temperatures, essential for protecting the engine when it’s running hot.

Bottom of the Donut: Indicates whether the oil meets or exceeds certain standards, such as being “energy-conserving,” which can improve fuel economy.

Getting It Right: Ensuring You Use the Correct Motor Oil

How can you be sure the motor oil you’re getting from your provider is suitable for all vehicles? The API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) is a voluntary program that ensures engine oil marketers meet specific requirements. When purchasing oil, look for the API’s “donut” symbol and “starburst” certification mark on the packaging. These symbols indicate that the oil has been rigorously tested and meets industry standards.

For those buying motor oil in bulk, the invoice will often list the specifications the oil meets, such as the GF-4 rating. If buying by the case, check the front label of the cardboard case for the starburst symbol, and each bottle should also have both the starburst and donut symbols prominently displayed.

However, remember that there are always exceptions. For example, a vehicle like a Corvette runs hotter than most cars and requires oil that meets specific requirements, such as GM’s 4718M specification. Failing to use the correct oil might not cause immediate engine failure, but over time, it can lead to significant issues.

The Consequences of Using the Wrong Motor Oil

Using the wrong motor oil in a vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean instant disaster, but it

can cause problems over time. The right motor oil balances base oil and additives to suit a specific engine. If an oil lacks the necessary components or the correct balance, several issues can arise:

Metal-on-Metal Contact: If essential additives are missing, you could see increased wear in the engine’s valve train due to inadequate lubrication.
Heat Damage: Without proper antioxidants, the oil might not protect against the extreme heat found in certain engine hotspots, leading to varnish buildup that can prevent engine parts from moving correctly.
Reduced Fuel Economy: Using oil with the wrong viscosity can decrease fuel efficiency by as much as 3 miles per gallon. For modern vehicles that typically require 0-weight oil, substituting a 5-weight oil could result in significant fuel economy losses.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Motor Oil for Long-Term Engine Health

Ensuring that the correct motor oil is used for every oil change is not just about following manufacturer recommendations; it’s about safeguarding the engine’s long-term health. As an automotive professional, it’s your responsibility to ensure that each vehicle you service gets the appropriate oil type. Always ask your service provider if they are using the correct oil and not just whatever they have in stock. Building a strong relationship with a trusted oil supplier is crucial, so you can confidently offer the best products to your customers.

At the end of the day, using the right motor oil is about more than just maintaining engine performance—it’s about ensuring that your customers’ vehicles run smoothly and efficiently for years to come. By understanding the complexities of motor oil and staying informed about the latest industry standards, you can provide top-notch service that keeps customers coming back.

Battery Basics For Glendora

It’s important for Glendora motorists to know battery basics. First, let’s talk about which is harder on a battery – hot or cold California weather. Most Los Angeles drivers think it’s cold weather because that’s when we call on our batteries to have enough power to start a cold sedan engine.

However, heat does more damage to a battery than cold. Truth is, our batteries start to die a little from day one. Keeping a full charge slows the process, which is hard with short Glendora trips because the alternator doesn’t have time to fully recharge the battery from starting the engine. Glendora car owners can top off the charge with a computer controlled battery charger – say, once a month in the California summer and every three months during the winter.

As far as how long a battery will last, statistics show that 70% have given up the ghost within four years. By that time, they aren’t capable of taking a full charge like they used to, and your sedan alternator has to work overtime to keep up. This causes your alternator to wear out early.

If you’re pushing 4 to 5 years on your battery, see your reliable Certified Auto Specialists tech for a battery test to see if it’s recommended to replace it. Not only can you avoid getting stranded with a dead battery, but you’ll save unnecessary wear and tear on your sedan alternator.

Give us a call

Certified Auto Specialists
626-963-0814
476 Vermont Avenue
Glendora, California 91741

Why is My Check Engine Light On?

The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some Glendora motorists and is totally ignored by just as many. Just what it means is a mystery to most of us Glendora auto owners.

Let’s get the urgency issues out of the way first. If your check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause important engine damage. Naturally, you need to get that taken care of right away. If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn’t drive at California interstate speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. Take it easy all the way to your Glendora service center.

If the light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with your reliable Certified Auto Specialists service advisor to get it checked out.

Some more Glendora information on how the Check Engine Light works may be informative for Glendora motorists. Most of your engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer. The computer is able to adjust many engine parameters for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive.

In order to make these adjustments, the computer relies on a network of sensors to provide data. The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor. When a sensor reading is out of range the computer runs some tests and may turn on the sedan’s Check Engine Light.

A simple example is a loose or missing gas cap. This may cause one of the sensors to read out of range. The computer doesn’t know if it’s a serious condition that caused the reading or just a loose gas cap, so it stores a trouble code and turns on the Check Engine Light.

Now when you tighten up the gas cap the sensor readings will be in the correct range. The computer will keep checking on the report for a day or two. Since a bad reading didn’t come up again, it turns off the Check Engine Light. The computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings. If it can do so, it’ll then turn off the Check Engine Light.

If the problem can’t be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your sedan looked at. Your reliable Certified Auto Specialists tech will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer. The trouble code will give the technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem.

Is Your Check Engine Light On? Don’t Ignore It

One of the most vital signals of an improperly functioning vehicle is the check engine light and when illuminated, it alerts the driver to a variety of existing potential problems. Vehicle check-ups during community car care events throughout the country reveal that the check engine light is on in nearly one out of ten vehicles.

When the check engine light comes on, it means that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally. A glowing check engine light doesn’t mean you have to immediately pull the car to the side of the road, but it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning light could result in costly repairs. At the very least, the light could alert you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy.

Some common malfunctions that can cause the check engine light to illuminate include a faulty oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, or spark plugs and wires. If the light flashes, the condition is more critical and must be checked immediately to prevent severe damage, which may include catalytic converter damage.When scheduling service, make sure the automotive shop that examines your vehicle has professional technicians who are trained and certified in OBDII diagnosis and repair. The technician will connect your vehicle’s computer system to a diagnostic scan tool, which will provide trouble codes indicating why the check engine light was activated.

While the diagnostic tool is connected, the technician can analyze data streams such as the idle speed, throttle response, engine temperature, fuel system pressure, manifold vacuum, exhaust emission levels and many other key indicators. Once the problem is fixed, the car’s computer is reset to initiate the computer’s release process. The technician should then advise the customer of the proper course of action, potential warranty coverage, further testing if necessary and recommended repairs.

Give us a call and schedule an appointment if your check engine light is on. Let us check it out!