Newark, CA – Our Mechanics List the Most Common Automotive Repair Issues

Spark Plug Replacement

Spark plugs fire just before each power stroke to ignite the gasoline/air mixture in the combustion chamber of your engine. Modern spark plugs are long-lasting, but when worn out, they will cause hard starting and poor fuel mileage. See your owner’s manual for the replacement interval or consult our mechanic.

Check Engine Light On

A loose fuel cap is a usual reason a car with the “check engine” light on comes into our shop. This light monitors a plethora of sensors throughout your vehicle. Any of these sensors may malfunction and turn on the light. Some sensors, when perished, will not affect the operation of your car much. Others, such as the oxygen sensors in your exhaust system, greatly contribute to efficient motoring. A bad oxygen sensor will give you poor fuel mileage, rough engine operation, and hard starting.

Brake Repair

Typical brake repairs consist of replacing the brake pad and rotors. We never simply do these common repairs without thoroughly inspecting the entire system. During this inspection, we may find brake fluid leaks or air in the brake lines. There may be road dirt buildup in the calipers that will lead to sticky or seized brakes. We may find contaminated brake fluid. All these issues are serious enough not to be put off. Your vehicle’s manufacturer and we recommend yearly brake inspections.

Oil Changes

Engine oil becomes contaminated and loses its lubricity with both time and miles driven. If you drive as most Americans, we should change your oil every 5000 miles. If your car is a Sunday cruiser you mostly keep in your garage, every six months is a good guideline. We will put a sticker on your windshield to remind you of your next recommended service. 

Ignition System

The car’s ignition system encompasses the battery, starter, and central computer. Automobile batteries have a service life of around five years. Then they lose the ability to store enough charge to start your engine. Many motorists replace the battery when their car is hard to start because it is one of those repairs many can do themselves. But often, after replacing the battery, they find the engine still doesn’t turn over well because there is some other problem, such as the starter. Also, the battery may be discharged because of a faulty alternator, or the car’s computer is not sending sufficient voltage to keep it charged. We have the same diagnostic equipment the dealer mechanics use, and our technician will affect the same repairs at a lower cost.

Electrical System

In years past, electrical problems were the bane of a mechanic’s existence. They typically come and go. With the advent of computerized operation, finding which part to replace is a breeze if you have the right equipment. Your car’s computer stores anomalies; we can download their history. So even if the problem is not constant, we can find the malfunctioning part and only replace that. We do not throw parts at a car until we find the right one.