Fri 18 Feb 2011

Santa Cruz Auto Repair

Posted by under Santa Cruz Auto Repair
Comments Off

Yes, I realize that Santa Cruz Auto Repair is an odd name for a website, but there is a reason for choosing this particular combination of words.


You see, when a car owner in Santa Cruz needs auto repair work done, be it a simple oil change or a complete service, there is a pretty good chance that you will log on to your computer and type in: Auto Repair Santa Cruz… or maybe Santa Cruz Auto Repair in order to find a company to handle your needs.

And, I wanted you to find my website because unlike other sites that may pop up; I do not own an auto repair shop.

I’m actually an impartial consumer who was once in your shoes and had a bad enough experience looking for and hiring an auto mechanic that it motivated me enough to create this site to help protect you.

It was kind of my civic duty to do so.

In addition to this, I want to educate car owners on how to do a few things for themselves and give you enough knowledge to confidently make a few minor repairs, or, if you are like many car owners and scared to death of working on your own car, make an informed decision should you need to hire a mechanic in Santa Cruz to tackle a larger job.

I think you will agree with me when I say that in our modern day, our cars are getting more technologically advanced. You’ll be surprise with all the features that comes with a simple car like the Toyota Camry or even a vehicle like a Honda accord, but that’s the reality. The question is who will you trust with your car, whether it’s a new car or not so new? Well, when it comes to anything that ranges from just simple maintenance to more complex things like transmission, you need to make sure that the auto repair shop you choose can take very good care of your car. And that is why this website Santa Cruz Auto Repair was created.

It’s very easy to conclude that only big companies like Pep Boys can care for your car. But that’s not necessarily true. Things that have to do with timing belt, air conditioning, and transmission repair can be done by a local auto repair shop in Santa Cruz for much cheaper price.  And this includes any work that needs to be done on your brake pads or spark plugs. I know it can be sometimes overwhelming with the different auto parts that need to be cared for.

Before recommending a particular auto repair mechanic, I stress the need to find a reliable yet inexpensive auto mechanic because auto insurance companies and warranties hardly help when you are trying to replace or repair most auto parts. And a simple oil change might end up costing you a lot. This site Santa Cruz Auto Repair will provide you with information as to what you need to know when dealing with an auto repair shop. Occasionally, additional auto repair tips will be giving to help you as a consumer. Most people tend to consult an auto repair guide when they get stuck on an issue but to ease the tension, we have a highly recommended auto repair shop in Santa Cruz. You can leave your car in their care knowing that they have the training and experience to repair your car at a reasonable price.

So, if you have a car that needs help, this site is for you. And if you need additional information regarding auto repair you may want to check on some of the following sites by clicking on the name. They are:

ASA (Automotive Service Association) Code of Ethics, ASC (Automotive Service Councils of California) Code of Ethics, ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Blue Seal of Excellence, ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)Code of Ethics, and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) ASE Profile.

You may also want to check out the following auto repair tips.

Your Business Could Be Featured Here!

Make This Your Website!

( Very Affordable! )

Call for details (800) 949-4146

Tags:

 

Wed 9 May 2012

Auto Parts Santa Cruz

Posted by under Auto Parts Santa Cruz
Comments Off

If you are looking for new or used auto parts for your car or truck, Santa Cruz Auto Parts is a great place to start. Through the use of our handy dandy discount search tool you will find at the top right side of the page you can search for discounts on the auto parts or supplies you are looking for. Just select the category and sub-department you are looking for. Then select the percent discount you would like to find. And see what is available. Just remember the higher discount you select the fewer items you will find that are being offered.

If you are the do-it-yourself type person and just need an auto part or you are going to have someone do the job for you if you get the parts, you should check around to get the best deal you can. And be sure buy through a reliable source so that you will have some recourse if the item is defective or not the part you thought you were getting or wanted. Amazon has been around for a long time and its providers are very reliable or Amazon won’t use them.

You can also use the Discount Finder to find other items that you may be shopping for at a discount. So you may want to bookmark this page for later reference. I use this tool to look for all kinds of products. It makes a handy tool for shopping around.

You may want to check out the Amazon auto part prices against other Santa Cruz Auto Parts stores. At least you will know if you are getting a reasonable deal if you buy locally.

Tags:

 

Tue 13 Sep 2011

Know About Auto Clutch Repair if Driving in Santa Cruz

Posted by under Clutch Repair if Driving in Santa Cruz
Comments Off

If you drive a car with a  manual transmission there are a few things you should know about if you think you may be having a problem with your clutch. First, how do you know you have a clutch problem?  If when you release the clutch and the car does nothing but rev and then it smells like something is burning, it means your clutch is about to go out.

Don’t wait for this to happen to get it repaired because the fix is going to be a lot more expensive than if you just take your car to the auto repair shop now.  And it is also a huge safety issue.

What happens if I don’t get My Clutch Fixed?

What happens if you don’t get it fixed right away? If you are having a little trouble with getting your clutch into first gear it’s is a sign that you are having a problem.  If you choose to not do something about it then, you will find yourself heading down the highway with no clutch. Not a good position to be in on the road.

Clutch Replacement

Unless you know the ins and outs of auto repair, you will want to take your car to an auto repair specialist to get the clutch repaired.  If you have to have the entire clutch replaced it will run you anywhere from $500 to $2000.  This can be a very expensive proposition.  If you have to fork over this much money make sure they replace not only the clutch but the plates and bearings as well.  Although this may be beyond your budget, it will keep your car on the road.

Three Tips for Clutch Longevity

If you want your clutch to stay in good shape, especially if you just had to replace it, following these three simple tips will prolong the life of your clutch:

  • Don’t let your foot rest on the clutch while you are driving.  It can become a bad habit and it places unnecessary wear and tear on the clutch.
  • Make sure you are in neutral when the car is stopped.  If the car remains in gear while at a stop light it will put unnecessary wear and tear on the clutch too.
  • Maintenance.  If you are planning a long road trip take your car in for maintenance.  This way you can be assured if there are any minor issues with your clutch you can get it taken care of right away.

Since manual transmission cars can handle mileage better than automatic transmissions, as long as you follow good clutch maintenance you should have peace of mind that you won’t have any major car repairs in your future.

Feature your business here:

CALL: Doug Marr (800) 491 – 0265


Tags:

 

Thu 28 Jul 2011

Three Simple Auto Repair Tips

Posted by under Three Simple Auto Repair Tips
Comments Off

Just how important is your car to you in your everyday activities? If you are like most of us it has become essential. I know that to me, I couldn’t do without it for very long. I drive to work, pile the wife in it to take trips or go on vacation and do all my daily chores like get groceries, go to the post office, drive through the in-and-out burger place and get gas. However, at some point your car is going to need to be serviced or some mechanical repair. And then if you live in Santa Cruz you will probably go to Google and just type in Santa Cruz auto repair.

If you are like me when the car needs service or some sort of repair, I take it to a mechanic. However, this takes money and I would rather keep as much of my money in my pocket rather than give it to the mechanic. So, I am going to give you a few tips that will help you keep some of your money in your pocket or pocketbook.

First, don’t try to work on your engine yourself if you haven’t had training and have the skills to do so. But there are a few things you can do that may keep you away from the mechanics shop for longer periods of time. These are; learn how to check your oil, brake fluid, and transmission levels. Look at your owner’s manual to find out where they are located and add fluid if needed.

Second, be prepared to change your own tire in the event you have a flat when you are away from home. You can find a short video on Google that will show you how to change a flat the right way so that you will be prepared if you ever need to. Be sure your spare has the proper tire pressure. Get a tire gauge and check it every once in a while. Make sure you have a jack in your trunk and know how to use it. Watch the video then go out in your driveway and try it out just so you will be familiar with doing it and you will have the experience of having done it if and when you ever really need to. Maybe have someone help you the first time you try it in your own driveway.

And a third thing you should learn is how to replace your air filter. It isn’t that hard and you don’t need to pay a mechanic to do this. You can buy an extra filter at any auto parts store so that when it needs to be replaced you will already have it. To have your car running smoothly you definitely need a good air flow to your engine. And you should change your air filter regularly. You generally will only have to unscrew a couple of screws, check to see if the air filter is dirty, and if it is put the new on in. This isn’t brain surgery.

These are a few things you can do yourself and save money. Keep your cars in good running order and you won’t have to go to the mechanic until you really need their expertise. Are you looking for auto repair in Santa Cruz? Be sure to visit the rest of our site to find out about transmission repair and many other services.

Tags:

 

Wed 8 Jun 2011

Tire Repair Santa Cruz

Posted by under Tire Repair Santa Cruz
Comments Off

When driving in Santa Cruz or anywhere, one has to be aware and cautious of  flat tires and blowouts. Tire maintenance is very important. In most cases, you need to give your tires more attention than any other part of your car because they are the parts that are the most open to damage. They are always in contact with the ground, and it is littered with jagged rocks, metals, and an assortment of other equally damaging objects. Driving on the streets in any city can wear out your tires, causing them to go bald and giving them less friction. This is very important because if you are driving and try to brake too quickly your car can slide a little longer, hitting another car or even a pedestrian, or even causing a blowout.


Tire Repair

Flat tires or blowouts are easy to spot, because in most cases, you feel the difference in the way your car handles almost immediately after getting a flat. Your car may begin to shake; it might even feel like you are driving over jagged rocks or on an unpaved road. When you feel this sensation it is important to remain calm! Don’t jam on the brake, instead ease off of the gas pedal and try and get to the side of the road. Your car will naturally slow down. Trying to brake too hard after a blowout or trying to drive on a flat tire can be very dangerous for both you and the other people sharing the road with you.

Your Business Could Be Featured Here!
Make This Your Website!
( Very Affordable! )
Call for details (800) 949-4146

Knowing how to fix a flat tire, or check tire pressure and inflate your tire again when needed can be crucial to your safety. Aside from preventing flat tires and tire blowouts, making sure your tire has good pressure is also beneficial to your wallet. Better tire pressure means better gas mileage in the long run, which can save you money. Especially during a recession, every penny saved can be used for something else. But sometimes people do not check their tires before they get on the road, and this leads to car breakdowns and car troubles.

This article attempts to illustrate the necessity of tire safety and will explain some things that you, the driver, can do to help prevent a blowout and flat tires, and even teach you how to fix a flat tire if you find yourself in that unfortunate situation.

Changing a Flat Tire: Jacking up the Car

Once you are safely on the side of the road and out of danger, you can get to the business of changing your tire. The first step is to jack up your car, here’s how:

  • Always make sure you carry the necessary tools to change your tire. These tools are primarily the spare tire, the jack, and the tire-iron. In most cars, like compact cars, the spare tire is located in the trunk under the mat, and in other larger vehicles it’s attached to the back of the vehicle, or under it.
  • After you have all the necessary tools it is time to begin. Before changing your flat tire or blowout, always make sure that the car is in park and that it is on a leveled surface. Make sure it is not parked on an angle so your car won’t fall off the jack, and injure you. Also be sure the emergency brakes are on to ensure your safety.
  • After the car is securely parked and safe, place the jack under the frame of the car. The jack is usually diamond-shaped and there is a lever that connects to it so you can push the car up. Make sure the car is spaced off the ground, giving you ample room to take off the tire.
  • Once the tire that needs the change is in the air, you will use the tire-iron (a t-shaped bar) to remove the lug nuts. Once the tire-iron is in place, you will apply pressure and push it to the left side to loosen the lug nuts. It is always to the left. Remember the saying: “Rightly tightly, lefty loose.”
  • After you have loosened all of the lug nuts, you will take them off one by one and set them to the side so you don’t lose them. When you place the spare, it’s important to have all the lugs available so that the wheel is held tightly.
  • Your flat tire is ready to be taken off.

Changing Your Tire: Installing Your Spare

Now that your tire is ready to be taken off and changed, you are almost done.

  • This is probably the hardest part. Take your spare, and place it right over the wheel studs. The tire can be somewhat heavy so this should be done with caution.
  • Once the spare tire is on the wheel stud, you will take the lug nuts that you previously took off the tire and place them on the wheel studs protruding from the middle of the tire. It’s not necessary to start using the tire-iron again. You might want to spin them on carefully by hand and once it does not turn by hand anymore, you will take the tire-iron and tighten them as much as possible.
  • Once is it tightened, lowered the jack and remove it from under the car. Once the car is on the ground, tighten the lug nuts even more to make sure that the tire is not loose. Make sure that they are not moving around because a tire placed improperly can result in it flying off while driving.
  • Make sure the tire is on well, and that the tire pressure is at the right amount. Some cars have an electronic system that lets you know when there is low tire pressure but it is always good to check it either way. If the tire is low on air, find a pump where you can fill it up.

After installing your spare tire, you are able to drive again. Always make sure there is always enough air in your tire. You don’t want your spare becoming another flat tire or have it blow out on you. After reading this article, we hope you have become a bit more familiar with fixing flat tires, and changing a blowout. This information is always handy while driving. You can even become a Good Samaritan and help someone else in trouble.

It is important to remember that changing a tire on the side of the road can be a dangerous proposition. If you are dealing with poor weather conditions or your car is in an unsafe location, you may be better off contacting a local Santa Cruz Towing Company or contacting the California Highway Patrol.

You should only undertake changing a flat tire or a blowout if you feel you know how to and have no physical limitations. If not, you should call roadside assistance personnel or any of Los Angeles’s many towing services. They are flat tire specialists and experts on blowouts. They encounter these things everyday and are properly trained. In either case, after having your flat tire fixed, always take it for a checkup to make sure you are as safe as can be. Safety first is always a good motto.

Tire maintenance is one of the most important components of proper automobile care. Without it, you can be putting yourself and drivers around you, in dangerous situations. Remember that it is always best to rely on an experienced emergency tire service technician in your area if you have any doubt over your abilities to change your flat or blown out tire. Los Angeles Towing services are all over the internet, and using one of your phones browsers can be a good way to find a service near you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eli_Antebi

How to change a flat tire!

Tags:

 

Sun 1 May 2011

Break Repair Santa Cruz

Posted by under Brake Repair Santa Cruz
Comments Off

Here at Santa Cruz Auto Repair we want to go over just how important your cars hydraulic brake system is. Brake repair is one area of your cars regular maintenance that you do not want to put off until there is a problem. You need to have your break pads, rotors, calipers, break fluid and drums inspected on a regular basis and repaired or replaced before there is a problem.


O.K. so what is a hydraulic brake? The hydraulic brake is a braking system that uses brake fluid, typically the system uses ethylene glycol (an organic compound often used as an automotive antifreeze) to transfer pressure from your break pedal to the actual brake mechanism, which is at or near the wheel of your car.

Let’s go over some of the common indications that you may need some work done on your breaking system. First, if you see a light on your dashboard stay on after the initial starting of your engine, take a closer look. It could be that you have just left the emergency brake on and need to make sure that it is fully released. And it may stay on for a short period of time just after starting the engine. However, if it stays on you should have a mechanic take a look at it as it could be something more serious.

Another indication is a persistent squeaking sound coming from your wheel area. This could be an indication that it is time to have your brake pads replaced. There is a sensor that is build into your break pads that will press against your break drums once the pad has been worn down to a certain thickness. If left unchecked your pads will eventually wear out and you will begin to hear a grinding sound as your pads start to cause metal to metal contact with the drums that will eventually cause you to have to replace the drums or have them resurfaced. And believe me this can get very costly!

A good time to have both your front break pads and rear break pads inspected is when you go in to have your oil changed. Every three thousand miles or so would not be a bad idea to have them looked at. Your front pads normally wear out faster than your rear break pads, but should last you 20,000+ thousand miles with normal use.

Another thing that most people never think to check, are the break lights. I know that I have been behind people that have had their break lights out, and it can be scary. They step on the breaks and all you see is that you are getting closer real fast.

Once you are in the car you generally just start it up and go. However, it is a good idea to have someone stand behind your car and check to make sure that they are coming on when you step on the breaks. And while they are back there check to make sure your turn signals are working. It doesn’t take long but it is very important to keep up on the condition of all of your signal lights.

The last thing we are going to talk about is your break fluid. You have a break fluid reservoir in your engine compartment that you should check periodically just to be sure it is at the proper level. If it is not you can add a little fluid and everything should be fine. However, if you find it continually low there may be other problems with your breaking system. You should check where you normally park to see if there is any indication of a leak. A leak could be just a loose fitting or it could be something more serious such as your master cylinder. In any case if there is a leak have a mechanic check it out.

I hope this information regarding break repair was helpful to you. If you would like additional information and helpful tips on auto care please check out our entire website by clicking on HOME at the  top of the page.

Make This Your Website

(Very Affordable)

Call Doug at (909) 949-4146  For Details

Tags:

 

Wed 27 Apr 2011

Transmission repair

Posted by under How Your Transmission Works
Comments Off

Below is an article that will give you some basic idea as to how your transmission operates. If you are in need of transmission repair in the Santa Cruz area you may want to check with our recommended auto repair specialist below.

Transmission Repair

Basically your vehicle has to roll down the road towards your ultimate destination. Yet some mechanical device has to convert the power that your auto engine or motor produces and convert it into motion – either forward or reverse direction.

This is the job and function of your transmission – a most unsung and taken for granted workhorse of any car, truck or sports utility vehicle.

If you know and understand the basics of automotive transmission products – their types, components and how they work, then you are in a much more favorable situation when it comes time for breakdowns or potentially very hefty repair bills.

To begin with transmissions that you will encounter in most of the vehicles currently on the road and that you may purchase or drive, fall into two types or classifications. These are automatic transmissions (the more popular run of the mill variety) and manual or standard transmissions.

Manual transmissions can be distinguished by the automotive novice or neophyte in that they have a clutch whereas automatic transmissions do not. Manual (often referred to as standard transmissions) have three pedals in the drivers’ foot area – accelerator, clutch (in the middle) and brake pedal (on the right). Automatics on the other hand do away with the clutch and you will spot only two pedals. The accelerator (gas) pedal is on the left and the brake is on the right. Due to the space available and logistics the brake pedal on automatics is much bigger and larger than the ordinary sized pedal for braking with manual versions.

What is the general and overall function of a clutch in a standard setup?

Clutches are used to uncouple the transmission from the engine so that the gears can be shifted, whereas in the automatic version hydraulic pressures are used to control the shifts. Instead of flowing through the clutch to the gears, the power in an automatic-transmission engine flows from the crankshaft to the torque converter.

What is a torque converter? What is its’ role and function? How can you describe it in the event of a mechanical breakdown or need for repair? How does it fit in the scheme of things so that you do not get bulldozed or bamboozled by a mechanic or technical service adviser at times of repair or maintenance? After all if you are forearmed with knowledge you will be a position advantageous to yourself both for discussion, need for repair and the presentation of your final bill and invoice.

Simply put and explained the torque converter is filled with oil and acts as either a fluid coupling or alternatively described “fluid clutch”. This device allows gear shifting while power is flowing though the transmission. The way in which shifts are made (through what are called or referred to as planetary gear sets) also allows shift in a vehicle being driven with an automatic transmission to be generally very smooth.

On the other hand a professional driver utilizing a manual transmission type can be said to have a greater range of specific control and in exceptionally experienced hands can be said to provide and produce an even silkier smooth ride than that given in most cases by an automatic.

Thus forearmed with a basic understanding of the two transmission types and how they work and function, as a driver or vehicle owner you are in a much better situation to be able to intelligently discuss issues of your transmission with your mechanic or dealership service adviser and as well be in a better situation to discuss and evaluate service or repair proposals and even demands.

William E. Simpson Over 50 years experience auto industry
Edmonton Jeep Patriot
Car Carriers Auto Transport

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_E._Simpson

Your Business Could Be Featured Here!
Make This Your Website!
( Very Affordable! )
Call for details (800) 949-4146

Tags:

 

Sun 24 Apr 2011

Your Auto Cooling System

Posted by under Your Auto Cooling System
Comments Off

Auto Repair: Prevent Disaster Maintain Your Cooling System

Posted by under Auto Cooling System

The following article will give you some idea as to what may cause problems with your auto cooling system and if you need help to figure out what the problem may be check with our recommended auto repair specialist in Santa Cruz and your auto manufacturers’ recommendations.

One area of auto service that is often neglected is the vehicle’s cooling system and this neglect can lead to disastrous consequences. There are a couple of reasons why the proper service and maintenance of the cooling system is so important. The first reason is the fact that cars today tend to be engineered “on the edge” with very little margin. This is especially true of the cooling system. In an effort to lighten the weight of a car, make them more energy efficient, and increase gas mileage, everything is smaller. Cooling systems today hold about half of the coolant that cars did many years ago. Modern radiators are also much smaller and light weight, so there is much less room for error. In the old days cars could have as much as half of the radiator plugged and still operate fine, but that’s not the case today. In fact with some cars today, if they get as little as one quart low on coolant they can overheat. Everything has to be perfect for the system to operate correctly.

Auto Cooling System

Another problem is the trend toward extended life coolants. All of the manufacturers today, in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, are installing extended life coolants that presumably don’t need to be replaced as often. In fact some manufacturers don’t recommend changing these coolants for up to 150,000 miles. This may work fine in the laboratory but it doesn’t work so well in the real world. In normal operation, coolants tend to get acidic over time. When this happens and you have an acidic fluid in a cooling system it begins to set up a process called “electrolysis” that can do a lot of damage to your engine and other parts. One of the first components that can be damaged by this process is the heater cores. These units have the thinnest metal in a car. Repairing and or replacing a heater core can be very expensive, just ask one of your friends who has had to have this repair done. And if this component has been affected, chances are that other components are degraded as well. The main radiator in your vehicle can also be damaged because of an acidic coolant. Replacing a radiator in a car is also an expensive repair. Head gaskets are another area that can be adversely affected by this process. In the case of a head gasket, the electrolysis eats away at the aluminum surface of the cylinder head which ruins the sealing surface. Once this happens the gasket can no longer maintain the seal and it blows. If this happens there will be an expensive repair job in store. Even the cooling system hoses can be eaten away by the electrolysis problem. A hose may look perfectly fine from the outside, but the interior surface can be eroded, and if a hose blows it can also lead to a major repair.

While the manufacturers don’t recommend changing the coolant for 150,000 miles, a good auto repair shop will have the ability to test the coolant for acidity level. If it is out of tolerance it can be flushed and changed before it becomes a problem. This service is much, much less expensive than repairing a blown head gasket. Make sure that your mechanic checks the acidity level of your coolant when you are having routine auto service or tune up performed on your vehicle. It just takes a minute to stick a test strip into the coolant and your mechanic can show you the results. This simple test could save you a lot of money.

Pat the Auto Guy writes articles and produces videos to help consumers understand the auto repair business. This includes how to cost effectively maintain and service their vehicles to ensure a maximum useful life. For more information and to see some helpful videos, visit his site at http://www.autorepairsantamaria.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pat_Nicoll

Tags: