San Carlos Auto Repair

Question posted by Jim T. regarding tire rotations on his 2005 Toyota “Just curious, I noticed I am doing a tire rotation every 5,000 miles.  What is the benefit of this? Thanks for the question Jim.  Let me explain… First of all, what is a tire rotation? Rotating tires means moving them from one wheel location to another — from left to right or back to front, or even diagonally.  At A+ Japanese Auto Repair when we perform a tire rotation we will rotate your tires from back to front.  We have noticed when we rotate tires in any other manner some vehicles will start to pull to one side or the other.  When we rotate back to front we eliminate this the majority of the time. What common items are diagnosed by tire wear? Here is a tire wear chart showing most of the common items we look for when inspecting tires during a tire r ... read more

The Ultimate Pre-Road Trip Checklist If you are heading out on a road trip, it is best to check over your car a least a few days before you travel. Don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road or waiting for a tow truck… especially on a family vacation. 1. Check all exterior lights This is one of the easiest things to check before you take your vehicle on a road trip, but it is commonly forgotten. Turn the key to the “on” position and check the turn signals, brake lights, tail lights, low beams, high beams, and backup lights. The easiest way to do this is to have a friend or family member inspect the lights while you operate them. If you are unable to find a willing person to help you, back your vehicle up to a wall and watch for the reflection of the lights while you check all of the lights. 2. Check for fluid leaks Small fluid leaks on any car can easily turn into big ... read more

What to check when my car won't start This article discusses a few common reasons a car won’t start. We also describe a few things for you to check to save you money. All of these scenarios are assuming your turn the key to the start position. 1. There are no lights on the dash, there is no noise from the car Starter Motor If you need further help, please contact San Carlos Auto Repair Typically, this means that you have a dead battery. But before you call for a tow truck and tell them that your car won’t start, you should check your battery connections. Locate your vehicle battery and one at a time try to move the battery connections via twisting motion (there should be no movement at all). After that go try to restart the vehicle. Okay… still no luck?? Now it’s time to call the tow truck. 2. I hear one click, but still, the car won’t start When you get one loud click, that typically is the starter solenoid engag ... read more

Why is my tire pressure warning light on? When the tire pressure warning light is on solid, that means you have a tire with low pressure or you have a fault in your tire pressure monitor system (TPMS). Is it safe to drive with the tire pressure warning light on? If the tire pressure light is on, the car may not be safe to drive. Low pressure in the tire can cause an issue with the car's handling, risk of the tire blow out, damage the tire tread or sidewall, all which could cause loss of control of the car.  What should I do if my tire pressure light comes on?  We the following: 1. Pull your vehicle over to a safe spot away from traffic. 2. Visually inspect the four tires for signs of damage, wear, and if they look low. 3. Bring your vehicle to a station or shop where you can have your tire pressures checked. 4. Inflate your tire pressure to the factory recommended pressure (typically found listed on the driver's door jam.) ... read more

5 Tips to Save Gas We have explained 5 simple way for you to save gas while driving your vehicle. Learn when most of your gas is being used, how to avoid it, and ultimately save gas & money. 1. No heavy acceleration – This is where your car swallows up most of it’s fuel. Acceleration in general is where you are moving a few thousand pound vehicle from a complete stop to 35 miles an hour and beyond. If you accelerate reasonably you can see about 25% increase in fuel savings, try it for one tank! 2. Avoid using the air conditioning - Understandably, this is not-popular, but it is worth mentioning. When clients bring their vehicles in for service, the air conditioning is usually on the low setting. The air conditioning compressor is like a small engine and it takes extra fuel to run it. You will see a fuel savings of about 5-10% depending on the type of car. 3. Obey the speed limit - Most vehicles are ... read more

1993 Toyota Landcruiser Build - FJ80 PROJECT CAR: A 1993 Toyota Landcruiser, also known as an FJ80 – Performed by A+ Japanese Auto Repair in San Carlos CA This is the beginning of many blog posts about Toyota Land Cruiser builds at A+ Japanese Auto Repair. We will gather photos and information to share about products that we recommend, installation instructions, and our on going reviews from our clients about their experiences. Over the next 6 months, we will showcase rock sliders, undercarriage armor, front and rear bumpers, tires, lift kit, mechanical work, body work, and a few photos of these vehicles on the trail. FACTS: Over 200,000 miles – odometer stopped working at 203,486 miles. Typical forest green paint damage on the hood and roof . Great donor car with front, center, and rear differential lockers come factory from Toyota 4.5 liter 1FZ-FE in-line 6 cylinder engine paired with A442F Transmission In need of a mechanic with ... read more

How To Choose A Good Auto Repair Shop A mechanic is a lot like a doctor, once you find a repair shop (doctor) that you trust, it is a good idea to build a history so they know your needs and your vehicles’ needs (or your health history and your body’s needs.) Below are 5 tips – How to choose a good auto repair shop.1. Location/Convenience - First of all, the location needs to be convenient. Is it close to your home or work? Hours of operation? Can you have the vehicle worked on while you are at work? Will the auto repair shop provide a ride to and from their facility? Does the auto shop have Saturday service? Is it easy to schedule an appointment? 2. Check Online Reviews - Auto repair shops can range from the dark, dingy, unprofessional, engines and transmissions laying around leaking engine oil type shop to the bright, painted epoxy floors, technicians in uniforms, professional waiting room and staff. L ... read more

What is a Power Steering Flush The power steering system is standard on nearly every car and truck these days. It is one of the most important systems on your vehicle. If the steering "goes out", there is a possibility it will be tough to turn, spray power steering fluid around your engine compartment, or even create a loss of control. Not all power steering systems are hydraulically controlled, there are more and more new electric power steering systems on cars. For the most part, the heart of the system is a pump that’s driven by a belt powered by the engine. It is important to understand the different types of power steering services that are required to keep from costing you time and money. The Power Steering Pump The pump generates boost that assists you as you steer your SUV. Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it’s a good idea to inspect them at every oil change. Powe ... read more

The Independent Auto Repair Shop vs. the DealershipWhat's the different? Why the extra cost? Do I really need to bring my car to the dealership?  We get a lot of questions about servicing a car. A question that we get most often is: "Do I have to take my car to the nearest dealer for service and repair?" We’ve all asked ourselves that question at one time or another. Of course, any new car dealer would like to have your service business, but there are a lot of reasons to turn to the automotive aftermarket (or independent repair shop) for routine maintenance services as well as repairs. First, let’s get some terms straight. New car dealers and manufacturers are referred to as Original Equipment Manufacture  – or OEM providers. Everybody else is in the Automotive Aftermarket (or Independent Auto Repair). That includes auto parts stores, quic ... read more

Do I need to take my new car to the dealer for service? If you bought a new vehicle, you might think that you have to take it to dealer for service, that isn't true.  Many dealers and manufacturers suggest that you need to get your maintenance services at a dealership in order to keep your warranty. That simply isn’t true. You can have your vehicle serviced at your trusted, local service center without affecting your warranty. A federal law, called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, prohibits a manufacturer from voiding your warranty just because you got parts or services from a non-dealer. In fact, a manufacturer can’t require you to use their brand of oil filters, lubricant, or any other part in order to maintain your warranty protection. This protection is true for aftermarket extended warranties purchased on new or used vehicles. This protection also applies to leased vehicles. There are similar laws in Canada as well. If a manufacturer can pro ... read more