San Carlos Auto Repair

Oil changes and more in San Carlos.  For many years, the conventional wisdom has been to change your car's oil every 3,000 miles. This advice has been passed down through generations of drivers. But is this maintenance schedule still relevant today? No, you do not always need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. Advances in engine technology and oil formulations have extended oil change intervals for many vehicles to 5,000, 7,500, or even 10,000 miles. In this blog, we’ll debunk the 3,000-mile myth, explore modern oil change intervals, and provide tips for maintaining your vehicle’s health. If you're interested in scheduling an appointment with us, please visit our schedule page. The Origin of the 3,000-Mile Rule The 3,000-mile oil change rule originated in the mid-20th century when engines and oil formulations were less advanced. Frequent oil changes were necessary to keep engines running smoothly and to prevent buildup of sludge and contaminants. Howeve ... read more

Tire repair and more in San Carlos.  As the seasons change and temperatures drop, you may notice fluctuations in your tire pressure. This phenomenon can be surprising for many drivers, especially in regions like California, where the weather is generally mild. But can cold weather really affect your tire pressure?   Yes, cold weather can significantly affect tire pressure. As temperatures decrease, the air inside your tires contracts, causing a drop in pressure. If not properly managed, this can impact your vehicle's performance and safety, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road.   This blog will explore how cold weather affects tire pressure, why monitoring and maintaining proper tire pressure is essential, and provide tips for handling seasonal changes. Remember, your proactive role in this process is crucial. If you want to schedule an appointment, please visit our schedule page. How Temperature Affects Tire Pressure When the temperature dr ... read more

Engine support and more in San Carlos. As fuel prices fluctuate and environmental concerns grow, drivers become more conscious of their driving habits. One common question is whether idling wastes more fuel than restarting the engine. Many believe that turning the engine off and on uses more fuel, but is this true?   Yes, idling your car generally wastes more fuel than restarting it. Modern engines are designed to use minimal fuel when restarting, making it more efficient to turn off the engine during short stops.   In this blog, we'll explore the facts behind fuel consumption during idling and restarting, the impact on your vehicle, and best practices for fuel efficiency. If you want to schedule an appointment, please visit our schedule page. How Fuel Consumption Works When your car is idling, the engine is running but not moving the vehicle. This means it's burning fuel without any purpose. The fuel consumpti ... read more

We can help with your electic vehicles in San Carlos. As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, using solar panels to charge them has gained traction. The concept sounds promising – harnessing the sun's power to fuel your car seems eco-friendly and cost-effective. But can you really charge an electric car with solar panels? Yes, you can charge an electric car with solar panels. Still, it requires a sufficiently large solar panel system and may involve significant initial investment. This approach can lead to long-term savings and environmental benefits, particularly with battery storage solutions. This blog explores the feasibility, technology, and practical considerations of using solar energy for EV charging. For those who are curious about EV’s and alternative fuel, we also discuss the difference between these vehicles. Additionally, we’ll highlight how A+ Japanese Auto Repair leads the way in sustainable practices. If you're interested in schedul ... read more

When the scorching summer sun is blazing down, it's natural to worry about the potential damage to your vehicle. While cars are designed to withstand various weather conditions, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to several issues. In this blog, we'll explore how parking in the heat can affect your vehicle, and provide tips on mitigating these effects. We'll also highlight the importance of regular maintenance services offered by A+ Japanese Auto Repair in San Carlos, CA. The Impact of Heat on Your Vehicle Prolonged exposure to heat can significantly affect various aspects of your vehicle, from its exterior paint and rubber components to the interior upholstery and electronic systems. In the sections below, we discuss how heat can damage different parts of your car, the mechanical impacts it can have, and the importance of regular maintenance to prevent these issues. Understanding these effects can help you proactively protect your vehicle during the hot summer m ... read more

Photo by Jean-Christophe Gougeon On Unsplash We’ve all seen the signs at gas stations: "Turn off engine while fueling." Yet, some drivers still wonder if turning off their car when filling the tank is necessary. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind this standard safety directive and whether keeping your engine running while pumping gas affects fuel efficiency and overall vehicle health.   Turning off your engine while pumping gas ensures safety and prevents potential hazards. Idling can waste fuel, increase emissions, and cause unnecessary wear on your vehicle. This simple step can protect you and your car while benefiting the environment. The Safety Concerns The primary reason for turning off your engine while pumping gas is safety. Gasoline is highly flammable, and the fu ... read more

Many drivers who come into A+ Japanese Auto Repair wonder if using premium gasoline will improve their car's performance and fuel efficiency. So, does premium gasoline really improve a vehicle's performance?  No, premium gasoline does not improve performance for all cars. It is only beneficial for high-performance and luxury vehicles with high-compression engines. For most cars designed to run on regular gasoline, using premium fuel provides no significant advantage. To address this question fully, it's essential to understand what premium gasoline is and how it differs from regular gasoline. Below, we’ll go into the details of what cars need premium gasoline, how gasoline affects Japanese vehicles, and info about doing what’s best for your vehicle.  Understanding Octane Rating Premium gasoline typically has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline. The octane rating indicates the fuel's ability to resist "knocking" or "pingi ... read more

Driving with the gas light on can be nerve-wracking, especially far from the nearest gas station. Understanding how far you can push your vehicle with the gas light is a common question at A+ Auto Repair, significantly when fuel efficiency has been lowered due to other vehicle issues.    While providing an exact figure is challenging, most vehicles offer a range of 30 to 50 miles once the gas light illuminates. However, this estimate can fluctuate based on driving conditions, vehicle efficiency, and other variables. For this reason, it’s best to get to a gas station as soon as possible to fuel up.    Below, we'll delve into the intricacies of this common situation and provide expert insights to help you navigate it safely and efficiently. We also review some of the most frequently asked questions we get here at A+ Auto Repair, and give you some tips for taking care of your vehicle to ensure that pesky gas light is something you don’t need to worr ... read more

Does Driving With The A/C On Lower Gas Mileage?  Driving with air conditioning (A/C) is common, especially during hot summer in San Carlos and Redwood. However, many drivers question whether this convenience comes at the expense of fuel efficiency.    Driving with the A/C does indeed reduce fuel efficiency to some extent. However, by understanding the factors that influence fuel consumption and implementing effective strategies to optimize efficiency, you can mitigate this impact and enjoy both comfort and savings at the pump.   This article will explore whether driving with the A/C reduces fuel efficiency. We'll also explore factors influencing fuel consumption and provide actionable tips to help you optimize your vehicle's efficiency without sacrificing comfort.  Understanding the Impact of Air Conditioning on Fuel Efficiency Driving with the A/C does impact fuel efficiency. When you turn on the air conditioning system in your vehicle, it draws ... read more