San Carlos Auto Repair

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