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

How to Keep Your Infiniti Running Longer Owning an Infiniti is a dream come true for many car enthusiasts. Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan, offers style, performance, and comfort. To make the most of your investment and enjoy a smooth ride for years, it's crucial to take care of your Infiniti properly. In this guide, we will explore essential tips and practices to keep your Infiniti running longer. Regular Maintenance Tips for Your Infiniti Regular Oil Changes One of the most vital maintenance tasks is regularly changing your Infiniti's oil. Fresh oil ensures proper lubrication, protects the engine, and enhances fuel efficiency. Follow manufacturer recommendations to establish your oil change schedule. Check and Replace Air Filters Air filters are crucial in maintaining the engine's health by filtering out dust and debris. Regularly inspect and replace them to ensure optimal performance. Inspect Belts and Hoses Over time, belts and hoses can wear out or beco ... read more

The Most Common Ailments of an Infiniti: What You Need to Know Infiniti vehicles are known for their luxurious features and top-notch performance. However, like any car, they are not immune to wear and tear. If you own an Infiniti or are considering buying one, it is important to be aware of the most common ailments that these cars experience. In this article, we will discuss the top issues that Infiniti owners should look out for and how to address them. Oil Leaks Oil leaks are one of the most common problems that Infiniti owners face. This is particularly true for older models that have high mileage. Oil leaks can occur from various points in the engine, including the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and camshaft seal. If left unchecked, oil leaks can cause damage to the engine and result in costly repairs. Timing Chain Issues Another common issue that Infiniti owners experience is timing chain problems. The timing chain is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the en ... read more

By Stockbakers The Importance of Choosing the Right Technician for your Toyota Vehicle  The engine is the heart of your car and choosing the right technician is key to having it running smoothly and efficiently. Like a doctor trains for years to master the complex network of anatomy in your body, trained automotive technicians do too.   Toyota vehicles have unique maintenance needs that require specific knowledge and training. That's why it's important to research technicians who are experienced in working on Toyotas and understand how they function. Moreover, selecting a trained and certified technician will guarantee that they know what they're doing when it comes to servicing or repairing your vehicle.  What are ASE-Certifications? ASE Certifications are a valuable way to recognize individuals for expertise in the automotive service industry. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence, and individuals must pass rigorous tests to earn each of the si ... read more

  Bay Area Living is Busy! Book your next auto repair appointment and use our free vehicle pick-up & delivery service. Our free vehicle pick-up & delivery service works from your home or work (within 7 miles of our store). We typically pick up vehicles between 9-11am and often return the vehicle the next day during the same time. If that time frame doesn't work, please ask our staff we can make an accommodation. Office - 650-946-1856 Lastly, if you need a car to use while we are servicing yours, we have that too. Our goal is to allow you the freedom to get through your day without the hassle of car repair ... read more

We’re closing our doors for Labor Day!  This Monday, September 5th, we will be closed all day. Labor Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of American workers. For A+ Japanese Auto Repair, it's a time to reflect on all the hard work our team has put in over the past year. We’re closed this Monday to honor the hard work our team puts into every car we service.   We're grateful for our clients' support, and we're proud of the work we've done to make A+ Japanese Auto Repair the best auto repair shop on the peninsula. We know from your feedback and your continued trust that our customers are grateful for it, too. Some Well-Deserved Recognition Our team is truly exceptional. One office team member, Justin M., our Senior Service Consultant, has been with us since 2010. He's an expert on Japanese automotive makes and models, and he's known and liked throughout the community. He's a wonderful part of our team.   Paul T. is ... read more

Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash The Most Exciting Road Trips For Car Enthusiasts This Summer The summer is heating up, and many travel and car enthusiasts eagerly await their summer road trip. What if you don't have a road trip planned but want to join in on the fun? We have you covered on the hottest stops that people love to travel to during the summer!   Road trips are so much fun. We love building the perfect playlist, planning all our stops (and choosing to go somewhere else if the mood strikes us), getting meals and snacks packed, and stopping to see all of the wonderful bits of Americana we ignore when we drive by at 75 miles an hour. Our Recommendations For The Best Road Trip Ever! The continental U.S. has endless charms for those who love a good road trip. Here are some dream destinations, if you have the time this summer (and the wanderlust):   Californi ... read more