San Carlos Auto Repair

Are Your Windshield Wipers Failing You? Signs You Need New Wipers Now When was the last time you replaced your windshield wipers? If you can’t remember, it might be time for a change. Wipers are your first line of defense against rain, dirt, and debris, ensuring you have a clear view of the road ahead. But over time, they wear out—often without you even noticing.   If your wipers are streaking, skipping, or squeaking, they’re not doing their job. Poor visibility due to worn wiper blades can put you at risk, especially during spring showers or sudden downpours.   So, how do you know when it’s time for a replacement? In this blog, we’ll cover the top signs your wipers need attention, how often you should replace them, and what happens if you ignore them. Plus, we’ll show you how A+ Japanese Auto Repair can help keep your windshield crystal clear and your drives safe. How Do You Know When to Replace Your Windshield Wipers? Windshield wi ... read more

Dashboard warning lights can often leave drivers feeling confused or anxious, especially when they pop up unexpectedly. While some lights indicate minor issues, others require immediate attention. Knowing what these lights mean and how to respond can save you time, money, and potential breakdowns. Below is a checklist of the most common dashboard lights and what you should do when they appear. 1. Check Engine Light The check engine light is one of the most commonly misunderstood dashboard lights. It can indicate a range of issues, from a loose gas cap to serious engine problems. If the light is solid, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have your vehicle diagnosed. If the light is flashing, pull over immediately and call for assistance—this could indicate a severe engine issue. For a closer look at what could be triggering your check engine light, head over to our blog on engine repair services. 2. Tire Pressu ... 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

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

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

Meet Your Subaru Technician: The Extensive Training of A+ Japanese Auto Repair's ASE-Certified Mechanics As a Subaru owner, you want to make sure that your vehicle receives the best possible care from experts who know the ins and outs of your car. At A+ Japanese Auto Repair in San Carlos, CA, we take pride in our team of ASE-certified technicians who have undergone extensive training to work on your Subaru. In this article, we will take you through the rigorous training that our mechanics go through to become experts in Subaru maintenance and repair. Introduction to Subaru Vehicles The first step to becoming a Subaru technician is understanding the intricacies of these unique vehicles. Our ASE-certified mechanics are well-versed in the history, design, and function of Subaru cars. They study Subaru models from the past and present, learning about the technological advancements that have made these cars some of the most reliable and efficient on the market. Basic Automotive Tra ... read more

How to Keep Your Subaru Around for the Long Haul: 5 Tips from the Subaru Pros Subaru is a reliable car brand known for producing high-quality vehicles suited for everything from city commutes to outdoor excursions. To ensure that your Subaru stands the test of time, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here are five tips from our pros to help you maintain your Subaru and keep it in top condition. Regular Maintenance If servicing Subarus for all these years has taught us anything, it's that one of the most important things you can do to keep your Subaru in top condition is keep up with regular maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Routine maintenance can help you catch problems before they become major issues and save you money in the long run. Check Your Fluids Another important aspect of maintaining your Subaru is checking your fluids.   You'll want to consider your: Engine oil Transmission fluid Brake fluid Power ... 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

By KM. Photo Common Toyota Problems You Need To Look Out For Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability and durability. However, even the most reliable cars need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Ignoring routine maintenance can lead to more serious issues down the road and, ultimately, more money spent on costly repairs.   Let's discuss some of the most common vehicle problems with Toyota vehicles and how you can avoid them with proper preventative maintenance and a knowledgeable auto repair shop you can rely on.  Engine Oil Leaks  One of Toyota's most common service issues is engine oil leaks. Components become brittle or crack over time due to regular exposure to heat and pressure, causing oil leaks. To catch or prevent this issue from occurring, it's important that you have your vehicle inspected during the engine oil change (roughly every 5 thousand miles). Let’s make sure your vehicle’s seals remain properly lubric ... read more