San Carlos Auto Repair

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? Understanding What Your Car Is Trying to Tell You If your check engine light suddenly turns on, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to feel a little anxious. For many drivers, this glowing indicator on the dashboard triggers a sense of dread. What does it mean? Is the car safe to drive? Will it cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars to fix? While these concerns are valid, the important thing to remember is that the check engine light isn’t something to ignore. Even if your car appears to be running just fine, this warning light is your vehicle’s way of saying: “Something isn’t right under the hood.” At A+ Japanese Auto Repair in San Carlos, CA, we’re here to demystify this dashboard signal, explain why it happens, and show you how we can help resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. What Is the Check Engine Light? The check engine light—also known as the malfunction indic ... read more

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

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

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

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

Photo by Joshua Naidoo on Unsplash   Cracking the Code: Toyota's Codes Have you received diagnostic readers as gifts recently?    These tiny devices attach to your vehicle’s diagnostic system, allowing you to get the service codes behind warning lights on your dashboard. While they don’t have the range and depth of the sophisticated diagnostics we use at A+ Japanese Auto Repair, they can give a clue about what’s going wrong in your vehicle and where to proceed.    Understanding the problem is the beginning of finding an answer   It’s not enough to have the code. You will also need to understand what parts the code corresponds to and how the different codes in play wo ... read more

Photo by A+ Japanese Auto Repair   As we get closer to school being back in session, some of us will see first-time drivers emerging from our own homes. High school seniors will be driving to school for the first time, and some of us will be sending our kids out of the nest and off to a university or a college.    Our kids are young. Some are inexperienced drivers who will be going back to school while our even younger children may be walking or bicycling to school-- sometimes on the same roads. It’s crucial that we send our kids out in safe and reliable cars.   Here are the ten car repairs you shouldn’t put off before school starts:   Check the Brakes - Brakes are number one for a reason. Kids will dart in and out of the road on their way to and from school. Drivers, young and old, need all the reaction time they can get.     Check the Battery - People often forget that batteries have water or a gel solution in them. After a ... read more

Your car is, in some ways, is a member of your family! However, just like any member of your family, your car can be vulnerable, especially during the summer! This article will go through some basic steps you can take and habits you can adopt to help your vehicle survive through the deadliest season for vehicles -- the scorching summer!    First, you have to make sure that you always park in shady areas. Frequent high temperatures and sun rays can burn your car paint and make your vehicle look like a (literally) hot mess! Just because you are having a good time in your car during a summer day doesn’t mean that your vehicle is not getting damaged! Damaged car paint is one of the most painful experiences a driver can get. It takes so much time and resources to fix a damaged paint that it’s not worth it!    A great habit to implement if you want to keep your car in shape is to check the tires regularly. A good rule of thumb is to start with the tire treads ... read more

Your tires are your first point of contact with the road. As you can imagine, it is essential to take care of your tires and wheels as they play a crucial role in your overall safety and security. An essential component of tire maintenance is wheel alignment -- alignment doesn't' just involve your vehicle's wheels and tires, but actually your vehicle's entire suspension system.    Your vehicle's suspension system comprises various components, including your tires, air pressure, springs, shock absorbers, and steering linkages. Each of these parts needs to be performing in tip-top shape, or your tires might not connect with the road safely and correctly. If your wheels are out of alignment, you most likely won't be able to steer straight, your drive won't be as comfortable, and your fuel economy won't be as effective.    Poorly conditioned roads, potholes, curbs, and so on all wreak havoc on your vehicle's suspension system and ali ... read more