SacAutomobile

When your car is in need of professional repair, it’s important to find a dealer-referred auto body shop in your area. Your car is a major investment, and you can protect it and prevent future car problems by finding a reputable body shop, like Dave’s, that does high-quality repairs. Here are some of the key factors that you should consider when choosing an auto body shop . It's not uncommon for estimates from different body shops to vary wildly. One shop might give you an estimate for $500 while another wants $2,000 for the work. What's the difference? And when is it OK to choose the cheaper shop? Make Sure the Body Shop has Good Recommendations Before your car needs collision repairs , you should begin looking for a quality body shop. You can ask friends and family for body shop recommendations, or ask your car dealer for a dealer-referred body shop. Check the online customer reviews for auto body shops before committing. Verify that the technicians are honest and kno

How many automotive businesses have their own theme song? I can only think of one Car Wash ! Cleaning a car isn’t just about cosmetics. According to John Ibbotson, Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic, regular washing can help protect your car's finish. “You need to remove that road grit and residue left from rain and birds, or it can lead to damaged paint and corrosion,” he says. What does regular washing mean? Dennis Taljan, director for automotive coatings at the paint company PPG has a simple rule of thumb: “When you see stuff on it, wash it," he says. Taljan points out that today’s cars aren’t as susceptible to rust, peeling paint, and faded clearcoat as older cars used to be, but they still need thorough cleanings to keep grime, salt, and mud from accumulating in places where they can get stuck. Sing Along at the Car Wash Ooh, ooh, you might not ever get rich But let me tell ya, it's better than diggin' a ditch There ain't no tellin' who you might

No matter what you drive - sports car, family sedan, pick-up, or mini-van - when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. The following advice should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good auto repair establishment. Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment and hope for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's merely gambling. Before car trouble strikes, take the time to compare several auto repair shops to find the one that best suits your convenience and needs: 1. Ask around Often the best referrals come from your friends and family who have had experience using the mechanics in your area. Getting a word-of-mouth referral from a friend or family member can also mean you'll get an honest insight about their experience with those repair shops, which can help save you money or avoid a scam. 2. Shop around before an emergency If your radiator is smoking or your car won't run at all, chances are

Not all car owners understand what it is that their vehicle’s transmission does – likely because it’s a complex part of your vehicle that can be difficult to decipher unless you’re trained to do so. How long does a transmission repair take? A transmission is a machine in a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Often the term transmission refers simply to the gearbox that uses gears and gear trains to provide speed and torque conversions from a rotating power source to another device. The amount of time required to replace a transmission often depends on the type of transmission and the vehicle. It usually only takes a day or two to replace a transmission in most rear wheel vehicles. However, some late model, front wheel drive vehicles can be quite labor intensive and take three to four days. If you drive a stick-shift car, then you may have several questions floating in your head. How does the funny "H" pattern that I am m

Oil changes are just one of the many minor hassles of car ownership, but they're crucial to keeping your car in good shape. Furthermore, if you don't complete your Oil Change on time and with the proper products, it could void your car's warranty. However, experts now say that the standard oil change interval of every three months — or every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) — is old news, and that most cars can travel quite a bit farther before needing oil replaced. If you're changing your oil more frequently than necessary, it won't help your car. It doesn't harm it either, but you're wasting money, time and resources. Keep in mind, too, that throwing away oil that's still usable puts a strain on the environment. If you drive, you’ve probably been told that you need an oil change every 3,000 miles. This is a widely accepted standard when it comes to oil changes, but do you really need to change your engine oil after traveling exactly 3,000 miles?

High-Performance Tires. If you have a need for speed, high-performance tires are the way to go. In comparison to all-season tires, high-performance tires are a type of summer tire that adds a maximum amount of grip and thrill to your ride. Get all your options at these Sacramento Tire Shops . There’s a difference between choosing tires and choosing the right tires. We know not everyone cares as much as we do about tires, so we’re here to lend a hand! Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose tires, starting with determining your tire size, deciding on a tire type, and identifying the qualities you care about most in a tire. What should you think about when choosing a tire? Once you know what size tires can fit your car, you need to be able to choose among the different types of tires. Tires may look similar, but they can be optimized to perform for very different conditions and usages. Think about the following things: What weather conditions do I drive in? Wha

Everyone can do their part to reduce smog by changing a few behaviors, such as: Drive less, Take care of cars, and making sure your Smog Check is up-to-date. Most vehicles in California are required to pass a Smog Check every two years for registration renewal. Your DMV Registration Renewal Notice will indicate if your vehicle needs a Smog Check. You may take your vehicle to any Smog Check station, unless it requires a Smog Check at a STAR station. Sacramento, California: History of the Smog Check program 1963 PCV required on new vehicles and older vehicles retrofitted 1966 Exhaust emissions standards applied to new vehicles 1967 First Federal Clean Air Act. Lets the states establish air quality standards. Updated in 1970 1969 CHP begins roadside inspections of emissions control systems 1972 CHP begins collecting emissions data during roadside inspections 1973 State law passes authorizing loaded mode inspection program in Riverside. 1974 CHP begins issuing "Not