Los Altos Auto Repair

Whoa!  Stop!  Put those brakes on!  Hey Duke here, and sometimes you just need to stop, put the brakes on, and slow down in everything we do, but especially our vehicles.  Without brakes........well your in for problems.  So today, we will stop and listen while I bark about Disc Brake Service.    

Every time you drive your vehicle, you wear down your brakes just a little bit.  And after a while, that adds up.  Gradually, your stopping power isn't like it used to be.  Since brakes are one of your vehicle's most important safety features, it just makes sense to keep them performing well.

Most vehicles have disc brakes.  One key component, as the name suggests, is the disc.  Most vehicles have discs on their front and rear wheels.  The discs (also called rotors) are made of metal, and each rotates with the wheel hub.  Your brakes also have pads that make contact with the rotors when you press down on the brake pedal, and the friction stops your vehicle.

After many, many stops, that friction wears down both the pads and the discs and reduces their ability to stop the way you need them to.  The discs may also become uneven from all the heat they generate, and your brakes won't stop as well as they used to when they were newer. 

Some signs that your rotors need attention include vibration at the wheels when you stop, discolored rotors (the metal looks blue), excessively hot rotors, or grooves in the metal.  If you see any of these signs, it's time to bring in your vehicle for us to inspect your brakes. 

A technician will measure the thickness and trueness of the rotors and check the surfaces for wear.  If they need to be replaced, they'll be done in pairs, so if a front rotor is bad, the other front rotor will also be replaced. Usually, your brake pads will be replaced at the same time.  You can ask your service advisor if higher-performance brakes would benefit you.

When your vehicle is at the shop, the technician will check other components of your brake system to make sure they are operating safely. Brakes are vital to the safe operation of your vehicle.  Keep them well-maintained so they can be there when you need them.

I leave you with this funny brake quote.....and think about it if you will,

"I brake for hallucinations." — This classic 1970s bumper sticker humorously suggests the driver isn't seeing things quite right.

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Hey, it's Brandy and today we will bark about your brakes and when they start to wear out.  What do you do?  Well, let's bark and find out and as I bark, "Them's the brakes!"  

Your vehicle's brakes wear out.  It's inevitable. You'll notice it when you step on the brake pedal and feel it harder to stop, or there's vibration when you are braking. 

Most modern vehicles have disc brakes that each use a brake pad that presses on a disc (disc brakes!) called a rotor.  The friction between them enables you to stop, and each time you do a little bit of the pad and the rotor wears down.

The original brakes on vehicles used a rotor that was thick enough to last through at least two replacements of the pads.  But vehicle manufacturers who want to save costs and weight now make them thinner, and sometimes the rotors have to be replaced after the first pad replacement.  But not always.

Vehicle manufacturers specify a minimum thickness to provide safe braking.  Sometimes, rather than having to have your rotors replaced, they can be put on a lathe and resurfaced.  In other words, the surfaces of the disc can be slightly shaved off so the surface is flat and doesn't wobble. 

Whenever you bring your vehicle in to have the brakes checked, the technician will measure the thickness of the rotors to see if they can be resurfaced without leaving them too thin for safe braking. If they can, with the right tools and skill, the rotors can be resurfaced.  If not, the rotors should be replaced. 

Discuss the options with your service advisor.  Our service center can recommend replacements that are designed to help stop your vehicle as well as or better than the vehicle's original rotors.

Either way, keep in mind that keeping your brakes in top condition can supply the margin of safety that may one day save your life or the lives of those around you.

This week I leave you with this witty quote, brake-related,

"Living with a conscience is like driving with the brakes on." - Budd Schullberg

Brandy

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

It's time to Stop, Look, and Listen!  Cayenne here, and I am making a full stop on the Brake Master Cylinder.  Yes, I did say Brake Master Cylinder just to confirm that is what the part is called and how important it is, or it would not be called a Master.  So let's put the brakes on and start barkin'!

When you step on your brake pedal, you want to feel confident that your vehicle’s going to stop.  If your brakes aren’t working right, it’s a risk to your safety and the safety of others on the road.  After all, you’re driving a machine that weighs thousands of pounds, and you have to be able to stop that big machine quickly and with control, especially with some of the speeds you travel on the highways. 

The heart of your vehicle’s brake system is the master cylinder.  When you apply the brakes, the master cylinder has pistons, springs, and brake fluid.  That fluid amplifies and distributes the force of your foot through brake lines to calipers at all your wheels.  Those calipers squeeze down on rotors or discs, which slow and stop your vehicle.

For safety, a master cylinder has two cylinders: one for the two front wheels and the other for the two rear wheels.  That way, if there is a failure in one, you’ll still have braking power on half your wheels.

The master cylinder doesn’t last forever, of course, and here are some signs it may have problems.  When you press on the brake pedal, it feels soft and spongy.  You may see the brake light on your instrument panel go on.  You may notice brake fluid leaking or discolored. 

All of those are signs of brake issues that need attention, and among the possible culprits is a failed master cylinder.  When you bring it in for a technician to look at, they’ll check not only the master cylinder but also the other components, such as pads, discs, shoes, brake lines, and hoses.  If your master cylinder needs replacing, we’ll make sure all the other parts meet the manufacturer’s specs as well. 

Brakes are important.  Really important. Full stop.

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Happy New Year 2026!  Duke here and it's one of those things that can happen on a multi-day road adventure or a quick trip to the grocery store.  You're on a car ride with your owner, and they hit a pothole, go too fast over a speed bump, or nail a curb.  When it happens, you think, "I wonder if that was hard enough to do any damage?"  But things seem ok, and they continue on their way while you enjoy the wind in your face.  So today, we will bark about alignment and why it matters to keep our dog car rides smooth and enjoyable.

Keep in mind that any blow to your vehicle's suspension can throw it out of alignment.  It can be a hard knock from the road or from another vehicle, such as being involved in a minor accident.  When your suspension is out of alignment, it means that the wheels aren't all pointing where they should.  And after a while, it can cause your tires to wear unevenly and affect steering and handling.

Let's go back to that pothole or curb you hit hard.  Even if you think there was no damage, if you wait until you see tire wear, you may need to replace all four tires, which is not an inexpensive proposition.

That's why it's a good idea to have your alignment checked regularly by a qualified technician. If you get regular oil changes (a MUST!), consider having an alignment check while your vehicle is in for service.  That's especially important if you drive roads that resemble the lunar surface.  If you buy new tires, it's also strongly recommended that you have your alignment checked. 

You can have your front wheels aligned or all four, and if your vehicle is newer, it's not a bad idea to spend a little extra for the four-wheel alignment check.  Good alignment pays off with better steering and handling, less tire wear and—BONUS—better fuel economy since aligned wheels offer less resistance when they roll on the road.

I leave you with this quote to start the New Year,

"Staying on the straight and narrow is tough when all the cool stuff is on the detour."

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Brandy here, and I have some electrifying automotive tips for you today.   The "Alternator!"   Yes, that exciting, powerful part you all have wanted to know more about.  Let's start barkin' and get the sparks flying.

Your alternator makes electricity to start and run your engine and all of the vital electrical systems in your vehicle. That’s everything from the on-board computers to the turn signals. And of course, there is the entertainment system, seat heaters, power windows, and everything you plug into the power outlets. After your alternator makes enough electricity to do all that, it recharges your battery with what’s left over.

When Los Altos drivers constantly have a low or dead battery, the alternator is usually a prime suspect. However, the alternator is just one vital component of the starting/charging system, and a problem with any of the other components could be the actual cause.

In addition to the alternator, the charging/starting system includes the battery, starter, serpentine belt system and all of the electrical cables that connect them. Your Allied Auto Works service advisor uses a systematic process to test components and connections to identify the source of your trouble. The initial symptoms determine where to begin the diagnostic process, and he follows the procedure until he tracks down the culprit.

For example, diagnostic tests at Allied Auto Works could reveal that the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged. Is the alternator bad? Not necessarily. A worn serpentine belt tensioner could be allowing the belt that spins the alternator to slip. So the perfectly good alternator is not spinning at the proper speed. The solution for Los Altos drivers is to replace the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.

The good news for Los Altos drivers is that our highly-trained technicians at Allied Auto Works can properly diagnose all your vehicle troubles and make the necessary repairs to get you back on the road in Los Altos.

Give Allied Auto Works a call and let them know Brandy sent you.

I leave you with this,

Electricity is really just organized lightning." – George Carlin

Brandy

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Happy Holidays!!!  Cayenne here, and the season is bright and cheery.  Since everything is so bright, I thought we would talk about the importance of your vehicle being bright, such as headlights. So let's get barkin' and turn up the lights.

You've probably noticed how much easier it is to see when you're driving during the day compared to at night. It's one of the main reasons that about half of all fatal vehicle accidents happen when it's dark.

That's why it's important that your vehicle's headlights are in top condition and working properly.  That means that they're aimed correctly and producing the amount of light they are intended to produce.

For many years, headlights were a standardized size and shape.  They were what is called a "sealed beam," and when you needed to replace one, it was pretty simple.  You just took the old one out and plugged a new one in. 

But now there are hundreds of different types of lighting systems on vehicles, producing light with such illuminating technology as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), halogen bulbs, high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, and more.  Some vehicles have systems that turn your lights in the direction you turn your steering wheel so you can more clearly see where you are going.

Now that it's not so simple to change headlamps or bulbs, it's wise to consult your service advisor.  They can tell you what your options are.  There may be ways to upgrade your lighting with new headlamps or components, but it's important not to install parts that could damage your vehicle.  For example, the headlight housing could be damaged if a bulb burns too hot for its design. 

It's also good to check the regulations and laws where you live.  Some regulate the color of light your headlamps can shine and how bright they can be. It's wise to leave headlamp replacement to a technician.  Some are tricky to get at, and modern engine compartments can be packed so tightly that it's hard to maneuver around all of the other engine components to reach the headlamp compartment.

Oh, one other thing to keep in mind.  Even if your headlamps are both working, you might notice people are flashing their lights at you, even when you don't have the high beams on.  That could mean your headlamps are aimed wrong; for the safety of the other drivers and yourself, have your technician check your headlamps' aim.

You'll see the light when you have good visibility at night.

Cayenne

Duke here on this brisk but beautiful Los Altos day.  You know, sometimes when I go for a car ride, I do not get good vibes.  In fact, I feel vibrations, and that my friends mean something is not right.  Today we will bark those vibes.....driveshaft failure.  Let's get barkin'!

When you feel your vehicle vibrating as you're driving down the road, one cause could be something you may not have ever seen: your driveshaft.  It is underneath the vehicle and most drivers don't climb under there to take a look very often.  The driveshaft is a cylindrical part that transmits rotational power from your engine to your drive wheels.  If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you may have two driveshafts. 

The drive shaft has bushings, and when they wear out, they can be a likely source of vibrations.  When the bushings are in good condition, they prevent the driveshaft from vibrating.  And if you don't get your vehicle repaired fairly soon after discovering vibrations, they'll continue to get worse and cause other components of the drivetrain to wear out.

The driveshaft is, of course, only one part of the drivetrain.  It includes other parts such as axles, transmission, differentials and joints.  They all work together and need to be maintained properly.  When a driveshaft fails, symptoms can be more than just vibrations.  They include difficulty turning, rattles, clunks and squeaks coming from underneath your vehicle. You may even feel a shudder when you accelerate from a stop.

Driveshafts can fail when they get corroded or damaged by rough roads, curbs and debris. A trained technician with experience working on drivetrains uses specialized equipment that doesn't further damage other parts of the drivetrain.  Sometimes the entire driveshaft must be replaced; sometimes the problems can be fixed by replacing individual components. 

Your vehicle's drivetrain was engineered to propel you smoothly down the road.  When time and distance begin to take their toll, have your vehicle looked at by Allied Auto Works.  They'll know how to properly pinpoint what's causing your problems and restore your vehicle to the reliable, smooth, safe machine its designers worked hard to create.

I leave you this quote about bad vibes,

"Negative people need drama like oxygen.  Stay positive, it will take their breath away." - Unknown

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

I am one lucky dog!  Brandy here and my dog pals, Duke & Cayenne, let me bark a second time in a row for The Barking Lot.  This time it's all about cabin air filters and engine air filters..................what is the difference? 

You may have heard someone say they just got the air filter replaced in their vehicle.  But did you know your vehicle has two major air filters, and they perform quite different—but very important—duties?

Today’s vehicles have a cabin air filter and an engine air filter.  The engine air filter cleans the air that enters your engine so it can run more efficiently and contaminants don’t foul vital parts.  While the cabin air filter keeps the air inside the vehicle’s cabin clean, the place where you and your passengers sit.  

It is important that you have each of these filter types changed at regular intervals, or earlier if any show signs of contamination. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual often recommends how long the interval should be.

First, let’s look at the engine air filter. Your vehicle’s manufacturer will offer guidelines on how often you should change the engine air filter as a matter of routine, by mileage or time interval.  

If you see signs of engine air contamination, such as misfiring, an illuminated check engine light, smoke coming from your tailpipe, or loss of power, you may need to replace the engine air filter sooner.  

Next, the cabin air filter.  Again, the vehicle manufacturer will suggest how often you should replace it. But if you notice excess dust in the cabin, on the dash, console, or seats, a bad smell in the cabin, or reduced airflow through the heating and cooling ducts, you should have us check whether your cabin air filter needs replacing. In either case, we’ll make sure we replace your air filters - either engine or cabin - with ones that are right for your vehicle.  

Since the holidays are around the corner, I leave you with this funny Christmas quote,

“Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.” — Victor Borge

Brandy

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Hello Los Altos!  Welcome to The Barking Lot.  My name is Brandy, and I am the new dog in town.  This is my first automotive blog, and I have to say I am not getting a good vibe, not getting a good vibe, you say.  Well, I am barking about Driveshaft Failure and the bad vibe it can give.  So let's start barkin' and roll with the vibes.  

When you feel your vehicle vibrating as you're driving down the road, one cause could be something you may not have ever seen: your driveshaft.  It is underneath the vehicle and most drivers don't climb under there to take a look very often.  The driveshaft is a cylindrical part that transmits rotational power from your engine to your drive wheels.  If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you may have two driveshafts. 

The drive shaft has bushings, and when they wear out, that's a likely source of the vibrations.  When the bushings are in good condition, they prevent the driveshaft from vibrating.  And if you don't get your vehicle repaired fairly soon after discovering vibrations, they'll worsen and cause other drivetrain components to wear out.

The driveshaft is, of course, only one part of the drivetrain.  It includes other parts such as axles, transmission, differentials and joints.  They all work together and need to be maintained properly.  When a driveshaft fails, there can be symptoms other than vibrations.  They include difficulty turning, rattles, clunks and squeaks coming from underneath your vehicle. You may even feel a shudder when you accelerate from a stop.

Driveshafts can fail when they get corroded or damaged by rough roads, curbs and debris. A trained technician with experience working on drivetrains uses specialized equipment that doesn't further damage the drivetrain's other parts.  Sometimes the entire driveshaft must be replaced; sometimes the problems can be fixed by replacing individual components. 

Your vehicle's drivetrain was engineered to propel you smoothly down the road.  When time and distance begin to take their toll, have your vehicle looked at by your service facility. They'll know how to properly pinpoint what's causing your problems and restore your vehicle to the reliable, smooth, safe machine its designers worked hard to create.

Here is my positive vibe quote for you this week,

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." — Winston Churchill 

Brandy

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Hey, it's Cayenne. Did you know that a burned-out headlight can cause your rearview mirror to reflect flashing lights? In other words, you might get pulled over by the police for only having one working headlight, because in most places it's against the law. So you now that you see the light, we are going to bark about headlamp replacement.  Let's light it up!!!

Not only is it illegal to drive with one headlight burned out, but it's also dangerous. You can't see down the road nearly as well at night with only one headlight, and other drivers can't see you as easily either.

The good news is that many newer vehicles warn you when one of your headlamps burns out. When that happens, have it taken care of as soon as you can.  While there was a time when all headlamps were pretty much the same, that's no longer true. Halogen, Xenon, LED, and other technologies are used in modern vehicles.  Plus, there are sealed beams (like those on older vehicles) and capsules.

If you have a burned-out headlamp, ask your service advisor for recommendations.  Usually, when one side goes, the other isn’t far behind. Many suggest replacing both headlamps at the same time.  Your vehicle's owner's manual can tell you what the manufacturer recommends.  You also can ask your service advisor about upgrading to a headlight that might give you better visibility. 

In order to make sure you're able to see down the road the way your vehicle was designed and not blind oncoming drivers, it's vital that new headlights be aimed properly.  That's another good reason to have this service performed by a technician. Now, that's a really bright idea.

Here is my quote for the week, regarding, of course, light.

"There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." — Leonard Cohen 

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com