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Duke's Advice On Before You Buy that Used Vehicle (Having a Used Car Inspected Before Buying)

duke

Hello and what a beautiful day here in Los Altos.  Duke here and with Spring on the way, you might be thinking about a new car, a mean used new car.  Did you know that Allied Auto Works offers a Used Car Inspection, so there are no surprises on that car you have your heart set on?  Well let's start barkin' about what you need to know and do before purchasing that vehicle. 

Let's face it.  New vehicles are expensive, so finding a good used one can save drivers a lot of money.  It's tempting to look through ads, find a private seller who has what you're looking for and pay a price you think is a great deal.  But when you go over to look at a used car, do you really know what to look for to uncover potential problems with it?

The answer is probably no.  Used cars can look great on the outside, maybe even have lustrous paint and a super clean interior. But is it possible that the vehicle's been in an accident? Does it have electrical problems you can't detect easily? Is there any fluid leaking that you don't know about?

Think about it.  You are about to spend thousands of dollars on a complex machine, and you're considering judging its condition without much expertise.  That's why it makes sense to have a qualified technician inspect any used vehicle you're considering buying.

Many vehicle repair facilities will do it for around $100-$200.  They'll check to see what's working right and what's not working.  They'll check for leaks and how strong the battery is; they'll look for signs it's been in an accident or has been painted. They'll look in places you'd find inaccessible, and they'll take it for a test drive to see what noises, vibrations and smells might give clues to any major problems.  An inspection usually takes about an hour.

You should have an inspection done by a technician you know and trust.  They'll have your best interests in mind.  And the inspection should be done before you start negotiating a price with the seller.  It's money well spent to either give you peace of mind that you're getting a good vehicle or steer you away from a lemon. 

One sign that a used vehicle isn't a good deal is if the buyer refuses to let you have it inspected. That says just about everything that needs to be said.    

So, if you have a used car you want to buy, call Allied Auto Works for an appointment for a Used Car Inspection. You will be glad you did, and it might save you a lot of money in the long run.

I leave you with an inspection quote for the week,

“The key to success is to inspect what you expect.” – Unknown

Duke

 

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Inspection

Cayenne's Advice On Maintaining Your Older Car in Los Altos, CA

cay

Hi, Cayenne here. As you know, I am starting to feel my age, but that does not mean I can't do the things I love and use my natural Hound Dog abilities. My nose is as good as ever. Your old car is the same way. It may be getting older, but it can still get you where you need to go with some regular maintenance or repairs.  So, let's teach a dog some new tricks.


The government mandates a lot of equipment on cars in Los Altos, CA: emission devices and control computers, safety equipment like airbags, and crash-worthiness requirements. All of this is great for the Los Altos motoring public, but it does add quite a bit to the price of a new vehicle.

Because new vehicles are more expensive, people in the Los Altos area drive their old ones longer. The average vehicle is now over nine years old. Two-thirds of vehicles on the road in CA have more than 75,000 miles (120,000 km) on them. As cars age, their performance drops, they have difficulty idling for long periods, and they are more sensitive to weather extremes. Fortunately, today's cars are up to the challenge—but they need a little help to keep on goin'.

Give Allied Auto Works a call at 650.968.7227 to schedule your next maintenance.

Some owner's manuals don't specify service requirements at higher mileage. That doesn't mean it doesn't have to be done. In fact, it's more important than ever to stay on top of routine maintenance for cars with more than 75,000 miles (120,000km).

First, just extend regular service intervals out: for instance, a service that's recommended every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) should be performed at 15,000, 30,000, 45,000, and 60,000 miles (24,000, 48,000, 72,000, and 96,000 km), and so on. Because of the additional stress older engines experience, the severe service maintenance schedule is more appropriate than the regular schedule; ask your service advisor. Watch for leaks; seals and gaskets dry out over time and don't hold the fluids as well as they used to.

It's also time to make sure you have a good technician, like those here at Allied Auto Works. Some services and replacements are scheduled after you click, like timing belts, valve train adjustments, suspension, anti-lock brake service, airbags, etc. Unexpected repairs down the road are just par for the course. Check for unusual sounds, smells, or the way your car feels. These could be hints that trouble's brewing. It's better to catch it early before it turns into a costly repair.

And a regular wash and wax will help maintain your car's appearance. One of the things you can do to really help your high-mileage vehicle is to begin using high-mileage formulation fluids. Special engine oils, coolants, and transmission and power steering fluids are formulated for cars with a few clicks on the old odometer.

High-mileage oil is designed to condition seals and gaskets, reduce wear, and avoid premature burn-off. Older engines are dirtier inside, and dirty engines contaminate their oil faster. High-mileage oil has special additives that clean the engine, removing sludge deposits over time. The result is less stress on the engine, better fuel economy, and excellent wear protection.

Studies have even shown that using high-mileage fluids early will actually prevent some of the problems of high-mileage vehicles. So once you hit around 50,000 miles (80,000 km), consider stepping up to high mileage formulations. High-mileage fluids cost a bit more than standard fluids because of the additional additives, but they can be worth their weight in gold in terms of preventing repair costs down the road. It costs more to maintain a higher mileage vehicle – but it's way cheaper than a new car payment!

My aging quote for you this week,

Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. ~Leroy "Satchel" Paige, unverified

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Maintenance

Duke's Getting New Tires in Los Altos

duke

Round and round we go.  Do ever feel like your spinning your tires?  Well, maybe it's time for new tires.  Duke here and today we are going to bark about getting new tires so let's get the wheels in motion and start bark'in.

There are so many tire choices in the Los Altos area that selecting the right one can be a bit overwhelming for drivers. And even though it's kind of fun to have new tires on your vehicle, they're a significant investment for most Los Altos area folks so you want do it right.

Tip: talk with your friendly and knowledgeable Allied Auto Works tire professional. He'll help you sort through the choices.

Here are some of the issues you'll talk about: One is size – you know, all those numbers on the side of the tire. The right size is. All new vehicles are required to have stability control, which, along with other important safety systems, is calibrated to work with specific tire sizes. Your Los Altos tire professional can help stay within the manufacturer's specifications or program a different tire size into your vehicle's computer.

And you'll want to discuss how and where you drive to determine the type of tire you need: summer, winter,  all season tires or all-terrain. There are tires for every Los Altos auto owner's needs.

As we said, tires are a big investment, so you want to get a good value on tires. Now, that doesn't always mean the cheapest tire. A top-tier tire from Allied Auto Works will last a long time and give Los Altos drivers good performance throughout its life. Tires sold in Los Altos bargain tire shops may not live up to that promise. Again, your friendly and knowledgeable Allied Auto Works tire professional can give you options that offer the best long-term value within your immediate budget.

Last, with a 2-wheel drive vehicle, it's to always replace both tires on an axle. Modern sensors and computer safety systems for vehicle brakes, stability and traction control need both tires to have the same amount of wear to work properly. And always put the new tires on the rear so you don't fishtail in a turn. With all-wheel drive, you should replace all four tires at the same time.

Schedule a tire inspection at Allied Auto Works to see how much life is left in your vehicle tires and seek the help of a professional when choosing new shoes for your vehicle.

Give us a call.

Here is my tire joke for the week,

"What do you call a Harley Davidson with no tires? ~ A groundhog."

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Tires and Wheels

Cayenne's Don't Be Fuelish

cay

Cayenne here, and today we are going to bark about fuel. If you smell gasoline in your vehicle, pay attention to your nose, like I do, because the nose knows.  That's because it has an important message for you.  So don't be FUELISH and let's get our scent on the trail.

Newer vehicles should never have a gasoline smell inside. One of the most dangerous conditions can come when your fuel line system has a leak or multiple leaks. Vehicles with fuel injectors are under pressure, meaning a crack or small hole in a fuel line can allow vaporized fuel to escape, sometimes around hot engine parts. Gasoline vapor and hot metal? You see the problem.

One of the most common causes of a gasoline smell inside a vehicle is a fuel tank leak. The gas tank can rot or be punctured by road debris. An Allied Auto Works technician can evaluate the condition of your fuel tank and suggest either repair or replacement.

Fuel injectors can develop small leaks around their seals or O-rings. Those can deteriorate over time as the material they are made of gets old and less flexible. A technician can replace those parts.

Modern vehicles contain something called a charcoal canister. It gathers evaporating gasoline vapors from inside your fuel tank and prevents them from venting out to the atmosphere. If that canister has a leak, you'll smell it. One hint that you have a problem is the Check Engine light may come on.

You may have a leak in your fuel tank vent hose. Or you may be smelling gasoline simply because your gas cap is loose, the cap is faulty or—yes this does happen—your gas cap is missing altogether.

Consider the dangers of gasoline fumes seriously. Inhaling them can be bad for your health or they may start a fire. Don't fool with fuel; have gasoline odors checked out right away.

Here is my quote for this week,

You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. 

~Abraham Lincoln

Cayenne

cay

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Fuel System

Duke's Automotive Tips: Alternator

duke

Duke here, and today, on my automotive tips, we are going to get electrified about the alternator. 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 onboard 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 has a systematic process of testing components and connections to get to 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 a call today and tell them Duke sent ya.

I leave you with my quote of the week,

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” —Jim Rohn

Duke



Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/



Categories:

Alternator

Cayenne Asks "What Is a Differential and Do You Have One?"

cay

Good day, Cayenne here,  and do you know what a differential is?  If you do, do you have one?  Well, today we will bark on this differential matter.  So as Duke and I always say, "let's get barkin!"

With front-wheel drive being so common these days in Los Altos, CA, the differential is just taken care of during a transmission service, so most Los Altos drivers don't even have to think about it. And rear-wheel drive differentials don't need to be serviced for years, so it's understandable that it's not something on the top of Los Altos customers' minds. It's not uncommon for drivers to not know they have a differential let alone know that it needs service.

Call Allied Auto Works in Los Altos at 650.968.7227 for information about differential service, or stop by our Los Altos, CA, auto center at 2073 Grant Road, 94024.

To better understand what a differential does, think about our local Los Altos high school track. There are lanes marked off on the track. For the longer distance races, the starting lines are staggered. The starting lines for the outside lanes are ahead of the starting lines for the inside lanes. That's to compensate for the longer length of the outside lanes. Staggering the starting lines means that each runner has the same distance to run.

The differential compensates for the difference in speeds between the inside wheel and the outside wheel in a turn, because they have to travel together through slightly different distances.

It's a very important function. When you think of it, all the power to get a vehicle moving goes through the differential. Most cars in the Los Altos, CA area weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds (1,400 and 2,800 kg) – trucks even more. The power from the engine goes through the transmission and then through the differential to the drive wheels.

That's a lot of work and requires very heavy-duty parts. And those parts need protection. The differential fluid lubricates the gears in the differential and keeps them cool.

The fluid eventually gets dirty and worn down. Some kinds of differentials require special additives that break down over time. So, vehicle manufacturers recommend intervals for replacing your differential fluid.

The professionals at Allied Auto Works will drain the used fluid and check it out for metal bits, which could be a sign of excessive wear on the gears. Then, they’ll replace the fluid and install the additives if necessary.

Your Allied Auto Works service advisor can look up the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service interval, or you can check your owner's manual. Give us a call at 650.968.7227 for more information about your differential service.

I leave you with my quote for thought of the week,

“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” —Mister Rogers

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Drive Train

Duke Asks, " What Is the Most Distracting Food While Driving?"

duke

Hey it's Duke and so what is the most distracting food to have in the car while driving around Los Altos?

Is it:

  1. A Hamburger;

  2. Dog Bone

  3. Coffee;

  4. A Soft Drink or

  5. Gummy Bears?

Well, you may be surprised to learn that all but the gummy bears are in the top ten most distracting foods when you are driving. But if you chose 'coffee,' then give yourself an extra two points.  Coffee is the number one food distraction for drivers in Los Altos and around the country. Well, believe it or not, the dog bone could be distracting if you are driving around with your favorite canine. 

Food distractions cause 25 percent of all car accidents, over a million and a half each year!

You'll notice that all of the top ten distracting food items are messy. Messy foods are the types of food you might spill (very distracting!), then try to clean up (a safe-driving impossibility!). If you gotta eat on the run, take five-then drive. You'll thank yourself later for two reasons: one, that you can actually relax for just a moment in our fast-paced world, and two, you won't have to worry about getting that cinnamon roll frosting out of your dashboard after that near miss.

Keep drinks in spill-proof containers, too, so you can keep your eyes on the Los Altos road without worrying about where that spill is headed.

So, taking a food break… or filling out accident reports. We don't have to ask you which you prefer; it's a no-brainer.

My joke for this week,

What do car racers eat for breakfast?

Fastfood

Duke

 

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Maintenance

Cayenne's Clean Fuel ? Clean Performance for Los Altos Drivers

cay

Cayenne here and today we are going to bark about how to keep your fuel clean in your vehicle which in turn gives a clean performance for your car. So let's get barkin' on clean fuel and what you need to do. 

Fuel filters clean the dirt, dust and debris out of your fuel. Both gasoline and diesel-powered engines have them. The fuel filter is located in the fuel line between the fuel tank and the vehicle engine. Los Altos auto owners don't need to filter their fuel because it has lots of grit in it; they need to filter it because it has some grit it in. Any dirt is bad for your engine. The cleaner the fuel, the better your vehicle engine will run.

Over time, the small amounts of rust, dirt and contaminants in your fuel settle out inside the fuel tank. After about five years, this can amount to quite a bit of sediment. This means that as your vehicle ages, your fuel filter has to work harder to screen your fuel: more sediment in your tank means more potential for grit in your fuel.

The harder your fuel filter works, the more often it needs to be replaced. Check with your owner's manual to find out how often it should be serviced and how long you can expect it to last. Los Altos drivers should change it before it becomes clogged. Your friendly and knowledgeable Allied Auto Works service advisor can help you with recommended fuel filter replacement schedules.

Good vehicle care means following recommended schedules for preventive maintenance, including changing your fuel filters. Take the auto advice offered in every owner's manual and have your vehicle regularly inspected at Allied Auto Works. It may save Los Altos auto owners money by preventing costly repairs, but it will also repay them in improved safety and peace of mind.

I leave you with my motivational quote for this week,

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." — Winston Churchill

Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Fuel System

Duke Goes By the Numbers: Tire Replacement at Allied Auto Works in Los Altos

duke

Hey, Duke here and have you ever noticed that your tire is covered with writing? It's like some hieroglyphic art form. Of course, Los Altos drivers know that it's not just graffiti, but to most of us, it might as well be. Would you like to know what all those codes on your tire mean? It won't lead you to buried treasure like bones and gold, but it could help you make a better tire purchase at your local Los Altos tire store.  So let's get barkin' on this numbering system as the wheels are spinning around. 

Prominently featured on your tire is a set of numbers and letters that looks something like this: 225 50 R 16 92 H. The first number is the width of the tire in millimeters, or the width between the sidewalls of the tire when it is fully inflated and not carrying a load. When Los Altos drivers replace tires, they need to match this width number, or the tires won't fit properly in the wheel wells.

The 50 is the aspect ratio of the tire, which is measured by taking the height of the sidewalls and dividing it by the tread width. If you drive off-road around the Los Altos area, it should have a high aspect ratio. For high performance on the road, you want a lower aspect ratio.

The R simply means this is a radial tire.

The 92 is the load rating index, or in other words, a rating of how much load a tire can safely carry. If you frequently haul heavy loads around Los Altos, you will want a tire with a high load rating.

The last letter in our “code” sequence is the speed rating on the tire. Not all tires have this rating. In general, the closer the letter is to the end of the alphabet, the higher the speed rating. In other words, Z is the highest rating and A is the lowest. One exception: H comes between U and V. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.

If you'd just as soon ignore all of the markings on your tire, that's okay. When you need to replace your tires just ask your friendly and knowledgeable Allied Auto Works tire professional for his auto advice on the best tires for you and your vehicle. Replacing tires is a standard part of preventive maintenance for Los Altos drivers' vehicles. We all have to do it sooner or later. And the better we understand what we're buying, the better our vehicle will perform and the safer we will be on CA roads. Good vehicle care is informed vehicle care.

I leave you with this number quote for the week,

"You have to be odd to be number one"  ~ Dr. Seuss

Duke

 

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Tires and Wheels

Cayenne Shoots The Straight and Narrow: Power Steering Service at Allied Auto Works

cay

Good day, Cayenne here and I don't like to pull no punches.  I like to give it to you straight on my automotive advice and today is no different.  I am going to bark to you the straight and narrow of power steering service. 

Service to a vehicle's power steering system is part of preventive maintenance for  Los Altos auto owners. This system provides power to the steering wheel so you can turn it with ease. Without power steering, all of the power to turn your vehicle's wheels would have to come from you.

The central element of most power steering systems is a pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid, and it is this pressure that provides auxiliary steering power. A belt connected to the engine usually powers the pump, although some systems use an electric pump. Some newer vehicles have an electric motor that directly provides the power steering boost.

Pressurized fluid moves from the pump to the steering gear through a high-pressure hose. A low-pressure hose returns fluid to the pump. Power steering fluid cleans, cools and lubricates the system.

Los Altos drivers should remember that fluid levels in the power steering system should be checked at every oil change. Low fluid levels can damage the pump, which can be expensive to repair. Low fluid levels may also indicate a leaky hose in the power steering system, so it is a good idea to inspect the hoses, especially if your fluid levels are low.

Power steering fluid breaks down over time, losing its effectiveness. It also gradually collects moisture, which can lead to corrosion in the steering system. So the fluid needs to be replaced occasionally. You should check with your owner's manual or ask your service advisor at Allied Auto Works to learn how often this fluid should be replaced.

When your fluid is replaced, your technicians at Allied Auto Works will remove the old fluid and replace it with new. Power steering fluids are not all created equal; the fluid has to be compatible with your hoses and seals. Allied Auto Works can ensure that you get the right fluid for your vehicle, or you can consult your owner's manual.

Signs that your power steering system is in trouble can include the following: a steering wheel that is hard to turn, auxiliary steering power that cuts in and out, or a whining sound coming from the pump. Also, drivers in Los Altos who are not topping off the power steering fluid on schedule may hear squealing coming from the engine belts.

To protect your steering system you should never hold the steering wheel in the far right or far left position for more than a few seconds at a time. This can wear out your pump in a hurry.

Preventive maintenance for your steering system primarily involves the power steering components, but your steering system has other parts that can wear out or be damaged by rough CA driving conditions. Such parts include the ball joint, idler arm, steering gear, steering knuckle and tie rod. Signs that they need attention include play in the steering wheel, a vehicle that wanders, uneven tire wear and a steering wheel that is off-center. Los Altos drivers should have their alignment checked annually. This check-up can reveal bent or damaged steering components.

For answers to other questions about your steering system, or for auto advice on any type of vehicle maintenance, check with the team at Allied Auto Works. We can steer you in the right direction when it comes to quality car care.

Here is my quote for today,

"There is no one who can give you wiser advice than you can give yourself: you will never make a slip, if you listen to your own heart."  ~ Marcus Tullius
 
Cayenne

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
https://www.alliedautoworks.com/

Categories:

Steering
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