Los Altos Auto Repair

You climb inside your vehicle, start the ignition, and reach for the fan control for the heating or air conditioning.  But when you try to crank it up, no air comes out of the vents. It can make for a very uncomfortable trip, whether it’s hot or cold outside.

It’s important for the comfort of you and your passengers to regulate the temperature in your vehicle’s cabin.  Not having air coming through the vents can also be a safety issue when you’re trying to defrost the windshield and front windows when they fog up and your visibility is affected.  

There can be many reasons why the air isn’t blowing through your vents.  The blower motor may have failed or the switch that controls it wore out.  It could be as simple as a blown fuse, or perhaps an electrical component that regulates the fan speed may have stopped working. One of the ducts that direct the air from the outside to the cabin may have broken.  Or the air intake where the outside air is collected may be clogged up with leaves or other debris.

If your vents aren’t blowing air, it’s time to bring in your vehicle to have one of our technicians diagnose and repair it.  They will examine the electrical and mechanical components to see where the problem is.  The remedy can be something simple, or it may involve a more extensive repair.  

Keeping the cabin temperature temperate and having good air flow are vital to your comfort, especially when the weather outside is extremely hot or cold. 

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

Cayenne here today. Everyone loves things that sparkle. Our vehicles send out their own spark through the ignition coil.  But how do you know it might be time to replace the ignition coil?  Well today we will ignite you some sparkling information on the subject.

Ever wonder how your vehicle’s engine can take the 12 volts from its battery and ramp that up to as high as the tens of thousands of volts it takes to fire its spark plugs? The secret is something called an ignition coil. Most newer vehicles have an ignition coil at each cylinder, but older ones have one that serves all the spark plugs. 

There are telltale signs that you have an ignition coil problem. As you might expect, one symptom is that it’s hard to start your engine or that it won’t start at all. If your engine is misfiring or not running smoothly, or you see the Check Engine light come on, those could all point to an ignition coil failure.

Several things can contribute to ignition coil trouble in addition to normal wear and tear. Moisture and dirt may have gotten inside the coil, and the heat and vibration of your engine over time can cause it to go bad. Bad spark plugs or plug wires can also be a cause.  

While ignition coils can last 100,000 miles/160,000 km, depending on how you drive and in what conditions, if you start noticing some of the signs and symptoms just described, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit to see us so a technician can diagnose what’s wrong. Driving too long with an engine misfiring can damage your catalytic converter, which can be expensive to replace.

A technician will thoroughly check your ignition system and determine where the failure is. If only one coil is bad, it may be the only thing that needs replacing. If your vehicle has a distributor, it may also need replacing. Properly working ignition coils will help your vehicle operate at its best and help prevent future engine damage.

Leave a little SPARKLE wherever you go,

Cayenne

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

Good day California, Duke here and you know whether we're trying to save money on dog treats, save gas or save the environment, most of us Los Altos drivers have an interest in decreasing fuel consumption. We've all heard about ways to save money on gas in CA, but does it really add up to much? How much can we boost our fuel economy through preventive maintenance and more courteous driving?  Well, I'm here to bark on how you can accomplish this......so let's get barkin'!

The US government has a website that actually answers that question. Let's look at some of the data and find out if any of these fuel-saving ideas are really worth the effort. We've all heard that a tune-up can improve gas mileage. It turns out that it can save us 4% at the pump. At $3.50 a gallon, that's 14¢ per gallon in savings, and at $4.00 a gallon, that's a 16¢ per gallon savings.

Other common repair items can also save you at the pump. For example, if your oxygen sensor is faulty, it's not delivering the information to your engine's computer that allows it to calculate the proper fuel-to-air ratio. The result? The fuel doesn't burn efficiently. Replacing that faulty sensor can save you 40% at the pump. That's certainly a reason to improve your car care and have the automotive professionals at Allied Auto Works inspect things once in a while.

A faulty oxygen sensor will activate the check engine light. So will a lot of other problems that are big fuel wasters. Finding out why your light is on and fixing the problem will also improve fuel economy. Bring your car into Allied Auto Works in Los Altos and we will take care of it for you.

What about tires? Los Altos drivers have all heard that keeping them inflated will improve our gas mileage. True? Yep. It's a 3% savings for that one. And even small drops in tire pressure can start to add up, so a weekly tire check is in order.

Using the correct weight in motor oil is another way you can save at Los Altos area gas pumps. It adds up to a 2% savings.

What about that courteous driving? That doesn't cost us anything and doesn't require our Los Altos service center to implement anything. Is it worth the bother?

Again, the answer is yes. Sudden acceleration, such as charging away from stoplights, sudden stops and quick lane changes all add up in lowered fuel economy. Taking it easy when you drive on CA roads amounts to a 5% savings around town and a whopping 33% savings on the freeway. Is it worth your time to slow down? How much do you get paid?

Speeding is another way we ding ourselves at the gas pump. We've all heard that it's okay to drive five miles over the speed limit, but that actually hurts our wallets. Eventually, it could add up to more than a speeding ticket. An extra five miles over the speed limit ends up costing us 7% per gallon. Fifteen miles over? 23% Now, there's a reason to slow down.

Another thing Los Altos vehicle owners can do to improve that costs nothing is to toss the junk out of our trunks. In other words, clean out the car and stop hauling around non-essentials. Don't treat your vehicle like a storage locker. Dumping one hundred pounds of extra weight adds up to a 2% savings at the pump.

So when you tell someone you were going somewhere anyway, and they're welcome to come along, that's okay. But if someone tells you they need to come along and it's no harm to you since you were going anyway—well, now you can tell them, “Sorry, dude, but you're an extra fifteen cents a gallon!”

All joking aside, let's do ourselves a favor and fatten up our wallets by practicing good car care and better driving habits in CA. Now you can afford the delicious dog treats!

Duke

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

Hi Cayenne here and warm weather or cold, Los Altos drivers still need to consider their vehicle's air conditioning. Most Los Altos people don't service their air conditioning until after it fails. At Allied Auto Works, we can advise you on your vehicle manufacturers' preventive maintenance schedules for air conditioning service, just as we do for transmission service, oil changes, and so on.

Maintaining your air conditioning system means always having enough refrigerant to do the job properly. Small leaks in the vehicle's air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can't cool the air as well. We see that a lot at Allied Auto Works in Los Altos.

The refrigerant also contains oil that lubricates air conditioning components and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil means that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and all Los Altos vehicle owners know that air conditioning repairs can be costly. At Allied Auto Works, we recommended that the air conditioner be run regularly, even during winter months, to keep the parts and seals lubricated.

Los Altos drivers need to be aware that there's one more thing that isn't directly related to air conditioning service but does impact the air quality in your vehicle. And that's your cabin air filter. This filter cleans dust, pollen, pollution, and other air impurities from the heater and air conditioner. The cabin air filter needs to be replaced when it's dirty. If you don't, it'll start to smell. Not all vehicles have one, so ask your Allied Auto Works service advisor to check your cabin air filter while they're doing your air conditioning service.

And as we leave Summer and enter into Autumn, I leave you with this,

Autumn leaves don't fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar

Cayenne

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

Duke here and organization is the key to managing a busy life in CA.  I wake up in the morning, go out and do my business, eat, take a nap, go on squirrel patrol, nap again, and then go for my afternoon walk.  Your vehicle also has routines that need to be followed, so today, we will bark about ten services you do not want to overlook.  Let's get barkin'!

Setting up an annual calendar for vehicle care can keep Los Altos residents on top of preventive maintenance. But you can't just write “oil change” every few months on the calendar. Modern vehicles have many systems that are vital to the safe operation of a vehicle, and they all need to be inspected. Los Altos residents can't afford to overlook any of them.

The following is a list of preventive maintenance services that vehicle owners often overlook in the Los Altos area. They are not presented in any particular order.

1. Duke's Power Steering Service. Moisture gradually builds up in your power steering fluid, which can lead to corrosion in your steering system. The fluid also gets dirty, which can gum up your steering system. The fluid needs to be replaced periodically.

2. Duke's Wheel Alignment. Wheels that are out of alignment will cause a vehicle to pull to one side. This is dangerous for Los Altos residents and can lead to accidents. Also, it causes uneven and rapid tire wear, which means tires must be replaced more often.

3. Duke's  Differential Service. They are part of the drive train system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Damage or wear in this system can make a vehicle undriveable.

4. Duke's Cabin Air Filter. Your vehicle may or may not be equipped with a cabin air filter. Its job is to remove dust and pollen from the air that enters the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If this filter clogs, it can stink. So check your owner's manual to determine if your vehicle has a cabin air filter. If so, visit us at Allied Auto Works and get it changed according to the recommended schedule.

5. Duke's Timing Belt Replacement. Most passenger cars and some vans and trucks have timing belts. Los Altos residents can check their owner's manual to determine if their vehicle has one. If so, you can't drive without it. And if it breaks while on the road, you may be looking at thousands of dollars of repairs. So it is essential to inspect it occasionally. If your vehicle has close to 60,000 miles/100,000 kilometers or more on it and you haven't had your timing belt replaced, then you need to find out the recommended replacement interval NOW.

6. Duke's Transmission Service. Transmission fluid gets dirty and has to be replaced. If not, you risk repairs.

7. Duke's Air Conditioning Service. The refrigerant in your air conditioner needs to be replaced periodically. This fluid doesn't just refrigerate air; it provides lubrication to the air conditioning system and conditions seals. Lack of fluid can damage components.

8. Duke's Brake Service. Even if your brakes are quiet and working well, the brake fluid still might need to be changed. Over time, moisture builds up in brake fluid. Water has a different viscosity than brake fluid, so the brakes can't compress properly when there's too much moisture in the fluid — and you shouldn't need to be told how it is to drive with brakes that are compromised. Moisture in your brake fluid can also corrode parts in your brake system, causing it to fail altogether.

9. Duke's Coolant System Service. Antifreeze is another fluid that needs to be changed regularly. If not, it actually becomes corrosive and begins to damage your cooling system. Eventually, it can eat holes in your radiator.

10. Duke's Fuel System Cleaning. Over time, your fuel system gets gummed up, which can interfere with the flow of fuel in several ways.

Of course, your next question should be: How often do I need to get all of this done? Well, the answer varies depending on which service we're talking about, the make and model of your vehicle, the climate where you live in CA, your usual driving conditions and your driving habits.

But don't lose heart. Your owner's manual will give you a recommended service schedule for most of the service items listed. You can get quality auto advice from your friendly and knowledgeable Allied Auto Works service advisors to help you meet the service intervals that suit your vehicle.

I leave you with this quote for the week,

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

Duke

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

Hi Cayenne here and today we will breathe new life into your MAF sensor.  So take a deep breath and let's get barkin' on this subject!

If you’ve noticed your vehicle is hard to start, stalling, or has lost power, the culprit may be a part with an odd name: the MAF sensor.  You may have never even heard of a MAF sensor, but it’s essential that it be working correctly, or you may be experiencing some reasonably significant engine issues.

All vehicles bring in air and direct it through an air filter before it goes into your engine, where it mixes with fuel to provide power to get you going. A tube-like device with a sensor inside it measures how much of that mass of air is passing through. That’s why it’s called a mass air flow sensor, or MAF sensor.  If the MAF sensor isn’t working right, the engine’s computer can’t determine the right amount of fuel to mix with it, and your engine may hesitate or stall.  Sometimes, this will cause your Check Engine Light to come on, and any time it does that, make sure you have your vehicle checked by a professional so you’ll know what’s going on.

When you take your vehicle into your service facility, a technician will thoroughly check the system to see just where the problems are.  If your air filter is dirty, your MAF sensor may get dirty too, which might be causing the problems.  You may find your fuel economy isn’t what it used to be either.

Other things can cause the same symptoms, too, such as a leak in a vacuum hose or a broken electrical connector between the MAF sensor and the engine. 

The technician can use electronic diagnostic equipment to help pinpoint the exact problem or problems, replace worn parts, and test drive your vehicle to make sure it’s working correctly.

It’s also a good idea to change your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can contribute to an MAF sensor failure. One of the big benefits of having your vehicle regularly maintained at one facility is that they know your vehicle. So, they keep track of which of your vehicle’s parts should be periodically replaced before problems develop. 

Keeping clean air heading into your engine can help it work efficiently and with the power it was engineered to deliver. Isn’t that a breath of fresh air?

Breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in, breathe in, breathe in
Got a machinehead, it's better than the rest ~ Bush

Cayenne

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

Good Day, Duke here, and you know Los Altos drivers may feel intimidated when they take their vehicles to a service center. They have questions but aren't sure how to ask. They don't want to feel embarrassed about their lack of knowledge. They don't want to make the service technician feel they don't trust him.

If your service advisor at Allied Auto Works uses a term you don't understand, just ask him to explain. Remember, they are the auto service experts. If they came to your place of work, they probably wouldn't understand the jargon, either. When you take your vehicle to be serviced, ensure you know the financial issues up front. Ask about payment policies, warranties, and, of course, the cost of the work being done.

It helps to understand the essential services your vehicle needs. Know the difference between a quick check-up and a thorough inspection you are getting and asking for. Understand that diagnosing a problem takes time, and time isn't free. If you have concerns about cost, negotiate your limits before service is done. Don't be afraid to ask your service advisor for auto advice on keeping your vehicle on the road within your budget. He can help you prioritize your vehicle's needs. Some repairs are for the safety and future health of your vehicle. Others can wait. Your Allied Auto Works service advisor can help you set up a plan to get all the work done as you can afford it.

It may be tempting for Los Altos drivers to save money with budget parts. Your service advisor can help you to sort through the options to work within your budget. High-quality parts are always preferable for any auto repair. Your service advisor will ensure the parts won't compromise your vehicle's safety.

Don't leave your Los Altos service center without your paperwork. Ask about warranties for parts and labor. You may need these for claims or if there is a problem in the future. Get detailed explanations of the work done on your vehicle. These records will help you keep track of repairs, services, and warranties.

Those records may also help close a deal when it comes time to sell your vehicle. After all, the biggest concern most people in Los Altos have when buying a used vehicle is that they are inheriting someone else's problems.

Records of repairs and service give a good picture of your vehicle's condition and performance and what problems a new owner can expect. People are always happier to purchase a well-maintained vehicle. Whenever we climb into a vehicle, we entrust our health and safety to it. Perhaps it's time to take our vehicles' health a little more seriously. Open up; ask and learn.

Remember, you still teach an old dog new tricks,

Duke

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

Hello, Cayenne here. Did you know that dogs have better night vision than humans? That's because dogs have a high number of light-sensitive rods within their retinas.  Today, we will bark about how, when driving at night, high and low beams work for night vision or lack of vision for other drivers.  

It's happened to all of us.  We're driving down a highway at night and over a crest appears a car with its high beams blazing.  You are momentarily blinded, hoping the other driver will switch them to their low-beam setting and restore your vision.

Not only do we not appreciate being blinded, face it; we don’t want to be that other driver, either.  You know, the one who forgets to turn down their high beams.

Why do we want high beams in the first place? When used correctly, they can improve safety, giving drivers more reaction time since they can see farther down the road. However, research has found that many drivers either don't use them or, when they do, frequently forget to switch to low beams. Enter the automatic high-beam dimmer.

The quest for the perfect one began in the 1950s when General Motors invented what it called the "Autronic Eye." It was a phototube that sat on the dashboard and turned down your beams when it saw other headlights. While touted as the biggest advance in night driving safety in 30 years, it didn't work all that well. But as technology advanced, systems improved.

Today's automatic high beam dimmers usually have a camera in the rearview mirror (pointing forward).  When the camera sees lights, software in the system's computer attempts to determine the source of the light, whether it is an oncoming vehicle, taillights, ambient city lights, street lights or the reflection off of a street sign.  It then adjusts the headlights to operate high beams if appropriate or a less-blinding mode if they’re not.

Some automakers strive to make their headlight systems more intelligent and safer by developing lamps that can avoid blinding oncoming drivers by means other than simply dimming them. One idea? Splitting the beams so they will block just the portion that shines into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

It's a long way from the Autronic Eye. 

I leave you with this fun quote about light,

A day without sunshine is like, you know, night  ~ Steve Martin

Cayenne

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

Duke here. When my nose is on the scent of a varmint, I go side to side, and that's OK for me. But when you head down a straight road, does your vehicle pull to one side? Do you feel a vibration in any of the wheels? If you've noticed any of these things, it's probably time for you to get your wheel alignment checked.

When your vehicle left the factory, its wheels were parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.  That maximizes traction for good steering and braking. When you take your vehicle on the road, normal wear and tear will affect your alignment. Hit a bump, a pothole or a curb and all those little knocks will add up

Bad alignment cannot only cause your steering wheel to pull unevenly but also wear your tires out much faster than they should. In fact, if you look at your tires and see that one side of the tread is a lot smoother, it could be another sign of bad alignment.

Since different problems can cause similar symptoms, our trained technician will first test drive your vehicle. Then, they'll check the front end and the steering linkage and look for tire wear. The technician will then put your vehicle on a lift and use computerized diagnostic equipment to measure alignment angles so they can precisely align your vehicle's components.

There are different kinds of alignments.  One is a front-end alignment that aligns components of the vehicle's front axle.  Another is a thrust alignment that makes sure the front wheels are lined up with the direction the rear wheels are pointed.  A third type is four-wheel alignment which is usually used on all-wheel drive and  4-wheel drive vehicles.  It's also recommended for front-wheel drive vehicles that have independent rear suspensions.  It makes sure the angles of all the wheels are where they should be relative to each other and also the vehicle's body or frame.

If you are heading straight down the road, your steering wheel should be perfectly centered, so the technician will adjust it so it is. Finally, they'll take your vehicle back on the road for a final test drive to make sure it's performing as engineers intended.

Your service adviser can recommend how often you should have your alignment inspection since it depends on your vehicle type (SUV, sporty car, etc.) and your driving environment.  Properly aligned wheels can help your vehicle perform better and save you from expensive repairs down the road.

Don't forget this week is National Dog Day on August 26th!  So take the wonderful canine for a car ride

Duke

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

Boy, I am feeling tired today. I think it's time for a nap. Cayenne here, and when dogs are tired, well, we just take a nice dog nap, but when your tires are tired, well, that can cause a problem. So today, we are going to bark about tired tires and whether it's time to replace them. Let's wake up and start barkin'!

Of the things you think about most, your tires are probably pretty far down the list. That’s understandable because today’s tires are engineered to do their job without needing you to pay too much attention to them. But they DO wear out, and worn tires can contribute to skidding in bad weather, not being able to stop, a ride full of uncomfortable vibrations and, even a sudden blowout. Yikes. Let’s figure out right now how to know if your tires need replacing!

Let’s face it. Most of us don’t know the first thing about tires. So, the best way to ensure what shape you are in is to take your vehicle to a qualified service facility to have the tires checked out by a trained technician.  Here are things they’ll check:

• Tread.  Tread is the part of the tire that touches the road surface.  Different tires have different tread patterns and something called tread blocks - the raised rubber parts that contact the road. The longer a tire has been on a vehicle, the more that rubber wears off.  The technician will check to see if enough of that tread is left on your tire for sufficient traction to accelerate, steer, and brake.
• Pressure. It’s important that your tires are inflated properly so they will perform the way they’re designed while driving. If your tires have low air pressure, the technician will check to see why, perhaps cracks in the sidewall from age, a nail in the rubber picked up on the road, or bulges. It’s also important that your tires are not overinflated.
• Wear.  Your tires should wear evenly.  If they haven’t, the uneven wear can cause vibrations that you can feel in the steering wheel.  Maybe the whole vehicle shakes at a certain speed.  Your vehicle may require other services such as balancing, alignment, or suspension repairs to prevent future tire damage.
• Age.  Your tires may have adequate tread, but it's time for new if they’re too old. Rubber gets old, and when it does, it loses its elasticity.  Have you ever found an old rubber band and tried to stretch it? It’s brittle and will break easily. Hotter climates will age rubber—and tires—faster. All tires have their date of manufacture stamped on them, so your service adviser can see when your tires were made.

If it’s time to replace your tires, you’ll have many choices for new ones: different brands, models, designs, etc. Your service adviser can help you determine which ones are right for you. It's much better and safer to do it before one fails at the least opportune time.

My quote for this week,

"The nap is a sort of easy version of meditation." ~Tom Hodgkinson, How To Be Idle: A Loafer's Manifesto, 2004

Cayenne

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