Los Altos Auto Repair

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

Hey Duke here, and you know it’s always a good idea to keep your cool, and that’s especially true when it comes to some components of your vehicle.  Today we will bark about water pump replacement and keeping things cool.  So chill and let's get barkin'!

Your engine is one hot place, and it’s hot under that hood, thanks to the mini explosions that are occurring in the internal combustion engine when it’s running.  Your vehicle has a cooling system that takes the heat out of the engine by moving a liquid coolant to a spot where the heat can escape (the radiator). 

The part that keeps that coolant moving is the water pump, which could probably be more accurately called the coolant pump since water is only one component of the fluid that does the cooling. If the water pump fails, your engine can overheat quickly, and that can cause significant and expensive damage to your vehicle.  Water pumps can be driven by belts (mechanical) or electricity (electric).

Your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends mileage intervals when you should consider replacing your water pump, even if it seems to be working fine.  That way, you are less likely to have a water pump break down at an inopportune time. Some manufacturers recommend replacing it every 60,000-100,000 miles/100,000-160,000 km.

Sometimes your water pump will fail before that, of course.  One sign something is wrong with the cooling system is if you notice the engine is overheating.  An illuminated engine temperature warning light on your dash or a temperature gauge that shows above normal are two things to look for.

You may also see steam coming from the engine compartment, another sign of overheating.  Both could mean your water pump needs replacing.  We also recommend that when your vehicle’s timing belt needs to be replaced, you have the water pump replaced at the same time, since everything will already be apart.

When your vehicle is already in for the water pump replacement, it’s a good time for a technician to examine other cooling system components.  Those will include belts, pulleys, hoses, and clamps, as well as the radiator, thermostat, and heater core.

I leave you with this "Cool" thought, 

"Stay cool, hang tight & admit nothing" ~Cara Delevingne

Duke

Hello, Cayenne here in beautiful Los Altos!  You know I love car rides, but sometimes my ride gets a little bumpy as we go down the road, and I wonder what is causing it not to be as smooth as it should be.  Well, today we will bark about this and smooth it all out for you.......so let's get barkin'!

There's something you can do that helps your tires last longer, wear more evenly, and your vehicle handle better.  "Sign me up," you say! Wondering what that is? It aligns your wheels and will literally point you in the right direction for a better, safer driving experience.

When your vehicle was designed, the engineers made sure your tires were all pointing the same way by designing the suspension to make optimal contact with the road. That way, the ride is smooth, you don't feel vibrations or shimmying, and your vehicle travels in a straight line, without pulling to one side or the other.

Unfortunately, your vehicle is not brand new; time and distance take their toll.  After hitting countless bumps, potholes, or the occasional curb, your suspension gets knocked a little out of kilter.  Those precise angles the engineers planned on for your vehicle? They get out of whack.

Uneven or premature tire wear is one of the first signs your alignment may be off.  If you are driving straight and your steering wheel isn't pointing straight, that's another indication alignment might need checking. Tire squealing can also be a clue.

When you bring your vehicle in for an alignment, we use equipment designed to measure the tilts and angles of your suspension's parts.  The technician will also check whether any of the vehicle's suspension components are worn or damaged.  We will also check your steering angle sensor to make sure it's set properly. 

The process differs for front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and 4-wheel-drive vehicles. 

After your alignment, your tires should wear more evenly, your steering should be straight, and your wheels vibration-free.  If it's been a while since you've had your vehicle aligned, bring it in, and we'll check it.  Usually, your alignment will be a little off after one or two years of driving, and it's wise to follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for how often your model should be checked.

Here is a famous misquoted "bumpy" quote,

• The classic misquote: "Fasten your seatbelts; it's going to be a bumpy ride".

• The actual quote: "Fasten your seatbelts; it's going to be a bumpy night".  ~ Bette Davis

Duke

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

Sometimes it's hard for me to charge up in the morning and get going.  I need that extra dog treat to recharge me.  Hi, Duke here, and your vehicle might not have a charge at some point either.  What is going on, and what does it need to get going????  Today we will bark about why your battery won't charge, so let's charge into this and get barkin'!

When your vehicle’s battery is dead, you're left with that horrible, helpless feeling.  A dead battery means it won’t hold a charge, and there are several reasons it won’t.

One is age.  Batteries have chemical and electrical systems that generate power, and over time, they won’t work as well.  They may have been degraded by exposure to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Batteries have a code on them that can tell you when they were manufactured.

Another reason your battery won’t hold a charge is corrosion on the terminals, the metal posts where your battery cables are connected.  A chemical reaction between the battery’s acid and air creates a salty moisture that can corrode those terminals.  

If your vehicle’s alternator is not working properly, it won’t charge your battery as it is designed to, and the battery may lose its charge more quickly than it should. Another possibility is there might be an electrical component that’s staying on when you turn your vehicle off, and it may slowly drain the battery so much that there won’t be enough power to start your vehicle.  

When you notice any of these things, bring your vehicle in so a technician can evaluate what’s causing the problems.  We will give your electrical system a thorough inspection and run tests that can tell the health of the battery and other components.  You may be able to avoid problems by having us evaluate your electrical system regularly as part of a periodic maintenance schedule.

I leave you with this thought on,

"Electricity is really just organized lightning" ~ George Carlin

Duke

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

Good day, Cayenne here, and you know I love going to the dog groomer for my monthly nice warm bath.  They know how to wash me and make me happy.  I always come home with my coat looking shiny and silky, smelling fresh.  Your vehicle, too, deserves that same treatment, looking shiny and clean.  So turn on the water, get the suds, and start barkin' about washing your car!

Most would agree they'd rather drive around in a clean, shiny vehicle than one coated with a layer of dirt.  When warmer weather comes around, some of us are bound and determined to wash our own vehicles.  And to protect the paint and its luster, there are a few things to keep in mind when you get out the bucket and soap.

• Cool body.  It's not a good idea to wash a vehicle when the body is hot.  If it's been sitting out in the sun or you've been riding around on a sunny day, make sure you cool your vehicle off by either moving it to the shade or wetting it down with cool water. The problem with washing a hot vehicle is that it dries so fast; minerals in the water can form hard-to-remove spots on the paint.  And some of those can be really difficult to get out.  Best to avoid it.
• Slippery when wet.  Make sure you wet your vehicle down thoroughly before you get the washing mitt out.  Experts keep a couple of buckets of soapy water on hand and use soap engineered to remove dirt from a vehicle without stripping off the wax that might be on it. 
• The washing mitt.  Experts say to use a mitt with hundreds of moisture-absorbing strands.  Start washing at the top and move down.  If you keep dipping the mitt into the buckets frequently, a minimal amount of dirt will stick to it, which will prevent scratching the paint. 
• Wheels last.  Wait until you've finished washing the body before washing the wheels.  Some detailers prefer special wheel-washing tools or brushes. 
• Rinse it well.  Hose the vehicle off thoroughly to remove all soap, then dry immediately.  Some people swear by a chamois; others prefer cloth.  Cotton or microfiber towels will do.  

The next time you have your vehicle in for maintenance, you might ask your service advisor for recommendations on vehicle washing accessories.  They are usually up on the brands that produce the best results.  You may not be a detailing pro, but there's no reason your vehicle can't look like you are.

I leave you with this quote for thought,

"I spent three hours washing my car, and it's supposed to rain tomorrow.

Cayenne

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