Why is my car air conditioner not blowing cold air?

You don’t have to wait for the warmth of summer to be here in full force before looking for auto AC service. Even though we have looked forward to warmer temperatures, most people still like to stay cool and relaxed in their car even if it’s just for a short commute to work or to pick up groceries.  It’s especially important if you’re planning a summer road trip.  

Don’t find yourself out on the road wondering, “Why is my car air conditioner not blowing cold air?”  There are various reasons that could cause this issue:

• The coolant has lost its efficiency.  Fresh coolant added to the radiator may be all that is needed for the AC to work again.   
• The AC’s compressor is not creating a high enough pressure in the system for the refrigerant to cool correctly.
• A block in the system is allowing the high-pressure refrigerant to slowly decompress through the block. 
• Constantly exposed to stress from the health of the engine, road debris, dirt, vibrations, quick stops, and even run-ins with curbs, small cracks can be created in the AC unit through which the refrigerant is escaping.  
• The cooling fans could be burned out, mounted incorrectly, a chipped blade, or a simple blown fuse or burnt-out relay.
• An issue in the electrical system is giving out faulty signals caused by a broken wire or bad module, bad sensors tripping off your system, or causing the system to shut off inadvertently.  

With the use of computerized parts in today’s vehicles, the AC system is more complex than ever.  At least once a year, schedule an auto AC service with an auto mechanic who is certified to handle refrigerants. You will reap the benefits of not only a more relaxed drive in summer’s warm temperatures, but increased gas mileage, and a more environmentally-friendly vehicle.

So if you’re wondering why is my car air conditioner not blowing cold air, Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about auto AC service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

What Does a Full Service Include on a Diesel Engine?

After several considerations, you may have decided to purchase a diesel car or truck.  But your question now is what does a full service include on a diesel engine?  How should you take care of it?  It is important that you find a trustworthy diesel auto mechanic that is qualified to answer your questions and perform the needed maintenance services.

In several respects, a diesel engine is not as complex as a gasoline-powered engine, and will provide you with greater reliability.  Diesel engines use compression in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel instead of a spark like in a gas engine.  That means that diesel engines don’t require ignition tune-ups, plus they tend to run longer without major repairs than gas engines.  

That said, today’s newer diesel engines are more complex than in years past.  Due to higher emissions standards, increased horsepower, torque, and their advanced technology, the maintenance required for diesels has also increased.  Usually, a full service on your diesel car or truck includes:

• Changing the oil and filter—use the correct grade for your diesel engine
• Changing the air filter—Catches sand and other debris
• Changing the fuel filter—keeps the fuel clean so there is no water or contaminants in it
• Bleeding the fuel system—flushes out contaminated fuel
• Draining the water separators—some drain automatically
• Refill injection system—reduces nitrogen oxide emissions.  

The maintenance schedule for your diesel vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual.  Also, be sure to ask an ASE certified diesel auto mechanic to help you understand the schedule for your specific vehicle and then help you prioritize and budget for these services.

Are you wondering what does a full service include on a diesel car or truck?  Call our ASE Certified diesel auto mechanics at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel service and repairs and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Include?

Are you looking at a used car to buy?  It’s hard to know whether a car is a good deal or a lemon by just looking at the exterior.  A pre-purchase inspection by a dependent auto shop will help make sure you are getting a fair evaluation.  A multi-point inspection will uncover any hidden damage, defects, maintenance history, and driving safety.

Before you get a pre-purchase inspection, you must first obtain the Seller’s permission.  A written report will be provided to you along with insights on the car’s condition.  A typical pre-purchase inspection may include:

• Structural integrity, 
• Safety features,
• Electrical & electronic systems,
• Powertrain, 
• Suspension, 
• Fuel system, 
• Exhaust/Emissions, 
• Steering,
• Heating/air conditioning system
• Security system,
• Onboard computer systems,
• Interior,
• Wheels and rims,
• VIN alteration,
• Damage from accidents, flood or rough use,
• Odometer fraud,
• License plates,
• Salvage title, and more.

Whether it’s your first or your 100th, the purchase of a vehicle is a significant investment.  Ask for a car history report in addition to scheduling a multi-point inspection.  You don’t want to waste your money or be disappointed by your purchase.  Make sure you receive a comprehensive evaluation so you can make the best-informed decision possible.

Do you want to schedule a pre-purchase inspection?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about a multi-point inspection and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

When Should the Timing Belt Be Replaced?

An often-overlooked part of your vehicle is the timing belt.  Also called the serpentine belt, it plays an important role in the operation of your car.  If it fails, so does your engine, making your vehicle totally inoperable.  You don’t want to be driving along at 75 miles per hour and all of a sudden have the timing belt break!  

Why is the timing belt so important, you ask?  The timing belt controls the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft the opening and closing of the engine’s valves to allow air and gas in and out, which causes the fuel in the combustion chamber.  If the timing belt breaks, all these other components will not open and close at the right time to do their job.

So when should the timing belt be replaced?  There aren’t any obvious signs that the timing belt is about ready to give out.  It simply breaks! Generally, while you’re driving.  This is why highly rated auto mechanics recommend replacing it as a preventative measure at about every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.  Always Inspect your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific vehicle.

It’s not a matter of “if” the belt breaks, but “when” it will break. Replacement of the belt is usually determined by the mileage of the vehicle, the age, and when, or if, the belt was replaced before.  

Many auto shops do more than just replace the timing belt.  Because there are other components close to the belt, such as the water pump and vehicle hoses, they will be checked out at the same time.  Many auto mechanics recommend replacing the water pump and any cracked vehicle hoses at the same time as the timing belt is replaced.  This will save you a significant amount of time and money spent at a later time if it is compulsory to just replace the water pump.

Have more questions about when should the timing belt be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about preventative vehicle maintenance, such as vehicle hoses and the water pump, and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

How Often Should You Have Your Car Serviced?

To have a safe and trustworthy vehicle, you may be wondering just how often should you have your car serviced.  As a general rule of thumb, we recommend you have your car serviced every 12 months or 12000 miles, whichever comes first. Heavy car users, who drive many miles a year, should aim to have at least an interim service every 6 months or 6000 miles.

How do you know when to have your car serviced?  Many of today’s cars have an in-vehicle reminder system that delivers an alert on the instrument panel when it is time for certain services, such as oil changes, fluid level inspects, brake checkup, and other maintenance problems.  Although you can usually trust this reminder system, it is still wise to double-check the schedule of maintenance services listed in your owner’s manual or ask your car repair technician for the right service intervals for your car.

There are some factors to take into consideration as to how often should you have your car serviced:

• The age of your car
• Your car’s make and model
• How you use your car
• How many miles you drive

Today’s cars are too complex for most vehicle owners to take care of their own maintenance.  There are two ways in which you can plan ahead for car repair and maintenance.  First, try to fit the expense of car service in your budget.  Secondly, find an auto shop and mechanic you can trust before you want them.  It’s best to trust the skills and experience of a certified mechanic. 

Do you want to know more about how often should you have your car serviced?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about car repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering How Often Should Brakes Be Replaced?

Inappropriately, there is no clear-cut timeline that tells you how often should brakes be replaced.  You may only drive 8,000 miles per year, but if it is consistent stop-and-go driving in a large city, your brakes will wear more quickly than if you drive 15,000 miles through the flatlands of South Dakota. 

There are some factors to take into consideration that determine how often you will want a brake replacement, such as:

• How you drive,
• The weight of your vehicle, which includes passengers and cargo
• The quality of your brake materials, and
• The purpose of your vehicle.

Brake experts will tell you that the best way to determine if you want a brake replacement is to rely on how your brakes are performing, plus what you hear, see and feel!

If you hear a squealing sound when you step on the brake pedal, it could be the built-in wear sensors scraping against the brake disc.  If your car does not have a built-in sensor, listen for squeaking, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding.  Cleaning the brakes can get rid of several minor noises, but persistent, loud noises generally mean parts are worn out.

Have you noticed the little brake warning light that flashes when you start up your car?  If it illuminates while you’re driving, it is an indicator that your brake system may be low on fluid due to a leak or an issue with the master cylinder.  Also, many vehicles have an electronic wear indicator with a dashboard warning light if the brake pads reach a certain minimum thickness.

Tip to Remember:  Because many drivers have their tires rotated periodically (mechanics recommend a tire rotation at least every 6 months), have your brakes checked visually at the same time.  This is the best way to determine the condition of the brake pads, rotors, calipers and drum.

Are you wondering how often should brakes be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering what are the Signs of a Bad Car Starter?

All of a sudden, your car won’t start!  Is the culprit the battery, the starter, or the alternator?  It could be that the battery doesn’t have sufficient charge to start your car.  Or possibly, the alternator isn’t sending power to the battery.  The smart thing to do is to head to your auto shop and ask for a thorough inspection to determine the cause and rule out other problems.

So just what are the signs of a bad car starter?

1. Clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition.
2. The lights come on, but the engine won’t start.
3. The engine doesn’t crank.
4. The starter has overheated and smoke is coming from the car.
5. The starter is soaked with oil. 

There are some other causes that may result in a starter going bad:

• Loose wiring
• Dirty connections
• Battery corrosion
• Damaged parts in the starter system
• Oil leaks

Tip to Remember:  Don’t wait to get stranded with a car that won’t start.  If you have started noticing starting issues, have your car inspected out as soon as possible before it leads to other car issues.

Do you want to know more about what are the signs of a bad car starter?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about starters, alternators and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.