American Honda and Acura Approve BASF Automotive Refinish Paint for All Warranty Repairs in US

This is the first time American Honda has issued a service bulletin specifying approved paint lines for warranty repairs.“BASF worked with American Honda to help them better understand.....read more

How To Tell If Your Horse Trailer Needs Repair

When you load your horses onto your trailer, you need to be able to ensure that it’s going to be a safe ride for everyone involved. That means paying attention to the needs of your trailer as well and reporting in for repairs as needed. However, for those who’ve never dealt with owning one of these accessories before, knowing when repairs are needed could be tough. Some of the most common issues noting a need for replacements or repairs are:

• Thumping or bumping sounds from the wheels. This is usually a problem with the bearings, and you’ll need to do a lot more than grease them to restore your ride to top condition.
• Metallic grinding noises and squealing, which could be an indication of failing brakes. While this is something many parties can repair on their own, it’s always best to consult with a professional anyways to ensure there’s no other underlying problems.
• Failing tail lights, which could be a result of faulty wiring. Not only is it illegal to drive without properly functioning tail lights, but it puts both you and your horses in danger when driving at night.

These are some of the most common ways to determine whether or not your horse trailer needs to be taken in for repairs. To learn more about horse trailer repair in Scotts Valley, visit this website.

Animal Crossing

 

Whether you’re crossing town, the state or the country, keeping your pets comfy and safe during the move is a must. This is why keeping your horse trailer and other important equipment in pristine condition is imperative.

How To Tell If Your CV Joint Needs Repair

A CV joint is an essential part of your vehicle. This type of axle is used in vehicles that use front-wheel drive, and are the main way the car transfers power from the engine to the wheels to make the car move. When it is in need of repair, it may give some obvious signs to indicate there is a problem.

Sounds

When a CV joint fails, it will be obvious from the noise the car makes. Clicking, grinding and popping noises are common when a CV joint is on its last leg or has already become too damaged to work any longer. This is especially true when the car is turning. If you suspect your CV joint is faulty, listen for a steady knocking sound every few seconds while the car is running at a low speed.

Shaking

Another sign of a failing CV joint is vibration. If your steering wheel and floorboard begin to shake only at certain speeds, the CV joint may be to blame.

Inspection

One of the best ways to see if your CV joint is a problem is to check your CV boot. Chances are, if your boot is still in place and intact, the issue is probably not your CV joint. On the other hand, if your boot is damaged, it could allow the CV joint to become compromised and damaged over time. Visit this website for more information on CV joint repair in San Diego.

3 Signs Your Muffler Is Broken

A muffler is an often overlooked yet vital part of a working vehicle. While it does have a muffling effect on the sounds your engine exhibits, it is more than a luxury item. Mufflers are responsible for regulating the flow of air in and out of an engine. When the muffler is damaged, it can severely impact how your engine functions. If you think your muffler may be bad, read the following signs and evaluate your car’s needs.

1. Loud Noises

When a muffler is damaged, it can often result in a noticeable change in the volume of noise coming from your muffler. This change is often drastic and alarming, so you should be sure to notice the problem.

2. Smells

If your car smells bad, you should get the muffler checked immediately. A broken muffler means that there may be a serious problem with the exhaust system, which is in charge of taking dangerous gases away from the engine and cab. This prevents occupants from ingesting the fumes and getting sick. A smelly car means these fumes may be sticking around.

3. Reduced MPG

When an exhaust system is properly tuned it can result in great fuel economy. However, if an exhaust system is not working properly, it will result in poor fuel economy. Pay attention to your gas meter and take note if you are expending more gas than you do without traveling any additional places. This could mean that your muffler is in need of repair. Visit this website to learn more about foreign muffler service in Pacific Beach.

Professional Automotive Technicians

 

When your car is having problems your first instinct may be to fix it yourself. It’s important to have your car looked at by a professional technician, however. They have the training and tools do the job safely and correctly.

When To Replace Your Catalytic Converter

Your vehicle’s catalytic converter plays an important role in helping protect the environment. This component of your exhaust system can help transform many environmentally damaging gases into substances that are significantly less hazardous. If your catalytic converter stops working, you will want to get it repaired or replaced immediately. Here are some signs to watch for.

1. Your Car Is Displaying Warning Lights

Many cars, trucks and other vehicles are equipped with a built in system of sensors designed to warn of trouble with any part of the exhaust system. Do you see warning lights on your dash? This could be a sign that your catalytic converter has failed. You may need to contact an expert who can install a new one.

2. Your Car Failed an Emissions Test

Some states, such as California, require vehicles to pass emissions tests in order to prove that they are compliant with laws intended to protect the environment. If your car or truck fails such a test, this is a clear indicator that your exhaust system needs work. Your catalytic converter may need to be repaired or replaced entirely.

If you have noticed warning signs of trouble, or if your vehicle has failed an emissions test, you will likely need to contact a professional for help. Visit this website to learn more about catalytic converter replacement in San Diego.

What To Do If Your Wheels Are Out Of Alignment

You want your vehicle to handle the road as well as possible, and making sure your wheels are in alignment will be an important consideration. Here are tips on maintaining the proper alignment of your wheels.

What Does Wheel Alignment Mean?

Understanding the meaning of wheel alignment is helpful toward your ability to keep your vehicle in top shape. Wheel alignment is actually an adjustment that is made to the suspension system, not to the wheels or tires. By correcting the suspension, the tires meet the surface of the road at the best angle.

What Are Symptoms of Improper Alignment?

If you notice that the tread on your tires is wearing unevenly, such as more signs of wear evident on the outside or inside versus the center, that is a probable indicator of incorrect alignment. The life of the tires is substantially reduced in that case.

Does It Affect More Than the Tires?

Problems of misaligned wheels show up in more places than just the tires. Wheel alignment is also a key factor in the vehicle’s ability to maneuver on corners and respond well to the steering system.

Now that you have a better understanding about wheel alignment, make sure your vehicle has full command of the road. Learn more about wheel alignment in La Jolla at this website.

Performance Updates

 

When your muscle car or performance based vehicle needs work, be sure to find a technician that specializes in exhaust work. New catalytic converters, an exhaust overhaul or a new muffler can help your car perform at its best.

What To Do If Your European Car Muffler Breaks

You know that it is important to keep every component of your European car in top condition. Are you wondering what to do if you begin to suspect that your muffler may be malfunctioning? Here are a few steps you can take to help resolve the situation.

1. Evaluate the Situation

Before you make a decision about what to do, you may need to evaluate the situation. Pay careful attention to your car’s behavior. What signs have led you to believe that your muffler may be broken? Do you see warning lights, hear louder than usual engine sounds, or notice unpleasant exhaust odors in your car? Any of these things may indicate a broken muffler.

2. Call a Professional

If you want your European car to be repaired with the greatest possible competency and care, it is important that you contact a professional as quickly as possible. Search out an automotive repair establishment that specializes in foreign vehicles.

3. Follow Local Laws

Your car’s emissions are governed by local and federal laws. This means that it is highly important to ensure you receive repair only from an establishment that fully complies with all applicable regulations.

Have you begun to experience trouble with the exhaust system on your European car? Visit this website to find foreign muffler service in Pacific Beach.

3 Reasons To Replace Your Shocks

If the road seems extra bumpy, it might be your shocks causing your vehicle’s rough ride, not the pavement. Faulty shocks are not only annoying, they can also put the safety of your vehicle at risk. Here are three reasons to consider replacing your shocks.

1. Do you feel excessive bounce when driving?

The worn shocks are often detected when there is more bounce than usual in the vehicle’s ride. This is an indication that the shocks have lost their ability to perform as needed, perhaps due to wear and tear.

2. Are there signs of fluid leaks from the shocks?

Any appearance of fluid leaking from the shocks is an indication that the shocks are failing. This will affect your ability to maintain good control of the vehicle.

3. When you apply the brakes, does the front end of the car tilt downward?

Worn shocks can interfere with proper braking and steering. One symptom that’s more noticeable on larger vehicles is that the front end will tend to angle downwards when the brake pedal is pushed.

Make sure you recognize these three indicators of bad shocks so you schedule the repairs you need to keep driving safely and smoothly. Follow this link for reliable shock replacement in San Diego.

NSF International Certifies First ABRA Auto Body & Glass Repair Centers

NSF International announced it has certified 70 ABRA Auto Body & Glass Repair Centers via the NSF Collision Repair Shop Certification....read more