Willow Glen Auto Repair

A flat tire can happen at the worst possible time—on your way to work, during a road trip, or even just running errands around town. While calling for roadside assistance is an option, knowing how to change a flat tire yourself can save time and keep you from being stranded. However, safety is the top priority when handling a tire change, especially on the side of the road. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing a flat tire safely and getting back on the road as soon as possible. What You Need to Change a Flat Tire Before you start, make sure you have the right tools in your vehicle. Most cars come with a basic tire-changing kit, but it’s always good to check and ensure everything is in place. Here’s what you’ll need: A spare tire (make sure it’s properly inflated) A jack to lift the car off the ground A lug wrench to remove and tighten the lug nuts A wheel wedge or a large rock to keep the car from rolling A flashlight if ch ... read more

Shopping for a new car is exciting, but safety should always be a top priority. With modern advancements in vehicle technology, today’s cars offer an impressive range of safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect passengers in the event of a collision. But with so many options available, how do you know which features are the most important? If you're in the market for a new vehicle, here are the best safety features to look for to ensure you and your passengers stay protected on the road. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Technology has come a long way in making driving safer, and many new cars are now equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These features use sensors, cameras, and radar to detect potential hazards and assist drivers in avoiding accidents. One of the most valuable ADAS features is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), which detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t ... read more

  We’ve all been there—watching the fuel gauge hover dangerously close to “E” and wondering if we can squeeze a few more miles out of the tank. While it might seem like no big deal to run low on gas occasionally, driving with low fuel can lead to bigger problems than you might think. Beyond the inconvenience of being stranded on the side of the road, your car’s health can take a serious hit if this becomes a habit. The Role of Your Fuel System To understand why low fuel is an issue, it’s helpful to know what your fuel system does. The fuel pump, housed in the gas tank, pulls fuel through the system to the engine. It’s a critical component, and it’s designed to work efficiently when there’s a steady supply of fuel. When the tank is nearly empty, the pump has to work harder to pull fuel, which can cause excessive wea ... read more

If your car hesitates when shifting gears or makes strange noises, you might be dealing with a failing transmission. The transmission is an essential part of your vehicle that helps power your car and ensures a smooth ride. A faulty transmission can lead to significant problems, making it necessary to recognize the warning signs before things get worse. Whether you're cruising around San Jose, CA, or just taking a short trip, knowing when your transmission needs attention could save you time and money. Unusual Sounds Coming from the Transmission One of the most noticeable signs of a transmission problem is an unusual noise coming from the area around your vehicle’s gears. If you hear grinding, whining, or clunking sounds when you shift, it’s time to pay attention. These sounds often mean that the transmission’s internal parts are not engaging properly, which can lead to further damage if ignored. Don’t brush it off, especially if the noise ... read more

Were you happily cruising down the road when suddenly that dreaded little light on your dashboard flickers to life: the check engine light? For many drivers, this can trigger moments of panic, confusion, or frustration. What does it mean? How serious is it? And most importantly, what should you do next? We'll explain what the check engine light really signifies and the steps you should take when it appears. What Does the Check Engine Light Mean First things first, let’s decode that pesky little light. The check engine light is your car's way of telling you that something isn’t quite right. It’s part of the onboard diagnostics (OBD) system, which monitors various systems within your vehicle. When the OBD detects a problem, the check engine light will alert you. But here’s the catch—the light can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a seriou ... read more