Willow Glen Auto Repair

Have you ever seen "Factory Maintenance Service" or "Factory Maintenance Approved"? Well if the answer is yes, you have probably wondered what it means. It's a service offered by approved shops that improve the performance and longevity of your vehicle. If you want to know more about the meaning and importance of this service, read along. What Is Factory Maintenance Service? Factory Maintenance Service consists of maintenance items that your car's manufacturer recommends you complete every 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, or more miles. These intervals and the maintenance they recommend vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, so refer to your owner's manual for more information. The most important thing is that they are only performed if the shop has the best equipment, service, and mechanics, which approves it for factory maintenance services. Each interval includes basic maintenance (oil change, for example) as well as more tho ... read more

Just like your body needs regular check-ups to stay healthy, your car also needs regular tune-ups to keep running smoothly. A tune-up is a routine maintenance service that involves checking and adjusting various systems in your car to ensure they are working properly. In this blog post, we'll explain why regular tune-ups are so important and what you can expect during a typical tune-up service. Why Are Tune-Ups Important? Regular tune-ups can help you avoid costly repairs down the road by catching potential problems early on. For example, during a tune-up, a mechanic might discover that your spark plugs are worn out, which could cause your engine to misfire. By replacing the spark plugs before they cause a bigger problem, you can save yourself from a more expensive repair later on. Tune-ups also help to ensure that your car is running at its most efficient. For example, if your car's air filter is dirty, it can reduce the amount of air that reaches the engine, which can caus ... read more

Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for car owners. It can have a significant impact on your budget and the environment. But how do you maximize fuel efficiency? Let's look at several tips to help you get more mileage out of each drop of fuel. Plan Your Route Planning can go a long way toward increasing fuel efficiency. If you know where you are going, take some time to map out the most direct route with the least amount of traffic. An alternative way may save precious minutes but cost extra gas in the long run. Proper Maintenance Regularly checking and maintaining your vehicle will ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible. Tires should be properly inflated and aligned, and oil should be changed periodically. Neglecting your car can lead to decreased fuel efficiency of up to 25%. Don't Speed Speeding is not only dangerous, but it drastically reduces the amount of mileage you get from each drop of gas. Speeding can lower your gasoline mileage by as much as ... read more

If you have a traditional power steering system, you most likely rely on power steering fluid for smooth and easy turns. Power steering fluid provides hydraulic pressure, and it sometimes requires maintenance. If your steering fluid is dark, contaminated, or leaking, you will need the appropriate repairs to restore your steering. You may notice the following signs when your power steering is malfunctioning: Stiff Steering Wheel If your steering wheel is super stiff and hard to turn, it is a tell-tale sign that you need power steering repairs. It can be hazardous for your power steering to disengage in the middle of driving. You may need a mechanical repair or power steering fluid service. Slow Response On the other hand, your steering wheel may feel overly loose. If your wheel movements don’t correspond with your steering wheel, it can mean that you have an alignment issue. However, it is also worth checking if the power steering system is affected.  Noisy Steering If ... read more

The water pump is a component of the engine that pumps water and oil through the machine. The oil is used to lubricate parts of the engine and to cool it down. The water helps to cool the oil and provide lubrication. The water pump is part of an engine's cooling system. It draws water from the radiator and forces it through a series of tubes, eventually transferring it into a tank on the other side of the car. When you turn on your vehicle, this tank fills up with cold water and then flows to one or more cylinders in your engine, where it flows through them until they are sufficiently cooled down. Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump When your car's water pump fails, you may notice the following: Shuddering when you start your vehicle or turn it off. Loud noises from under the hood (such as a clunking sound) An oily or slippery feeling under your car when you get in or out. Your car may suddenly lose power, especially when you stop at a stop sign or red light. You may hear ... read more