Last updated 3 days ago
Your vehicle is vital to your day-to-day schedule. That’s why preventative repairs are so important. Maintain your car and avoid auto repair costs with the following vehicle resources. In San Francisco, call (650) 351-9871 to reach Four Star Automotive today.
Last updated 10 days ago
Diligent car care can save you hundreds of dollars. One important aspect of car care involves listening for the audible symptoms of car trouble. This guide to common car noises can help you spot auto repair needs before larger problems arise.
Screeching: Properly maintained brakes should do their job without any noise, so almost any audible reaction is bad sign. Screeching and squealing noises are especially troubling for vehicle owners. Thankfully, brakes are designed to make noise before they wear completely. Visit an auto repair professional as soon as your brakes begin to squeal or you could be putting your rotors in serious danger.
Hissing: The sounds of rushing air and hissing are often a sign of an overheated engine. If these noises are accompanied with visible steam, pull your vehicle over immediately. Your engine can break down permanently if driven after it overheats. If your car overheats, contact your nearest auto repair shop—the cost of a tow truck is far less than the price of a new engine.
Clicking: Constant taps and clicks are another engine noise to watch out for. These noises are associated with a low oil level. If this is the case, have the maintenance performed before your engine seizes up. Valve train failure is another possible cause for engine clicking sounds. Have your mechanic check valves and lifters if an oil change doesn’t fix the problem.
Humming: A long list of auto repair problems can produce humming from beneath the vehicle. A malfunctioning transmission, advanced joint wear, or wheel bearing problems could be responsible for this low-pitched whirring. Unfortunately, these issues are difficult to identify without professional assistance. Count on your local San Francisco auto shop if you suspect these issues are plaguing your vehicle.
Preventative maintenance is the key to long-term vehicle ownership. San Francisco residents can keep their cars on the highway and out of the landfill with a call to Four Star Automotive at (650) 351-9871.
Last updated 17 days ago
High-quality diesel engines from manufacturers like Cummins can literally last for millions of miles. These miles aren’t be racked up by accident. Special care must be taken to keep a diesel engine in good repair for decades. Consider the following automotive maintenance tips to get your diesel truck past the million-mile mark.
Perform Detailed Maintenance: Diesel engines are manufactured with the finest attention detail, so maintenance for your diesel engine should be equally focused. Extra attention to cooling systems and gaskets, for example, ensures your diesel engine never overheats. Fuel system repairs should also be a priority, as debris caught in a diesel engine could easily cause problems throughout the engine. Regular visits to your local San Francisco truck specialist will help to keep your engine in top shape.
Use OEM Replacements: Original equipment manufacturer parts make sure your diesel truck is running at peak efficiency. OEM components perfectly mesh with pre-existing parts and prevent additional friction. If a million miles is your goal, you’ll need the reduced engine wear that OEM parts provide.
Avoid Aftermarket Parts: Many truck owners use aftermarket chips to improve the performance of their engine. Unfortunately, these chips can also push diesel engines harder than their designers intended. As a result, these diesel engines will wear quicker and are more likely to overheat. Regular maintenance visits provide your diesel engine with all the performance boosts it needs.
Drive Carefully: Your decisions on the road have a huge influence on the service life of your engine. Keep RPM as low as possible if you want you diesel powertrain to last. You should also stay diligent when shifting gears and starting up your vehicle. Controlled and conscious driving behavior prevents these daily practices from wearing on your engine.
Four Star Automotive can help your diesel engine last for decades. Our expert auto repair and truck engine services ensure your diesel is always at its best. Schedule a visit today by calling (650) 351-9871
Last updated 23 days ago
Nothing frustrates a driver more than a car that won’t get started. Thankfully, most starter problems are easy to identify. This Auto Talk 101 video from GeoBeats shows viewers a few simple approaches to get your car on the road.
Repair shop owner Rhonda Mayfield explains numerous causes for a car that won’t start. Your starter is likely the issue if turning the key only produces clicks. Repeated clicks indicate an electrical problem like an old battery or bad alternator. Lastly, Mayfield shows viewers how to recognize a fuel system failure.
Contact Four Star Automotive when troubleshooting attempts aren’t enough. Our ASE-certified experts can handle any auto repair problem. Call us at (650) 351-9871 for additional information or driving directions.
