San Mateo auto repair

When your wheels are in alignment, they operate at their maximum potential. Proper alignment promotes longevity by preventing premature wear. Tires are sensitive, and environmental factors and road hazards make maintaining steady alignment difficult. Routine wheel alignments can help prevent any long-term damage while also giving the additional benefit of better fuel economy. Getting an alignment service doesn’t just ensure a smooth ride; it prevents expensive suspension repairs that can appear later down the road. An alignment service involves adjusting the suspension angles, so the tires make better contact with the road. Below are three of the most common signs that it’s time to schedule an alignment service. The tires are wearing unevenly.  The steering wheel has started to shake or vibrate. You have to force the steering wheel to remain straight. The drive is bumpy even though you’re driving on ... read more

Outside of the typical road noise that sets the backdrop to your radio music, a drive shouldn’t be too loud. If you notice that your vehicle is making noises that sound like bangs, clangs, or squeaks, it could be communicating that something is mechanically wrong. Below is a list of the most common sounds that indicate an inspection should be scheduled. Screeching If you press the brake pedal and hear a high-pitched screech, it may be time to get the brake pads changed. Brake pads prevent friction between them and the steel backing plate; without them, the vehicle can’t adequately stop.  Growling If you notice a growling sound while turning your vehicle, this can indicate that there’s an impending problem with the power-steering pump.  Hissing A hissing sound can indicate a leak with a tube or joint within the cooling system. If there’s a leak within the cooling system, the car can overheat, severely damaging the sys ... read more

Smartphones and vehicle phone holders have revolutionized our driving experience by ten-fold. Today, nearly all auto manufacturers incorporate Android Auto and Apple Car-play inside the modern vehicle’s infotainment system. The average driver now has a boundless amount of information they can access from their steering wheel. While you shouldn’t be clicking apps while driving, cellphone holders allow apps to become helpful hands free options. Below are a few common driving apps that may prove themselves essential and improve your drive: Parkopedia If you live in a big city and constantly struggle with parking, Parkopedia may be helpful. Parkopedia covers about 15,000 cities, offering 70 million different parking spaces. The Lifesaver App The Lifesaver app is the perfect app for parents and business owners. This app eliminates distractions by locking your phone once you start driving. It keeps essentials like GPS still functioning. The key ... read more

If a hard object impacts a car window, the glass typically shatters into small pieces. However, if your windshield receives a hard impact, it leaves the surface cracked. Why is this the case? Finding the right type of material for the windshield initially took a little trial and error. When vehicles were first manufactured, they were created with plate glass. This proved to be extremely dangerous because once an accident occurred, sharp glass shards flew everywhere. During an accident, the glass was nearly just as dangerous as the impact of the crash. In the late 1920s, automakers began searching for an alternative and eventually stumbled upon an innovative option. Édouard Bénédictus, a French chemist and artist, patented a laminated glass that is reported he discovered by mistake. While he was in a lab, he dropped a flask holding plastic. The plastic inside the flask created a film that allowed the glass to break, but not shatter. By 1927, car manufacturers star ... read more

You’re driving down the street and boom - you feel your car dip down into a massive pothole. During this time of year, pitted asphalt and hidden potholes are sprinkled along the road. Pothole damage may not be noticeable right away but can wreak havoc on your vehicle if it’s not addressed quickly. Below are popular signs that your vehicle may need repair:  1. The steering wheel feels unusual or “off.”  Chances are you’ve been driving your vehicle for a while, so you know when something feels different. If the steering wheel is vibrating while driving, it may be time to have your alignment checked. A dip in a pothole can cause damage to your steering component or wheel misalignment.  2. Noises are coming from your exhaust. Damage to the exhaust system isn’t noticeable by the untrained eye, but you can hear it. Damage to your exhaust system can result in long-term damage to your engine. If your exhaust is making a noise you’ve ne ... read more