San Mateo auto repair

Every vehicle has a long list of warning lights that sometimes makes an appearance. But the one that most car owners dread the most is the check engine light. This yellow light is a signal that something is wrong, most of the time, engine-related. So what do you do when it comes on? And what does it mean? Today, we will be answering those questions.   Not all check engine lights mean the same thing; some circumstances are more urgent than others, so please pay attention. If your light only lights up in specific scenarios and turns off, you should pay close attention to how your vehicle performs when it is on. If the light stays on, without any noticeable performance problems, you should still take your car to a mechanic. He or she will be able to decode the computer to see if there's a problem that needs to be fixed.  If the light stays on and you DO experience vehicle performance issues, you should take it to a mechanic. If the light is on and blinking, please pull ... read more

Over 50 million Americans hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday. You're bound to encounter traffic, and there will be some congestion. To calm your nerves for the holidays, please do a little planning ahead; it can make all the difference in the world. Here are our top tips to make your Thanksgiving journey safer and smoother! Complete a maintenance check beforehand Before you leave, we recommend you take your car to Four Car Garage for a quick pre-trip inspection to address any possible safety concerns before you hit the highway. We can help you do the following: Measure tire pressure and tread depth Check and replace wiper blades Refill windshield washer fluid reservoir Test your vehicle battery Set aside an emergency kit to pack in your vehicle Please consider the following items for your safety kit: Small shovel Jackets, hats, and blankets Flashlights with new batteries Warning flares or triangles Paper towels Drinking water and non-perishable snack bars Basic ... read more

We understand that it can be intimidating and stressful at times to visit the auto repair shop. It's a similar feeling you get going to the dentist, but instead, we pick at your car! However, the most important thing to know is that you are in charge of your vehicle at the end of the day. Mechanics like to be asked questions, so you should ask as many questions as you may need to feel comfortable with the services done to your car. Here are some suggestions and top questions on what to ask your technician when you visit any auto shop: "Are your mechanics licensed?" - It is always a bright idea to ask if the shop's mechanics are licensed or certified. This will give you peace of mind that the staff working on your vehicle are trained and know how to handle your vehicle. "What is wrong with my vehicle?...Can you give me more details..?" - Don't be afraid to ask in-depth questions about what is actually at fault with your automobile. Asking these question ... read more

There is a lot of ambiguity on what exactly a classic car is and what sets it apart from vintage and antique cars. To the average person, the term "classic" is interchangeably used when describing any old car that looks like it doesn't belong on the roads with modern motorists.   Vintage vs. Classic vs. Antique Cars  According to the American Collectors Community, there are some criteria for making a vehicle "classic" or "antique": model year and historical status. Below are all three types of non-modern cars and their generally agreed-upon age requirements: Vintage Car: Made between 1919 and 1930 Antique Car: Made 1975 or earlier  Classic Car: Made 1990 or earlier  In other words, the classic car terminology applies to vehicles over 20 years old. Antique cars are over 45 years old, and vintage vehicles are built between 1919 and 1930.    But as with many subjects in the automotive industry, not everyone can agree ... read more

A radiator leak is highly concerning because your car relies on its engine coolant to keep the engine at the optimal temperature. With a radiator leak, your engine is at risk of overheating. If you notice a leak, please take your vehicle to The Four Car Garage for an inspection immediately. Here are the most common causes behind a leaking radiator:   Coolant Subpar, cheap, watery, or even the wrong engine coolant will prompt your vehicle to overheat. When this happens, it isn't so much that your radiator is leaking, but it is simply expelling the bad stuff out.   Heater Core Your vehicle's heater core can affect the temperature of your engine. When it is faulty or failing, it can trigger your engine to overheat. When the engine overheats, coolant is forced out of the radiator. Additionally, if your heater core fails, you won't turn on the heat in the winter.    Rust Over time, sediment often builds up inside your radiator and its hoses and hose ... read more