VEHICLE PREPARATION AND WINTER DRIVING TIP #4

Inspect tires to ensure driveability on winter roads.  Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping.  Tires with less than 4/32" of tread will have reduced traction in wet and snowy conditions.  Check tire pressure once a month before driving when tires are cold.  Not sure if your tires are ready for winter conditions give your local Placerville one stop auto repair shop, The Auto Analyst, a call today at 530-621-4591 or stop by for a quick inspection.  Like us on Face Book where coupons and discounts are posted weekly or check out our website at www.theautoanalyst.com.

VEHICLE PREPARATION AND WINTER DRIVING TIP #3

Keep an eye on your coolant.  Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.  If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.  (NOTE: CHECK YOUR MANUEL FOR CORRECT COOLANT  TYPE).  It is recommended that a coolant flush be performed every other year to make sure the protection is clean and strong.  During this time the condition of accessory drive belts and hoses are checked.  If you have any questions please give your local Placerville one stop auto repair facility, The Auto Analyst, a call at 530-621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com.

VEHICLE PREPARATION AND WINTER DRIVING TIP #2

Check your windshield wipers and washers.  Wiper blades should completely clear rain or snow from your windshield with each swipe. Replace blades that leave streaks or miss spots.  Make sure your windshield washer reservoir with a solution that has antifreeze properties.  Ask us about an AquaPel windshield treatment.  Call your local Placerville auto repair facility, The Auto Analyst, today or swing by for new windshield wiper blades.  We can be reached at 530-621-4591.

VEHICLE PREPARATION AND WINTER DRIVING TIP #1

Ensure engine performance.  Replace the air filter as recommended by your car's manufacturer.  Get "check engine" lights tested and quickly resolve driveability problems such as hard starting, rough idling, stalling or reduced power.  Winter weather will likely make these issues worse.  Call The Auto Analyst, your local one stop auto repair stop, 530-621-4591 today for an appointment or schedule online at www.theautoanalyst.com.

BATTERIES AND WINTER

Dead batteries and winter driving do not go together. The freezing cold winter weather takes a toll on a car battery. Test yours out now so your battery continues to start your car during the winter. Winter car care means neglecting your battery is not a good idea. Call The Auto Analyst, your Placerville one stop auto repair shop, today and schedule an appointment to have your battery checked out or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIP #8

Tire Pressure: Air pressure in a tire decreases 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.  For an accurate reading, check tire pressure when the tires are cold.  Driving even a mile can affect the psi reading.  Please call The Auto Analyst, your local Placerville one stop auto repair shop, at 530-621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com if you have any questions or concerns regarding this.

FALL CAR CARE TIP #7

Tires: Look for uneven tire wear by testing tread depth in multiple places on the same tire for each tire.  If you need help doing this or don't feel comfortable doing this please give The Auto Analyst, your Placerville one stop auto repair shop, a call (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule an appointment.

FALL CAR CARE TIP #6

Gas Mileage:  Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.  Let the ASE Certified technicians at The Auto Analyst, your local Placerville one stop auto repair shop, perform a mileage improving tune up on your vehicle.  Call today 530-621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule your appointment.

FALL CAR CARE TIP #5

CHECK FLUID LEVELS - Keeping an eye on fluid levels can alert you to a needed service or potential problem like a leak.

Not sure how to check fluid levels?  No worries, stop by The Auto Analyst, your Placerville one stop auto repair facility, and one of our ASE Certified technicians will be happy to check the levels for you and will also show you how to check them if you would like.

The Auto Analyst is located at 5850 B Mother Lode Drive or you can find us on the web at www.theautoanalyst.com.  Or give us a call 530-621-4591.

FALL CAR CARE TIP #4

Heating and Cooling:  Check the HVAC system.  Proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

If you have any questions or concerns call The Auto Analyst, your local Placerville one stop auto repair shop at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

FALL CAR CARE TIP #3

Preventative Maintenance:  Keeping up with basic car care helps save from a breakdown or unexpected repair.

Stop by The Auto Analyst, your Placerville one stop auto repair shop, for any service and ask for your complimentary vehicle inspection.  We will let you know if there are any maintenance items that should be performed now or in the future.  If there is more than one needed we will prioritize them to allow you to budget for them.

We have a strong belief in preventative maintenance.  Isn't it better to pay for an inexpensive maintenance item rather than a large repair invoice?  Let us help you get the most out of your biggest investment, you vehicle.

Call us today (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com and set up an appointment.

FALL CAR CARE TIP #2

Lights: Winter days mean longer nights, make sure all of your vehicles lights are functioning properly.  Stop by The Auto Analyst,your Placerville One Stop Automotive Repair Shop, for all your lighting needs.  Visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com or call us at (530) 621-4591.

FALL CAR CARE TIP #1

Brake Check: Driving on worn brake pads not only decreases stopping power but can damage brake rotors as well.  The Auto Analyst, your one stop auto repair shop in Placerville, CA, will perform a FREE brake inspection during the month of October.  Please call (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com today to schedule your appointment.

WIPERS

Windshield wipers play a major role in safe driving.  Fall is upon us and now is the time to check the condition of your vehicle's wiper blades.  These days blades do not last as long as they did in the past.  Most wiper blades need replacing at least twice a year.  The heat from the sun destroys the rubber and then they begin to chatter or streak when in use. As you all know, it is a California state law that when you are using your wipers your headlights must be on.  The Auto Analyst, your Placerville One Stop Auto Repair Shop carries most sized of wiper blades.  If your wipers need to be replaced stop by and we will install them for free.  If you have any questions please give us a call today at 530-621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

PUTTING THE BRAKES ON BREAST CANCER!

Throughout October automotive repair shops across the country are looking to end breast cancer with a unique fundraising campaign.

During the Month of October, The Auto Analyst in Placerville, CA and 174 other Independent Auto Repair Shops across the US are raising funds for a breast cancer vaccine as part of the Brakes for Breast fundraiser.

As part of the fundraiser, the auto repair facilities are giving away FREE (quality) brake pads or shoes.  The customer simply pays the labor and any other ancillary parts necessary to complete the brake job and the shops then donate 10% of the brake job directly to Dr. Vincent Tuohy & the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.

100% of what we donate goes directly to research!

2016 marks the sixty year for the Brakes for Breasts fundraiser.
2011 the 1st year - 5 shops in Ohio raised $10,000
2012 the 2nd year - 27 shoes in 17 states raised $32,848
2013 the 3rd year - 66 independent auto repair shops in 27 states raised $66,499
2014 the 4th year - 143 independent auto repair shops in 29 states raised $115,236.53
2015 the 5th year - 174 independent auto repair shops in 32 states raised $141,868

This Brakes For Breasts fundraiser is different from any other breast cancer fundraising campaigns:

1. Dr. Tuohy at the Cleveland Clinic has actually created a vaccine that has proved effective in laboratory animals in actually preventing breast cancer.  Think about Polio, eradicated because of a vaccine, a distant memory for most generations.  This is the same principle!
2. After 13 long years Dr. Tuohy and his research team are just a year away from their first bedside trial.
3. 100% of the proceeds from the 'Brakes for Breasts' fundraiser goes directly to the Cleveland Clinic breast Cancer Vaccine Fund, toweards research.
4. These are just "mom & pop" shops across the country, independent business owners that have joined hands for a great cause.
5. The founder of this fundraiser is Leigh Anne Best, from Mighty Auto Pro, in Medina, Ohio.

For more information about the Breast Cancer Vaccine and a list of participating shops go to www.brakesforbreasts.org, download our "Brakes for Breasts" app to your smart phone and like us on Facebook!

About Dr. Tuohy:

Dr. Vincent Tuohy has spent the past 11 years working on a breast cancer vaccine that would both prevent the disease and keep it from recurring has secured enough funding to move the drug to clinical trials.

Dr. Tuohy is an immunologist at the Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute and will head up the company, called Shield Biotech, as the Chief Science Office, Shield Biotech, so named because the vaccine it is developing will act as a defense against breast cancer, is a spinoff-company created by Cleveland Civic Innovations, the commercialization arm of the hospital system.

FUEL SYSTEMS

Your vehicle's fuel system works with the rest of the engine control system to deliver the best performance with the lowest emissions.

The fuel system transfers fuel from the fuel tank and passes ti through a fuel filter for straining before it arrives at the injectors. There is a pressure regulator that controls the fuel pressure to make sure good engine performance under all conditions.  The fuel injectors spray a metered amount of fuel into the engine.

Our fuel that we use does have its impurities and will cause some gum buildup on the injectors and restriction in the external fuel filters.  We recommend having a fuel injector cleaning done every 15,000 miles to make sure that the fuel injectors are kept clean and spraying evenly to keep your vehicle operating in top condition and provide the best fuel economy.

Please give your Placerville Auto Repair Shop - The Auto Analyst, "Your One Stop Auto Repair Shop", a call today if you have any questions regarding fuel injection cleaning or if you would like to schedule an appointment.

Please visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com or like us on Facebook to receive weekly coupons, discounts, and information.

WHEELS AND TIRES

Did you know that tires are your car's critical connection to the road and can affect your ride, handling, traction and safety?  And maintaining tire balance and wheel alignment reduces tire wear and improves handling and fuel economy?

Tire replacement is necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured.  Road conditions can take their toll on your car's steering and suspension system, and can disrupt the alignment settings.  There are many components in the front end that gradually wear over time.  These components will affect alignment angles and adjustments will need to be made and/or components replaced to restore optimum handling.

It is recommended to have your car's alignment checked at least annually or at first sign of improper handling or uneven wear; tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles; and request a wheel alignment when purchasing a set of new tires.

With Winter right around the corner now is a good time to have the alignment checked; front end components checked; and tire condition checked.  Give your Placerville one stop auto repair shop a call today (530) 621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule an appointment.

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Did you know that your vehicle's engine cooling system affects your car's overall dependability and engine longevity?

The key parts of the cooling system remove heat from the engine and automatic transmission and dissipate heat to the air outside.  The water pump circulates coolant through the engine.  The coolant absorbs heat and returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated.  The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine operation.

It is recommended that your vehicle's coolant be flushed every other year to maintain the longevity of your engine.  During this time all other components are inspected to insure there are no problems lurking in the near future.

If you have any questions regarding your vehicle's cooling system please give us a call (530) 621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com.

The Auto Analyst is your Placerville "one stop auto repair shop".

HEADLIGHT MAINTENANCE

Now that the mornings are darker it is a good time to check the condition of your vehicle's headlights.

Headlights are an active safety item and are the first line of defense on a vehicle; if drivers cannot see objects on the road, they cannot react.  Drivers must be proactive about headlight maintenance.  Proper maintenance maximizes the amount drivers can see down the road and side road, which can mean additional reaction time, helping you to avoid hazards that can cause accidents.

Here is 3 of the best practices to follow when it comes to proper headlight maintenance:

1) Understand the choices in headlight performance levels.  There are a variety of choices available on the market to help suit individual needs.  Not sure of these choices?  Our licensed automotive technicians at your local Placerville repair shop, The Auto Analyst, can help you with these options.

2) Replace before burnout.  You don't want to be traveling down a dark road in Placerville and have one or both of your headlights burn out.  If you can't remember the last time your headlights were replaced call your one stop auto repair shop, The Auto Analyst, and they can perform this service for you.

3) Always replace in pairs.  It's very important to replace headlights in sets of two.  Since headlights dime over their lifetime, a new bulb paired with an old bulb will create an uneven field of vision, which can be a major distraction on the road for both drivers and oncoming traffic.

Give us a call today at (530) 621-4591 if you have any questions regarding your vehicle's headlight maintenance or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com

BATTERIES

Have you noticed that your vehicle's engine is slow to crank on start up?  If so, remember there is usually not much of a window between the slow-crank symptom appears and when the battery dies.  Stop by your local Placerville auto repair shop, The Auto Analyst, today for testing.

The Summer heat causes the fluid in the battery to evaporate, which leads to internal damage.  A failing battery could be the issue if your interior and exterior lights, radio, or power windows and seats have started to behave erratically.  Also, a failing battery is usually the culprit when turning on one electrical component noticeably impacts the performance of another component, this could also signal the presence of dirty battery terminals.  It is extremely important that your vehicle's battery terminals are clean, since dirt is a conductor that can drain the battery power.

Call or stop by The Auto Analyst, your Placerville repair facility, to have your battery inspected.  Visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com.  Telephone number is 530-621-4591.

BRAKE FLUID FLUSHES

The Auto Analyst, your Placerville auto repair facility, recommends that your vehicle's brake fluid be flushed every 2 years. Brake fluid breaks down over a period of time.  Once the brake fluid breaks down, damage to the brake system can quickly occur.

A major enemy of brake fluid is moisture.  Once moisture enters the master brake cylinder reservoir, it begins to lower the boiling temperature.  Having a brake fluid with a high boiling temperature is necessary to withstand the heat that can be generated from heavy brake use.

Not sure when the brake fluid in your vehicle was flushed...have our licensed automotive technician at your Placerville auto repair facility inspect the condition.  Please give The Auto Analyst a call at 530-621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.


Remember spending a little bit of money now on vehicle maintenance will save big down the line.

Your Vehicle's Oil - The When, Where and Why to Change It

Your local Placerville Auto Repair facility, The Auto Analyst, wants to educate you on the Why, When, and Where to change your vehicle's oil.

The Why - Motor oil lubricates the moving parts in your engine, preventing wear by keeping the engine clean, removing contaminants and regulating engine temperature to prevent overheating.  Expensive repairs, including engine failure, can be avoided by faithfully checking and changing your vehicle's oil.

The When - Your Placerville Auto Repair facility, The Auto Analyst, recommends changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

The Where - An oil change performed by a professional technician is a quick, low-cost vehicle service. When taking your car in for maintenance or repairs, be sure that the shop employs ASE-certified technicians. ASE certification means that the technicians and the repair facility take their training seriously and have passed tests to demonstrate their skills.

The Auto Analyst, your local Placerville Auto Repair facility, employs ASE certified technicians.  Please visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule your maintenance appointment today.

CABIN AIR FILTERS

Did you know that more than 80 percent of new cars sold in the US are now equipped with a cabin air filter? Cabin air filters ensure that drivers and passengers in the Placerville area and abroad breathe in as few pollutants as possible from the outside air. When was the last time your vehicle's cabin air filter was changed? Call The Auto Analyst, your local Placerville automotive repair facility and make an appointment today and we will have you breathing clean air before you know it. Visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com or call (530) 621-4591 to schedule an appointment.

OIL CONSUMPTION REASONS

One of the dreaded things car owners face is oil consumption. Most people give this no thought at all, especially if the "oil light" has not come on or they are driving newer vehicle. One would think that oil consumption is the oil's fault, the truth however is not so simple.

Oil consumption has many reasons.

• Engine design.  Some engines consume oil by design.  From day 1.  The consumption can be as high as 1.7 quarts per mile.  This depends on the make and model of the engine so if oil consumption matters to you a lot then you are better off asking questions before purchasing.
• Driving style.  RPM affects oil consumption.  The higher your usually RPM is the more oil will be consumed.  That's because you put extra pressure on the seals and gaskets and some of the oil finds its way around and gets burned away in the combustion chamber.
• Seal and gasket condition.  The more worn they are the more oil will be consumed.  As mentioned in the previous section: the oil finds its way around the seals and it gets burned away in the combustion chamber or it simply leaks out.
• Higher-than-normal engine temperature.  The hotter your engine runs the thinner your oil will be. Once again it will be simpler for a thin oil to reach the combustion chamber and get mixed and burned with the fuel. 
• Too-low viscosity motor oil.  If you use an oil with a viscosity below the recommended by the engine manufacturer than you will experience oil consumption for the same reason as presented in the previous section.  By viscosity I do not mean SAE viscosity only.  The HTHS viscosity also counts.
• Low quality motor oil with high volatility.  I mention this as the last one because this is the least common reason.  If the oil's volatility is very high than it could be noticeable in the oil consumption rate.
• There are also numerous other reasons including but not limited to high oil level, the damage or clogging of different engine parts and the fuel contamination of the oil.

Do not wait for the "oil light" to come on.  Get into the routine of checking your engines oil level at least every other fuel up.  Do not wait for the vehicle to tell you to change your engine oil, it is recommended every 3,000 miles or 3 months which ever occurs first.

Your vehicle is one of your most important assets - if you take care of it, it will be reliable for you for a long long time.  If you have any questions regarding maintenance please contact the ASE certified experts at The Auto Analyst (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

Did you know?

The Health and Safety Code 44032 states the following:  No person shall perform, for compensation, tests or repairs of emission control devices or system of motor vehicles required by this chapter unless the person performing the test or repair is a qualified smog check technician and the test or repair is performed at a licensed smog check station.  Qualified technicians shall perform tests of emission control devices and systems in accordance with Section 44012.

An often asked question is, can a regular auto repair shop diagnose my vehicle's check engine light? Legally no.  Since the check engine light is part of a vehicle's emission control system, an illuminated check engine light will cause a smog check failure and will require a smog check repair certified mechanic at a smog test & repair certified auto repair center diagnose and repair the fault.

The Auto Analyst is a licensed smog testing and repair facility.  The Auto Analyst's licensed smog technician is also an ASE Master Technician.

What's the difference between a regular auto repair facility and a licensed smog testing & repair facility?  Equipment, training, and expertise!

Check engine light on?  Give The Auto Analyst a call at 530-621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule an appointment.

DREAM VACATION OR NIGHTMARE ROAD TRIP?

Road trip car trouble can be a real nightmare, but having the Auto Analyst perform a pre-trip vehicle check helps you avoid a vacation breakdown disaster.

Having the Auto Analyst perform a pre-trip inspection gives you peace of mind by reducing the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by a trusted Auto Analyst technician before hitting the road.

Some of the items that will be check during the Auto Analyst pre-trip vehicle check include:

• Checking the tires including pressure and tread.
• Checking the hoses and belts as they can become cracked, brittle, frayed, or loose.
• Checking filters and fluids including engine oi, power steering and brake, and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Checking the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen.
• Checking the brakes and battery to be sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free and that the brakes are functioning properly.

Call the Auto Analyst today (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com and schedule a pre-trip vehicle check.