WHY YOU SHOULD SERVICE YOUR BRAKE FLUID

There is an increasing awareness of the dangers of water and corrosion producing contaminates.  Brake fluid contaminated by moisture dangerously lowers the boiling point of the fluid to the point that even under ordinary condition, your brakes could get hot enough to cause the brake fluid to boil causing vapor to form in the brake system.  The vapor is compressible, causing a low or no brake pedal.  Moisture gets into the fluid because conventional brake fluid is hydrosconic (it has a magnetic attraction for moisture which it absorbs from the atmosphere).  In the vehicle, moisture is absorbed through the brake master cylinder reservoir and permeable brake hoses.  As a result, the moisture along with the steel line, rubber hoses, cast iron, aluminum and brake fluid that can reach 450 to 500 degrees; causes electrochemical reaction that makes the brake fluid so acidic that it can result in early failure to brake components.  Brake fluid contamination has become so much a concern of some major car manufacturers that they have added it to their required maintenance.  Failure to change your vehicle brake fluid can result in very costly repairs.  don't delay having our ASE certified technicians perform this service for you. Visit our website today to schedule an appointment. www.theautoanalyst.com

WHAT'S THAT SMELL?

6 Vehicle Warning Smells Your Nose Can Recognize

1. Burnt Rubber - the smell could mean slipping drive belts or misplaced loose hoses that might be rubbing against rotating accessory drive pulleys.
2. Hot Oil - the smell of hot oil could mean that oil is leaking onto the exhaust system.  To verify the leak, look for oil on the pavement or smoke coming from the engine area.  Caution:  Turn off the engine before checking for a leak.
3. Gasoline - this smell is likely the sign of a gas leak, possibly a fuel injector line or the fuel tank. Caution:  Any smell of fuel is a possible fire hazard, so immediate attention should be given.
4. Syrup - the sweet smell of syrup may be a sign that the car is leaking engine coolant from a component related to the car's cooling system.  Caution:  Do not open the radiator cap when it is hot.
5. Burning Carpet - this smell could be a sign of brake trouble.  have your brakes checked right away, especially if this smell is happening during normal driving conditions.  Caution:  Brake trouble is a serious safety hazard.
6. Rotten Eggs - this smell could mean the catalytic converter is not converting hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust to sulfur dioxide properly.  Caution:  A poor running engine can cause the catalytic converter to become overloaded and fail due to meltdown.

Remember, once you know what a smell may be, don't delay in fixing it to ensure you are safe on the road.  Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

 

WHY "PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE?"

Manufacturers know that a properly maintained vehicle will be more dependable, safer, last longer, and increase your satisfaction with their product.  Car makers and owners also have a responsibility to make sure emission controls receive regular service and are functioning properly.  Regular maintenance helps accomplish these goals by keeping your engine running efficiently and eliminating potential problems that may leave you stranded.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

1. SAVES YOU MONEY!
2. A MORE DEPENDABLE vehicle!
3. A vehicle that retains more "NEW VEHICLE FEEL".
4. Less chance of a COSTLY BREAKDOWN.
5. A SAFER VEHICLE for YOU and YOUR FAMILY.
6. Doing your part for CLEANER AIR.
7. A car WORTH MORE at trade in or sale.
8. An INTACT WARRANTY.

4 REASONS TO CALL THE AUTO ANALYST FOR ANY SERVICE ON YOUR VEHICLE

1. We'll fix only what is necessary.  We'll NEVER pressure you into getting additional work done.
2. All work is guaranteed 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty.
3. We use only the latest in diagnostic equipment to make sure your problem is fixed right THE FIRST TIME.
4. Our technicians are ASE certified to make sure you get the highest quality repairs possible.

Give us a call today with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your vehicle.  www.theautoanalyst.com

(NOTE:  Maintenance services DO NOT need to be done by the dealership to maintain the factory warranty.)

Stay Safe When Roads Are Tricky

Winter is far from over, and whether you drive on the job, travel to see friends and family or drive to and from work, safety on the road is trickier on icy or slippery streets.  Avoid becoming another traffic statistic by following these basic winter driving tips:

• Slow down.  Remember that you need more room to stop when roads are slick or visibility is poor.
• Check your engine.  Make sure your battery is fully charged so it can start easily in cold weather.  Have us examine your ignition system, spark plugs, wiring, and other components.
• Get plenty of rest.  Fatigue leads to accidents.  Get a full night's sleep before getting behind the wheel.
• Watch your exhaust.  Don't warm up your car in a garage or other small, enclosed space.  The carbon monoxide buildup can be dangerous.
• Limit cruise control.  Don't rely on cruise control when driving on slippery roads.  Be alert and ready to stop or change course in the event of anything unexpected.
• Clean up.  Make sure your lights and windows are clean and clear so you can see everything on the road, especially at night.  Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.

Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your vehicle (530) 621-4591 or visit our website for more great information www.theautoanalyst.com.

WET WEATHER DRIVING TIPS

They say there is a chance for rain next week and I just wanted to remind everyone that since it has been so dry that any rain will be like the first rain of the season meaning that the roads will be slick.  Please click and read some Wet Weather Driving Tips http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/safetytips/.

Let's all continue to Pray for rain!  And most important, when it does come please drive with caution.

Please remember The Auto Analyst is here for all your automotive needs and questions. Please visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

HEADLIGHTS NOT AS BRIGHT AS THEY USED TO BE?

Way too many accidents happen at night on CA roads. There are a lot of factors, but a big one is simply visibility: if you can’t see something, it’s hard to avoid hitting it.

There are some things Placerville car owners can do to make sure they can see as much as possible when they’re driving in the dark. First of all, keep your windshield clean. Glare from oncoming headlights can obscure obstacles in the road. Clean off that film that builds up on the inside of your windshield. And make sure you have good wiper blades and plenty of washer fluid.

Now it could be that your headlights aren’t as bright as they used to be. It happens – the bulbs just dim over time. If it’s been a couple of years since you replaced your headlamps and they aren’t lighting up the road like they used to, get some new ones. They make upgraded headlamps too that give you a brighter light and a larger field of vision so you can see better and further down the road.

Another very common headlamp problem in the Placerville area is cloudy or yellowed lenses. These days lenses are plastic and they oxidize and discolor over time. Just look at the cars in the parking lot at your Placerville office building – chances are you’ll see several with cloudy lenses. This is a huge problem because some of the light coming from your headlamps gets trapped before it can even get out and shine down the road.

Replacing a set of headlight assemblies can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars. There’s an alternative that can save  car owners big bucks: Headlight restoration. An automotive tech can remove the oxidized layer from your lenses. He’ll then polish the lenses until they’re bright and smooth. When he’s all finished, your lenses will be as good as new.

Any accident on CA roads and interstates is inconvenient and can be costly. And if someone gets hurt, well, that’s something you want to avoid at all costs. If you’re not confident driving at night, ask your service manager which would work better for you; headlamp replacement and/or headlight restoration.

Give us a call today (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com

The Importance of Maintaining Your Vehicle

The following are a few of the important reasons why you should maintain your vehicle ~

• You increase driving safety ~ some accidents are not caused by bad driving, in fact when it comes to the majority of automobile accidents around the world, you have faulty brake systems, worn wiper blades and tires, exhaust buildups and leaking gas tanks to blame
• Help reduce pollution ~ a well maintained vehicle will easily limit the amount of dangerous fumes and automotive fluids released into the air and local water tables
• Lowers your cost of operation ~ a well-maintained car won't need too many major repairs
• If you decide to sell, you're going to get a better price ~ most buyers value excellent vehicle performance and condition over the car model
• Better performance ~ you lengthen your vehicle's great performance if you keep a careful eye on its vital fluids, oil and various parts
• Less roadside emergencies ~ there's nothing more frustrating then having your vehicle break down in the middle of nowhere, a well maintained vehicle lessens your chances of getting stranded due to a cracked radiator, bad tires or a malfunctioning battery

Our mission here at The Auto Analyst is to educate our clients as much as possible regarding vehicle maintenance.  We NEVER want to see or hear about one of our clients being broke down alongside the road.  Stop by and let us explain what we can offer you and your vehicle regarding vehicle maintenance and how we can help you budget for it. www.theautoanalyst.com

A good New Year's resolution ~ MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY!