5 Important Types of Auto Maintenance before Your Road Trip

The shocks in your vehicle play a critical role in ensuring a smooth and controlled ride by absorbing bumps and keeping the tires in contact with the road. As the miles add up, shocks wear out and lose their effectiveness, leading to a less comfortable ride and potential safety issues. At Novato Auto Service, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Novato, CA area. Here’s a look at five signs that it’s time to replace your shocks. Bouncy or Rough Ride A common sign that your shocks are in need of replacement is a bouncy, rough, or uncomfortable ride. When shocks wear out, they can no longer absorb the impacts of road bumps effectively, leading to excessive bouncing. If you notice your car bouncing excessively after hitting a bump, it’s a strong sign that your shocks are past their prime. Longer Stopping Distances Shocks help keep your tires in contact with the road while braking. Worn shocks can cause your car to “nose-dive” or dip forward when you press the brake pedal, which increases stopping distances and can affect overall braking performance. If you’ve noticed that your car takes longer to come to a stop, it’s time to get your shocks checked. Uneven Tire Wear Shocks that are no longer functioning properly can lead to uneven tire wear. This happens because the shock absorbers fail to evenly distribute the weight of the vehicle, causing some tires to wear down faster than others. If you notice bald spots or uneven tread wear, it’s a good idea to inspect the shocks. This type of wear can shorten the lifespan of your tires and reduce overall vehicle safety. Leaking Fluid Shock absorbers are filled with fluid that helps them maintain their performance. If you notice fluid leaking from the shock absorbers, it’s a clear sign that the shocks are worn or damaged. Leaking shock fluid reduces the shock’s ability to function properly, leading to poor ride quality and handling. If you spot any fluid around the shocks, it’s time for a professional inspection. Unstable Handling or Poor Control If your car feels unstable or difficult to control, especially when turning or driving over rough terrain, it could be due to worn shocks. Shocks are essential for maintaining proper vehicle handling by keeping the tires in contact with the road. If your vehicle feels loose or harder to steer, it may be a sign that the shocks are no longer performing at their best and should be replaced. Suspension Repair in Novato, CA When you need auto repair in Novato, CA and the surrounding area, contact Novato Auto Service at  415-598-1488  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

A healthy transmission plays a critical role in enabling smooth operation and reliable performance. Without proper care, transmission problems can lead to costly repairs or even complete failure. To keep your transmission in excellent condition and extend its lifespan, consider these quick tips for keeping your transmission healthy. Check and Change Transmission Fluid Regularly Transmission fluid is vital for lubricating moving parts, cooling the system, and enabling smooth gear shifts. But as the miles add up, the fluid can become contaminated or lose its effectiveness, leading to increased wear and overheating. Regularly check the fluid level and condition using the dipstick, if your car has one, or follow manufacturer guidelines for inspections. Dirty or low transmission fluid should be addressed promptly, and a complete fluid change should be done in accordance with your vehicle's requirements. Avoid Overheating the Transmission Excessive heat is one of the leading causes of transmission damage. Driving in stop-and-go traffic, towing heavy loads, or driving aggressively can increase transmission temperatures, potentially causing the fluid to break down. To help prevent overheating, avoid overloading your vehicle. Use the Correct Type of Transmission Fluid Not all transmission fluids are the same, and using the wrong type can result in poor performance and internal damage. Always refer to your vehicle's owner manual or consult with the mechanic to ensure you use the recommended fluid. Be Gentle with Gear Changes Abrupt gear changes or improper shifting can put unnecessary stress on your transmission. For vehicles with manual transmissions, avoid riding the clutch or shifting gears roughly. In automatic vehicles, always come to a complete stop before switching from reverse to drive or vice versa. Driving habits that minimize strain on the transmission will help prevent wear. Schedule Regular Transmission Inspections Even if your transmission seems to be working fine, regular professional inspections are crucial to catching small problems before they escalate. The mechanic can check for leaks, worn parts, or unusual noises that might indicate a developing issue. Early detection and preventive maintenance can help save you from expensive repairs. Transmission Service in Novato, CA When you need transmission service in Novato and the surrounding area, contact Novato Auto Service at  415-598-1488  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

The check engine light is a sign that your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system has detected an issue that needs attention. At Novato Auto Service, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Novato, CA area. Here’s a look at five common check engine light triggers. Faulty Oxygen Sensor The oxygen sensor plays a critical role in monitoring the balance of air and fuel in your engine. If the sensor becomes damaged or malfunctions, it can cause inaccurate readings, leading to reduced fuel-efficiency and increased emissions. A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most frequent triggers for the check engine light and should be replaced as soon as possible to maintain optimal engine performance. Loose or Damaged Gas Cap It may seem surprising, but a loose or damaged gas cap is a common reason the check engine light comes on. The gas cap seals the fuel system, and if it isn’t tightly secured, fuel may evaporate before your engine gets the chance to use it. Failing Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful emissions by converting pollutants into less harmful gases. A failing catalytic converter can also lead to poor performance and increased emissions, making immediate attention important. Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps regulate the air-to-fuel ratio. If the sensor fails, your engine may run too rich or too lean, leading to poor fuel-economy and potential engine stalling. Worn or Misfiring Spark Plugs Spark plugs are essential for igniting the fuel-air mixture in your engine’s cylinders. When spark plugs wear out or misfire, they can cause engine performance issues such as rough idling, reduced power, and poor fuel-efficiency. Worn spark plugs are a frequent reason for the check engine light and should be replaced as part of your vehicle’s regular maintenance. Check Engine Light Repair in Novato, CA For auto repair in Novato and the surrounding area, contact Novato Auto Service at  415-598-1488  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Transmission fluid plays a vital role by lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and regulating temperature, while also providing the necessary pressure for smooth gear shifts. However, a transmission fluid leak can lead to severe damage if not addressed promptly. As soon as you suspect that your vehicle might be leaking transmission fluid, you’ll want to make it a priority to get to the shop. At Novato Auto Service, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Novato, CA area. Here are four common signs that your car may have a transmission fluid leak. Puddles of Red Fluid Under Your Vehicle Transmission fluid typically has a reddish or pinkish hue when new, though it can turn dark brown as it ages. If you notice puddles of red fluid forming under your car, it’s a warning sign of a leak. Prompt attention is crucial to prevent further damage. Low Transmission Fluid Levels Consistently low transmission fluid levels, despite regular refills, often signal a leak. Low levels can result in inadequate lubrication, leading to potential transmission failure. Common sources of leaks include faulty transmission pan gaskets and damaged transmission lines. Difficulty Shifting Gears A lack of transmission fluid can make it harder for your car to shift gears smoothly. If you experience delays when changing gears or feel a jerking sensation, it’s possible that the fluid has been leaking. If your car slips out of gear, it could be occurring because a leak is causing the fluid to drop to the point that there isn’t enough hydraulic pressure to properly keep the car in gear. Burning Smell If transmission fluid leaks onto hot engine components, it can produce a distinctive burning smell. Anytime there’s a burning odor coming from your vehicle, it’s crucial to get it checked out by the mechanic as soon as possible. Transmission Repair in Novato, CA When you need auto repair in Novato and the surrounding area, contact Novato Auto Service at  415-598-1488  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly take care of your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!