5 Warning Signs of a Malfunctioning Alternator

Your car’s suspension system plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing shocks and maintaining proper contact between the tires and the road. However, wear and tear can cause suspension issues, which can lead to unsafe driving conditions if not addressed promptly. At Novato Auto Service, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Novato, CA area. Here are five common signs of suspension trouble. Excessive Bouncing If your car bounces excessively after hitting a bump, it’s a clear sign that your suspension may be worn out. Shocks and struts are designed to absorb the impact of road imperfections, but when they’re no longer functioning correctly, your vehicle will bounce or rock more than it should. This can make driving uncomfortable and reduce your control over the vehicle. Uneven Tire Wear Suspension problems can cause uneven tire wear. When the suspension system is misaligned or worn out, it can lead to improper tire contact with the road. This results in one side of the tire wearing down faster than the other, which can ultimately compromise traction and lead to tire replacements. Pulling to One Side If your car drifts to one side while driving, this could indicate a suspension problem, particularly with the alignment. While pulling to one side can also be caused by brake problems, a suspension component like a worn control arm may be the culprit. Misalignment affects your vehicle’s ability to drive straight, increasing your risk of an accident. Poor Handling and Steering Instability If your vehicle feels like it's swaying, or is difficult to control when turning or changing lanes, it’s a sign that your suspension is failing. Poor handling can occur due to worn shocks, struts, or other suspension components that are no longer able to stabilize the car properly. Sagging or Uneven Ride Height A sagging corner or noticeably uneven ride height is often caused by a broken or worn spring. The springs in your suspension system are responsible for supporting the weight of your vehicle, and when one fails, it can cause the car to lean or sag. Driving with a broken spring can make your vehicle unsafe. 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 make an appointment!

At Novato Auto Service, we aim to earn our customers’ satisfaction by providing top-quality repairs and maintenance at fair rates. No matter how big or small the job, our team will work meticulously to complete it to the highest standards. And we’re grateful when our customers provide feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our latest customer reviews. “Keeping a 28 year old vehicle on the road reliably takes great care. The team at Novato Auto Service makes that easier. They are knowledgeable, solutions oriented, competent, and priced fairly for what they do.” — Saul M. “Scott took great care of my Mazda 3 hatchback! He took the time to explain to me the issue so that I understood what was going on. He runs a professional, efficient auto shop, and I will return if I have any future car problems. I recommend his services 100%!” — Porsia T. “We have trusted Scott for over 20 years. Novato Auto is thorough and reasonably priced. He has taken good care of us and our cars.” — Douglas S. “We were greatly pleased to discover Novato Auto Service. We have been back a few times since our first visit. Prices are fair, workmanship and staff excellent. If you have a woman in your life that is scared to trust someone, send them here. They take care of you. Not advantage of you.” — James Y. “Super happy with my service! My key got stuck in the ignition and I was calling around to see who could take my car in. They were able to fit me in early and a couple hours later my car was ready. They also fixed my car door and now I can fully open it.” — Maribel G. “Great repair place all around. We were traveling and planned to be in this area for a few days. Needed to make sure our scheduled appointment was taken seriously which it was. We waited for the brake service to be completed and he started on it at our appointment time. Work was done without any additional difficulties added to make us feel we should get something else done. Friendly, clean and organized. Highly recommend.” — Kevin K. Auto 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 make an appointment!

Ensuring that your brakes are in good working order is crucial for maintaining control of your vehicle and avoiding accidents. At the first sign of a brake problem, it’s important to alert the mechanic. At Novato Auto Service, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Novato, CA area. Here’s a look at five warning signs of brake trouble. Squealing or Grinding Noises One of the most obvious signs of brake trouble is an unusual noise when you apply the brakes. If you hear a high-pitched squealing sound, it often indicates that the brake pads are worn and need replacement. A grinding noise, on the other hand, is more serious. It typically means that the brake pads are completely worn down, which may lead to damage to your rotors and more expensive repairs. Vibrations If you feel vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal when you apply pressure, it could indicate warped rotors. Warping can occur due to excessive heat. Vibrations can also be a sign of uneven wear on the brake pads. Either way, these vibrations can affect your ability to stop smoothly and should be checked by the mechanic. Reduced Responsiveness A spongy or soft brake pedal is a clear sign of brake trouble. This issue often points to air in the brake lines or a problem with the brake fluid. Brake fluid is essential for transmitting the force from your pedal to the brake components. If there's a leak or contamination, it can lead to a very dangerous situation. Pulling to One Side When you apply the brakes, your car should slow down evenly. If you notice that your vehicle pulls to one side, it could indicate a problem with the brake calipers. This pulling can be caused by a stuck caliper, creating a hazardous situation. Warning Light If your brake warning light comes on, it's a sign that something is wrong with your braking system. This light can indicate issues such as low brake fluid or faulty wheel speed sensors. You should never ignore a brake warning light, as it’s a clear sign that your brakes need attention. Auto 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 today to make an appointment!

Your car's alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering the electrical accessories. When it starts to fail, it can cause a variety of problems that affect your vehicle's performance and reliability. At Novato Auto Service, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Novato, CA area. Here’s a look at five indications of alternator trouble. Warning Light on the Dashboard Modern cars are equipped with warning lights that turn on when there's an issue with the alternator or charging system. If you see a battery-shaped light illuminate on your dashboard, it's an indication that something is wrong. Ignoring this warning light could result in a breakdown. Dimming or Flickering Lights One of the most common early signs of alternator trouble is dimming or flickering headlights, dashboard lights, or interior lights. As the alternator struggles to supply enough power, you may notice these lights becoming noticeably dimmer or inconsistently bright. Strange Noises A failing alternator can sometimes produce unusual noises. You might hear a grinding or whining sound coming from the engine bay, which typically indicates worn-out bearings inside the alternator or a belt issue. Ignoring these noises can lead to total alternator failure, so it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Difficulty Starting the Vehicle The alternator plays a crucial role in keeping the battery charged. If you find your car struggling or taking longer to start than usual, it could be a sign that the battery isn't receiving enough power due to an alternator problem. This symptom often worsens over time as the alternator deteriorates further. Malfunctioning Electrical Accessories As the alternator's output becomes inconsistent, you may experience other electrical malfunctions in your vehicle. These could include issues with power windows rolling up slowly, the radio cutting out, or the air conditioning system not working properly. Any unexplained electrical glitches should prompt a check of your alternator's health. Auto 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 today to make an appointment !