Chico Auto Repair

Your muffler plays a very important in role in the safe and functional operation of your vehicle's exhaust, which is a complex system comprised of the exhaust valve chamber which leads to the exhaust headers, then to the exhaust pipes and catalytic convertor, then on to the muffler and out the tailpipe. One important function of the muffler is that it works to direct exhaust gases away from your engine and passenger cabin. Because exhaust fumes are dangerous, it's prudent to always make sure that your muffler is doing its job in this regard. In addition to that, a properly functioning muffler will help to diminish the noise that results from the exhaust being directed to your tailpipe. You don't want to be that guy on the road with the failing muffler and obnoxiously loud car. If you suspect that you might have issues with your muffler, you'll want to promptly visit a mechanic for diagnostics. Here's a look at four signs of muffler failure. Loud Noise The ... read more

Each and every time that you start up your car, the engine immediately begins to heat up to extremely hot temperatures. But so long as your cooling system is working properly, you've got a safeguard against overheating. This system is made of a number of different parts, including your radiator, fan, and thermostat. If any of these parts is malfunctioning, you could become at risk of overheating, which can cause serious damage. As soon as you notice an issue with your cooling system, you'll want to get it addressed. Here's a look at five signs that your car needs cooling system repair. Smoking A classic sign is that smoke is rising up and out from under your hood. This means that you'll likely need to add coolant and/or water. Temperature Gauge Reading If your dashboard's temperature gauge has shot up quickly or has slowly risen into the red zone, then you'll want to pull over and contact a mechanic who can help you figure out whether o ... read more

When it comes to staying safe on the road, there isn't a system in your vehicle of greater importance than your brakes. It's impossible to predict when you might be sharing the road with a drunk driver, or when a deer might jolt out into the road. The unexpected can happen at any given moment, and when it does, you need to be able to trust your brakes. Here are four signs that you need brake repair. Squealing An ear-piercing squealing coming from your brakes could well mean that your brake pads have worn down to the point that the little piece of metal attached to your pad is rubbing up against the rotor. In this situation, you'll want to get to the shop quickly because there's a good chance you'll be able to take care of the problem before it gets worse and becomes much more expensive. By being proactive and getting to the shop at the first sign of a problem, you stand a good chance of significant savings. Grinding If you step down on ... read more

It's of great importance to get to the shop for regular maintenance to minimize the possibility of major engine trouble. But even if you're on point about getting to the shop as recommended, it could still come in quite handy to be aware of certain signs of impending engine trouble. Here's a look at five indications of upcoming engine failure that mean you should visit your mechanic right away. Knocking Sound That repetitive knocking noise could be coming from a lack of lubrication and may very well mean that your engine is in dire need of some more oil. It's possible that adding some fresh oil will take care of the problem. However, there's also the possibility that a rebuild on the bottom end of your engine will be needed. Excessive Exhaust Smoke The color of the smoke can help you figure out what the issue is. Black smoke is an indication that the engine is burning too much gasoline. If the smoke is white, then there's a fair chance ... read more

During your day-to driving, it's easy to forget about just how much abuse your vehicle is taking. But even if you're not racking up miles by the thousand on coast-to-coast road trips, your routine commute causes your odometer to turn just the same. To help ensure that your car, truck, or SUV lives a long, productive life and retains maximum resale value, it's of great importance that you keep up with maintenance issues. Here's a look at five types of maintenance provided by a reputable Chico mechanic. 30/60/90k Factory Scheduled Maintenance in Chico Your vehicle came off of the assembly line with a maintenance plan already in place. By keeping up with the plan, you'll be able to enjoy continued high-performance, while also maintaining resale value. Tune-Up If your vehicle is brand new, you might not need a tune-up for quite some time. However, once your vehicle's odometer has crossed the 100,000 mile mark, the standard rule of thumb is ... read more

Even if gas prices do seem reasonable, you still want to save every penny that you can when paying at the pump. Luckily, there are simple ways that you can help to increase your fuel-efficiency, and in turn save yourself a healthy chunk of change in the long run. Whether you're driving a little economy car or a heavy-duty truck, there's a good chance that you're not getting the most out of your miles per gallon. There are a number of ways to change that for the better. Here's a look at five easy ways to increase your MPGs. Replace Spark Plugs Spark plugs are what create the tiny explosions that get your pistons pumping, and in turn provide the power that you need to get your engine roaring. The spark ignites a mix of fuel and air. Dirty spark plugs can result in misfiring, which in turn wastes significant amounts of fuel, considering that the plugs can fire millions of times in just 1,000 miles. Replacing spark plugs is something thing that can easily be d ... read more

It's a good idea to periodically take a look at the ground that sits below where you typically park. Fluid leaks are fairly common, and while they are often relatively minor problems, they can also be an indication of a more serious issue. For many drivers, oil leaks are easy to identify, but other types of fluid can be more challenging to tell apart. When you notice a leak, it's important that you're able to quickly figure out which kind of fluid it is so that you can tell your mechanic. Here's a look at five tips on how to tell apart different types of automotive leaks. Brake Fluid Often light brown in hue, it tends to puddle next to a tire or beneath the master brake cylinder. This is an issue that should be fixed right away. Because of safety concerns, all brake problems should be regarded very seriously. If you think your vehicle may have a brake fluid leak, it's best to get to the shop as soon as you can to have it checked out. Transmission ... read more

Whether a simple tune-up or a complex engine rebuild, when you're in need of auto repair you want to feel 100% confident that the work is being done by an expert. By visiting a AAA-approved mechanic, you'll know that you're going to receive top-quality service. Here's a look at six types of repair offered by a AAA-approved auto shop in Chico, CA. Brake Repair in Chico You never know when a deer might dart out into the road or a drunk driver will come swerving down the highway. You don't want to find out in that critical moment that your brakes don't work perfectly. Rather, get in for a brake inspection and put your mind at ease. Transmission Repair Signs of a transmission problem include stalling out, popping out of gear unexpectedly, and the leaking of transmission fluid. Suspension Repair A healthy suspension does much more than allow a smooth ride. It'll help you safely navigate sharp corners. Diesel Rep ... read more

While it might be difficult for some to see the value in getting to the shop for work on their vehicle if there aren't apparent signs of an issue, periodic maintenance can help to prevent a major problem from arising in the first place. By investing a little now, you could potentially save yourself from costly repairs later. Regular tune-ups will help to ensure that your vehicle performs at a high level for as long as possible. If you're driving a brand new car, you might not need to get in for a tune-up for some time. But if your vehicle's mileage has crossed that 100,000 mile threshold, the general rule is that you get in for a tune-up every 10,000 to 20,000 miles that follow. Regardless of mileage, there are some signs that could mean it's time for you to get to the shop for a tune up quickly. Here are five of those signs: Stalling Out A potential cause of stalling is that you have faltering spark plugs, which is the kind of thing that can be ... read more

Your vehicle's alignment can be thrown out of whack if you've hit a big pothole or jumped up a curb. This basically means that you have one or more wheels pointing in the wrong direction. There a few issues that can arise as a result of this. For one, it can negatively impact your gas mileage. Additionally, it can lead to uneven tire wear. There are several signs that could indicate that you need to get to the auto shop to have your wheels aligned. Here's a look at four of those signs. Uneven Tire Wear This can go unnoticed for a while if you're not paying close attention, but is cause for legitimate concern. If it seems that two tires that are on the same axle are wearing down unevenly, this could be because of an alignment issue. Shaky Steering Wheel This is a classic sign that you need wheel alignment. The reason that this will occur is because your wheels are actually trying to go in different directions, which results in the wheel ... read more