San Francisco Auto Repair

Have you ever been driving down a straight road and briefly let go of the steering wheel? You probably should not be doing that, but if so, did your car start to drift to one side? This is one symptom of improper wheel alignment, which can be caused by gradual wear over time or as a result of driving over a massive pothole. Left unchecked, your car could be subjected to rapid tire wear, reduced fuel economy and difficult handling. To know when to get your wheel alignment checked and what to expect from your local auto repair shop, read on: Other signs that your tires need realigning are uneven wear on tires, vibrations while you drive and a crooked steering wheel when your car is going straight. Even if you don’t notice any of these indicators, you should get your wheel alignment checked at least annually as well as after any collisions. It’s a good idea to request an alignment every time you purchase a set of new tires. Tha ... read more

As tempting as it is to wait for the rain to wash your car, regular maintenance of your vehicle’s appearance is essential. Beyond vanity’s sake, keeping your car clean prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt that wear away at the finish over time. Read on for tips on getting the best at-home wash: Choose a shady spot or wash on a cloudy day. If your car is too hot, the water will evaporate quickly and leave unsightly spots. Use car wash shampoo or soap. It’s made specifically for automotive vehicles, so it cleans better than dish soap. Start with the wheels and treat them with extra care. Since they are the closest to the road, they are subjected to the most dirt and damage. Then wash from the top down, rinsing the car often. End with a rinse of free flowing water to allow the water to sheet off the car. Pay attention to the inside as well. Vacuum floors, fabric upholstery, mats and under seats. Scrub and rin ... read more

Most of us don’t think about the belts and hoses inside our cars very often. They may be merely components of bigger systems such as radiators and heaters, but if they fail your car is in for a heap of trouble. For example, serpentine belts are used to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. If it snaps, you could end up stranded. A blown hose can cause an overheated engine and other damage. In order to avoid these unfortunate circumstances, take proper care of your belts and hoses. Rubber hoses deteriorate with age and exposure to heat. Hoses that feel rock hard or mushy need to be replaced. Have them checked at each oil change for hardening (or softening) by simply pinching them. Other indications include squeaking noise during start-up or operation, dashboard light turns on, engine overheating, leaking, visible cracks and blistering. When new hoses are installed, replace the clamps as well ... read more