Walt's Danville Service

Happy Fourth of July! "I love my freedom. I love my America." ~Jessi Lane Adams

Essential Steps to Getting Your Car Ready for a Summer Road Trip

Summer temperatures are a big threat to your vehicle without regular maintenance. Even small auto repair issues can turn into an engine-stopping problem on the highway. Avoid the burdens of an engine breakdown with these summer road trip maintenance tips. 

Complete Repair Recommendations: Your local auto repair mechanic made repair recommendations for a reason. Neglected suspension issues or tire rotations can cut into your vehicle’s performance. These performance drops, like reduced fuel efficiency, can becoming increasingly costly on a summer road trip. In addition, neglected repairs can become agitated by the constant driving of a road trip. This may lead to repair problems late in the trip or after you’ve already returned home. Budget the price of all the necessary repairs for your vehicle before planning your vacation to ensure your costs are covered.

Check Replaceable Components: Many parts under your hood naturally wear out over time. Make sure that none of these parts wear out on your summer road trip by checking them over before the vacation starts. Inspect all the tubes, fasteners, pipes, and belts in sight. Be sure to replace these components if you notice any signs of leaks or cracks. Drivers should also pay close attention the vehicle’s fluid levels. Insufficient amounts of brake fluid, coolant, or engine oil can lead to dangerous accidents on the road.

Inspect Each Tire: Make sure every tire is in top shape before the trip starts. After all, just one flat can put a damper on your entire trip. Check tread wear to guarantee your tires can catch traction in numerous road conditions. Even tread also helps to maintain your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, so have your tires rotated prior to the trip if necessary.

Take your family vehicle into Walt's Danville Service, in San Ramon, to make sure the engine checks out. Call (925) 394-4092 to discuss any transmission, engine, or brake repair needs. We also perform convenient smog inspections. 

Did You Know! | The first speeding tickets were given out in 1902, when the top speed of most cars was around 45 miles per hour!

The Difference Between Recalls and TSBs

The auto industry uses several quality control tests to ensure that all vehicles marketed to the public are completely safe. However, mistakes to occasionally slip by the process. This overview of recalls and Technical Service Bulletins explains shows drivers what happen when a mistake puts drivers at risk.

Recalls are government-mandated notices to customers that their vehicles may be inherently unsafe. These bulletins also offer instructions for having the problem fixed. Technical Safety Bulletins (TSBS) are similar to recalls in that they report a malfunction. However, the topics of TSBs are never life threatening.

Walt's Danville Service, in San Ramon, is committed to treating auto repair customers with care and respect. That’s why we’ve stayed in business since 1970. If you’ve got questions about recent part recalls or quick replacements, contact us at (925) 394-4092. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions or schedule a maintenance checkup.

How to Avoid Costly Car Mistakes

We are all human, with this in mind there are many mistakes drivers make when it comes to their auto maintenance.  In the following video, you will be able to see a couple of the most common auto service mistakes drivers can make.

A common mistake drivers make is driving with the check engine light on. The check engine light turning on means the on-board diagnostics has been triggered. There are many reasons why a check engine light turns on.

For Example:

• If a driver ignores the warning signs of low coolant levels, do not ignore the warning signs. If you do, you can easily damage the engine, costing you a lot of money to repair.

Walt's Danville Service is a one-stop auto repair shop, located in San Ramon, CA. Visit us today if your check engine light has turned on. We repair transmission, brakes, and other auto repair issues. Schedule an auto service appointment by calling (925) 394-4092 today!