Auto Repair San Ramon | Walt's Danville Service

What Do You Know About Common Thermostat Problems?

Your car’s thermostat is responsible for heating your engine and keeping it at the right temperature while you drive. Keeping your car’s thermostat functioning properly isn’t simply a matter of remaining comfortable in cold weather; a faulty thermostat can cause your engine to overheat and hurt your gas mileage. If you suspect that your thermostat is malfunctioning, visit an auto repair shop as soon as possible.

When a thermostat malfunctions, it’s usually because of one of these two problems:

Your thermostat is stuck closed. When you start your car in the morning, the thermostat remains closed until the coolant begins to warm up—at which point it opens and allows coolant to circulate into the radiator. The more frequently you use your thermostat, the more worn-down it is likely to get. After a car has been in use for a long time, the thermostat eventually begins to have trouble opening. When your thermostat is stuck in the closed position, your radiator cannot receive the proper amount of coolant, which means that your engine will soon begin to overheat. If this happens, you should immediately have your thermostat professionally inspected—and replaced, if necessary—by an auto repair specialist.

Your thermostat is stuck open. While a thermostat that is stuck in the open position is not an immediate hazard to your engine, it should still be addressed right away. In addition to overcooling your engine and making it run less efficiently, a thermostat that is stuck open cannot warm the interior of your car effectively, which can result in extreme discomfort for you and your passengers.

If your thermostat is failing or your check engine light has recently come on, contact the auto repair experts at Walt’s Danville Service in San Ramon, CA. We specialize in everything from smog checks to brake and transmission repair. We pride ourselves on the excellence of our customer service. To set up an appointment for your vehicle, call (925) 394-4092 today.

If Your Car Isn't Driving Like It Used To, Take A Look At These Useful Resources!

Delayed transmission and brake repairs can have huge consequences for your vehicle. Almost any simple repair need can progress over time. That’s why it’s always smart to take your vehicle in at the first sign of trouble. Call (925) 394-4092 today to reach Walt's Danville Service.

• Visit TheCarConnection.com to find out when your car’s electrical problems need professional attention.
• This article form CarsDirect.com identifies common alignment symptoms.
• Troubleshooting alignment problems is easy thanks to this AA1Car.com resource.
• Keep your car engine in shape and improve fuel economy with tips from FuelEconomy.gov.
• Popular Mechanics shows readers how to diagnose vehicle electrical problems.

An Overview of Common Automotive Electrical Issues

Your vehicle depends on a system of advanced electronics to run properly and efficietly. Like all mechanical systems, these can occasionally fail. This guide to automotive electrical problems can help you troubleshoot common issues. Use these tips to support diagnostics at your local auto repair shop.

• Dead Batteries: Most electrical problems start in the battery. Weak headlights or starter problems can be traced back to a worn battery cell. Typically, recharging the battery with jumper cables can address these problems. However, batteries eventually wear down permanently. Batteries can also suffer permanent damage from exposure to heat. If the cell refuses to charge, you may simply need a replacement.
• Alternator Failure: Diagnostics point toward the alternator when fresh batteries won’t charge. The alternator converts mechanical energy from your engine into the electrical energy that recharges your battery. If the alternator fails, even a new battery won't be able to charge. Often normal wear, such as a cracked alternator belt, causes alternator problems. Your trusted auto repair specialist can offer additional explanations for why alternators fail.
• Spark Plug Problems: Spark plugs are basic engine components that perform an extremely important task. Spark plugs ignite the mixture of gas and fuel that powers your engine. Engine efficiency drops severely when spark plugs begin to fail. As a result, drivers experience reduced fuel economy and inconsistent acceleration. Thankfully, regularly schedule maintenance visits include a spark plug check.
• Fuse Issues: Your interior’s electronic accessories depend on a small fuse. It’s easy to notice when a fuse has blown. The audio system, gauge, or accessory connected to that fuse will cease to function. Check your owner’s manual if you suspect a blown fuse. The book should show you where your vehicle’s fuse panel is located. Feel free to bring your car to our auto repair shop.

Walt's Danville Service can handle every electronic repair your vehicle may need. Contact our auto shop at (925) 394-4092 if a fuse, spark plug, or alternator issue plagues your vehicle. Our friendly technicians will handle the problem quickly and effectively.

How to Check Your Car's Various Fluid Levels

Insufficient auto maintenance leads to costly repair problems. Thankfully, many of these issues are preventable. This video from AAA’s Allan Stanley provides step by step instructions on auto fluid level checks.

Stanley shows viewers that it’s easy to keep up with your car’s fluid levels. Remember to let your car sit for a few hours before poking around under the hood. Check fluid levels against the levels recommended in your owner’s manual. If these levels fall short, take your car into your local auto repair shop.

Walt's Danville Service is a one-stop auto shop serving the San Ramon area. Visit us today if your transmission, brakes, or fluid levels are in need of attention. Schedule an auto service appointment by calling (925) 394-4092.

Signs Your Car's Alignment Needs to be Adjusted

Many vehicles suffer from alignment-related problems. Thankfully, these issues are often easy to spot. Use the following maintenance tips to identify any issues with your car’s alignment. If you notice any problems, schedule a visit to your nearest auto repair shop near San Ramon.

• Extreme Tire Wear: Tire wear is an important indicator of alignment problems. Properly aligned front and back tires should wear fairly evenly. Also, the wear pattern for front and back tires should be identical. Take your vehicle in for an alignment check if your tires show disproportionate wear. Misaligned tires will also wear poorly despite timely tire rotations. Your vehicle alignment is likely in critical condition when scheduled rotations do not improve tire wear.
• Noticeable Steering Problems: Poor alignment causes more than tire wear problems. A long list of vehicle handling issues indicates alignment problems. When your vehicle pulls to the left or right, the alignment is likely to blame. Steering and handling problems will get worse if alignment issues are not addressed. If the problem gets bad enough, your car may end up drifting to one side or the other when the steering wheel is not being controlled firmly. Having to correct this drift over time could leave you with a crooked steering wheel.
• Car Body Vibrations: Severe alignment issues can also lead to noticeable tire vibrations. These tremors are caused by the wheels misalignment, which causes the wheels to pull against each other. To test tire vibrations, start by accelerating your vehicle to an average cruising speed. Then hold the steering wheel with one hand. You’ll feel a distinct shaking from the tires if your alignment needs repair. You can also use uneven tire wear to confirm these vibrations are alignment-related.

Walt's Danville Service can help determine whether your alignment needs repair. Our mechanics can also help you distinguish between alignment, brake, and tire rotation problems. Make an appointment today by calling us at (925) 394-4092.