San Jose Auto Repair

The industry-standard recommendations for tire rotations are every six months or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, whichever comes first. Tire rotations are necessary maintenance items, just like your oil changes and brake replacements. Today, we'll explain why your car needs Tire Rotations and what goes on during the service.   Why Tires Need to be Rotated Tire rotations are necessary to ensure your tires wear evenly. Uneven wear and tear can trim the lifespan of your tires. Tires will naturally wear with use over time; however, when the wear is evenly distributed, rather than confined to certain areas, they can last longer. This service also serves to improve the smoothness and safety of your drive and the overall handling of your vehicle. In the end, you will do yourself a favor and save money.    What Happens During a Tire Rotation The technician will first check for holes or punctures from items like nails, thumbtacks, glass, etc. The technician will also measur ... read more

Spark plugs are small, but they play a big role in your vehicle. Every time you turn the key, the plugs create an electric arc that ignites the fuel mix and gets the engine running. Normal wear and tear weakens the spark and affects performance. If your vehicle is displaying any of these warning signs, it might be time to replace your spark plugs.   1. Misfiring Engine Have you noticed that your engine seems to hesitate or sputter when you're on the road? This often means that the spark plugs are going bad; the missing spark interrupts the combustion process.   2. Rough Idling Failing spark plugs are often most noticeable when you're idling. The vehicle might sound rougher than usual. In some cases, your car will start to shake or vibrate. This usually means that the spark plugs aren't providing consistent fuel ignition.   3. Sluggish Acceleration Each time you step on the gas, your engine responds b ... read more

Your vehicle's braking system is comprised of interrelated parts that rely on one another to power the entire braking mechanism. For instance, you start the process by applying pressure to the pedal, activating the cylinder, fluid, calipers, brake pads, and rotors. All of this is needed to start the friction to stop your car. Without the functionality of these parts, you (the driver) would not be able to slow down or come to a complete stopping point.   Every vehicle owner needs to get a comprehensive brake inspection to ensure their car is safe to drive. Our skillful team at Dhillon Motorsports can help you uncover any hidden issues or signs of wear that you cannot see on the surface level. You can always depend on our certified technicians to detect these issues for you and use their knowledge and skills to offer you the best quality repairs. When we're done with the inspection, you'll have complete confidence knowing that your ride can take on any road, conditions ... read more

A wheel alignment is a process of adjusting your vehicle's wheel angles to be in line with each other. This type of service guarantees that your vehicle drives straight without concern and gives you the proper handling.  While it may be easy (for some people) to overlook the symptoms of misaligned wheels, it's even easier to fix. Misaligned wheels should be taken more seriously as they can be very dangerous, especially on wet roads. Your tires can lose traction, causing you to lose control of your car and, in some cases, hydroplane. Here are five ways to tell your vehicle is in urgent need of a wheel alignment. THE STEERING WHEEL IS VIBRATING. Misaligned wheels will cause your steering wheel to be put into overdrive. YOUR VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE SIDE.  If the surface you are on is smooth and you let go of your steering wheel, a properly aligned car will continue to roll straight forward. If it pulls to the left or right, then you need a wheel alignment. THE STEERING ... read more

We're all aware of how fun and great the state of California is, which is why it is a densely populated area. The only downside of this statistic is the state has always been faced with a pollution problem. In fact, California cities occupied 27 out of the top 75 most polluted cities nationwide. To minimize the emissions, California requires a smog check for almost all vehicles to preserve the environment and atmosphere. The air we breathe is a valuable source, and everyone should do their part so that we can continue to enjoy the clean and fresh air in the future.   The Smog Check Program in California has dramatically reduced air pollution with the legislation. Smog check inspections are meant to identify cars that have excess emissions and have them repaired to be cleaner. If you live in San Jose, CA, passing a smog test is necessary if you want to register your vehicle.    What Cars Require a Smog Check? In the state of CA, all gasoline-powered vehicl ... read more

Summertime calls for road trips. Whether you plan to go a short distance or long distance, consider letting your furry friend tag along with you! They probably want to get a breath of fresh air too.   If you want to hit the road with your pet(s), be prepared to do some additional planning, packing, and preparation. Here are some words of wisdom on how to prepare for your trip with your beloved animal:   Safety First!  Your pets' security should, without question, always be a top priority. In order to ensure their safety, please make sure they are safely and comfortably secured in your vehicle. You should never leave him or her unrestrained. In some cases where you might have a window open, your cat or dog could accidentally fall out. We highly suggest that you bring a kennel or some other gear to keep your furry friend guarded.    Pack Appropriately for Your Furry Friend It always helps to make a list of items to pack before your trip, so be sure to ... read more

Putting diesel in a car can be a huge mistake! However, if you had this accident, you wouldn't be the first. Putting the wrong type of gas in your car can be a hassle to fix. Let's find out what you've got to go through if you mistakenly put diesel in a gas car.   Most gas stations make it very obvious which pump is diesel or gasoline. It's usually labeled and a different color. The reason for such indications is, so people don't make such mistakes. If you still choose the wrong nozzle, what could go wrong if you put diesel in your gas car? You can most likely expect the following: You can expect the car to run a few miles until the gasoline in your car's tank is used up. After your vehicle has burned through what's left of your gas, then your engine will stop running.  Once your vehicle breaks down, you need to call for roadside assistance.  At Dhillon Motorsports, we can get your car going again by cleaning and flushing your car's f ... read more

  Road trips are expected to increase in significant numbers this summer. Did you know that an estimated 87% of Americans are expected to travel at least once this summer (Destination Analysts)? So naturally, we are more than excited to get out of the house, but many of us dread the long and boring car ride. Don't fret because we have compiled a list of ways to keep yourself from sleeping the entire car ride.   Have Fun with a Sing-Along Listening to music is always an excellent way to pass the time. If you are traveling with friends or family, this is a fun way to keep your energy pumping. Make sure you have a way to connect your phone to your car speakers, either through Bluetooth, aux cable, or USB cable. Here are some of our favorite music suggestions: Disney Soundtracks: Disney is known for its uplifting and catchy soundtracks, and they are loved by both the young and old. Choose from traditional classics like Beauty and the Beast to newer hits like Moana. Musi ... read more

One thing most car owners hope they don't have to deal with is an unexpected issue with their vehicles. When an automotive system fails, it offers some signs and symptoms. One of these signs is the smell of maple syrup when you enter the car and turn on the engine. Other people describe the smell as butterscotch or cinnamon. While it has a pleasant, sweet smell, it doesn't indicate anything sweet about your car. In fact, that sweet smell that might get you to think that someone spilled syrup in your car means that you have a leaking coolant. What is a Coolant? Car coolant, also known as antifreeze, prevents engine overheating. It also acts as grease, preventing friction between the engine's moving parts, which alleviates premature wear-n-tear of these components, including the water pump, cylinder and piston timing, and the head gasket. The coolant effectively controls engine temperatures by dissipating the heat and adds an antifreeze to the motor, ensuring the engine o ... read more

A vehicle features components, parts, and systems that work together to perform specific functions. Automotive fluids prevent friction and regulate the operating temperature of these car components systems. Fluid flushes are some cost-effective vehicle maintenance services, and it is critical to ensure you adhere to the fluid exchange schedule to ensure maximum car performance. There are various fluids in your car that you need to pay attention to keep your vehicle running healthily. These fluids prevent friction between the moving vehicle parts, and therefore, reducing wear-n-tear. They usually have distinct colors. For instance, engine oil is light brown when new, transmission fluid (red), radiator fluid, brake fluid (transparent yellow), and power steering fluid (clear red). With time, the color changes due to contaminant and debris build-up, hence the need for fluid flushes. The Importance of Fluid Exchanges Sticking to your vehicle's recommended oil change and fluid flash s ... read more