San Jose Auto Repair

When you bring your vehicle in for most types of service, you'll also get a smog or emissions report. But how accurate is this report, and what exactly is a STAR station? These stations are special smog check stations that meet a higher performance standard as established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Many STAR stations only perform the required test, but others can also be licensed and authorized to perform the test and any needed related repairs. Features of a STAR Station A STAR station must post a sign informing consumers about the various services it performs. These locations may also be called “STAR Test and Repair Stations.” If they bear this name, it means they are officially authorized to perform regular smog inspections, perform smog repairs, and run smog checks. These specialized locations can inspect, repair, and certify any type of vehicle. They're inspected every mont ... read more

The name Honda is synonymous with quality, and it's no wonder so many people have chosen to make this brand their number one vehicle. Whether you're interested in the classic Civic, the Element, or the Accord, Honda makes a wide array of excellent vehicles in a variety of styles to suit your needs. If you're on the fence about purchasing a Honda, take a closer look at a few pros and cons that might help you determine whether or not this famous maker is right for you. The Pros of Buying a Honda When it comes to positives, Honda has more vehicles on the road after 25 years of service than any other automotive maker out there. This means that you can rely on Honda to be a long-lasting vehicle that's completely reliable. They're also very well-known for being safe to drive. If you have a teenager in the market for their first car, Honda is an outstanding choice. Many recent models have r ... read more

If you're in the market for a car, you've probably been pondering whether or not to buy one that's new or used. While a brand-new, shiny car has that touch of awesome appeal, there are lots of reasons why you should buy used instead. Here are some reasons why purchasing a used car could be more beneficial to you in the long run. You'll Get More for Your Money It goes without saying that a used car will likely cost less than a new one for most makes and models. Since any vehicle starts to depreciate or lose value as soon as it drives off the lot, you might as well buy one that's already taken the hit. One great thing about a used car is that even if it has already depreciated, you could likely still sell it later for a more comparable amount to what you paid. In terms of features, make a list of your must-haves along with your budget, and then enjoy the shopping experience ... read more

A properly functioning car should operate smoothly whether you're in the highway, driving slowly through a neighborhood, or while you're stopped at a stoplight. If your car is shaking whenever you are idle, it could indicate that there's a serious problem. If your vehicle is shaking and shuddering when it idles, contact the experts at Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose for an evaluation. Here are some potential reasons why your vehicle is shaking at a stoplight. Your Spark Plugs are Dirty or Worn Out Spark plugs that are dirty or worn out don't fire properly. This means they can no longer ignite the fuel in your car's piston cylinders, which causes the vehicle to misfire. In some cases, your dirty spark plugs can be cleaned, but it's best to go ahead and have them replaced so you won't need to worry about the shaking any longer. Replacing the spark plugs ... read more

It's easy to become desensitized to the dangers of driving, but the riskiest moments in your day are spent behind the wheel of a car. Fortunately, although you can't control every factor related to driving, you can master more than you might think. So, before you start another drive, take a moment to reflect on how you can improve your driving safety. Stay on Top of Regular Maintenance Keeping your car in fighting shape is the easiest way to ensure you don't put a damaged machine on the roads. Tire rotations, oil changes, and routine check-ups will help you stay abreast of wear and tear, preventing inconvenient and expensive repairs in the future. Keep your owner's manual handy and make sure you follow its maintenance schedule as closely as possible. With that, communicate freely with your mechanic, so you understand what driving conditions might influence your vehicle in unique ways ... read more

You've probably heard the term smog but might not understand how much weight this word carries. A form of air pollution that becomes more hazardous with heat (summer is right around the corner), it's never too late to learn about the dangers of smog and how you can protect yourself and the environment this summer. Smog and Its Implications Smog refers to a mix of emissions that overwhelm the air and become harmful if breathed. A combination of industrial pollutants, incinerators and vehicle pollutants, the EPA consistently warns the public of the negative effects of smog exposure. The symptoms of smog exposure include: Throat and chest irritation – Respiratory distress is one of the most common signs of exposure to environmental pollutants. Increased asthma symptoms – Asthma sufferers have an uphill battle on good days. When smog exposure gets added to the mix ... read more

Driving and colors go hand in hand. Traffic lights and signs are often color-coded for easy understanding, leaking fluid from your vehicle can alert you to certain systems that need attention, and your exhaust system swaps shades for much the same reason. Here are a few tips to help you decode exhaust smoke and learn if your engine needs a tune-up, something has sprung a leak, or something more serious is at play. Blueish or Grayish Smoke If you see either of these shades, be warned–something is off. In most cases, these colors indicate an oil leak, either from a worn valve seal, damaged cylinder or failing piston ring. Note: Blue smoke accumulating during acceleration points to piston ring damage, but if it occurs when you let off the gas, it's more likely a cylinder head valve. In either case, you should take your car into a mechanic as soon as possible. Thin White ... read more

What's that saying….anything that can go wrong will go wrong? Yes, well if you've lived long enough, you know this one bears some truth, especially when it comes to your vehicle. While paranoia serves little purpose, you can navigate life's roadside catastrophes more handily with a little forethought and a few essentials. Here are some tools that might help you out in a bad situation: Flat Tire Accessories – Hopefully you have a spare, but if it's already in use and another tire needs help, you can find commercial products that temporarily fix a damaged tire (Fix-A-Flat, for example). Tire Changing Tools – If you need to put on the spare, you'll need more than the tire: tire iron, jack, lug nuts. Water – If the worst happens in the middle of nowhere, you might need to hydrate while waiting for help. It never hurts to have a few water bottles ... read more

By design, fuses shut down as a safety mechanism that prevents system overload. Therefore, you've probably experienced a blown fuse in your car or home at some point. Fortunately, changing a broken fuse looks the same regardless of where it happens. To change a burned-out fuse in your vehicle, follow these simple steps: Find the Fuse Panel Like locating this vital hub is one of the first things you do in a new home, so does it help with your vehicle. If you need guidance, the owner's manual will tell you where to find it, but it sits under the steering wheel in most cases. Remove the Cover Once you find the panel, take off the cover and look on other side for a diagram illustrating each fuse and what it powers. The panel itself will involve various numbers and colors that explain different amperages. Find the Blown Fuse The dead fuse will almost always be black ( ... read more

When you get ready to buy a new car, you want to know what models withstand the years, staying reliable and sturdy through weekend road trips, weekday commutes, and extreme weather. In fact, dependability ranks high in consumer preferences since it plays a large role in resale value. Fortunately, J.D. Power has recently released its 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study, helping savvy consumers understand which carmakers have upgraded technology and safety systems and which ones have remained static. Here's a brief summary of the findings. How the Study Works J.D. Power's Study takes 3-year-old cars and measures the problems experienced (for 100 vehicles) over the last year. The numbers rack up along with the issues–177 common problems spread among 8 vehicle categories–so a lower score means higher quality. In good news, 2016 models held up well, showing a 4 percent ... read more