San Jose Auto Repair

A radiator leak is more than annoying its dangerous. Your vehicle relies on its engine coolant to keep the engine at the optimal temperature. Should the engine overheat, the scorching environment will damage parts. Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose might be emissions experts, but we also know a thing or two about radiators. Here are a few reasons why yours is leaking. Coolant We understand the need to save money in today's economy but don't do it at the expense of your vehicle's cooling system. Subpar, cheap, watered down, or even the wrong engine coolant will cause your vehicle to overheat. As will substandard coolant flushes or adding water instead of the proper water/coolant mix to the reservoir. When this happens, it isn't so much that your radiator is leaking as it is pushing coolant out of the system. Heater Core Your vehicle's heater core can affect the ... read more

In California, if a family member gives you a car, it might not need a smog inspection to transfer the title. It depends on a few factors, including the familial relation. Bear in mind, California is one of the strictest states when it comes to vehicle emissions testing, so it's best to check with the DMV to ensure you don't need a smog. If you do, Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose is a STAR-certified station. Family Relationship The DMV understands that if you receive a vehicle from an immediate family member, chances are you know whether it's due for a smog check or not. For example, you would be exempt from a required smog inspection if you acquire the car from a Domestic partner/spouse Parent Grandparent Sibling Child Grandchild These are the only relationships that allow for a smog inspection exemption, however. Should your aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, cousin, or another relative offer ... read more

If your car fails its required smog inspection, do not panic. We here at Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose, CA, can help. As you know already, California is strict when it comes to vehicle emissions, which is why you get that dreaded smog test required notice in registration renewal every couple of years. If you bring your vehicle to a test and repair station rather than a test-only station, you already have the upper hand should the vehicle fail the check. Reasons Why Your Vehicle Failed Your car's exhaust is made up of several components including the catalytic converter, EGR system, evaporative emissions charcoal canister, fuel cap, oxygen sensor, PCM, and purge control valve. If any of these parts are compromised, your vehicle will fail its smog check. The most common issues we see when a car doesn't pass the test include Improper air/fuel mixtur ... read more

Living in California is a dream, except when it comes to the required smog check every two years for your vehicle registration renewal. You could grumble about California's tough emission standards, but let's be honest: They are what keep The Golden State beautiful. Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose is a STAR station. What does that mean? Keep reading! Your Renewal Notice If you received a notice in your vehicle's renewal registration letter that says you must have your car, truck, or SUV smog tested at a STAR station, it means the check must be performed by a station that meets “higher performance standards,” per the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair. This is the top certification for smog stations in California. STAR Station Advantages Even if your renewal notice didn't specify a STAR stat ... read more