Yearly Archives: 2012

5 Tips To Save Gas

5 Tips to Save Gas We have explained 5 simple way for you to save gas while driving your vehicle. Learn when most of your gas is being used, how to avoid it, and ultimately save gas & money. 1. No heavy acceleration – This is where your car swallows up most of it’s fuel. Acceleration in general is where you are moving a few thousand pound vehicle from a complete stop to 35 miles an hour and beyond. If you accelerate reasonably you can see about 25% increase in fuel savings, try it for one tank! 2. Avoid using the air conditioning - Understandably, this is not-popular, but it is worth mentioning. When clients bring their vehicles in for service, the air conditioning is usually on the low setting. The air conditioning compressor is like a small engine and it takes extra fuel to run it. You will see a fuel savings of about 5-10% depending on the type of car. 3. Obey the speed limit - Most vehicles are ... read more

Categories:

Car Maintenance

Toyota Land Cruiser – FJ80 Build

Toyota Land Cruiser – FJ80 Build

1993 Toyota Landcruiser Build - FJ80 PROJECT CAR: A 1993 Toyota Landcruiser, also known as an FJ80 – Performed by A+ Japanese Auto Repair in San Carlos CA This is the beginning of many blog posts about Toyota Land Cruiser builds at A+ Japanese Auto Repair. We will gather photos and information to share about products that we recommend, installation instructions, and our on going reviews from our clients about their experiences. Over the next 6 months, we will showcase rock sliders, undercarriage armor, front and rear bumpers, tires, lift kit, mechanical work, body work, and a few photos of these vehicles on the trail. FACTS: Over 200,000 miles – odometer stopped working at 203,486 miles. Typical forest green paint damage on the hood and roof . Great donor car with front, center, and rear differential lockers come factory from Toyota 4.5 liter 1FZ-FE in-line 6 cylinder engine paired with A442F Transmission In need of a mechanic with ... read more

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Car Maintenance

How to choose a good auto repair shop

How to choose a good auto repair shop

How To Choose A Good Auto Repair Shop A mechanic is a lot like a doctor, once you find a repair shop (doctor) that you trust, it is a good idea to build a history so they know your needs and your vehicles’ needs (or your health history and your body’s needs.) Below are 5 tips – How to choose a good auto repair shop.1. Location/Convenience - First of all, the location needs to be convenient. Is it close to your home or work? Hours of operation? Can you have the vehicle worked on while you are at work? Will the auto repair shop provide a ride to and from their facility? Does the auto shop have Saturday service? Is it easy to schedule an appointment? 2. Check Online Reviews - Auto repair shops can range from the dark, dingy, unprofessional, engines and transmissions laying around leaking engine oil type shop to the bright, painted epoxy floors, technicians in uniforms, professional waiting room and staff. L ... read more

Categories:

Car Maintenance

What is a power steering flush?

What is a power steering flush?

What is a Power Steering Flush The power steering system is standard on nearly every car and truck these days. It is one of the most important systems on your vehicle. If the steering "goes out", there is a possibility it will be tough to turn, spray power steering fluid around your engine compartment, or even create a loss of control. Not all power steering systems are hydraulically controlled, there are more and more new electric power steering systems on cars. For the most part, the heart of the system is a pump that’s driven by a belt powered by the engine. It is important to understand the different types of power steering services that are required to keep from costing you time and money. The Power Steering Pump The pump generates boost that assists you as you steer your SUV. Power steering systems use hoses to move pressurized fluid back and forth. These hoses can develop leaks so it’s a good idea to inspect them at every oil change. Powe ... read more

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Car Maintenance

Independent Auto Repair vs. the Dealership

The Independent Auto Repair Shop vs. the DealershipWhat's the different? Why the extra cost? Do I really need to bring my car to the dealership?  We get a lot of questions about servicing a car. A question that we get most often is: "Do I have to take my car to the nearest dealer for service and repair?" We’ve all asked ourselves that question at one time or another. Of course, any new car dealer would like to have your service business, but there are a lot of reasons to turn to the automotive aftermarket (or independent repair shop) for routine maintenance services as well as repairs. First, let’s get some terms straight. New car dealers and manufacturers are referred to as Original Equipment Manufacture  – or OEM providers. Everybody else is in the Automotive Aftermarket (or Independent Auto Repair). That includes auto parts stores, quic ... read more

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Car Maintenance

Do I need to take my new car to the dealer?

Do I need to take my new car to the dealer?

Do I need to take my new car to the dealer for service? If you bought a new vehicle, you might think that you have to take it to dealer for service, that isn't true.  Many dealers and manufacturers suggest that you need to get your maintenance services at a dealership in order to keep your warranty. That simply isn’t true. You can have your vehicle serviced at your trusted, local service center without affecting your warranty. A federal law, called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, prohibits a manufacturer from voiding your warranty just because you got parts or services from a non-dealer. In fact, a manufacturer can’t require you to use their brand of oil filters, lubricant, or any other part in order to maintain your warranty protection. This protection is true for aftermarket extended warranties purchased on new or used vehicles. This protection also applies to leased vehicles. There are similar laws in Canada as well. If a manufacturer can pro ... read more

Categories:

Car Maintenance
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