Folsom Auto Repair

As the world races towards sustainability and greener living, hybrid vehicles have emerged as a popular choice for environmentally-conscious individuals and budget-savvy drivers alike. These innovative machines seamlessly combine traditional gasoline engines with electric power, promising reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency. But before you dive headfirst into the world of hybrid ownership, let's take a closer look at the cost considerations that come with these eco-friendly wheels. The Initial Investment Hybrid vehicles, with their advanced technology and eco-friendly features, often sport a slightly higher price tag than their conventional counterparts. The initial cost can be a deterrent for some prospective buyers. However, it's important to recognize that this upfront investment is not without its perks. Many regions offer enticing incentives, tax credits, and rebates to promote hybrid adoption, helping to offset the initial cost and make it m ... read more

Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard diagnostic systems that monitor various components and systems for potential issues. When a problem is detected, the system generates an error code, also known as a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), which can be retrieved using a diagnostic scanner or code reader. But what are these codes, which ones are most common and what do they mean? Well, luckily, we will go in deeper into this topic and see exactly that - read along to find out! Most Common Error Codes: P0300 P0420 P0171 P0442 P0301 P0128 P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code indicates that the engine is misfiring across multiple cylinders, leading to a loss of power and potential drivability issues. Causes can include faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning engine control module. P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) This code indicates that the catalytic ... read more

The dashboard of your vehicle is equipped with various warning lights that illuminate to alert you of potential issues or system malfunctions. These lights serve as crucial indicators, providing important information about your vehicle's health and safety. In this blog, we will explore some of the most common dashboard lights, explaining their meanings and how they appear, empowering you to understand and respond appropriately when they illuminate. |Check Engine Light The Check Engine Light, often represented by an engine symbol or the words "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon," is one of the most familiar dashboard lights. It typically indicates a problem with the engine or emissions system. When this light turns on, it's essential to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic to identify and address the underlying issue. |Battery/Charging System Light The Battery/Charging System Light appears as a battery symbol. When ... read more

When it comes to trucks, power and performance have always taken center stage. But in today's world, where fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness are becoming increasingly important, manufacturers have risen to the challenge and introduced a new line of trucks that combine both strength and fuel efficiency. If you're in the market for a fuel-efficient truck that doesn't compromise on capability, look no further. Here are the top five most fuel-efficient trucks currently available, allowing you to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and values. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Leading the pack is the Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid. This groundbreaking truck combines an impressive 3.5-liter V6 engine with a hybrid powertrain. With its advanced electric motor and regenerative braking system, the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid accomplishes remarkable fuel economy ratings, making it an excellent option for those seeking both towing capability and fuel efficiency ... read more

Are you planning to buy a used car? A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) should be essential to your buying process. A PPI is a thorough evaluation of the vehicle's condition by a professional mechanic before you buy it. It is a proactive approach that can save you from purchasing a lemon and prevent potential future issues. If you want to learn more about how a pre-purchase inspection can benefit you, keep on reading. Ensures the Vehicle's Condition: A PPI provides an accurate assessment of the car's condition. A mechanic can identify any issues that may be present, such as engine problems, transmission issues, or potential safety hazards. The mechanic will check the car's overall performance, brakes, tires, suspension, steering, and exhaust system. They will also check for rust and body damage. Helps You Make an Informed Decision: Getting a PPI will help you make an informed decision when buying a used car. It will give you a detailed r ... read more

The Summer heat is coming Sacramento! Is your vehicle ready?   Make sure that your vehicle is ready for the heat, top off fluids, take the winter tires off, and most important here in Sacramento, make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly! Here are some tips to ensure your vehicle is ready to keep you cool all summer long!   To keep your car's air conditioning (A/C) working properly all summer long, you can do the following: Check for leaks. Most air conditioner failures are caused by refrigerant leaks. Look for grease or wet spots around air conditioning components such as hoses, fittings, and compressors. If you suspect a leak, have it repaired by a professional technician immediately.    Clean or replace the cabin air filter.  Cabin air filters keep dirt, dust, and, debris out of the air conditioning system and cabin. If the filter is dirty, the effectiveness of the air conditioner will be poor and the cooling will not be effici ... read more

Is your Vehicle Ready for the Spring Season? Follow the checklist at the bottom of this blog to find out! If you live in an area where they salt the roads during the winter, you should be washing your car on a regular basis. Regular car washes will protect the paint from corrosive debris like salt! For the rest of us, after a long and cold winter, we know that our cars are sorely overdue for a car wash but, what else can you do to prepare for Spring?  You will want to have your vehicles' cooling system checked. Check for any cracks or leaks in the radiator or hoses and turn on the A/C to make sure it is blowing cold air! Lastly, be sure the coolant and antifreeze levels are topped off or replaced.  With longer days and shorter nights around the corner, that means road trips! You are going to want to have your battery tested, tires inspected, and your fluids topped off or replaced if your vehicles' mileage is at or close to a maintenance interval ... read more

While biking and taking public transit are effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint, they aren't always feasible for specific individuals. Some of our lifestyles necessitate driving a car, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. There are little things you can do to make driving greener. Here are some tips that can you can make a difference for the environment (and your wallet): Travel lighter - Truthfully, when was the last time you cleaned out your trunk? If you like to store extra junk in your vehicle, the odds are that it is weighing your vehicle down, causing excess drag, fuel consumption, and emissions.  Cut down on A/C - While you may be tempted to crank your A/C up in the warmer months, you should consider rolling down the windows instead.  Check your tires - Having properly inflated tires are critical in providing safety and efficiency. As a result, your car will burn less fuel (hence, fewer emissions). Avoid idling - If you know your car needs to b ... read more

Most manufacturers recommend that you have your vehicle battery on average every three years. Once a battery reaches this age, it becomes unreliable and unable to hold a sufficient charge. In some circumstances, your car may need a replacement before it even reaches three years. Signs That Your Vehicle Battery Needs a Replacement You notice faint or flickering lights. If your headlights, dashboard, or infotainment center randomly go dim or flickers, it is a clear sign that you need a new battery. It means that your car can no longer distribute enough power to your car's different electrical functions. You constantly have trouble starting the car. This is one of the most prevalent symptoms of a weak battery. If you're grabbing the jumper cables too often, you should go and get your battery tested.  The battery dashboard warning light is on. This glowing red light is in the shape of a battery, and it usually means that one or more of your electrical components needs atte ... read more

If you're not a mechanic, you may not even know you have a cabin filter. But all vehicles have one. Cabin filters filter out air, smoke, dust, and much more. Read on to see why you should change your cabin filters on a regular basis.   What happens if you don't replace cabin air filters? It can be dangerous if the cabin filter isn't changed when it needs to be. The following below tells you what happens if the cabin filter doesn't get changed:   Health Issues The cabin filter makes sure the air is safe to breathe, and that means keeping out pollutants. If the filter is clogged or even dirty, that's when breathing can be an issue, especially if you have asthma or other health issues. It's a good idea to check the cabin filter and get it replaced at least once a year to avoid health problems altogether.   Windows Fog Breathing can make the windows fog if it's too warm in the car, but usually the cabin air filter helps reduce the condens ... read more