Sacramento and Elk Grove Auto Repair

Your head gasket has to tolerate a lot of heat and pressure to do its job, and if your car overheats it can cause the head gasket to blow. Keeping your car routinely maintained by an expert technician ensuring oil changes, coolant, and other fluids are in good supply can go a long way in preventing a head gasket leak. The head gasket is basically the device that prevents different chemicals from mixing in you engine and doing harm to your car. The main functionality of the head gasket is keeping an airtight seal preventing fluids from locking up the engine, causing a fire, or detonation. As your car ages, it's normal for the head gasket to lose efficiency, that's where automotive maintenance becomes important! A seasoned mechanic will spot the warning signs that it's time to replace your head gasket. Red Flags of a Head Gasket Leak There are lots of symptoms to identify a head gasket leak and this list is by no means comprehensive, but if you do think your car's eng ... read more

Having trouble with your vehicle feeling sluggish or not functioning at its peak? You could be experiencing an engine misfire. Repairing issues with engine misfires range from simple and low-cost to expensive and complex. Keep reading to learn how to recognize the symptoms of a potential misfire and where to get engine repair. Signs Your Car Engine Is Having a Misfire The three primary components that make up vehicle engine systems include fuel, fire, and oxygen. Engine misfires can happen when any of the three primary components of a car's engine are out of sync or timing. If your car feels like it's driving slower, getting less mileage or making unusual noises, these are all signs that show a misfire is taking place. Common causes of engine misfires include auto mechanical issues that can range from simple issues like worn out spark plugs to complex issues like non-working fuel systems to repair. For example, inexpensive repairs such as spark plug replacements may solve is ... read more

Your car's braking system enables you to slow down your driving and even come to a halt altogether. It features rotors, clippers, pistons, hoses, braking pads, and brake fluid, among other components. Let's dive into one critical component of the braking system; the brake fluid. It's a special hydraulic fluid that rushes throughout the braking system to initiate the braking process. Did you know that the brake fluid can get contaminated or worn out, compromising the braking performance? Read on to find out how the integrity of the brake fluid affects an automobile. Is Brake Fluid Important? The fluid has hydraulic properties that allow you to slow down and stop your car quickly, effortlessly, and safely. It also lubricates moving parts and prevents the corrosion of components. Another function of the brake fluid is to remove moisture from the braking system. That helps prevent damage to the electronic components in the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Over time, the brak ... read more

While most people think of shocks and struts when it comes to a vehicle's suspension, the ball joints are usually forgotten. However, ball joints are one of the main parts in your suspension that support your car. They provide support for both the suspension and steering systems, and it's essential to keep them in good condition.   Ball joints are located on the front suspension system, and they connect between control arms and steering knuckles. This allows smooth movements, allowing the wheels to move up and down and side to side for optimal control.    When to Replace Ball Joints Like any other part in your car, ball joints are indefinitely going to experience wear and tear. At some point, they will grow weak and need to be replaced. Your safety could be at stake if ball joints become too old; in severe circumstances, the stud can get released from the socket and cause a wheel to disconnect entirely from your vehicle. To avoid letting it get this bad, her ... read more

One trick that many vehicle owners know is the penny test. This test is a great way to gauge your tread depth and help you determine whether you need new tires. Tread depth is extremely important when it comes to your tires. If they do not have enough tread, your tires cannot properly grip the road. This poor traction can lead to improper handling and present many hazards. It is required by law to replace your tires before they hit 2/32 inches. How to Do the Penny Test The penny test is straightforward, but many drivers do not feel confident when interpreting the results.  First, you will need to turn the penny upside down with Lincoln's head facing you. Place the penny into your tire treads until the tip of the coin makes contact with the tire groove. If you can no longer see Lincoln's head, it means you have sufficient tread. If you can see some or all of his head, your tire tread is low, and you need new tires ASAP. It would be best to measure your tread once or tw ... read more

The engine oil in your vehicle is extremely important to your vehicle's overall reliability and performance. Although you should never miss your oil changes, you can top off your engine oil in between oil changes if you find that your engine needs it.  Please note: adding oil to your vehicle does not take the place of your regular oil change service. Steps Before anything else, you will need to find a quality engine oil that suits your vehicle's needs. For additional guidance, you can look at your owner's manual for what type of oil your manufacturer recommends. Additionally, you'll also want to monitor your vehicle's oil level before proceeding. Please make sure your car is turned off and parked on even ground when checking your oil.  To top off the motor oil, follow these steps carefully:  After propping the hood open, please locate and remove the oil lid. The cap is usually marked with the word 'oil' or has the traditional oil symbol ... read more

It's that time of the year again where we have to start brainstorming our new year's resolutions. Is your plan to shed a few pounds, spend more time with your family, get into a new hobby, or donate money to charity? While those are all fantastic ideas, have you considered resolutions relating to your car? It's never too late to start by living by excellent and healthy car habits. Here are some ideas to consider going into the new year: 1. Buy a Car Maybe 2022 is the year that you have finally saved enough for your dream car. If you are looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle in the Sacramento area, consider receiving a pre-purchase inspection before solidifying your purchase decision. Our team performs very precise and meticulous bumper-to-bumper vehicle inspections. 2. Be On Time with Your Vehicle Maintenance Schedule Similar to sticking to a diet or workout regimen, it's easy for life to get in the way of your automotive maintenance schedule. If your vehicle is due fo ... read more

Your smog test can be just as daunting as any of the exams you've taken for school. If you don't pass the test, you can't drive your car legally until you get the repairs to fix your emission system. Smog checks are intended to ensure California vehicles are not producing a harmful amount of emissions. With so many automobiles in California, the smog program helps preserve the air so it can be as clean as possible. Here are some reliable tips on how to pass your smog test with flying stars: Fix Check Engine Light A check engine light is the easiest problem to avoid! A lit check engine light will result in immediate failure, so please make sure you have it repaired before your smog test is scheduled.  Make Sure Your Tires are Properly Inflated  Most states run a dynamometer analysis that makes your vehicle run at high speeds while remaining in a fixed position. When your tires aren't fully inflated, your engine has to work harder, releasing excess exhaust a ... read more

Your vehicle's owner's manual is the ultimate guide to preserving your car for as long as possible. Most people let it rot in the glove box, but you should be using it more often if you want to be a responsible car owner. Here are eight reasons why you should pick up your manual! To understand the "what" and "how much" your vehicle needs. This book is the best possible way to look up what your automobile needs, such as the grade of fluids (motor oil, brake fluid, etc.) and what quantity is suitable for your car. It will also list the recommended intervals for your fluid changes.  To know the location of the essential parts.  In certain circumstances, you may need help locating the oil dipstick or the spare tire. The owner's manual can give you the precise location of certain parts. To get things done quickly. Instead of spending forever trying to find out how much pressure your tires need, you can simply flip in the book to find the listed n ... read more

As we are entering the new season of Fall, here is an excellent friendly reminder that next month (October) is Fall Car Care Month.   Now is the ideal time to assess the condition of your vehicle and bring it into our shop for maintenance. Let’s be honest: your car has been through a long summer with constant exposure to the hot weather and all the road trips here and there. October is the perfect month to take your car in for all its maintenance and fixes before the brisk cold of winter rolls around.    October is more than an ideal time to have your car inspected and prepared at Prestige Auto Works before the winter weather and holidays arrive. Here are ten essential car components/items that you should review during Fall Car Care Month. Fluids. Your vehicle lives off six essential fluids: engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze/coolant. Make sure these are all topped off enough to get you th ... read more