Sacramento and Elk Grove Auto Repair

Driving just like normal - suddenly, a flicker of concern surfaces, reminding you of the potential hurdles your Volvo might encounter on this journey. As fellow Volvo aficionados, we understand the bond you share with your trusty ride and the worries that come with ensuring its well-being.  Today, we are taking a look at issues that owners have labeled as "common" and share ways you can look out for them, catching them in their tracks! Regular Maintenance is Key Your Volvo is more than just a vehicle; it's a companion that accompanies you through life's journeys. To ensure it stays robust and reliable, regular maintenance is non-negotiable. Timely oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks act as the pillars of preventive care, warding off potential engine hiccups and preserving the smoothness of your driving experience. ... read more

You're the proud owner of a trusty car, faithfully ferrying you from place to place. But when it comes to engine oil changes, you might be asking yourself, "How often should I do this?" Fear not, because we'll demystify the art of engine oil changes, so you can keep your car's heart pumping smoothly. Your car's engine is a marvel of engineering, with countless moving parts working together seamlessly. Engine oil plays a pivotal role in keeping this complex machinery in top form. It lubricates, cools, and cleans the engine, ensuring it operates at peak performance. How Often Should You Change Engine Oil? The million-dollar question: How frequently should you change your engine oil? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on several factors: Manufacturer's Recommendations: Your car's manufacturer provides guidelines in the owner's manual ... read more

When it comes to your car's electrical system, the alternator plays a pivotal role that often goes unnoticed until problems arise. A malfunctioning alternator can lead to a host of issues, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. What Does the Alternator Do? The alternator is often called the heart of your car's electrical system and for a good reason. Its primary role is to generate electricity to power essential components while your engine is running. These components include the lights, radio, air conditioning, and, most importantly, the battery. Battery Charging The main function of the alternator is to charge the battery. As you drive, the alternator produces electrical energy, which is used to recharge the battery. Without this constant recharge, your battery would quickly deplete its energy, leaving you unable to start your car. Powering the Vehicle The alternator also provides electricity to run the engine's ignition system. This includes the spark plugs ... read more

Summer's heat is extreme and may strain your vehicle's cooling system. You should maintain your cooling system regularly to prevent potential damage and overheating. The following tips will help keep your engine cool: 1. Check Coolant Levels Start by checking the coolant levels in your radiator and reservoir tank. Low coolant levels can lead to inadequate heat transfer and an increased risk of overheating. If necessary, top up the coolant using the recommended type specified by your vehicle manufacturer. 2. Inspect Hoses and Belts Inspect all hoses connected to the cooling system for signs of wear, leaks, or cracks caused by aging or extreme temperature fluctuations. Replace any damaged hoses promptly to avoid potential coolant leaks that could result in engine overheating. Similarly, check the condition of belts that drive water pumps or fans within the cooling system. Worn-out or lo ... read more

Your vehicle's brakes are an essential safety feature that requires regular maintenance and occasional replacement. Recognizing the signs that your brakes need attention can prevent accidents and costly repairs. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 signs that indicate your brakes may need to be replaced. 1. Squeaking or Squealing Noise If you hear high-pitched squeaking or squealing noises when applying the brakes, it's a sign that the brake pads are worn and needs replacement. 2. Grinding Sound A grinding noise indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal components of the brakes are rubbing against each other. This is a severe issue that requires immediate attention. 3. Vibrations Experiencing vibrations or pulsations when applying the brakes can be a sign of warped brake rotors. Warped rotors affect braking performance and should be addressed promptly. 4. Soft Brake Pedal A soft or spongy brake pedal that goes to the floor when pressed ... read more

Imagine driving down a  road, the sun shining brightly, and the wind in your hair. Suddenly, you realize that your windshield is obstructed by smudges, streaks, and grime, hindering your visibility. The truth is that a clean and clear windshield is essential for a pleasant driving experience and crucial for your safety on the road. If you want to learn valuable tips on how to keep your windshield spotless and why maintaining its clarity is important, keep reading! Regular Cleaning Make it a habit to clean your windshield regularly, both from the inside and outside. Use a high-quality glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt, dust, and fingerprints from the surface. By keeping your windshield spotless, you ensure optimum visibility. Check Wiper Blades Your windshield wipers are your first line of defense against rain and debris. Over time, wiper blades can wear out and become ineffective, leaving streaks behind. If they are cracking or splitting, you should replace ... read more

Sacramento Award Program Honors the Achievement SACRAMENTO May 8, 2023 -- Prestige Auto Works has been selected for the 2023 Best of Sacramento Award in the Diagnostic Services category by the Sacramento Award Program. Each year, the Sacramento Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Sacramento area a great place to live, work and play. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2023 Sacramento Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Sacramento Award Program and data provided by third parties. About Sacramento Award Program The Sacramento Award Program is an annual a ... read more

There are many car components that need to be taken care of, and one part that often gets overlooked is the differential. The differential, both front and rear, is an integral part of your car's drivetrain that helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Over time, the differential fluid can become contaminated or degraded, which can cause problems with your performance. To keep your car in good health, you must get regular differential service from your trusted auto repair shop. What is Differential Service? A differential service from Prestige Auto Works involves draining the old fluid from the differential, checking for metal shavings and inspecting the bearings, and then refilling it with the recommended fluid. By doing this, your mechanic can help ensure that your car's differential is running smoothly and help prevent future problems. How Often Should You Get a Differential Service? The recommended service interval for differential service varies from vehi ... read more

Concerts can be a great way to spend for friends to get together and enjoy a lovely evening or weekend; most people take their cars to get to the venue. However, there are a few things to remember when taking your car to a big show. Here are some key tips when taking your vehicle to an arena, venue, or stadium. Plan Your Route Before you leave, plan your route to the concert venue. You should be aware of the traffic and road conditions to avoid any delays or congestion. If possible, try to avoid major highways or roads that are known for heavy traffic during peak hours. Arrive Early Arrive at the concert venue early to avoid traffic and ensure that you find a good parking spot. Some places offer early-bird parking, which allows you to park closer to the site of the concert and avoid big crowds. Park in a Well-Lit Area When choosing a parking spot, look for a well-lit area. It will make it easier for you to find your car after the concert and also discourage thieves and vandals ... read more

The fuel pump is an essential component of your vehicle's engine. It helps deliver fuel from the gas tank to the engine, ensuring your car runs smoothly. If your fuel pump is damaged or fails, your engine will not get the fuel it needs to run, and your car will not start. Read on to learn everything you need to know about fuel pump repair. What are the signs of a faulty fuel pump? There are several signs that your fuel pump is not functioning correctly. Here are some of the most common warning symptoms of a bad fuel pump: Engine misfires Difficulty starting Sudden loss of power Strange noises Low fuel pressure Why is it important to have a faulty fuel pump repaired? Having a faulty fuel pump can cause significant problems with your vehicle's engine. If your fuel pump fails, your engine will not get the fuel it needs to run, and your car will not start. Additionally, a faulty fuel pump can cause damage to other components of your car, such as the fuel injectors and fuel ... read more