Auto Repair in Camarillo

It’s always a good idea to keep your cool, and that’s especially true when it comes to some components of your vehicle.  One is the engine.  It’s hot under that hood thanks to the mini explosions that are occurring in the internal combustion engine when it’s running.  Your vehicle has a cooling system which takes the heat out of the engine by moving a liquid coolant to a spot where the heat can escape (the radiator). 

The part that keeps that coolant moving is the water pump, which could probably be more accurately called the coolant pump since water is only one component of the fluid that does the cooling. If the water pump fails, your engine can overheat quickly, and that can cause significant and expensive damage to your vehicle.  Water pumps can be driven by belts (mechanical) or electricity (electric).

Your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends mileage intervals when you should consider replacing your water pump even if seems to be working fine.  That way   you are less likely to have a water pump break down at an inopportune time. Some manufacturers recommend replacing it every 60,000-100,000 miles/100,000-160,000 km.

Sometimes your water pump will fail before that, of course.  One sign something is wrong with the cooling system is if you notice the engine is overheating.  An illuminated engine temperature warning light on your dash or a temperature gauge that shows above normal are two things to look for.

You may also see steam coming out of the engine compartment, which is another sign of overheating.  Both could mean your water pump needs replacing.  We also recommend that when your vehicle’s timing belt needs to be replaced that you have the water pump replaced at the same time since everything will already be apart.

When your vehicle is already in to have the water pump replaced, it’s a good time for a technician to examine other cooling system components at the same time.  Those will include belts, pulleys, hoses, clamps as well as the radiator, thermostat and heater core.

When you are comfortably headed down the road, you may not realize how many of the imperfections in the driving surface are being smoothed out, so you hardly feel most of them.  You can thank your shock absorbers for a lot of that comfort, and it’s important to make sure you keep your shocks in good shape.

Newer vehicles have shock absorbers in the back wheels with another shock absorbing assembly in the front which may also have a spring component as well, called struts.  

Shock absorbers not only keep your vehicle traveling smoothly and comfortably, but they also contribute to its stability.  Increased stability will help you be able to handle sharp turns and sudden stops more easily.  Shocks also prolong the life of your tires because they’ll grip the road more tightly.  And a nice side benefit of that is your tires should last longer.  

After months hitting a lot of bumps on uneven road surfaces, eventually your shock absorbers will start to wear.  You may notice your vehicle begin to sway more when you go around a corner, and it might be more difficult to steer.  Your tires can start to wear unevenly, and the tread may show signs of cupping (flat spots).  

Other signs your shocks could need replacing is when you hit a hard bump in the road and your vehicle continues bouncing more than you remember.  Your shocks may have suffered extreme damage that can causes fluid inside to leak.  

If you notice any of these signs, head on over so we can check things out.  We also recommend you have your shocks regularly inspected so you can take care of problems before you start feeling some of those symptoms of wear.  Your vehicle’s manufacturer usually will include recommendations in your owner’s manual on how frequently you should have shocks inspected. 

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com

If you’ve ever driven a bicycle with hand brakes, you’ll probably understand how the brake pads on your vehicle work.  Bicycle brakes use a system that squeezes the bike wheel’s rim with a pair of cushioned pads activated by your hand squeezing the hand brakes on your handlebars. The friction of those pads stops the wheel.

That’s the same principle used for the wheels on your vehicle.  Step on the brake pedal and that causes pads to put pressure on discs in the wheels called rotors.  Those pads create friction and stop the wheels from turning.

Brake pads in vehicles are made from several different materials.  The pads most commonly used are ceramic or a combination of metals.

The friction that stops your vehicle generates heat and wears both the pads and, eventually, the rotors, too.  That means that, over time, both are going to need replacing to work properly.  One sign brake wear is getting noticeable may be  when you hear squeaking when you stop.  Or you might feel the vehicle pulling to one side during braking or the brake light on your dash illuminates.  All are signs to bring your vehicle in to us for inspection and service.

When your vehicle is in for brake pad replacement, our technician will check other components such as the brake calipers, rotors and lines.   

Brakes are something you should have inspected at regular intervals because they are a vital safety component of your vehicle.  Consider having us look at them every 10,000 miles/16,000 km or each time you bring your vehicle in for an oil change. 

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com

Maybe that little sticker on your windshield is giving you the reminder that it’s time for your vehicle to have an oil change.  You’ve thought, “Aw, I can skip this one and save myself a little money.”  When it comes to things you should never ignore on your vehicle, timely oil changes are number one on the list.  

When the oil stays in your vehicle too long, it can accumulate dirty particles and begin to break down, defeating its lubricating properties.  Skipping or delaying an oil change can lead to far more expensive repairs down the line.

Another is seeing a warning light and doing nothing about it.  Lights that advise you to check your engine or tell you things are running hotter than usual under the hood can be early warning signs to have a technician determine why.  Consider getting the answer earlier rather than later.  It could save you major headaches and money.

Don’t skip having important fluids checked. That includes your engine coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid.  Big repairs may lie ahead if you ignore them too long.

And don’t put off having other regular maintenance services performed on your vehicle that your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. Ignoring that recommended interval may void certain warranties, leading you to have to pay for a repair you may not have had to cover yourself.

Regular battery checks are another basic inspection that’s often overlooked.  Batteries can seem like they’re fine until they’re not, and being caught with a dead battery at an inopportune time can cause you unnecessary inconvenience and bills.

Oh, and please don’t skip regular tire inspections, either. A pro should regularly look at the tread, sidewalls and date of manufacture.  A tire failure at high speed can be very dangerous to you and others around you. And if you’re driving with worn tires on slick surfaces, your steering, handling and braking may let you down.

Sure, maintenance costs money and time, but it may save you money in the long run.

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com

If you drive a newer vehicle, chances are it has disc brakes, and one of the components of that type of brake is called a brake caliper.  The caliper allows the pressure from your foot on the brake pedal to eventually move brake pads against discs in your wheels, which then slow and stop your vehicle.  

If you have disc brakes on all 4 wheels, your vehicle will have 4 calipers.  If you have them just on the front wheels, you’ll only have 2 calipers.  Because your wheels and brakes do their work outside and on the road surface, they are exposed to a lot of dirt and debris, as well as enduring heat, cold, moisture and tough treatment in daily driving.  

Your calipers have seals that are susceptible to the heat generated during the repetitive stops in normal driving, which can take a tough toll on those seals. If you drive when your vehicle’s brake pads and rotors are worn, you can ruin your calipers in the process.  

Here are a few signs that a caliper might be failing:  Your vehicle is pulling to one side when you apply the brakes.  Your pedal goes down to the floor when you push on it.  You hear squeaking from the wheels while braking.  You notice brake fluid on the pavement underneath your vehicle after you’ve parked it for a few hours.  

If you are getting any of those warning signs, it’s important to have one of our technicians determine what’s going on.  There are several brake components that contribute to your vehicle’s safe operation, including the calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines and brake fluid.  

Regular brake maintenance is recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to prevent dangerous surprises.  And when you see issues, have your brakes serviced as soon as you see signs of trouble.

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com

When your vehicle’s battery is dead, it leaves you with that horrible, helpless feeling.  A dead battery means it won’t hold a charge, and there are several reasons it won’t.

One is age.  Batteries have chemical and electrical systems in them that create power, and as time goes by, they won’t work well anymore.  They may have been degraded by exposure to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Batteries have a code on them that can tell you when they were manufactured.

Another reason your battery won’t hold a charge is corrosion on the terminals, the metal posts where your battery cables are connected.  A chemical reaction between the battery’s acid and air creates a salty moisture that can corrode those terminals.  

If your vehicle’s alternator is not working properly, it won’t charge your battery as it is designed to, and the battery may lose its charge more quickly than it should. Another possibility is there might be an electrical component that’s staying on when you turn your vehicle off, and it may slowly drain the battery so much that there won’t be enough power to start your vehicle.  

When you notice any of these things, bring your vehicle in so a technician can evaluate what’s causing the problems.  We will give your electrical system a thorough inspection and run tests that can tell the health of the battery and other components.  You may be able to avoid problems by having us evaluate your electrical system regularly as part of a periodic maintenance schedule.

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com

Your vehicle has a few filters you might be somewhat familiar with.  There’s the oil filter that removes impurities from your engine’s oil, and a couple of different kinds of air filters that prevent contaminants from getting into the engine and the cabin. But you may not know that your vehicle also has a fuel filter.

The fuel filter keeps contaminants such as particles and other foreign substances from making their way into the engine.  They can result from using lower quality fuel, driving in dirty or stop-and-go conditions, or simply what happens after many weeks and months of travel. 

At some point, your fuel filter will start to get clogged up and won’t let the fuel get to your engine easily.  You might notice some signs of that: your engine doesn’t have the power it used to, it may misfire when you accelerate, it may be harder to start, or it may stall while you’re driving.  You may notice your vehicle vibrating a lot when you’re idling.  

If you notice any of those symptoms in your vehicle, you should bring it in for us to take a look.  We can run diagnostics such as a fuel pressure test that will let us know if your fuel filter is finished or still has a little more life remaining.

Even better, it’s a good idea to replace the fuel filter BEFORE you start seeing symptoms.  Each vehicle’s manufacturer recommends an interval at which you should change your fuel filter.  Older vehicles may recommend it be changed fairly frequently, such as every 30,000 miles/50,000 km.  Newer vehicles from different manufacturers have much longer intervals, and that’s something we can check so you can stay on schedule with regular maintenance.  

Make sure your fuel filter is doing its job so your engine can keep doing its job. 

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com

When you push on your brake pedal, you should find your vehicle easy to stop.  But at some point, you might notice stopping takes much more pressure on the pedal than it used to.  When it gets to that point it becomes a safety issue, and you should bring your vehicle in so we can track down what’s not working correctly.

Brake pedals that are stiff mean there’s something wrong with one or more components of your entire brake system.  For example, it could be moisture has contaminated your brake fluid, making it harder to push the pedal down.

Many vehicles use hydraulics to amplify your pedal pressure to a force strong enough to stop your vehicle.  Certain problems can develop with your hydraulics, such as a faulty master cylinder, a kink in one of your brake lines, or a failed proportioning valve which regulates pressure to your rear brakes. Vacuum leaks can also make your brake pedal hard to push. Another cause could be a problem with your vehicle’s brake booster or its check valve.

Because your vehicle’s braking system is made up of many different components, one of our technicians will look at several different possible causes in yours.  Your vehicle may not have enough brake fluid in it, so they’ll check the level.  A visual inspection of your hoses, brake lines and vacuum line to the brake booster may turn up the root cause of your issues.   

Because there are many different causes of a hard-to-push brake pedal, solutions may involve one or more different steps.  Keep in mind this is one problem that needs to be fixed for you to drive safely.  That’s why it’s important to have a professional track down the issue, or issues, and take care of the problem(s) so you can be back on the road, safely going and stopping.

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com

Regardless of whatever current gas prices may be, if you could use less gas, wouldn’t you? Well, here are 10 things that are robbing you of better fuel economy that you can change for the better:

   •    Not enough air in your tires.  Underinflated tires have a smaller rolling diameter and more resistance to rolling.  Keep them inflated properly, plus ask us about more fuel-efficient tires.

   •    Faulty oxygen sensor.  A faulty or dirty oxygen sensor can cause your engine to burn too rich a mixture of air and fuel.  That can also trigger a Check Engine light.  Have us check yours.

   •    Oil age and type.  Contaminated or improper viscosities of engine oil can create more resistance in your engine.  Have regular oil changes and consider newer high-mileage oils.

   •    Bad wheel alignment.  When your wheels aren’t lined up straight, they have more resistance.  Let us check your alignment and straighten things out if necessary.

   •    Aging ignition system.  When’s the last time your spark plugs, spark plug wires and coils were changed? Misfires can rob you of good mileage.

   •    Dirty fuel injectors.  They can be inefficient if they’re not clean.  Have us check yours to make sure they’re working as they should.

   •    Fouled fuel filter. After filtering impurities out of your fuel, the filter may be clogged and affect your engine’s performance.

   •    Worn out or stuck brakes. This creates drag on the wheels and prevents you from rolling freely down the road.  Have us inspect yours to see how yours are.

   •    Worn piston rings.  These form a seal in the cylinder walls so you have top compression. When the seal is sloppy, down goes your fuel pressure and mileage.

   •    Poor maintenance.  If you don’t keep your engine’s systems running efficiently, they can nibble away at your fuel economy.  

Let us help you keep your eye on each one of these so you aren’t wasting money and gas.

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com

We’ve all noticed them at one time or another on the street: a car or truck that drives by and the deep roar from their exhaust system sounds like a drag racer on the line.  But what happens when that rumble is coming from under YOUR vehicle? Well, it could be a sign your muffler needs attention.

You may notice other signs if your muffler needs to be replaced.  Your fuel economy may have plummeted, the smell of exhaust is blowing into your cabin, or your engine isn’t running in its usually smooth manner.  Or you may notice your vehicle’s temperature gauge is showing it’s running hotter than usual.

Mufflers sit under your vehicle, so they are exposed to all sorts of nasty things every day, and every season.  It may be dirt or salt from the road that gets kicked up on it, or you may rough it up with the potholes and speed bumps on the road.  Also, moisture from rain and snow combined with chemicals and brine can literally dissolve your muffler and other components of your exhaust system.

When you start to notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to head on over to have one of our technicians look at your exhaust system.  Under normal conditions, mufflers may last anywhere from five to seven years.  But when they start to go, to ensure your vehicle runs the way it should, you should have your muffler (and the rest of the components in the exhaust system) inspected and replaced if necessary.

Ideally, it makes sense to have your muffler and exhaust system inspected regularly when you have other routine maintenance done to your vehicle, such as oil changes and tire rotations.  That way, you can know sooner rather than later that your muffler is on its last legs before your (noisy) vehicle begins to draw the wrong kind of attention from other drivers.

Camarillo Car Care Center
2739 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2853
www.camarillocarcare.com