Auto Repair in Camarillo

When your vehicle’s power steering is in top shape, it’s effortless and precise, making direction changes easy; you’re hardly even aware of it.  But power steering can develop problems, and if you don’t pay attention to them, you may wind up needing expensive repairs.

Many systems use power steering fluid, which relies on the pressure of that fluid to help turn your vehicle.  If there’s a leak in your system, the fluid can leak out, and you can lose that power assist.  You’ll know something is wrong if you can feel the steering becoming more difficult, especially at low speeds.  You may hear a whining sound when you turn or notice spots of fluid under the vehicle,

Another component of power steering that can fail is the pump that pressurizes the fluid.  It can wear out, and you can lose your power assist.  Clues you have a bad power steering pump are a whining sound that increases when you turn your wheel and the feeling that the steering isn’t responding as quickly as it used to,

Many power steering systems are driven by a belt, and they can fail or get loose.  Symptoms include a squeal when you start your engine, power assist that comes and goes or cracks in the belt.

A gear that moves your wheels (called rack and pinion) can wear out or fail. Signs include fluid leaking, uneven or stiff steering, a clunking sound when you turn or lots of play in your steering.

Other power steering problems include air in your system or a faulty pressure valve.  

If you have electric power steering, it uses electricity instead of fluid.  Different things can fail, such as wiring or motor issues and a failing steering torque sensor.  Whether you have hydraulic or electric power steering, periodically bring your vehicle in so we can have a technician track down any issues and get your steering system pointed in the right direction.

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

If your vehicle is newer than the mid 2000s, it likely doesn’t have a once-popular ignition system which uses a distributor cap and rotor.  But if your vehicle is old enough to have them, it’s important to make sure they receive regular attention since they’re instrumental to your engine running smoothly.

Here’s now a distributor cap and rotor system works.  The distributor cap sits on top of the distributor, while the rotor goes around underneath it. They take high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil and send it to each spark plug in the correct firing order. That is what enables your engine to run smoothly and efficiently.

Because they’re mechanical, eventually the distributor cap and rotor will wear out. Think how much heat, vibration and electrical stress the distributor cap is endures. That can result in it cracking and the terminals corroding.  Another problem may develop called is called carbon tracking where a line of carbon acts as a conductor to bypass the usual route the electricity takes. Plus, the rotor can wear down and the spark may wind up going to the wrong cylinder.

You’ll notice signs like the engine is hard to start (if it starts at all), it misfires, your fuel economy deteriorates, your power decreases or idling is rough. If you drive in a damp or humid climate, moisture can also interfere with the electrical path.

It’s important to have a technician regularly replace the distributor cap and rotor, typically anywhere from 30,000-50,000 miles/50,000-80,000 km.  Each manufacturer has its own interval, so it’s best to follow their recommendation.  After the distributor cap and rotor are changed out, you should notice much better performance. And your vehicle will be more likely deliver the reliability you’re expecting.

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

We’re used to bringing a vehicle to a stop and hardly noticing the engine’s even running when we’re sitting still.  But sometimes you might notice it running rough when you’re idling.  Your vehicle is shaking, vibrating and making sputtering noises.  You may even notice the tachometer on your instrument panel is showing the engine’s RPMs are moving all over the place.  

Rough engines can be caused by a whole lot of different things.  One possibility is a problem with your fuel system.  You might have a fuel pump going bad, or a clogged fuel filter is restricting your fuel’s pressure. Maybe your fuel injectors have gotten plugged or dirty.  

Maybe it’s something wrong with your ignition system.  Your spark plugs may be on their last legs or the plug wires may be worn out.  The ignition coils which create sparks at your cylinders may be failing.  

Another thing that can cause an engine to run rough can be problems with getting adequate air to it.  Your engine air filter may be obstructed. Modern engines have a lot of sensors that tell the engine’s computers how to adjust fuel and timing, and some of those sensors might have seen better days.

There can be serious mechanical issues with your engine, such as worn piston rings, a leaky head gasket or bad valves.  Your timing belt could also be the problem.  

And, remember when your Check Engine light comes on, it can signal it’s detected something wrong in the way the engine’s components are working together. 

Your engine should be smooth and quiet when you’re sitting at a stop light.  If it’s not, head on over to let one of our technicians track down the problem.  We can have you back to being a smooth operator in no time.

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