Auto Repair in Camarillo

One part of your vehicle you probably never think of is the timing belt.  It coordinates the rotation of the crankshaft (which converts the up and down motion of the pistons into rotation motion) and the camshaft (which opens and closes your engine’s valves). It’s vital that the timing of these movements happens precisely when it needs to so your engine will operate smoothly and perform the way it’s designed to.  It also prevents damage to the engine.
 
If your engine’s timing belt breaks, it can leave you stranded, plus cause costly, catastrophic damage to the engine.  Depending on your vehicle, a failed timing belt can wind up causing a collision between the pistons and the valves, and it’s possible it can destroy the cylinder head.  Repairs can be extremely expensive and, in some cases, your engine might not even be repairable.  And that is why maintaining your timing belt is extremely important.
 
Your vehicle’s manufacturer provides recommendations on when your timing belt should be replaced, often between 60,000-100,000 miles/95,000-160,000 km, or about every 5 to 7 years.  Depending on how you drive and in what conditions (such as extreme temperatures), your engine may need its timing belt checked more frequently.  The longer and harder your belt works, the more likely it will get brittle and crack.  When your vehicle is in for a timing belt replacement, your service manager will frequently recommend replacing other components as well, such as water pumps, pulleys and tensioners.

Regular timing belt maintenance will help you maintain your vehicle’s performance and may allow you to avoid expensive repairs later.  

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

It’s a sound you don’t want to hear when you turn your ignition key or push your ignition button: silence, except for a click. It can signal that your battery doesn’t have enough power in it to start your engine.  There can be many things that cause batteries to lose their power, and they’re called “silent battery killers” because they can happen slowly without much warning.

One is what they call parasitic electrical draw. You might think when you turn off your vehicle that it’s not using any power.  But in modern vehicles, there are a lot of things that continue to use electricity, like clocks, alarms and various computers.  

Another major battery killer is a failing alternator. The alternator is supposed to recharge the battery while the engine is running. If it’s weak or has a bad diode, your battery won’t fully recharge.  The alternator could even drain the battery after the engine is shut off. 

Your battery connections may also cause a battery to die if they are corroded or loose.  You may not realize that corrosion creates resistance in wires, which can make it harder for your battery to charge properly and deliver power.
 
One of a battery’s worst enemies can be heat.  If your engine generates too much of it, it speeds up the chemical breakdown inside the battery and makes it harder for your battery to hold a charge.  Warm climates can make this worse.

If you don’t drive your vehicle often or only take it on short trips, your battery may not be getting enough of a recharge.  Starting a vehicle uses a lot of power, and short drives may not give the alternator enough time to replenish what was used.

So, if your battery keeps going dead, it’s important to find the root of the problem.  Bring it in to us so one of our technicians can test it with specialized equipment and track down the silent killer before they leave you stranded at the most inopportune time.

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

If you have a truck, SUV or older car, chances are your vehicle has grease chassis fittings that need regular maintenance.  Having them lubricated can give you a smoother, quieter ride and prevent more expensive repairs down the road. 

It’s especially important on parts that have to move a lot, especially when you are carrying heavy loads.  Components such as ball joints, U-joints, tie rod ends and control arm bushings need fresh lubricants which prevent metal rubbing against metal, friction, heat and early wear.  

When you bring your vehicle in to us to have your chassis lubricated, you’ll likely notice that your steering will feel more responsive, just like it used to.  Plus, you’ll get a smoother, quieter ride, with little or no squeaking when going over bumps. Another benefit is your vehicle will keep its alignment better, and your ride will generally feel more comfortable.

Chassis lubrication is recommended for many vehicles about every 6,000-8,000 miles/10,000-13,000 km.  One easy way to think of it is that you should have it done about the same time you get an oil change.  After all, it’s kind of like an oil change for your chassis. It’s especially important if you drive on rough surfaces, in harsh weather or carry heavy loads.

If you drive a newer car, you probably don’t need this service, since the latest automobiles have sealed suspension components that are designed to not require lubrication.  

But if your vehicle has a suspension that needs lubricating, consider it a good investment in your vehicle’s safety, repair costs and your comfort. 

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

When you take a corner in your vehicle, it’s supposed to feel controlled and stable.  But you might notice one day that your vehicle feels like it is unstable, or even like it’s floating.  It can be a scary sensation that gets your attention.  If you feel that as you change lanes or when turning a corner, it’s important that you not ignore it because the culprit may be your vehicle’s sway bar.

Another term for it is an anti-roll bar, and helps keep your vehicle balanced while you take a turn.  The sway bar connects your suspension’s left and right sides, helping to distribute its weight evenly.  When it’s working the way it’s supposed to, those turns feel predictable and rock-solid.  But when there’s a problem, you’ll notice your handling isn’t as reliable as it used to be. 
 
One of the most common issues involves worn sway bar links or bushings. A sway bar link is a small rod that connects the sway bar to the vehicle’s suspension.  A bushing is what secures the sway bar to the vehicle’s frame or subframe. Keep driving on rough roads and they’ll begin to wear out.  Your vehicle might lean in turns, “clunk” when you hit a bump or your steering will feel loose.

Don’t ignore these symptoms.  While you might think you can put up with an uncomfortable ride, failing sway bars can increase stopping distances.  Plus, you might find it harder to keep your vehicle under control on a slippery road. You might be wearing out other parts of your suspension, too, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Bring your vehicle to us so a technician can inspect the sway bar, links and bushings. When the problem spots are found and fixed, you’ll get back your solid, precise handling, turn corners with confidence and enjoy the safe handling you remember.

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