Sacramento Auto Repair

Now that winter is nearly here and the holiday season is looming, you might be planning to spend a lot of hours in your car driving from family reunions to work parties to friends’ get-togethers. And, of course, you often need to make extra trips to pick up supplies for cooking, decorating, and gift-wrapping. Add that to the time you already spend commuting, driving the kids to and from school and activities, and running the usual errands, and you might feel like pulling your hair out if you have to listen to more talk radio or--maybe even worse--sappy holiday music on the radio. We’d love to recommend some of our favorite audiobooks for your consideration: Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be By Rachel Hollis This book in the Health and Wellness/Self-Development genre is both witty and heartfelt. Author Rachel ... read more

Modern cars come with so many bells and whistles now--assisted parking, backup cameras, and lane-departure warnings, to name a few. Most people probably consider cruise control practically a mandatory feature since it’s been around and in use for over 100 years. Although speed-control mechanisms in automobiles go back as far as the beginning of the 20th century, modern control was invented in 1948 by the inventor and mechanical engineer Ralph Teetor. By the early 1970s it was becoming a very popular option on automatic transmission cars in the U.S. Today some form of cruise control comes standard or at least as an option on most vehicles sold in America. So, most people can probably name the plusses of cruise control: Cruise control can reduce driver fatigue and improve comfort on long drives on highways and relatively uncrowded roads. It helps drivers avoid driving over the speed limit. If used appropriately, cruise control can increase fuel efficiency ... read more

It goes without saying that our children are precious to us. We want to do everything we can to keep them safe. One of the most important things we can do for our babies and toddlers is put them in the absolute best, safest, highest-rated car seat--one that fits them and that is installed correctly. Obviously, the most important thing to worry about is how to find the safest car seat for your baby or toddler. It’s difficult to think of a more stressful or critical decision when you’re a new parent. Luckily, you can breathe at least a small sigh of relief, because all car seats on the market have been tested to make sure they meet the current safety standards of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). (Make sure to look for the JPMA stamp on the box to be certain it meets the standards for safety.) But keep in mind that safety technologies are constantly being improved, so never accept a used or hand-me-down car seat under any circumstances: give yourself peace ... read more

The earliest automobiles were modeled after horse-drawn buggies. They had open tops (and no windshields or doors). The first automobile design featuring a closed top was introduced in 1910. Vinyl or cloth roofs were typical in the 1920s, with steel mostly replacing the fabric roofs in the 1930s as automotive manufacturers worked to make cars sturdier and safer. But people missed the open-roof feeling of those early cars. The first manual retractable hardtop convertible was invented in 1922, although that design was never actually produced. In 1927, manufacturers like Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln, and Chrysler brought multiple convertible models to the eager American public. The first power-operated retractable hardtop came out in 1934. And the American love affair with the convertible was underway. Convertibles in California Culture Convertibles hold a special place in American culture, especially in California. Convertibles are glamorous, driven by movie spies ... read more

Are you planning to take some fun road trips this summer? Or do you prefer staying closer to home and hanging out with your friends and family? Either way, after a long day of driving, swimming, hiking, or dozing in a hammock, you might be in the mood to stream some great movies or documentaries…about cars! But…how do you choose? The Auto Experts has you covered with these recommendations for some of the best movies and documentaries about cars and car culture: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) Will Ferrell and company are hilarious in this over-the-top comedy about NASCAR racing. The Car (1977) This cult horror flick is so bad it’s good. An evil car terrorizes a small town. The dark side of the “driverless car.” The Great Race (1965) Set at the turn of the 20th Century, this comedy features a dashing hero, a beautiful suffragist journalist, and a black-clad, mustachioed villain. Also, a polar bear get ... read more

Even if you enjoy the summer heat, you'll need to keep your car cool. When your vehicle's engine runs too hot, it can damage the automobile and jeopardize your safety. In addition, if your cooling systems aren’t functioning correctly, it can cause major damage to your engine and hefty repair costs down the line. Below are some tips to help prevent your ride from overheating” Park in the shade The temperature difference between the shade and the sun is significant. Parking in the shade can extend the life of your car. If you can't find a spot in a shady area, a sunshade to lessen heat inside the vehicle. Get rid of hot air Keep your windows and sunroof slightly cracked so the air can get out. Hot air gets trapped in a vehicle with closed windows and the glass acts as a conductor that assists in heating up the enclosed interior. Turn the floor vents ... read more

What's better than the perfect car, the perfect weather, and the perfect MUSIC when you go on those long well-deserved road trips solo or with your favorite people? Choosing the right tunes to serve as the backdrop to the music video of your life is essential to get the vibe right when we’re smooth sailing down the highway without a care in the world. After all, music connects us, moves emotion, and just brings some well-needed joy into the world. Here are some recommendations for some tunes that are sure to bring a little bliss to your adventures in your vehicle. "LA Woman," The Doors Some believe that this is the best driving song ever recorded. According to Jim Morrison, all Doors songs are about love, death, and travel. "LA Woman" encompasses all 3 of these themes. From a literal and symbolic perspective, this song pulls the listener off the freeway into the enigmatic City of Night. "Me and Bobby McGee," Janis Joplin Kris Kris ... read more

Do you have the need...the need for speed? The good news is there are several racetracks near and around Sacramento if you're craving some action. Whether you're into dirt or asphalt, there's something for every car racing enthusiast at any speed. Below are some of the tracks within about three hours of the Sacramento region: 1) All American Speedway Website: www.allamericanspeedway.com This popular paved oval track is the host of Grand National West Series, Whelen NASCAR All-American weekly series, stocks, and sprints (plus several other divisions.) 2) Altamont Motorsports Park Website: www.altamontracing.com The Motorsports Park has an array of racetrack configurations which includes a quarter-mile oval, a 1.1-mile road, an interlocking 1/2 mile paved oval course and a figure-eight track. The main t ... read more

In case of roadside emergencies, it's wise to be prepared. The items below could come in very helpful if your vehicle experiences some problems on the roads. Keep this emergency kit in the car and you can have some peace of mind that you and your passengers can stay safe and comfortable before help arrives. Small LED Flashlight Be certain that your emergency kit has a little LED flashlight with new batteries. Flashlights will come in handy when changing tires, checking under the hood, or any other quick fixes that could be repaired more easily with light. A small flashlight could also help you alert other drivers that you need some help. Cell Phone Car Charger Cell phones have become our lifelines. However, if they're not properly charged, they're of no use. Be certain to have a spare charger available in your survival kit should you need to contact some assistance. Portable Air Compressor Portable air com ... read more

Looking for a Valentine's Day gift for the automobile enthusiast in your life? Generally, car lovers are big fans of receiving gifts related to this passion. Luckily, there are some unique and practical gifts out there that are sure to impress your sweetheart. Here are some suggestions: Dash Mounted Smartphone Holder: Having a phone holder is a perfect way to keep your Smartphone close without interfering with driving and safety. There are a wide array of mounted holders and they’re easy to attach. Car Seat Covers You can give your Valentine's automobile a fun makeover with a set of car seat covers. Choose from a vast array of patterns and colors that will appeal to the gift recipient’s taste. There are some covers that are even made for specific makes and models of cars. Cleaning Kit Most car enthusiasts take prid ... read more