BLOG-VIDEOS

Standard Auto Care in Sacramento has a blog and videos that keep automobile owners abreast of what’s happening in the always changing automotive industry. Tom Hipp and his team of auto mechanics value our customers and want them to be as informed as possible. Check out Standard Auto Care’s blogs-videos:

Articles:

Transmission Repair for Most Common Problems

You just started noticing it—a strange sound, a small hesitation while you are driving. The transmission in your car is one of the most important parts. It directs power from the engine through the drive strip to the wheels. Any issues with the transmission can render your vehicle completely useless. This is why knowing some of the most common problems can help. So you can get proper transmission repair quickly. What to Watch For Mechanical car problems usually come with distinct sounds or sensations. This is why, when you go in for transmission repair, the mechanic often asks about what the problem sounds like. These key indicators can tell them not only when something isn’t functioning properly, but also what might be going on. So, as a driver, it is in your best interest to pay attention to anything out of the ordinary. Specific signs of transmission problems include: Car refuses to go into gear A burning smell Car is noisy in neutral Gears slip C ... read more

Categories:

Transmission

Routine Car Maintenance and Auto Repairs by the Mile

You don’t want to spend a lot of money getting your car fixed. So, regular preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do to improve the longevity of your vehicle. It not only keeps your car running properly, but saves you money in the long run. For the average car owner, it can be difficult to know what to do, where to go, and when. So here are a few things about routine car maintenance and auto repair you need to know. Any certified mechanic in Sacramento will tell you about the importance of routine maintenance. Getting oil changes and regular checks on your car is just like the checkups you get at the doctor. Professional technicians know what to look for and can diagnose and catch problems early before they grow into a major expense. Ultimately routine care on your vehicle can save you thousands of dollars, and isn’t something you should ignore. It all starts with reading the owner’s manual ... read more

Categories:

Auto Maintenance

Mark Your Calendar for Regular Auto Repair and Maintenance

Most car owners wait until their vehicle breaks down before they head to an auto repair shop. Instead of waiting for a problem, consider the advantages of scheduling regular inspections and maintenance. Here at Standard Auto Care, we can help with all types of repair and maintenance for your vehicle. The Difference between Maintenance and Repair As a car owner, there is no way to avoid the regular maintenance and repair tasks that will be needed. Every vehicle requires standard services, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and more. These small maintenance tasks can help to keep the car in good working condition. As a result, you can often avoid some of the bigger problems that often pop up as the car ages. The benefit of keeping up with maintenance is that you can schedule the auto repair visits based on your schedule. If you have a day off from work or a specific time that is best for you, you can make an appointment during that time. It is much less stressful ... read more

Categories:

Auto Maintenance

Most Common BMW Problems and Repairs

When it comes to cars, BMW is certainly part of a high end category of luxury cars. Through the years and various models BMW always maintains high level performance, style, and comfort. But looks aren’t everything. These cars are also top tier for high quality engineering and pushing the boundaries in automotive technology. When it comes to purchasing a new or used luxury vehicle, it is always good to know what to expect. The last thing you want to do is invest in a car that will just break down a couple years down the road. Realistically, every vehicle will have problems at some point. No one can tell you exactly what will go wrong with your BMW and when. Over time, you can expect a few components and systems that will need attention. The best way to keep your BMW in top shape is through regular maintenance and an awareness regarding some of the mechanical weaknesses. Then get your car to a BMW auto r ... read more

Categories:

BMW Auto Repair

Main Indicators of Alternator Problems

As you might imagine, it takes a lot of power to get and keep your car running smoothly. The alternator of your vehicle is a pivotal piece of the machine. Basically while you drive, the alternator recycles the power used by the car battery. Without it the power from the battery would not last very long. Also the climate control, stereo, GPS and a host of other systems heavily rely on the optimally running alternator. So, it is vital to avoid alternator failure. How? By paying attention to early warning signs and getting alternator repair as soon as possible. What is the Alternator? The configuration of the alternator is fairly simple, containing just a handful of parts. Basically it turns the mechanical energy of your car’s rotating crank shaft back into electricity. This powers your cars accessories—everything from the air conditioner to the headlights. This is why alternator failure has a domino effect, and can lead to more electrical problems resulting in a brea ... read more

Categories:

Alternator

5 Signs you Might Need Suspension Repairs

The suspension system of your vehicle (shocks and/or struts) is not something to take for granted. It is what supports several tons of metal, along with the occupants of your vehicle. A smooth, working suspension makes your ride comfortable. However, eventually shocks break down or wear out. This is not a problem to ignore. A faulty suspension could affect your ability to control your car, especially for turning and stopping. In fact, industry experts say worn out shocks add approximately 10% to the distance it takes to stop your car in an emergency situation. That could translate to disaster at any speed and make all the difference in your efforts to avoid an accident. So don’t wait on suspension repairs. Signs of Worn Out Suspension How do you know you need to get the suspension fixed? Here are a few signs to watch for: 1. Rough Ride Most drivers can tell right away when shocks or struts are worn out. You begin to feel every bump in the r ... read more

Categories:

Suspension

Find an Auto Mechanic You Trust for Sacramento Ford Repair

When a car owner is looking for someone less expensive and more convenient than an auto dealer to service their car, they start looking at independent auto shops. But, many get scared away, not knowing how to find an independent auto shop that they can trust to give them the service they desire and have the know how to do the repairs needed to their car. To these car owners, the dream is to find someone who has the right fit, who will keep their cars best interest in mind without charging them too much. It really is all about trust. Here are a few tips on what an auto shop you can trust looks like: Look for those who have had services done in the auto shop that is in your local Sacramento area. Look for reviews online, ask relative and neighbors what their experiences have been. While you do not have to rely only on another person’s opinion, it is always good to check them out. Also, read what customers have to say on the auto shop’s website. Make an appointment for a sma ... read more

Categories:

Ford Auto Repair

Standard Auto Care Auto Tips and Car Care: Serpentine Belt Overview

Standard Auto Care Auto Tips and Car Care: Serpentine Belt Overview

Categories:

Serpentine Belt

The Standard Auto Care Auto Report: Knowing When Your Timing Belt Should Be Replaced

The Standard Auto Care Auto Report: Knowing When Your Timing Belt Should Be Replaced

Categories:

Timing Belt

Tips on Talking to Your Mechanic for Sacramento GM repair

There are two types of car owners: the first believes that their car is one of their most prized possessions and the other thinks their car is simply an expensive piece of machinery that you own. This articles is for the latter, because as a group, they have a hard time talking to auto mechanics. They don’t know what to say, don’t understand the parts of a car and really do not want to know any more than they have to. But, they want to keep their car in good repair so learning to talk to their mechanic is imperative. They need to feel calm about the work being done and the mechanic needs to get information from them as well. Therefore, good communication has to happen. Not an easy task, but here are some tips on talking to your mechanic when you aren’t a ‘car person’: Establish a relationship with your auto mechanic before you need to get major work done on your car. Take notes and write them on down, including your auto mechanics name. If you feel intimi ... read more

Categories:

GM Auto Repair
Standard Auto Care is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Standard Auto Care (916) 924-8040 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.