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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:

Monthly Archives: July 2017

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Timing Belt

Timing belt replacement can be a costly repair, which is why many Sacramento drivers tend to put it off as long as they can. In fact, recent studies have shown that one in every five vehicles needs a new belt. However, ignoring this problem can result in damaging the rest of your vehicle, particularly your engine. Once your timing belt completely fails, your vehicle will not be able to operate and in many cases can leave you stranded. To avoid such situations, be aware of the following signs to change your timing belt as early as possible. You Notice Material Loss Similar to the way you would inspect your tire for wear, you want to check your timing belt for any loss of material. As the material deteriorates, you lose traction, which can cause the timing belt to slip out of place. This is especially true for vehicles that are carrying a particularly heavy load, such as a trailer or caravan. Your Belt Shows Signs of Abrasion If your belt’s edges loo ... read more

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Timing Belt

Common Car Radiator Myths

The radiator on your vehicle plays a major role in how well it functions. As the weather grows warmer in Sacramento, many drivers become concerned with the health of their radiator as rising temperatures can cause this vital part to fail. This concern can cause drivers to seek out information. Unfortunately, among the wealth of information available, there’s always a bit of bad mixed in with the good. Here, we will discuss some common myths about radiators so you can separate fact from fiction. Myth #1 Insects Can Seriously Damage Your Radiator There’s a common belief that insects hold the potential to ruin your radiator. While this could be true in some cases, it would have to be an extreme case of hundreds of insects hitting your vehicles at a high speed. In a more realistic scenario, your vehicle may gradually collect insect remains over time, but even in that case the cooling coils would dehydrate any sign of insect life. If you’re really concerned about ... read more

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Radiator

What Your Auto Technician Wishes You Knew About Engine Repair

For the majority of Sacramento drivers, there are few words in the English language scarier than “Engine Repair”. Thanks to a slew of misconceptions, most people assume all engine repair is expensive and takes an extensive amount of time. However, there are a number of smaller issues that can occur within the engine that aren’t as expensive as you’d imagine. And there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the chance of needing engine repair at all. Here’s a short guide to what your auto technician wishes you knew about engine repair. There’s a Difference Between Engine Repair and Engine Maintenance While both are necessary to keep your vehicle running smoothly, there’s a big difference between engine repair and engine maintenance. Engine repair occurs when a necessary part of your engine isn’t working properly while engine maintenance involves routine checks, inspections and part replacement to keep your vehicle running sm ... read more

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What Causes Clutch Damage

Automatic vehicle drivers in Sacramento may be alarmed when they notice their clutch suddenly slipping out of place. Clutch repairs vary in size and can range from a small, affordable repair to a complete clutch replacement. While there are a number of signs that will let you know you’re in need of a clutch repair, it’s also important to be aware of what can cause clutch damage before it occurs. Here are some common causes of clutch damage so you can reduce your chances of needing clutch repair. Incorrect Gear Selection Too often, drivers aren’t fully aware of which gear is correct for driving their vehicle at various speeds. As a result, they can choose a low gear while driving at a speed that causes the plate to accelerate to an excess speed. This increased strength can damage the clutch plate, requiring extensive repairs. Shifting at the Wrong Moment Similar to choosing the wrong gear, if a driver shifts into an incorrect gear before adjusting the ... read more

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Clutch Repair

5 Important Tips to Remember Auto Maintenance

If you’re like most Sacramento drivers, the last thing you want on your hands is a costly vehicle repair. When you’re without a car, it puts a hold on family, work and other responsibilities, not to mention the extra hassle of making replacement travel arrangements. Unfortunately, you can reduce the chances of needing auto repair by simply staying on top of your auto maintenance. While auto maintenance seems like a simple routine on paper, the majority of drivers tend to forget about it until serious damage happens to their vehicles. Here are 5 simple, but important tips to stay on top of your auto maintenance routine.   Tip #1 Consult Your Owner’s Manual While it may seem dull to get into that thick owner’s manual that came with your car, it’s a vital part of staying on top of the required auto maintenance. Your owner’s manual will let you know exactly how often your vehicle needs to be serviced and the specific type of oil, coolant ... read more

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