Sacramento and Citrus Heights Auto Repair

Holiday shopping is not easy. Whether you have a car enthusiast in your circle of friends and family or somebody who likes to improve their driving experience, these gifts will put a smile on your loved one’s face. Here are 5 items that are practical, fun, stylish, and more! There’s something for everyone for the holidays. Car Mats and Seat Covers - These can be found in sets in different colors and textures. Not only are they a fun way to spice up a vehicle’s interior, but they protect them too! They can prevent stains and fading. All in One Phone Charger and Phone Mount - There’s always that one tech-savvy person in the fam. These are great for individuals who rely on their tech, even while driving. Plus, there’s an added bonus if it can hook up to your vehicle and charge your phone. Key Finder - These smaller devices attach on key chains so that your car gal or guy never loses their keys. It can be f ... read more

The vehicle transmission system is a major system that is responsible for bringing power generated by the motor to move and turn wheels. It is a hydraulic system, meaning the transmission relies on fluid to create the pressure necessary to drive. Transmission fluid is almost always pink or red. Like motor oil for the engine; transmission fluid also has cooling and lubricating properties to prevent wear and tear on parts.  Transmission fluid does the following: Extends the life of the transmission Provides hydraulic pressure Lubricates transmission parts Acts as a layer or barrier between transmission components  Helps clutch engage when necessary Prevents rust and corrosion to important components Prevents parts from overheating Can It Go Bad? Over time, the transmission fluid in your car will break down, become dirty, and overall be less effective. Once it can no longer do its duties, you should cleanse the transmission system and add in fresh fluid. This service is ... read more

Brakes are one of the most important components when it comes to protecting you and your loved ones inside your vehicle. They keep everyone safe by allowing you to stop in a matter of seconds. So, if your car can't stop or slow down as quick as it used to, it may be time for brake service. Today, we will be discussing brake rotors. Though there are many parts that makeup today's vehicle brake system, the rotors are among the most critical and strongest parts. They look like metal discs and are typically located in the tire. The brake calipers clamp onto the rotors to create enough friction to slow down your tires and wheels. If you're especially harsh on your brakes, the rotors are likely to wear out sooner than you think. Brake rotors can last anywhere between 50K-70K miles. What Are the Factors That Affect Brake Rotor Wear Type of Rotor  Driving Conditions Brand and Materials Used Position of the Axles Weight of Your Car Signs that ... read more

Believe it or not, Fall is right around the corner. Are you ready to toss out the bathing suits and shorts for hoodies and boots? Maybe not so much for those in the Golden State. But even with the seasonal changes in the Sacramento and Citrus Heights area, your car should be taken care of.   Seasonal changes can affect your automobile in various ways, which is why you should prepare for its transition from spring to fall. To ensure your trips to school, work, football games, and other fall festivities are safe and successful, here are some key maintenance tips you should follow this fall.  Check car fluids - Car fluids make up a good chunk of your vehicle’s maintenance routine. It is important for you to understand what the underhood fluids do, their levels,  and how they contribute to your vehicle’s performance. These include engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and more. To ensure these fluids are clean, please remember to flush them whe ... read more

When most people think of summer, they think of road trips. While we are always hoping you embark on safe and smooth travels, it is good to be extra prepared with a road emergency kit. Emergency kits can come in handy when things don’t go as planned. So, what all should you pack in your vehicle’s emergency bag?    At TOS Auto Repair in Citrus Heights, CA, we’ve got your back. We’ve built this comprehensive list of items to bring with you on your road adventure.   First off, prepared First Aid Kits should come first to mind. Vehicle health is important, but you and your passengers’ health should be at the top. You’ll need to have gauze, tape, band-aids, ointment, aspirin, gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, tweezers, and more. Just in case someone gets a minor injury or feels under the weather, this will be great to have.   Next, you should add a compass, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a spare car charger to the list. J ... read more

If you are a car owner, windshield wipers are among the easiest-to-understand parts because we use them daily. Although understanding how windshield wipers work is one thing, it significantly helps you learn about when to change them, which is another thing. You save money, prevent windshield glass damage, and keep yourself safer. So, How Frequently Should You Replace Windshield Wipers? Replacing your windshield wipers has everything to do with changing the wiper blades. According to most windshield wiper manufacturers, you should replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months. But some recommend changing these parts every two to three years. Some mechanics will inspect your wiper blades' condition when changing the vehicle's oil, and you can monitor them this way. However, the frequency depends on where you live, blade material, and multiple other factors, which begs the question, what symptoms can indicate your wipers need to be replaced? Symptoms of Bad Windshield ... read more

When drivers think about the important parts of their car that require special care, they typically think of their brakes, engine, or tires. However,  we are here to argue that your suspension system is just as important. If your shocks and struts aren’t working as they should, your car ride may feel bumpy, unstable, and overall very unsafe.    The weight of your vehicle is distributed differently when you navigate the open road. As you hit bumpy roads with potholes or speed bumps, it is your suspension’s job to absorb the feeling and keep your vehicle stable. Furthermore, your shocks and struts keep your car grounded with proper road traction.    As you operate your vehicle day after day, an abnormal sign will stick out like a sore thumb. When your suspension parts go bad, you won’t miss it. Below is signs that indicate you need shocks and struts replacement: Fluid Around the Shocks and Struts Your shocks and struts have fluid in them ... read more

Spring is a season of growth, renewal, and more. Now that the dreary winter is behind us, you may be wondering what you can do to revitalize your car. It can be tough to focus on car maintenance when you probably have a lot going on. Now is the time to freshen up your vehicle for the warm weather ahead of us! Tip #1 - Wash your car, and don't forget the underside A car wash can simply lift your mood and boost your confidence. Whether you take it to the car wash or DIY it at home, please remember to get the underside of your vehicle. A spay underneath your car will get rid of the dirt, salt, and grime that has been collecting there for months, which will prevent damage. Tip #2 - Clean the headlights and taillights. Have your headlights and taillights crystal clear to enable maximum visibility. Dirty or hazy lights can make it difficult for your eyes when driving at night. With clean lamps, you'll feel safer on the road no matter where you go. Tip #3 - Don't miss the int ... read more

Have you been experiencing problems with your engine, like unsettling smells and noises? Even if you have caught up with regular maintenance services, normal wear and tear and adding miles to your vehicle could lead to engine problems.   Signs You Have An Engine Problem Excess exhaust smoke coming out of the tailpipe Strange knocking sounds coming from under the hood Oil is going bad quicker than normal Engine overheating Even though you may experience the above signs, it does not mean your vehicle is on its last leg. Your engine could still be saved with engine repairs or rebuild. If the opportunity is possible, an engine rebuild is much more cost-effective than a replacement or buying a new car.   What Happens During An Engine Rebuild? To fix your engine issues, a mechanic will first have to remove the engine block and disassemble it. They will inspect the parts individually and clean them. Next, they will replace the damaged parts with new or refurbished parts tha ... read more

Imagine a car that can only go in one direction, and it can never turn left or right or move backward. You might think, "what is the point of that car then?" Without your differential, driving would simply be like that: moving in one direction. Thankfully, all vehicles come with a differential, enabling us to maneuver our cars wherever and however we'd like.   The automotive differential is part of the axle assembly. It connects to the transmission through the driveshaft, and they both work together to allow smooth car movements. This vital component also rotates your wheels at different speeds. You may have heard the terms "front-wheel drive" or "four-wheel-drive" before, and those refer to the differential.   Each differential system varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle or whether it is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The differential provides proximate revolutions per minute (RPM) between your wheels. It also hel ... read more