Arrowhead Auto Repair & Smog Check

Why is it called a "Tune up"? The first ignition systems consisted of spark plugs and ignition coils and as these coils worked they would emit a buzzing sound. If they were all working together correctly they would all buzz at the same level and be in tune.

When an engine's fuel injectors clog or break down, your car's performance will suffer. If you notice a change in gas mileage or acceleration, we can restore the power you want.

If your car has a bent aluminum alloy rim, straightening it is not a good idea as it can contribute to tire failure or other problems. If the wheel is bent or dented, replacement is the safest option.

Periodically check the oil level in your car’s engine as it nears time to have the oil changed. Not only does it tell you the oil level, you can also see how dirty the oil is.

If you notice that your car or truck has become somewhat bouncy, it may be time to have your suspension system inspected. This is particularly true if you haven’t replaced your shock absorbers in a long while as they may have already become faulty.

Transmission fluid has three main functions. Can you list them? Well, they are lubricating the transmission's moving parts, washing away any loose debris, and acting as the hydraulic fluid. Problems in any one of these functions can cause transmission failure.

If you're shifting into drive while your car is rolling backwards, your killing the transmission. Wait until you come to a complete stop before changing gears.

If you feel a shimmy or unaccounted for movement in your steering wheel while driving at higher speeds, the problem could be with wheel alignment, wheel balance, or even a bent wheel. Have your mechanic inspect your car to pinpoint the problem.

Hearing a high-pitched whine coming from the engine after it has started? It could indicate a problem with the starter or the flywheel. The only way to be sure is to have it checked and then repaired, if necessary.

Your vehicle’s suspension system is responsible for smoothing out your rides and providing steering stability and good handling. Coil springs, leaf springs, and shock absorbers are all components of the suspension system.

If the idle stop solenoid on your car is too old, defective, loose, or worn out, it can cause the engine to diesel when you try to shut it off. If not corrected, it can cause serious damage.

Does your car vibrate when you apply the brake? Well, in most cases, this vibration is caused by an issue with the front brake rotors. Let our skilled auto technicians diagnose the issue and suggest the right solution.

While you’re free to DIY the complex repairs that your car or truck may need, you may want to reconsider if you don’t have the needed experience. This is particularly true if your vehicle is valuable and/or expensive as you may end up damaging something else during the process of the repair.

Pay attention to, and become familiar with, the sounds your car makes when it is running normally. When you hear something you do not recognize, don't turn up the radio to drown it out, bring it in for service.

A mild drifting of the vehicle to the right is normal as most major roadways have a peak in the middle and mild slope downward. However, it’s still a great idea to get your alignment checked when in doubt.

If it sounds like your car's turn signals are blinking too rapidly, it most likely the fuse is about to give out. Fortunately, this is a quick, easy and inexpensive repair.

Transmission tip: Wait until your car has settled when reversing before you put the car in to drive. It isn't good for your transmission to change it while the car is even slightly in motion.

Front-wheel drive vehicles typically rely on electric radiator fans to keep temperatures within specified limits. However, while they’re very effective, wear and tear may ultimately cause them to fail so it’s important to have them inspected periodically and replaced when needed.

There are many factors that can cause tire damage but improper inflation is often the main culprit. To avoid this, always keep a tire pressure gauge in your car and check the pressure of all tires frequently.

While car's today are very efficient, they are quite complex so anyone attempting to perform a repair will need special tools. This is in stark contrast to the cars of decades past that only required traditional tools to fix.

We know that sometimes it's practically impossible to avoid hitting a pothole. If you do happen to slam into one, bring your car or truck in and have us check the wheels, tires, suspension system and alignment.

If you want to extend the life of your tires, avoid aggressive starts and stops. It not only prevents damage or wear and tear, but produces fewer emissions as well.

If the temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard suddenly spikes, you need to pull over and stop your car; continuing to drive could cause serious damage to the engine. Once you are off the road, call us for help.

Want to help your tires last longer? The best thing you can do for them is to check their air pressure on a regular basis and keep them inflated to the proper pressure. You can the correct amount on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb.

Does the inside of your car or truck smell like you're standing right behind the exhaust pipe? There's probably a leak somewhere in the system. Come see us to take care of the problem. You'll breathe easier.

Regular preventive maintenance of your vehicle not only increases its life and performance but also minimizes overall operating costs. So even if your car is running fine, get it inspected regularly to avoid major problems in the future.

If you want to keep your car under warranty, make sure to have the required work done at the intervals indicated in the owner’s manual. Failing to do so will not only void the warranty, but could also lead to greater problems.

Keeping the radiator fins clear of bugs and other debris helps the engine run cooler and makes it easier to spot problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Periodically check your hoses and belts for signs of wear (especially before taking a road trip). If you think they need replacing, bring your car in and we'll double-check and replace them if necessary.

"Car designers are just going to have to come up with an automobile that outlasts the payments." - Erma Bombeck. Of course, regular maintenance can do the trick.

If you want to upgrade the suspension components on your four-wheel drive vehicle, it would be best to have it done professionally. This is because a great deal of know-how is needed for such projects so an amateur DIY attempt isn't wise or safe.

Although 1886 is credited with being the birth year of the modern automobile, did you know that the first gas gauge wasn’t installed until 1922?

Is there a clunking sound coming from your car's rear end when driving at low speeds or on rough roads? It could be damaged struts or malfunctioning anti-roll bar brushes.

When reading the label on an oil container, do you know what the "W" means? Nope, not weight. It stands for winter, and refers to its viscosity in cold temperatures.

If you hear a high-pitched whine coming from the engine after starting, it may be a problem with the starter, the flywheel, or a belt. Instead of guessing, let us check it for you.

Have you noticed a drop in fuel efficiency? It could be the mass air flow sensor (MAF). This part measures incoming air to control fuel injection. If it's faulty, fuel economy can drop by 10% or more.