Chico Auto Repair

The axle assemblies in your vehicle transfer power out to the drive wheels.  On a rear-wheel drive vehicle, there is an axle shaft that goes from the differential in the center of the axle to each rear wheel.  On a front-wheel drive vehicle, the axle shafts go from the transmission to each front-wheel.  All-wheel drive vehicles have axle shafts connected to all four wheels.  Axles assemblies are tough parts: they transfer torque from the engine to the wheels to move the vehicle.  Tough as they are, they are still subject to normal wear and tear.  The axle shafts are in a sealed housing with lubricant that protects the axle shaft.  When there is a leak anywhere in the axle assembly, lubricant gets out and dirt, water, and other contaminates can get in.  This can greatly accelerate axle wear.  If an axle assembly fails, you're not going anywhere. A worn or damaged axle assembly on the front will make a clunking sound during low speed tur ... read more

Some new vehicle manufacturers are now recommending much higher oil change intervals than they have in the past. As much as 5,000 to 8,000 miles or more.  Following these recommendations is very important to avoid engine damage.  When you go too long between oil changes, oil starts to turn to sludge.  This causes small oil passages to clog and engine parts to fail. What causes oil sludge? It's a factor of time and mileage.  There are hot spots in every engine that cause oil burn off that leads to sludge.  Also, water from normal condensation can build up in the oil.  This water also creates sludge.  Severe driving conditions lead to more rapid sludge formation. Severe driving includes short trips under four miles or trips under ten miles in freezing conditions.  The engine just doesn't get warm enough for the water in the oil to evaporate. Severe conditions are at the heart of the problem.  Stop and go driving, towing, dusty condi ... read more

In very simple terms, a fuel injector is a valve that squirts fuel into your vehicle engine. Your engine control computer tells the fuel injector how much fuel to deliver as well as the precise time it should be delivered. Of course this happens thousands of times a minute. High temperatures under your hood and variations in CHICO gas quality cause fuel injectors to be fouled with wax, dirt, water, additives and carbon. Injectors can become partially clogged, preventing them from delivering the proper amount of fuel at the correct pressure. When your vehicle's injectors are dirty, the fuel doesn't burn as efficiently, resulting in poor fuel economy and loss of power. So it's important to keep your fuel injectors clean. We can perform a full fuel system service for you at D AND E AUTO REPAIR in which the fuel injectors are cleaned so that they operate properly and deliver the right amount of fuel at the right time. CA drivers sh ... read more

D AND E AUTO REPAIR Tech Question: My name is Dan. My vehicle tires wore out early and I had to replace them. What can I do to make my tires last longer? D AND E AUTO REPAIR Answer: Dan's problem – premature tire wear – is very common for CHICO residents. Here are several ways to lengthen the life of your tires: First, tires lose air pressure over time, so check them at least once a month and fill them up as necessary. A sticker on the driver's side door jamb has the recommended pressure. Tire rotation is also important to increase the life of tires. Your front tires take the brunt of stopping and steering forces so they wear faster than the rear tires. They should be rotated regularly so that all four tires wear more evenly. Talk to us at D AND E AUTO REPAIR in CHICO for more information. Out of balance wheels can also cause a tire to wear too fast. CHICO drivers who feel a vibration in their seat or steering ... read more

Your vehicle isn't the only aspect of CHICO life with recommended intervals: you have dental cleanings, physical exams, laundry, mowing the lawn and paying the bills. What would happen if you didn't follow these intervals? Well, you'd get more cavities. You might miss health issues that benefit from early detection and treatment. And you'd wear dirty clothes, be embarrassed by your overgrown lawn and have your utilities shut off. CHICO men and women realize there are some things in life that we have to take care of regularly. If we don't, there are negative consequences. For CHICO drivers who want to be more proactive with their car care, here are some simple ways to remember what has a maintenance interval. First: Fluids. If it's liquid, it's got a replacement schedule. Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, etc. We can take care of all of these for you at D AND E AUTO RE ... read more

You may be surprised to learn that 40% of traffic fatalities take place at night even though there's 60% less traffic.  It goes to show how important proper visibility is to nighttime driving. Obviously, a clean windshield is important – so are good wiper blades.  Your headlights play a big role as well.  There are two main concerns.  One is with the headlamp, or bulb.  The other is with the lens.  The fact of the matter is that headlamps go dim over time.  You just need to replace them.  Some vehicles come with a standard blub which you can replace, or you can upgrade to a halogen bulb that's much brighter.  Halogen costs a little more, but you'd be amazed at the difference. It's a good idea to replace your headlamps once a year.  The idea is that your lamps never dim to the point that they become a safety issue.  Just take care of it at a fall oil change so that your lights will be bright for the coming l ... read more