Welcome to our Blog page!

Our blogs are updated once a month, usually on the first day of the month. On this page, we offer advice, tips, and insights for becoming a safer driver and for better travels on Chico roads. Bookmark this page and remember to check back!

If you need auto repair service, don’t forget that you can schedule an appointment at this link for D&E Auto Repair in Chico. We look forward to seeing you! Remember that you are a part of the family at D&E Auto Repair in Chico. We’re located at 3328 Esplanade St., Chico, CA 95973.

How To Beat The Heat In Chico

Grant Porter onUnsplash

Now that we’re in April, temperatures are rising, and we will be using our automotive A/C more often. In this month’s blog, we offer some tips on how to beat the heat in Chico.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the health of your automotive air conditioning system. If COVID kept you home most of the time and you put fewer miles on your car throughout the pandemic, you may be surprised to learn that your vehicle is in significant need of a safety inspection. 

We are NOT saying this to scare you. We advise a complete safety inspection of your car because it sat for too long without getting the drive time it needs. Your A/C system could have an excess of mold, refrigerant leaks, and other issues that happen when a vehicle remains idle for too long. Therefore, we recommend bringing your car to D&E Auto Repair in Chico, especially before any long road trips, to make sure it is in good shape.

Secondly, let’s address the fact that “keeping your cool” has several meanings. Yes, your car’s air conditioner is designed to keep you cool. That’s an easy one. But are you prepared to keep your cool when you start commuting again? 

For many people, they tell us their driving skills are a little rusty, and they’re having a more challenging time staying focused on the road. A recent auto industry report claimed there is a Zoom Zombie effect taking place with many drivers:

 

“Moreover, a national consumer survey of 1,819 American drivers shows that 54 percent of Americans who drive after video chatting report trouble concentrating. When work-life became synonymous with home life, COVID-19 created new distractions and challenges for American drivers getting behind the wheel of a car.”

Besides saying cool inside the cool air of your car, are you going to keep your cool when other drivers make dumb moves on the road? Be extra aware of your actions and drive safely as you start getting back to “the new normal” as California opens up after pandemic restrictions end.

Thirdly, let’s talk about the different ways you have it made in the shade. You can place sun visors and screens inside your car windows to keep the interior temps a little cooler. You can also find parking under a shade tree. Here in Chico, we are known for our beautiful trees, so that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. But if you can park your vehicle inside a covered garage or parking lot, that is your best option for keeping your car cool and protecting your paint job from fading.

The team at D&E Auto Repair welcomes you to visit us for a vehicle safety inspection before you head out for a weekend getaway or if your car’s A/C is not performing optimally. Specifically, if the air blows out hot, has odd smells, or if you see particles emitting from your vents, schedule an appointment for an inspection right away. Your A/C system could need a dose of refrigerant, or it could have other issues, but we won’t know for sure until we have the opportunity to diagnose your air conditioning system. 

The ASE-Certified auto mechanics at D&E Auto Repair will service Asian, Domestic, and European vehicles in Chico and the surrounding communities. After you leave our auto repair shop, our goal is to drive a much safer and more reliable car, regardless of the make, model, or mileage.

D&E Auto Repair treats each customer like a member of our family, with honesty, commitment, and fairness. Our team only recommends services that will extend the lifetime of your vehicle and help you avoid costly repairs. You and your Buick will leave our auto repair shop with a safer and more reliable car. Schedule an appointment today, and we can bring our families together. We are conveniently located at 3328 Esplanade St., Chico, CA 95973, and we are open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

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Cooling System