Rohnert Park Auto Repair

Hybrids come with a lot of benefits compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles: better fuel economy, fewer emissions, and an overall higher resale value. Another benefit is that since they have fewer moving parts, they don’t need as much maintenance - but it’s still very important to have your hybrid serviced regularly. Whether you’re thinking about buying a hybrid or already own one, here are some of the most important maintenance tasks to have performed regularly. Brake Maintenance Just like a gas-powered vehicle, hybrids need regular brake maintenance - however, cars that are equipped with regenerative braking systems typically have longer service intervals. Regenerative braking works by converting the energy from slowing down or stopping your car into energy that recharges the battery. When you brake, the system splits the braking force between energy regeneration and the brakes, which means the brake pads or shoes often last longer compared to gas-powered ca ... read more

Today, we're focusing on a crucial part of your vehicle's engine: the timing belt. Often overshadowed by more visible components, the timing belt plays a vital role in your car's performance and longevity. Let's explore what it does, answer some common questions drivers have, and discuss signs that indicate it's time for a replacement. What is a Timing Belt? The timing belt is an internal engine component designed to synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft rotation. This synchronization ensures that your vehicle's valves open and close at precisely the right time during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes. In some engines, the timing belt also drives the water pump, an essential part of your car's cooling system. Unlike the serpentine belt, which powers various accessories like the air conditioning compressor and alternator, the timing belt focuses on the engine's timing and efficiency. Timing Belt Questions & A ... read more

Your vehicle's transmission is a critical component that plays a vital role in keeping your car moving. Regardless of whether you have a manual or an automatic, it’s truly one of the hardest-working systems in your vehicle. However, the importance of regular transmission service often gets overlooked by many drivers—which can lead to expensive repairs. Fortunately, with regular servicing, you can keep your transmission in excellent shape and save money on repair costs over the lifetime of your vehicle. Read on to learn more about the role of your transmission, why servicing is necessary, and some of the tale-tell signs that your transmission needs a little TLC. What Does the Transmission Do? Transmissions perform several vital functions that are essential for how your vehicle operates. Their primary role is to transfer power from the engine to the wheels so that your car can move forward or backward. In automatic transmissions, this process is manage ... read more

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, there are two main types of maintenance intervals you’ll need to pay attention to: preventive maintenance and factory scheduled maintenance. Although both are essential for keeping your car in top condition, they have different purposes and approaches to service intervals. In this blog post, we’ll go over the difference between these two types of maintenance, what factory scheduled maintenance typically includes, and address a long-standing misconception about where you need to have your factory scheduled maintenance performed. Preventive Maintenance & Factory Scheduled Maintenance: What’s the Difference? Preventive maintenance involves routine maintenance tasks that are performed at more frequent intervals, such as oil changes and part inspections. Although it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, how often you’ll need these services performed often depends on your driving ... read more

How do you know when there’s something wrong with your car? If you’ve had your vehicle for a long time, it’s usually pretty easy to tell when something “feels off,” but a new-to-you car can be trickier because you’re not necessarily going to be very familiar with it. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to spot car trouble regardless of how long you’ve been driving your vehicle-use your senses! Many common vehicle problems can be identified by simply relying on your sense of sight, smell, hearing, and touch. From strange sounds to unpleasant odors, here are some examples of how paying attention to your senses as you drive can be invaluable in determining when your car needs service or repairs. Visual Signs of Trouble Visual cues are often the first indication of a problem. Keep an eye out for: Steam coming from under the hood Excessive or strangely-colored exhaust smoke Dashboard warning lights Fluid leaks underneath your vehicle If ... read more

With the combination of wet roads, reduced visibility, and slippery conditions, the rainy season can be challenging for your vehicle. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prepare your car, truck, or SUV for the wet weather ahead! Here are some essential maintenance tips to help you stay safe on the road. Check Your Exterior Lights One of the most important ways to prepare for the rainy season is to make sure all your vehicle's exterior lights are working correctly. Not only do your lights make it easier to see the road during a storm, but they also make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. Check your brake lights, headlights, and turn signals; if any of the lights are burned out, get them replaced. Windshield Wiper Condition Along with your headlights, your windshield wipers play a crucial role in ensuring you have clear vision in the rain. Inspect your wiper blades for any signs of damage, like bent frames or cracked or frayed rubber. Give them a test ru ... read more

As winter approaches, it’s important to pay close attention to one of the most crucial safety features of your vehicle: the brakes. Being able to spot the early warning signs of brake issues can literally be a lifesaver, especially when you're dealing with rainy, foggy, or icy conditions on the road. To help you spot brake issues before they have a chance to compromise your safety, here are some common signs to watch for. Your Brake Light Is On One of the most straightforward indicators that your brakes need attention is the brake warning light on your dashboard. Most modern vehicles have two brake warning lights: the Antilock Braking System (ABS) and the brake system warning light. The brake system warning light doesn’t just come on when there’s a serious issue—it can also come on if you’ve left the parking brake engaged. However, if you’ve checked the parking brake and the light is still on, you should schedule an inspection. Likewise, if t ... read more

Driving your car is usually a smooth, carefree experience, until one day, it simply refuses to start. If you find yourself in this frustrating situation, there’s a good chance that the issue is being caused by one of two culprits: the battery or the alternator. The good news is that there are several signs that can help you determine which one is causing the problem. Understanding the Dynamic Duo The battery and alternator are essential components in your car’s electrical system that work together to provide power for various functions. The battery is a rechargeable energy storage device that provides the electrical energy needed to start the engine; it also powers electrical accessories (like your lights, power windows, AC, and radio) while the engine is off. The alternator is essentially a generator that produces the electricity needed to recharge the battery and supply power to the electrical system while the engine is running. When everything is working as it should ... read more

From work commutes to weekend getaways, our cars play a vital role in our daily routines. And just like any valuable investment, vehicles need regular care and attention to keep them performing at their best. Preventive maintenance is all about tackling minor issues before they escalate into major problems, which ultimately prevents breakdowns and saves you money in the long run on repair costs. Although some automotive problems may give you clear warning signs, others can sneak up on you without warning. By taking a proactive approach to your auto care, you can keep your vehicle in top shape and avoid headaches down the road. At RPM Automotive Services, we want to help our customers get the most enjoyment and road life out of their vehicles. Although there are numerous types of preventive maintenance services (and all of them are important!) we’ve compiled a list of four services you should consider scheduling on an annual basi ... read more

With gas prices averaging over $5.00 a gallon across the Bay Area, it’s little wonder that many drivers are looking for ways to save some money at the pump. Although gas mileage is dependent on many factors, including the type of vehicle you drive, one of the simplest ways to make sure you’re getting the most mileage for your money is to make sure your car is up to date on its regular maintenance. Here are some of the most common issues that can impact your fuel efficiency—and your wallet. Under-Inflated Tires Tire pressure plays a significant role in fuel economy, as well as your safety on the road. Several studies, including one conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, found that for every 1-psi drop in tire pressure, gas mileage decreases by 0.4%. That might not sound like a lot, but it does add up over time. Tires can lose pressure from regular driving as well as cold temperatures—so it’s important to monitor your tire pressure regularly. A good ... read more