Author Archives: Japanese Car Specialties

Can a check engine light come on for no reason?

The check engine light is meant to alert you to minor problems with your car before they escalate to bigger issues. It’s essential to get it checked or diagnosed in order to make sure all interior components are in proper working order.

How Check Engine Light Works

A vehicle’s computer, or electronic control module (ECM,) will use sensors that will have input signals that will generate control signals for a variety of functions such as transmission shifting to fuel and spark delivery. This computer will always monitor every input signal that could potentially affect emissions. If any of the signals move out of outside government-mandated limits this is where the check engine light will come on.  

What could cause the check engine light to come on?

One of the sensors a check engine light will monitor is the mass airflow sensor aka MAF. The MAF sensor will calculate the amount of air that’s coming into the engine in order for the computer to determine the correct amount of fuel. Faulty MAF sensors can trigger the check engine light to come on as well as cause the car to have impaired gas mileage, frequent stalling, and increased emissions.

Is it safe to drive your car with the check engine light on?

If the check engine light is steady it’s ok to drive your car yet only if the car’s essential systems like the lights and brakes are still in working order. Make sure to keep an eye on any warning lights on your dashboard such as oil pressure or the coolant temperature.

Can low oil cause the check engine light to come on?

Low oil pressure can be a common cause of a check engine light coming on which can interfere with your car’s performance or even disable your vehicle if it’s low enough. When the oil is low the oil icon may also appear on your dashboard.

Why Check Engine Light Blinks

If there’s a blinking check engine light it typically means that there is a severe engine misfire where unburned fuel is being dumped into the exhaust system. This can raise temperatures of the catalytic converter rapidly which can cause damages and expensive repairs.

Where can I get my check engine light checked?

Typically you can have your check engine light diagnosed by your dealer or an auto mechanic shop. Some auto parts stores can even let you check it yourself with a code scanner tool. When you have your yearly inspection this tool is typically used as well.

How much does it cost to fix a check engine light?

The cost of a check engine light test or diagnosis can range anywhere from $88-$111. Labor costs are also in this range however repairs will be different depending on the issue.

How do I turn my check engine light off?

Sometimes after the car has been fixed regarding a check engine light issue the car may still have the check engine light turned on! Of course, it’s important to make sure that this isn’t because there is another issue you must take care of. With the first instance, at this time the computer in the vehicle may need an adjustment. One easy method that requires no tools is to simply drive the car until the light goes off by itself, give it three days. If not that, turn on the engine as well as off three times in a row. Here’s where a little effort is required, with a wrench, you could also try disconnecting and reconnecting the battery but make sure to leave it disconnected for at least 15 min. Finally, you can use an OBD code reader and see what codes show up in the coding manual. You can then manually delete them if they come up when they shouldn’t. 

Reach Out to A Professional

If you’re wondering why your check engine light is on you could determine the root issue with a check engine light diagnostic. It’s important to determine the possible issues that are happening in your car and to fix them in a timely manner in order to avoid any small issues from growing. Just like with HVAC services in Orange, CA having a professional technician handle problems with in-depth systems will yield the best results. If you have any questions get in touch with your local auto shop today.

If you require assistance with your check engine light in Mission Viejo, CA call 949-583-0811 with Japanese Car Specialties! 

What is the Average Cost to Replace a Serpentine Belt?

Typically, hiring a mechanic to replace a serpentine belt will cost around sixty to two-hundred dollars. That will include twenty-five to seventy-five dollars for the belt and about an hour of labor, which usually comes out to seventy-five to one-hundred and twenty dollars per hour. Replacing a serpentine belt will take longer for certain vehicles. This is because the belt will take longer to access if it is in a difficult to reach area.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Serpentine Belt?

Is your serpentine belt acting up? Please review the following symptoms of a bad serpentine belt to make sure that your car problems are accurately diagnosed.

• Squealing noise from the front of the vehicle. This symptom is difficult to ignore. If you notice a squealing noise that is being emitted from the front of your vehicle, it could be coming from the serpentine belt. 
• If the power steering and the air conditioning are experiencing failure. The serpentine belt circulates coolant, also known as antifreeze, throughout the system. Two of the first systems that will experience failure without coolant are the power steering and the AC.
• The engine is overheating. Another prime sign of a bad serpentine belt is your engine overheating.

What Does the Serpentine Belt Control?

The serpentine belt transports power to your vital automotive components. The serpentine belt is so named for the long, winding belt that keeps the alternator, the power steering pump, and the air conditioning running smoothly and effectively. In some cases, the serpentine belt controls the water pump. An operational serpentine belt equivocates into a smoothly running engine.

How Many Years Does a Serpentine Belt Last?

With improvements in rubber, serpentine belts now last much longer than they did in previous decades. Most serpentine belts generally last between fifty-thousand and one-hundred thousand miles. It is important to know that eventually, all serpentine belts deteriorate. This is because serpentine belts fall apart due to continuous exposure to heat and friction. In such cases, they will need to be replaced.

Can Car Run Without Serpentine Belt

The short and accurate answer to this question is no. Cars need serpentine belts to function. Without a serpentine belt, the engine cannot cool properly. This is because serpentine belts circulate coolant throughout the engine. The first parts of the engine to be affected are the power steering and the air conditioning. From time to time, parts of your car and your home need to be repaired. If your home needs roof repair, please make sure to call a qualified, licensed and insured roofing company.

Is Serpentine Belt Cracked

Minuscule cracks in a serpentine belt are worthy of investigating. While the belt may not need to be replaced in the here and now, they are a sign of things to come. Small cracks eventually become larger cracks. If you are nearing the fifty-thousand-mile mark, it will be important to connect with a local, licensed and insured mechanic in order to determine what an appropriate course of action is.

Can Serpentine Belt Cause Engine Stall

Serpentine belt failure can cause your car’s power steering system to fail. It can also cause your alternator or water pump to cease to work. When these important systems halt, your engine will fail to function at an appropriate level. When the serpentine belt completely breaks, your engine will stall which is not only dangerous, it is also inconvenient. If it occurs on the highway, the danger escalates dramatically.

Do you think that you are experiencing a serpentine belt problem? Our friendly operators at Japanese Car Specialties are available now at 949-583-0811 to schedule a replacement for your serpentine belt in Mission Viejo, CA.

If you fail the test, you are given a certain amount of time to make repairs to ensure your vehicle is compliant with state laws. The vehicle inspector will supply you with a list of repairs that are needed to pass the test.

If you’ve failed an emissions test and need emissions repairs in Mission Viejo, CA, get help from the reliable professionals at Japanese Car Specialties. We specialize in Japanese and Korean import vehicles. Call us at 949-583-0811 to schedule repair services.

Who does emissions test

If you are wondering how to get emissions test in California, you must take your vehicle to a DMV-approved inspection station. You can contact the DMV or search online to find approved emissions testing stations near you. For smog checks in California, these stations must either be STAR stations, Gold Shield or Test Only stations. You can check with the DMV or review your registration renewal request to check for valid stations.

While emissions tests help improve outside air quality, you should also make sure your indoor air quality is healthy as well. There are many HVAC companies that test your air quality throughout California, including indoor air quality services in Vacaville, CA.

How often are emissions test

An emissions test is required every two years in California. If you are a new resident, you must get a smog check before you can register your vehicle with the state. These tests check your vehicle’s emission production and provide you with an overview of its condition and functional state. If you are a resident,without an emissions test, unless your vehicle meets exemption requirements, you cannot legally drive the vehicle in the state.

What emissions test do I need

You may hear the terms smog test and emission test used interchangeably and wonder, “Is emissions and smog test the same?” The most accurate answer to that question is that the smog test is part of the overall emissions test. The smog test is the first part of the three-part emission test. In some parts of the state, where smog is more prevalent, you’ll be required to take an enhanced smog test rather than a basic smog test. All vehicles made in 1999 and older are required to be tested.

What is done during an emissions test?

An emissions test in California is a three-part inspection that has to be done in a specific order beginning with an emissions inspection and followed by a visual inspection and a functional inspection. The emissions inspection or smog test uses a smog machine to analyze the exhaust gas for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxides and nitrogen oxides, the chemicals responsible for smog.

The visual inspection involves the smog technician or mechanic to check for proper connections of emission components. All components must be located and verified and properly connected. Defective electrical connections, vacuum hoses and pipes are also checked that could affect engine performance.

The functional inspection ensures that all emission components work correctly. The inspection consists of a check of the engine ignition timing, check engine light, gas cap and filler neck, exhaust and recirculation valve, and fuel evap test.

How much does it cost for an emissions test?

Emission test prices will vary. They range from $29.95 to $69.95 depending on which county you live in and the type of vehicle you drive. You may also have to pay $8.25 for the California Emissions Certificate fee. The inspection station may also charge additional fees. All prices should be listed up front by the inspection station.

How can I can I get my car to pass emissions?

Although it may seem difficult, passing an emissions test, really isn’t all that problematic, especially if you keep your vehicle well-maintained and repaired when necessary. That said, there are some things you can do to improve your ability to pass the emissions test. 

Here are six ways that can help you pass the test:

• Test warm car on a cool day. An engine that takes in cooler air runs more efficiently and hot engines have more complete combustion and burn more hydrocarbons.
• Use fuel additive to clean the combustion chamber of carbon deposits.
• Inflate the tires to a proper level so that they spin better. This puts less stress on the engine.
• Get an oil change for a cleaner burning engine.
• Make sure your check engine light is off. A check engine light that’s illuminated may cause you to fail the test.
• Get a free retest if possible. Check around to see if there are shops available that provide free retests if your vehicle fails. 

If you have a part malfunctioning on your vehicle that causes your vehicle to perform poorly or not perform at all, then you need auto repair services. For example, if you are driving along and have to suddenly apply  your brakes, you may discover it takes longer for the car to stop or it fails to stop at all. This means your brakes are worn or damaged. You may be out of brake fluid, or your brake pads have been worn or some other part of the brakes is keeping the brakes from working safely. A mechanic or service technician can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the part causing the problem.

Maintenance, on the other hand, is a routine service like an oil change, that helps keep your vehicle running efficiently or prevents serious damage to your vehicle that will require repairs later on. It’s possible when you bring your car in for a maintenance service like an oil change or tire rotation, it may need a repair. Your mechanic, for instance, might find a nail in your tire that needs to be removed to avoid a flat. The tire will need to be repaired or replaced to avoid any further damage.

If you have a Japanese- or Korean-manufactured vehicle like a Toyota or Kia and you need auto repair services in Mission Viejo, CA, Japanese Car Specialties provides a full range of services for these types of imports. Call 949-583-0811 to find out how we can help.   

Auto repair services list

When you bring your vehicle into a full-service repair shop like Japanese Car Specialties, you can expect a wide range of repairs to be available to you. 

While we specialize in Japanese and Korean imports, most auto service shops will provide similar repair services like those listed below.

• Oxygen sensor replacements
• Catalytic converter replacements
• Alternator repair
• Fuel pump repair
• Brake repair and replacement
• Electrical system repair
• Suspension repairs
• Axle repair
• Starter repair
• Serpentine belt replacement

What services do mechanics provide?

Auto mechanics in general provide either maintenance or auto repair services. Maintenance includes routine scheduled maintenance like oil changes or tire rotations, as well as preventative maintenance services like brake checks and brake replacement. Auto repair services include repairing malfunctioning or broken parts like alternators or starters or oxygen sensors. Some auto service shops and mechanics specialize in maintaining and repairing specific parts like brakes or transmissions. Auto service shops like Japanese Car Specialties specialize in maintaining imported vehicles.

What is the difference between auto body and mechanic?

Auto mechanics and auto body mechanics differ in the type of work they do. While mechanics work primarily on systems inside the car,under the hood, such as engines and electrical systems, auto body mechanics are generally concerned with the car’s exterior. They’ll repair cars smashed up after wrecks or repaint them. Auto body shops are usually larger because the facilities are designed for painting the car, and require different diagnostic tools than those in mechanic’s shops. Auto body mechanics require diagnostic tools like alignment gauges to check the vehicle’s structural integrity to ensure it’s safe to drive. 

What is the Automotive Repair Act?

The Automotive Repair Act is actually the name of several similar proposals in several state legislatures, as well as the U.S. Congress, that if passed would require auto manufacturers to provide independent repair shops with the same information as they provide dealerships and dealer shops. The legislation is intended to help repair shops better diagnose problems, especially as technology advances on cars. Manufacturers would be required to share advanced information to independent shops so they could make better repairs and get parts for those vehicles. Some independent shops have to turn customers away because they don’t have the right information to make the repair.

What do car repairs cost?

The cost of auto repair services will vary. The national average repair runs between about $500 to $600. Much will depend on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the type of repair being made. Different parts will be priced differently as well, according to the type of part it is, as well as the manufacturer of the part. You may be able to save on parts by using rebuilt parts or even salvaged parts from other vehicles. Costs will also be affected by labor charges. Some shops will have flat rates that vary from shop to shop, some will have menu pricing that includes labor. Some shops will provide payment plans.

Car repairs can be stressful. But with professionals you can trust, some of the stress will ease. Stress can also come from having major plumbing problems. When you enlist the services of professionals who use cost-effective techniques like pipe coating, your plumbing worries will be put at ease.

Car repair service on road

If you have a breakdown on the road, you have several options for help to get the car repaired. Groups like AAA offer roadside assistance plans that can help you. Insurance companies also offer roadside assistance. If don’t have a roadside assistance plan, you can connect to assistance using your phone to find nearby towing services and auto repair services. There also some mobile assistance services like battery charging that can help you while you are on the roadside. Often, you pay a small fee to groups like AAA if you do not have a roadside assistance plan, and these groups will help you.

Once you get your vehicle to auto repair services, you’ll need to determine the problem, find out how long the repair will take, and get an estimate of the cost. You will also want to find out if the shop will honor manufacturer’s warranties. If you are unable to reach an agreement with the mechanic about costs and time, you can get the car towed to another shop.

Below are some good reasons why tire rotation is important: 

• Ensures the tires wear evenly to extend the life of tires and save money.
• Tire rotation improves balanced handling.
• Prevents tread cupping which causes loud noises and vibrations.
• Rotation may be part of the tire manufacturer’s warranty and required for it to be upheld.

Are tire rotations free?

You may want to know: How much does it cost to have your tires rotated? Some companies offer free tire rotations, either as part of a package deal with other services like oil changes, or as a courtesy service.

If you need a tire rotation in Mission Viejo, CA, make sure to come by the car maintenance specialists at Japanese Car Specialties. Give us a call at 949-583-0811 to find out about all of our service offerings. We specialize in imported cars, in particular with Japanese car brands like Infiniti and Toyota, as well as Korean brands like Kia and Hyundai.

How is tire rotation done?

You can rotate your tires at home, or you can get them rotated professionally. Whether done professionally or at home, tire rotation follows a simple process. The first thing you need to determine is if your tires are directional or non-directional.

The tread pattern on directional tires is one-way, and the tires are specifically made for the right or left side of the vehicle. Arrows or triangles on the tread wall will indicate which way the tire turns. When you rotate directional tires, you will swap the front right tire with the rear right tire and the front left tire with the rear left tire.

For non directional tires allow you to mount the tire on any wheel. Use a cross pattern with non-directional tires, moving the front tires to the opposite side on the rear, so, for example, the right front tire will go onto the left rear wheel.

What happens when you get your tires rotated?

Basically a tire rotation involves switching the position of the tires to keep them from wearing out. It’s a simple preventative maintenance task and recommended about every 6,000 miles. When you rotate your tires regularly, you will lengthen their lifespan and you will have to replace them less frequently. Tire rotation and other services like wheel alignment and balancing services are important maintenance procedures that will ensure your tires last a long time. 

Regular maintenance, including transmission service, is key to ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and lasts you a long time. If you are hearing grinding noises as you drive you may need transmission repair.

Tire rotation with oil change

A good time to get your tires rotated is when you get an oil change. Japanese Car Specialties offers both services at affordable prices.

Tire rotation is alignment

You may think tire rotation is the same thing as tire alignment or front end alignment. Tire rotation is a completely different process than alignment. Although alignment is also meant to preserve the tires, alignment involves straightening the front tires to align with the rear tires, rather than moving them around. The angle of the car’s wheels are adjusted and the tire tread is checked. Your wheels can get knocked out of alignment by rough road conditions. If your wheels are out of alignment, you may feel your steering wheel pull to one side or another, or feel heavy vibration while driving, or may make driving difficult in general. It is recommended to check the alignment about every 10,000 miles.

When tire treads wear out, weight distribution begins to change and causes the tires to become imbalanced. This imbalance will cause the car to shake or vibrate. When you get your wheels balanced, the technician checks the balance with a calibrated spin balancer.

If your import has hit its next 6,000 miles and is giving you a rough ride, it may be time for a tire rotation in Mission Viejo, CA. Japanese Car Specialties specializes in Japanese and Korean import vehicles, so give us a call at 949-583-0811 to arrange your next service.

• Refrigerant: The refrigerant in your car is probably leaking.
• Compressor: The compressor is defective because the AC hasn’t been used for a long time.
• Condenser: If there is something wrong with the condenser its usually because there is a blockage or it is broken.
• Fan: The fan is central to getting air to move in your car, so a broken fan can be an issue for your air conditioner.
• Electrical: There are electrical wires and components that help the AC function, and those areas can malfunction.

Car owners might want to take on the repairs on their own by watching how to auto air conditioning repair videos, but it is so important to get auto AC repair from a professional auto mechanic shop. In order to know what is going on with your car’s AC, we will discuss the most common auto AC repair questions.

Why Did My Car AC Stop Blowing Air?

This is one of the most common reasons that a car’s air conditioner stops working. The number one reason why an air conditioner stops blowing air is that there is something wrong with the AC fan. The reason that the fans tend to stop working is that they overheat. If the fan overheats, then it will need to be replaced. Luckily, this type of auto AC repair is relatively simple to do. Another reason why the fan might not be working is that it doesn’t have the necessary electrical power to run. In order for the air conditioner to work, it needs electrical power to do so. If there is something with the wiring or another electrical component, it can cause issues with the fan.

Why Does My Car AC Stop Blowing Cold Air?

Another thing that can happen to your car’s AC that is extremely irritating is that the car isn’t blowing cool air. You can have your air conditioner turned on at the coolest setting and all it is doing is blowing hot air. What does it mean when your car AC blows hot air? There are actually several reasons why your AC might not be blowing cool air, but hot air instead. The first reason could be because of the condenser. The condenser is what cools the hot refrigerant that comes to the compressor; without the condenser, the refrigerant makes the air coming through the AC hot. If the condenser is broken or clogged, that could be why the AC is blowing hot air. Other reasons why your car AC is blowing hot air instead of cool is because the fan is broken, there is an electrical issue, or the is a refrigerant leak. To find out the reason its important to get auto AC repair.

Why Does My Car AC Work Sometimes and Not Others?

It can be really frustrating when you have your car’s AC blows cool air, then stops, blows cool air, then stops. This inconsistent cooling usually happens when the evaporator in the car’s AC system starts to freeze over. The most common reason that an evaporator coil would freeze up is that the air filter in the air conditioning system is dirty. When the filter is dirty, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should, forming ice on the evaporator and other issues. Getting the air filter changed and waiting until the evaporator coil is no longer frozen can remedy this common problem. It doesn’t really require the normal auto AC repair in order to fix it. Another reason why the evaporator coil might be frozen is that a drain could be blocked– this might require auto AC repair.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Air Conditioning Fixed in a Car?

What are the pros and cons of a hybrid car?

Hybrid cars are more fuel efficient than your regular cars, therefore are more environment friendly. It has been shown on average that you can use 30-60% less on gas while driving a hybrid car compared to a conventional vehicle. The car repair costs is a major concern for any car owner. Repairs for a hybrid car are pretty much equal to the car repair costs of a regular vehicle and could even in some cases costs less due to regular wear and tear. The cons to buying a hybrid car compared to a regular vehicle is that while the hybrid vehicles are more fuel efficient, the vehicle itself can cost more. Hybrid car batteries also cost more than the average vehicle and can revert to using the traditional engine as a backup once the battery charge is needed that can take up to eight hours to be fully charged.

How long do the batteries last in a hybrid car?

While driving a hybrid car, you have to consider the biggest factor, the battery. The life of a battery for hybrid cars can last up to a lifetime of 10 years depending on the make of the vehicle and normal wear and tear. It is worth noting that you can drive a couple of miles without a charged battery however this does not apply to a Prius. Keep in mind that a battery replacement can be free of charge under warranty but without as of recently can be upwards to $6,000 USD and that does not include labor costs.

Do hybrids last longer?

Hybrid cars can last on average as long as regular vehicles with normal wear and tear. Due to their great warranty plans, which is up to eight years with a Toyota Prius, it is normal for a hybrid car to still be on the road. The oldest hybrid vehicle to date is approximately 20 years old. Regular maintenance can lower car repair costs in the long run.

Do hybrid cars save money?

Hybrid cars save money for fuel and normal maintenance. However if not properly maintained and under warranty, the battery replacement can cost up to $6000 USD. Also hybrid cars can be more costly for insurance due to the type of vehicle and cost more to purchase than a conventional vehicle.  

Hybrid cars issues

Besides expensive battery replacement, hybrid cars experience around the same amount of normal  car repair costs as a gasoline powered vehicle if not lesser than. Hybrid car batteries need to be constantly charged as some vehicles will not let you drive more than a few miles if any like the Prius who senses when a battery is low.

Hybrid cars require for a charged battery that can take up to eight hours to fully charge to be functionable or they revert back to being gasoline powered.  Gas powered vehicles emit more pollution into the atmosphere, causing more damage to the ozone layer and the wellness of the environment including people. Hybrid cars run on fuel that’s more cleaner and environment friendly.

Being environmental friendly is an advantage of hybrid cars. Hybrid cars save energy more than they consume and have cleaner emissions into the atmosphere. Hybrid cars and its environmental impact, are eco-friendly for consumers who want to go green and save on energy consumed through the life of the vehicle.

You can determine if you want to own a hybrid car or not by looking at the different aspects of the hybrid car.

Below are advantages and disadvantages to owning a hybrid car.

Advantages to owning a hybrid vehicle:

• Hybrid cars are more fuel efficient (saves money on gas)
• They are environment friendly when you decide to go green
• They have the same car repair costs as regular vehicles if not significantly lower
• Hybrid cars are covered under lengthy warranties

Disadvantages to owning a hybrid vehicle:

• Hybrid cars are expensive as well as insurance
• Hybrid cars battery need to constantly be charged
• They go back to using their secondary gasoline engine if battery is not charged
• They can only run up to two miles without a charged battery

Based on both the pros and cons to owning a hybrid vehicle, you can come to a conclusion on whether you would like to invest on owning a hybrid vehicle. For further questions about Mission Viejo, CA, you can call 949-583-0811.

When you want your car truck to work as efficiently as possible, you will want to invest in parts that will take the car’s performance to the next level. One of the best ways to do this is to have performance parts installed in your car or truck. If you are interested in having more power, handling, and fuel economy, installing performance auto parts is the best thing to do. Learn more about what performance auto parts are, what kind of performance auto parts you need for a car and truck, and how you can improve the performance of your car for free.

What Are Performance Parts?

When you buy a car brand new, it will come with parts that have been built by the car manufacturer you bought your car from. However, a lot of people who really want to improve their car’s performance will invest in what is called performance parts. The purpose of performance auto parts is that they can improve your handling, braking, and acceleration, so depending on what you want to improve will depend on what kind of performance parts you install on your car or truck. When it comes to performance auto parts, people tend to have a lot of questions. This is because they want to be able to know whether they should stick with their OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts or invest in aftermarket parts (these are parts that did not originally come with your car). Below are some of the most asked about performance and OEM parts.

Is It OK To Use Aftermarket Parts?

It is more than okay to use aftermarket parts if that is something that you want for your car. However, car owners need to be aware that it can be overwhelming when it comes to investing in aftermarket parts because there are so many options to choose from. Another thing that car owners should know is that sometimes aftermarket parts aren’t made with the best materials, so they aren’t the highest quality; also, aftermarket parts might not come with a warranty, which is a way to keep these parts cheap.

Can an Insurance Company Use Aftermarket Parts?

The answer is yes, they more often use aftermarket parts as opposed to OEM parts. This is because they might not cover OEM parts or the part that needs to be replaced has been discontinued, so they can only cover and use aftermarket parts. If you really want to have OEM parts for your car or truck, you will need to ask your car insurance company if they cover OEM parts and if so, ask if they can replace your car parts with OEM parts.

What’s Better OEM or Aftermarket?

Both OEM and aftermarket parts have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s all going to depend on what you find important in regards to your car. Below are the pros and cons for both OEM and aftermarket parts.

OEM Pros

• You only have one option for parts since they are coming from the manufacturer.
• The quality of the parts is going to be a lot higher.
• OEM parts come with a warranty

OEM Cons

• You’ll have to go to the dealership to get these parts.
• They are going to be more expensive.
• There is a limited quantity of parts since they can become discontinued.

Aftermarket Pros

• You have a wide variety of parts to choose from.
• These types of parts are readily available.
• They are going to be less expensive.

Aftermarket Cons

• A lot of part choices can make it overwhelming to choose.
• These parts don’t always come with a warranty.
• The quality of these parts might not be the best.

Performance Parts for Cars and Trucks

There are many parts within your vehicle that can be updated with performance parts for trucks and cars. If you aren’t sure what performance car parts you want or need for your vehicle, here is a list of some of the performance auto parts that you can choose from.

• Air intake kits
• Brakes and rotors
• Cooling systems
• Engine components
• Exhaust system kits
• Fuel systems
• Ignition systems
• Lift kits
• Performance chips
• Performance Headers
• Performance programmers
• Steering
• Suspension systems
• Throttle body spacers
• Transmission
• Turbocharger
• And more

There is a huge selection of performance auto parts to choose from, with a ton of different makes to choose from. If you are really wanting to increase the performance of your car, it is something to look into. However, remember that the parts might not be the best quality compared to OEM parts and that they don’t come with a warranty. This is important to note because if the parts malfunction, you won’t get your money back on the parts. Think about whether it is worth removing the OEM parts with new ones; if you think that OEM parts aren’t doing what they should for your car, it might be with investing in aftermarket parts.

How Can I Improve My Car’s Performance for Free?

If you are wanting to know how to improve your car’s performance for free, the best thing you can do is take care of your car. When it needs it’s oil changed, change it, when it requires more antifreeze, fill it up. Ensuring that your car is in the best shape is going to ensure that the car is performing the way that it should. While this might not be free, taking your car in for maintenance and servicing is so important to keep your car working as it should. Whether you are looking for clutch service in California or need attention to your engine, you will need the assistance of a reliable and professional auto technician. If you have been needing JEGG Engines in Mission Viejo, CA, call Japanese Car Specialties at (949) 583-0811 to learn more!

The suspensions in every single vehicle are very important. If your suspension is not working correctly, you need to take it to a mechanic right away because it is unsafe to be on the road. Suspension is not just one specific part, it makes up a whole section of your vehicle that is in charge of many different things. If you have bad suspension and you are wondering, can I drive my car with bad suspension? The answer is yes, technically you can, but you shouldn’t because it is not safe. Not only is it unsafe, but it can actually do more harm to your vehicle the more you drive it without it being repaired. We recommend that when you go in to have your oil changed, that you ask your mechanic to let you know if they see any signs of suspension problems and they will be able to tell you if there is anything to worry about. Knowing the signs is the best way to avoid this and overall if you feel like your car isn’t working at its very best, that you take it in right away.

How suspension Works In a Car

The suspension is made up on things like tires, springs, shocks, and shock absorbers. This is what is in charge of how your vehicle moves and how it handles driving on the road. Many people ask, can your car suspension be repaired? The answer is yes, it can be repaired by a mechanic that knows how to work on suspension. We recommend that you find a shop that specializes in the types of car that you have, that way you know they are experienced and that they won’t be sending you off in a vehicle that still has problems when they are done with it. Your car suspension and steering system are extremely important parts that should always be taken care of and paid attention to. When your vehicle has issues with the suspension, the rest of your vehicle can also be affected.

How Long Does It Take To Replace Suspension?

This varies from car to car and depends on how severe the problem actually is and if parts are needed to be ordered to make it work correctly. One single set of shots could take up to 3 hours, so if your suspension is shot, you may be out of a vehicle for a few days.

How Long Does a Car’s Suspension Last?

This will vary as well and depend on several factors. If you take care of your car and have it serviced regularly, it may last longer, but if you drive your car very hard, it may not last long at all. All of these will vary person to person.

Signs Of Suspension Problems

No vehicle problems are good to have, but suspension issues are one of the problems that you absolutely can not ignore. It is important that if you notice any of the signs we mention below, that you take it into a mechanic or give us a call at 949-583-0811 right away so that we can see what is going on. If you have problems with your suspension in Mission Viejo, CA, call Japanese Car Specialties and we can get it taken care of for you.

Very Bumpy Drive – When you drive on the road, have you been feeling every single bump that you come across? Unless you are driving over speed bumps the entire drive, there is no reason that you should feel every bump in the road. This is a sign that your shocks or struts could be needing a replacement. They may be worn down and showing you signs that it is time to get something new. You can do a few things to see if this is the issue, like when you have your car parked, lean on the front end and then let go. Does your car bounce around a little bit for a few seconds? If it happens more than 3 times, make sure that you get it checked out and probably changed out.

Pulling Steering Wheel – When you are driving and you let go of the steering wheel (we don’t recommend doing this) does your car pull to one side pretty strongly? This may mean that your alignment is off. It can be hard to tell by yourself, without taking it into a mechanic shop, because there are other factors that could make your vehicle pull to one side. For example, if you are driving on a road that is uneven, it will pull to one side stronger than the other. A mechanic will be able to look at this and tell you what is going on. This is part of your car suspension and will need to be taken care of or you can end up wearing your tires down more on one side than the other and uneven tire pressure. Different brands of cars will do different things in this situation, for example, Nissan alignment, will pull and needs to be corrected quickly in order to not damage anything under the car. If you are wondering what can damage car suspension, this is one of the major ways.

Hard Time Steering – If you are having a hard time steering and even harder time when you are driving slowly, your suspension might be trying to tell you something. We call this “slipping” and it is when your steering wheel will try to pull back in a different direction and give you a hard time when turning. This could be because your power steering isn’t working correctly or even you may have a faulty power steering pump.

Not Sitting Even – If your vehicle isn’t sitting evenly on the ground, it is probably because there is some kind of damage that is happening to the springs. This could result in loud clunking noises and will not allow your car to work its very best in a situation where the road conditions are not at their greatest.

 

Your car is something that you can’t skimp out on. It is what you drive to work, drop your kids off at school, in, and go from place to place to get through your daily life. If something goes wrong with it, you may want to second guess just taking it to any old mechanic shop in town. If you end up having problems with your car on a road trip you will have to find a transmission service in Phoenix, Arizona. When you choose to take your car to a shop that specializes in your brand of car, you are doing yourself and your vehicle a real service. This is similar to going to a heart doctor for your chest pain, rather than a general family practice doctor; they are both good, but one will know much more detail about the problem than the other.

The Difference In Knowledge

Tires – Specific makes of car like Japanese car brands, usually have certain tires that will work best on your vehicle and if you know what kind to get, you will have a better quality drive.

Engine – Every engine does the same type of thing, but not every engine is the same. On the contrary, every engine is very different and you want someone who knows all about your specific engine type.

Brakes – It is very important that you know what kind of brakes in Mission Viejo work best for the type of car you have to be the safest on the road.

Paint Color – Different types of cars make very specific colors of paint and you want to be exact if you are touching up spots on your car.

If you need help with your car repairs in Mission Viejo, CA, call Japanese Car Specialties at (949) 583-0811 to help you with your car.