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Summer Automotive Maintenance Tips

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:43:44 GMT

The summer season brings plenty of events and activities for everyone to do. You’ll probably be doing quite a bit of driving on trips and other things, so it’s crucial to make sure that your automobile is in good working condition, so you don’t run into any hiccups along the way.

At Complete Automotive , we can help you with any of your automotive maintenance services. Here are some simple maintenance tips to keep in mind this summer as your driving to and from different activities.

Check on Your Oil

When you’re driving more in the summer, you’re using more miles and of course, more oil. Once your car reaches a certain amount of mileage, it’s important to check the oil levels more often. You could be using more oil than you think.

Test the Air Conditioning

In one of our previous blog posts , we talked about the importance of checking the air conditioning in your automobile before the summer. If you think you have an issue with your car’s air conditioning, it’s important to bring it in to get checked because driving in the summer can get hot.

Keep an Eye on Your Tire Pressure

When your tire pressure indicator light switches on, this is when it’s time to get to a gas station and check the pressure. One recommendation is to keep a handheld tire pressure gage in your glove compartment, so you can check on the go. Also, an electric tire pump is a good investment for your automobile. Most are simple to use!

Inspect Your Brakes and Alignment

If you feel that your brakes are not performing as well as they should, it might be time to have them inspected to ensure they still are safe and have life left. If they don’t, you’ll need to replace those asap for safety.

Your car’s alignment can go through wear and tear from heavy driving, potholes, and rough roads. During the summer, you’ll want to get your alignment evaluated. If you feel the steering wheel pull to one side, this could be a sign.

At Complete Automotive , you don’t have to fret over any of your automotive issues. We’re a full-service automotive repair and maintenance company that will offer inspections, check-ups, and all repairs to your vehicle. If you need a summer check-up, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us at (805) 547-2333 to set up your appointment!

Don’t Hesitate When Your Check Engine Light Goes On

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:43:39 GMT

The check engine light in your vehicle is an important indicator that something might not be right with your car. If you ever notice the light go on, it’s very important that you get to a professional auto company to investigate what the problem might be.

Here are 3 reasons not to hesitate when the check engine light goes on.

The Computer is Thrown-Off

Most newer vehicles have a computer system that gives them signals and warnings of any engine problems, tire inflation issues, and much more. Sometimes, your check engine light will go on saying you need an oil change even if you just had one done at the shop. Sometimes the answer is as simple as the computer wasn’t reset. You should check with a professional auto company to make sure everything is okay.

Maintenance Service Required

One of the most common reasons your check-engine light switches on is because there needs to be maintenance done on your vehicle. This could be just a simple oil change and tire rotation that is due to be performed on your vehicle. Although these are fairly common and regular occurrences, you should never ignore the check engine light. Another reason might be that the tire pressure is low. Always keep an eye on your tire pressure levels because you never know when it can be a flat.

Something Major is Wrong

The check engine light goes on when something is thrown off or wrong with your vehicle. It’s always best to bring your vehicle into a professional auto company like Complete Automotive . We will determine what needs to be done to your vehicle if anything. Hopefully, your check engine light is indicting something minor. If it is something major, it needs to be taken care of or else it could be a large dent in your wallet down the road, or even worse, dangerous to drive in.

At Complete Automotive , we are a full-service auto shop that can perform maintenance, repairs, and installations on your vehicle. Contact us today at (805) 547-2333 today if your check engine light switches on!

The Thing to Know About Oil Changes

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:40:23 GMT

If you have a newer vehicle that tells you when your oil is low, you should pay attention to it. When you get an oil change done by the dealer or your automotive company, they usually give you a specific date to get your next oil change done by. This is not always the case because it can depend on the mileage on your vehicle.

Mileage Matters When it Comes to a Vehicle’s Oil

At a certain mileage, your vehicle can use up more oil. When this happens, don’t be surprised to see your oil warning sign show up on the dashboard. You may need to check your oil in your vehicle to make sure that it isn’t the computer malfunctioning, but usually, this sign means you’ll need to add more oil to your vehicle.

Bring Your Car to a Professional Automotive Shop

If you’re not sure about oil changes or topping-off your oil, then it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in to a professional automotive shop like Complete Automotive . This will be of great benefit to you, so you can learn the ins and outs of topping-off your oil when the light goes on. If you ignore the issue, this can be very bad for the health and function of your vehicle.

Use the Proper Oil for Your Particular Vehicle

If you want to make sure your vehicle is running smoothly and will last a long time, it’s very important to use the proper oil to fill-up your vehicle. Make sure that when you get your oil change done, or you top-off your oil that you’re using the same/proper oil to do so. If you mix-up different motor oils each time, this will affect the performance of your vehicle.

At Complete Automotive , we can make sure you have proper oil changes and top-off your oil when it is needed. Contact us at (805) 547-2333 today or visit us online for more information!

Benefits of Proper Tire Inflation on Your Vehicle

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:33:39 GMT

When it comes to your automobile, making sure everything is working properly is a must, especially for safety reasons. Sometimes, drivers will notice the tire pressure warning light come on and ignore it for a while. This is not a good idea. Proper tire inflation is extremely beneficial for your vehicle for many different reasons.

Here are some reasons why you should always have proper tire inflation.

Tire Inflation for Safety Reasons

Properly inflated tires will hold up much better in different road conditions. Under stormy weather, properly inflated tires will work much better, especially when stopping the vehicle. They are less-likely to fail at higher speeds, skid longer on wet surfaces, and they will last longer due to wearing down evenly.

Better Mileage with Proper Tire Pressure

Proper tire inflation can improve mileage by about 3.3 percent, whereas leaving them under-inflated can lower mileage by 0.4 percent for every one PSI drop in pressure of all four tires. In an economy where gas prices are still significantly high, it’s important to save money in any way possible. Properly inflating your tires will allow you to get better mileage and save on fuel consumption.

Less Wear on Your Tires

If you don’t enjoy buying new tires constantly, then you should make sure your tires are inflated properly at all times. Having proper tire inflation will create less wear on them and give them a longer life. This will allow you to save money on purchasing new tires less often. This will decrease the issue of bad wear patterns on your vehicle’s tires.

At Complete Automotive , we’re here to ensure your tires are functioning properly. Along with tire rotation, alignment, and balancing, we’ll inflate your vehicle’s tires properly. Our full-service automotive shop can deliver many different auto-care services for your benefit. Contact Complete Automotive at (805) 547-2333 today or visit us online for more information about proper tire inflation.

Fuel Economy: How to Save on Filling-Up Your Gas Tank

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:25:05 GMT

Gas prices are definitely high. We know. It is a stressful time for many drivers out on the road. Of course, you need to get to places. You can’t not drive. The gas in your vehicle can go quickly without even realizing it. From going grocery shopping to driving into work every day, your wallet can feel the pressure.

Here are some tips on how to eliminate the need to go to the gas station as often.

Motor Oil and Tire Inflation

It’s extremely important that you keep an eye on your motor oil. If the light comes on in your car to check your oil, don’t waste any time. Head to the auto shop to grab some motor oil or check with an automotive company for further maintenance. Making sure you’re putting in the proper oil that your car takes is crucial.

Keeping your tires inflated properly can cut back on the gas used in your vehicle. Underinflation can affect the amount of gas you use to drive. Properly inflated tires are safer and will increase tread life.

Drive Safe on the Road

Driving the speed limit is very important for many reasons. The number one reason is that it keeps you and the passengers safe on the road. It’s important to be a defensive driver and not an offensive driver. Your fuel economy will decrease the faster you drive, so make sure you’re obeying the law and not flying on the highway.

Cruise Control is Crucial

Using cruise control in your vehicle when you’re on a long road or on the highway can help to increase your fuel economy. You won’t be speeding up or slowing down constantly when you’re on the highway. This can save you the amount of gas used, especially on a longer drive.

Keep a Clean Car

Don’t clutter your vehicle up in your trunk. Applying more weight to your vehicle can decrease your fuel economy. So, if you can store the unnecessary items in your garage or basement, we highly recommend doing so.

At Complete Automotive , we are a full-service auto company that can deliver auto services when needed. We understand that gas prices are high, and times are tough, but we can help make sure that your saving money with proper automotive maintenance services. Keep your vehicle running properly not only for safety reasons, but also for fuel economy reasons.

Contact Complete Automotive at (805) 547-2333 today or visit us online for more information!

Why You Should Have Your Damaged Muffler Repaired

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:06:56 GMT

You may not think about your muffler often, but it plays an important role in keeping you safe and your car running smoothly. Like most car parts, a muffler’s performance will suffer with enough time and usage. It may even become damaged before you’re expecting to have to replace it.

First, it’s important to know how to tell if your muffler has become damaged. The easiest way to tell is if it is making more noise than normal. In that case, you should inspect it to see if you find any of the common signs of damage: holes, rust or leaking water. If so, you should look to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Here are some reasons why:

Your Safety

Let’s start with the most important consideration. Among other duties, a muffler carries exhaust out of your car. Just because your muffler is damaged doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a bigger issue with your exhaust system – in many cases it may still be sending the carbon monoxide out of your car. But if it isn’t doing that, it can get into your car’s ventilation system and cause serious problems.

Gas Mileage

With the price of fuel continuing to trend up , drivers are looking for ways to save at the pump. One way to do that is to ensure your muffler is in working order. A damaged muffler can mean your exhaust system isn’t working as well as it should. This, in turn, means your engine won’t work as efficiently, leading to decreased fuel economy. A working muffler means less trips to the pump.

The Noise and Smell

The noise made by a damaged muffler can start out as a minor nuisance and grow into being unbearably loud. This, in addition to increased exposure with carbon monoxide can lead to hearing loss . And while carbon monoxide may be odorless, other gases produced by your engine are not. If your exhaust system isn’t working as it should, you could be in for an unpleasant, smelly ride.

If you’ve noticed muffler damage on your car and want to avoid dangerous, expensive and unpleasant vehicle experiences, Complete Automotive has you covered. Call us today at (805) 547-2333 to set up your appointment.

Car Air Conditioning Not Working? Get it Checked Before the Summer

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:45:36 GMT

It can get pretty warm in the summer here in California. In San Luis Obispo, we get some comfortable temperatures in the summer unlike some other places in the state, but that still doesn’t mean that it can get hot in your automobile, especially if your air conditioning is not working. Before we get too deep into the summer, it’s important to have your air conditioning in your car checked out, so you don’t have to worry about getting into your car without a working ac unit.

Air Conditioning Service & Repair in San Luis Obispo CA

At Complete Automotive , we can provide you with an air conditioning service and repair for your automobile if you’re having any issues whatsoever. The broken air conditioner in the automobile will leak refrigerant, which can be harmful to your car’s a/c unit, as well as dangerous to the environment. If you notice any issues at all with your a/c unit in the automobile, it’s crucial that you bring in your vehicle immediately to have it checked out.

Benefits of A/C Service and Repair:

Save time and money on maintenance and repairs
Prevent harmful chemicals from leaking
Prevent further damage to your car’s a/c unit
Early detection to eliminate problems with other components
Ride with comfort this summer

These benefits of getting your vehicle in before it’s too late will give you a stress-free summer with your vehicle.

Why Choose Complete Automotive?

We are a full-service auto care company in San Luis Obispo, CA. We’re here to make sure that your automobile is in good working condition in regards to all aspects of the vehicle. Safety on the road is of upmost importance. If you’re experiencing any issues with your car’s a/c unit, don’t wait to bring it in to us.

Contact Complete Automotive at  (805) 547-2333  today or visit us online for more information!

The Importance of Brake Inspections

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:11:27 GMT

Functioning car brakes are extremely important for an automobile to be driving safely on the road. Typically, car brakes last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles depending on the type of driving and the wear and tear different types of roads put on them. It’s always important to have your brakes inspected and serviced regularly to ensure driving safety out on the road.

Signs of Worn-Out Breaks & Brake Failure

For the driver, you must keep an eye out for any signs of brake failure or worn-out brakes. There are ways to tell if you need to schedule a car brake replacement or have them inspected for any failures. You never want to be out on the road with brakes that can go at any time. This can be very dangerous for you and others riding in the automobile.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

Squealing, grinding, and other unusually noises when applying the brakes
Brake Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Wobbling or Vibrating Feeling when braking
Leaking Brake Fluid
Car Pulling to one side when braking
Burning smells

Benefits of Regular Brake Service and Inspection

Safety is the number one priority when it comes to driving in an automobile on the road. If you don’t have a safe vehicle, the possibility of an accident or malfunction increases, which is never a good thing. With regular car brake service and inspection , Complete Automotive can make sure your brakes are in good working condition, so that you can feel safe while driving out on the road. We also can consult you on the life of your brakes and when a good time is to replace them.

We offer brake replacements for your car, so if there are major problems, we’ll be able to get you back on the road with a brand-new brake replacement.

Contact Complete Automotive at  (805) 547-2333  today or visit us online for more information!

The Importance of Keeping Up with Oil Changes

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:56:12 GMT

Taking care of your automobile is extremely important for the life of your car, as well as the safety of everyone driving or riding inside of it. Oil changes are one of the most important aspects of maintaining a functioning automobile. You’d be surprised on how many people actually put off getting their oil changed for a little while. This isn’t the best idea for your car.

When is the Best Time to Get Your Oil Changed?

Most new automobiles will have computer alerts on the dashboard for when to get your oil changed. Usually, if you’re bringing your car to the dealer to get the oil changed, they will tell you when to come back, or put a sticker on the corner of the windshield naming the next date of oil change.

When it comes to doing it yourself, especially with older cars, this is totally acceptable. You should always check the owner’s manual to understand what type of oil to put in the car, as well as how often you should change the oil.

Why Oil is a Key Aspect to the Car

Oil is a vital part of a car. Having your oil changed regularly and on time when it is needed will keep your car from experiencing more problems in the future. The oil of the vehicle is a lubricant for other parts of the car that help to make the vehicle run smoothly and function properly. Without oil changes, our cars would shut down eventually.

One of the best ways to find out how and when to change your oil in your vehicle is to reach out to a trustworthy and reliable auto company like Complete Automotive . We are a full-service auto company that can provide you with proper oil changes when needed. Contact Complete Automotive at (805) 547-2333 today or visit us online for more information!

How to Find a Reliable Auto Repair Company

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:35:21 GMT

This is a question every driver on the road thinks about. We all know that taking care of our automobile is extremely important, and we never like when we have to go into an auto shop for repairs or fixes. When repairs or fixes are needed in order for you to get back on the road safely, it’s important to choose an honest and reliable auto repair company that you can trust.

Here are some tips on how to find the right auto repair company:

Do Your Research

It’s not always beneficial to go to the closest auto repair company to your home. Some auto shops can take advantage of new customers or clients. Check out the reviews and specials on their website or on a google search. If they have very good reviews and decent specials, this is a very good sign that they’re reliable and trustworthy.

Customer Service

An auto repair company that has reliable and good customer service is always a good sign. Free estimates and good communication with the company is also a relief.

Why Choose Complete Automotive?

Our mechanics have over 70 years of collective experience in automotive care and repairs . We give free estimates over the phone and offer a wide range of automotive repair services. We don’t play games with our customers because we want to ensure safe driving on the road. We take extra care of each automobile that is brought into the shop, which helps our customers get back on the road safely and in no time.

If you’re in need of professional auto repairs from a reliable company, contact Complete Automotive at  (805) 547-2333  today or visit us online for more information about our auto repair services in San Luis Obispo, California!