Posted on 12/7/2015
Blurred vision from worn wiper blades. Whether or not you use them frequently, you should be replacing wiper blades with some regularity. Over time the blade wears down, making it less effective at clearing your windshield leaving those undesired streaks right where you need to see out the most. It’s important to remember that effective windshield wipers are a vital safety component: so we recommend taking the maintenance of them as seriously as you would your tires or brakes. How Long Is Too Long? Some people will go years between a new set of blades, but that’s far too long. Wiper blades can wear out in as few as three months. And most will not last longer than 12-15, even if you shell out big bucks for a high-end pair. Get in the habit of looking at your blades every few months. If you are seeing any clues suggesting they are wearing out, it’s b ... read more
Posted on 10/15/2014
This driver is clearly experiencingaggravating behaviors by other motorists. Now that Labor Day is over, Camarillo’s warm summer days are rapidly ending and school is back in full swing, we find ourselves faced with the inevitable spike in the number of drivers on the road. It’s very likely that with this increase in traffic, you’re bound to experience some of the worst drivers in the world (at least they are in our own minds). These types of drivers can make a simple trip to the market feel the same as having a root canal without anesthetic! We discovered a recent poll that was taken of 1,001 adults to identify the behaviors that are likeliest to elicit road rage. Their poll uncovered the list of 12 things that bother American drivers the most. The 2014 Road ... read more
Posted on 6/11/2014
Should your vehicle's engine run low on engine oil it could cause it to make a loud "ticking or tapping" noise. This noise is caused by an insufficient amount oil being pumped into the top part of the engine. A simple check of the engine oil level will help you determine if the system is low. It's not unusual for the engine to make a tick or tapping noise when first started cold. When the car has set for a while, the oil drains out of the engine and down into the oil pan. Once the engine is started, the oil pump circulates the oil throughout the engine allowing it to build pressure. Until the proper oil pressure is achieve you may hear this slight ticking noise. In colder weather it often takes a bit longer for the oil pressure to build making these noises more common. If the noise remains after the vehicle has come to its normal operating tem ... read more
Posted on 9/30/2009
The Camarillo area has seen a spike in thefts of Catalytic Converters from underneath of cars. Catalytic Converters are an essential component in vehicles to prevent engine exhaust gasses from polluting the environment. These components contain precious metals that fetch high prices when recycled. Many contain platinum that can bring more than $1,000 per ounce. The theft of catalytic converters is easy because removal is often as simple as removing a few bolts. The thieves can conceal their actions because the converters are underneath of the car. Very High Replacement Costs Some vehicle makes and models are bigger targets because of the value of the catalytic converter and the ease of removal. For example, currently Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia are very common targets. To replace a catalytic converter can cost as much as $1500 to $2500. Here’s How Camarillo Car Care is Helping You Deter a Theft in Your V ... read more
Posted on 9/30/2009
Help Troubleshoot Your Vehicle With This Vehicle Sounds Chart As you drive your vehicle be aware of its operating characteristics and normal sounds from the engine, transmission, driveline, exhaust system and tires. Excessively loud or abnormal sounds fall into the category of “noises.” They can be very helpful to service technicians when diagnosing the cause of a problem. The following definitions of common noises are provided to assist you in completing the diagnostic worksheet: Boom: Rhythms sound like a drum roll or distant thunder. May cause pressure on ear drum. Buzz: Low pitched sound, something like a bee. Usually associated with vibrations. Chatter: Rapidly repeating metallic sound. Chuckle: Rapid noise that sounds like a stick a ... read more
Posted on 9/30/2009
The leading cause of death for children ages 3 and older The greatest threat children face today is motor vehicle crashes. While walking, cycling, or as a passenger in a motor vehicle, these crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages three and older. As a community, we need to work together to create safer school zones for our kids during the school season and all year round. Camarillo Car Care, a AAA approved auto repair facility for the past 25 years, and The Auto Club are proud to support the “Schools Open-Drive Carefully” safety campaign. This campaign is part of the national AAA Traffic Safety Program designed to inform and raise visibility of the increased hazards children face when driving or walking to or from school or school bus stops. Camarillo Car Care and The Auto Club encourage motorists to follow these safety tips: Slow down near schools and in residential areas. Look for clues such as bicycles, crossing ... read more
Posted on 9/30/2009
Maximize your gas mileage with these helpful tips With the price of gasoline today, the subject of fuel economy has become more important. Here at Camarillo Car Care, we have made a checklist of a few of the most important factors in maximizing your MPG’s. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our staff. Enjoy. Also, you’ll probably be surprised at how many miles you can drive for $1.00 of gas today. Maintain proper air pressure in your tires: Think of how much harder a bicycle is to pedal with low tire pressure. Well, your car has to work harder when its tires are lower too. Of course when it works harder to go the same distance, it uses more gas. Proper tire pressure can improve your mileage by up to 3%. Regularly check and replace dirty air filters: An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” fuel mixture. This means too much fuel ... read more