Hours spent in a hot, stifling vehicle can spoil a weekend getaway or vacation. A periodic under-hood inspection may help you address air conditioning problems before they spoil your trip. Here’s what we will look for when inspecting your system. Are A/C component mounting bolts in place and tightly secured? Are caps installed on the A/C system service ports? This keeps out dirt, and also provides a seal for refrigerant. Does the compressor clutch engage when the A/C is switched on? If it doesn’t, this usually indicates a low (or empty) refrigerant condition, or an electrical problem. Rapid clicking or cycling noises at the compressor when the A/C is switched on could also indicate low refrigerant or some other problems. With the engine running and the A/C switched off, is there knocking or rumbling in the vicinity of the compressor. This could indicate a failing compressor clutch, and ... read more

If there is one question or confusion we hear often from our Truckee and Lake Tahoe customers it’s why charge for diagnostic service on vehicle when there has been no repair performed. Always, the first step in repairing a vehicle is finding out what the problem is. Diagnosis takes a trained professional, specialized equipment and technician time. With code readers marketed to the general public, it is a misconception that when the check engine light comes on, the engine computer tells the technician exactly what the problem is. The reality is that it’s just not that simple. The trouble code tells the technician what engine parameter is out of range, but not what's causing it. For example, if the trouble exists within the emissions system, there are a dozen or so things that could be the culprit. Sometimes the diagnosis and repair is straight forward, but others can be more involved and difficult. In every case, your Quality Automotive Servicing technician is using exp ... read more

How about a new car for Mom for mother’s day? While a new car might not be in your budget, there are some things you can do to make her car feel like new again. Here are ten “somewhat suggestive” suggestions that will help bring that tired vehicle back into the shape it was when new. Headlights get pitted and dim with all the sand and dirt on our roadways. New Halogen headlights will light up her night and maybe yours too. It’s also keeps her safe and able avoid hazards on the road. Specially ordered and installed at Quality Automotive Servicing or DIY with a headlight restoration kit available at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. A thorough detailing of a vehicle inside can be a thoughtful gift. She tidies up the house, you can take care of the car. Be sure that deep cleaning includes the build up of crumbs between the seats, juice stains on the carpet and dog hair that sticks to the carpet. Don’t want to do it yourself? Call Mark at Crossr ... read more

You hear about the scary accident rate for teenage drivers, but did you know that more new drivers in Truckee and Lake Tahoe will do damage to their vehicle engines as a result of missed maintenance than will damage the body due to an accident? Let’s face it; most young new drivers are not thinking about what it takes to maintain a car, SUV , truck or four-wheel drive when they pop in a favorite CD. But ignoring general maintenance and not knowing the signs that the vehicle requires professional auto repair service could result in a roadside breakdown, major repairs, or even a fast trip to the junkyard. Parents breathe a sigh of relief that this is not a lecture you need to have with your new driver. Leave it to pros at Quality Automotive Servicing. As your trusted local auto care, we can help new drivers take the wheel in that Subaru, Toyota or Jeep knowing it’s reliable and safe. Join us on May 29 at 5:30 pm for Don’t Blow Up Your Car Sem ... read more

What are you doing be a "green" driver? Here are some tips to consider this Earth Day to make your vehicle more environmentally friendly. Keep the engine running at peak performance. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Iif your vehicle is not running up to par, have a technician take a look and run a diagnostic test. Also, replace filters and fluids as recommended in the owner’s manual and more often if driving on dusty, dirty roads. Don’t ignore that ‘Check Engine’ light. Vehicles today have much cleaner emissions than they did 30 years ago, but a poorly running engine or faulty exhaust system will give your vehicle the green light to increasd emissions and pollution. Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Not only will you reduce the engine’s effort and, thus, gasoline consumption, your tires will last longer too, saving you money ... read more