Silicon Valley Auto Repair

Winter months can present many challenges for your vehicle. While modern vehicles are designed to handle inclement weather conditions, there are some basic steps every driver should take as the days get shorter and the temperature drops. Fluid Refill and Replacement Whether you take your car in for regular maintenance or you're a do-it-yourself home mechanic, the best way to winterize your car is to start by checking your fluid levels. Coolant—It is especially important to have the correct antifreeze/water mixture to prevent fluid from freezing in your radiator. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for information on this mixture. Pick up a tester at an auto parts store and make sure the fluid is filled to the maximum line. Oil—Some mechanics recommend switching to a thinner oil if you live where temperatures drop below freezing. Your best bet is to consult your owner's manual or talk to your mechanic. More about oil change... Wiper fluid—Often overlooked ... read more

California safety agencies are promoting safe driving this holiday season with tips and added enforcement during December.the California Highway Patrol has teamed up with seven other state law enforcement agencies across the nation in the fourth annual “Interstate 40 Challenge: The Drive toward Zero Fatalities.” The enforcement campaign began Thanksgiving weekend and focuses on more than 2,500-mile stretch of Interstate 40, a stretch of raod that begins in North Carolina and ends in California.As part of the campaign, agencies are encouraged to assign officers for every 20 miles along the I-40 corridor during 12-hour periods of Wednesday and Sunday, which are the busiest travel days. Interstate 40 bisects through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Arkansas and Tennessee.“Accepting the challenge and working with our law enforcement partners and the public has proven very successful in years past,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “California did not exp ... read more

The CHP has joined the American Occupational Therapy Association to recognize Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 5-9.The ability to drive safely can be affected by physical, emotional, and mental conditions. If family and friends discuss potential changes before they become an issue, older drivers can be involved in the planning. Proactive, early planning is essential for continued independence and safety on the road.According to the CHP, drivers should plan for their changing needs just as they do with financial planning. “Most people want to maintain their independence, and that usually means driving,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Discussing how long it is safe to continue driving may be difficult for family and friends, but it is important.”In 2014, motorists over 65 make up some 15 percent of the licensed drivers in California. According to information from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, seniors were involved in 10 percent of the fatal collisi ... read more