Silicon Valley Auto Repair

You park at the store, come back ten minutes later, and the starter barely clicks. The battery seemed fine yesterday, so the sudden failure feels random. In most cases it was building for weeks. Modern vehicles put a steady load on the battery even while parked, and heat, short trips, and age all chip away at its reserve until one cold morning or hot afternoon finishes the job. Why Modern Batteries Fail Suddenly Lead acid batteries do not taper off like a phone battery. They can deliver normal cranking right up to the day internal capacity drops below what the starter needs. Plate material sheds with age, sulfation builds on surfaces, and a few deep discharges finish the process. Once internal resistance climbs, voltage sags hard during crank and the car feels dead without much warning. Short Trips, Heat, and Hidden Drains City driving is tough on batteries. Repeated short trips never give the alternator time to replenish the energy used to start t ... read more

Noticing your oil level dropping even though there’s no visible leak? You’re not alone. Many drivers are caught off guard by disappearing oil, wondering where it’s going and what it means for their engine. Since oil is essential for lubrication and engine protection, any unexplained loss could signal a bigger problem. So, what’s happening under the hood? Burning Oil Inside the Engine One of the most common reasons for disappearing oil is that it's being burned inside the engine. This can happen due to worn piston rings, valve seals, or other internal issues. When oil gets into the combustion chamber, it burns along with the air-fuel mixture, creating blue or grayish smoke from the exhaust. In some cases, oil burning happens gradually and isn’t always noticeable right away. PCV System Issues The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is responsible for managing pressure and removing harmful gases from the engin ... read more

Your vehicle’s fuel filter plays a critical role in maintaining the health and performance of your engine. Its job is to keep impurities and debris in the fuel from reaching the engine, ensuring that only clean fuel is delivered. But over time, fuel filters can become clogged, which can lead to various issues with your car’s performance and even result in costly repairs if left unchecked. If you’re wondering whether your fuel filter might be the culprit behind your vehicle’s problems, this guide will help you identify the symptoms and understand why prompt attention is necessary. Difficulty Starting the Engine One of the most noticeable signs of a clogged fuel filter is trouble starting your engine. When the filter is blocked, it restricts the flow of fuel to the engine, making it harder for the combustion process to start. This can manifest as a delayed start, multiple failed attempts to start, or, in severe cases, a car that won’t star ... read more