Berkeley Auto Repair

Importance of Reading Your Car's Owner's Manual There are several reasons why every driver should read their vehicle's owner's manual. First and foremost, it is essential for safety. The owner's manual contains critical information about the vehicle's systems and how they work, including information about the brakes, steering, and other safety features. This information can help drivers avoid accidents and stay safe on the road. In addition to safety, the owner's manual can also help drivers save money. Many people don't realize that they can perform basic maintenance and repairs on their own, without having to take the vehicle to a mechanic. By reading the owner's manual, drivers can learn how to do simple things like changing the oil or replacing a tire. This can save a lot of money over time. Finally, the owner's manual is a great resource for troubleshooting problems with the vehicle. If something goes wrong, the manual can help drivers figu ... read more

A working, clean, and powerful air conditioning system is a must-have for drivers in the summer. A broken A/C system can leave you breaking out in a sweat on your commutes. And a smelly A/C system can make the air inside your car unbearable. Read on to learn about air conditioning troubles that drivers commonly experience and what may have caused them. Weak A/C Airflow When your A/C never feels like it is powerful enough, it can be frustrating. It can make you sweat on those hot summer days. If you notice a lack of airflow, it is important that you have your A/C system checked. Below are some of its common culprits: Mildew or mold built up in the evaporator core A loose or cracked hose Malfunctioning ventilation fan Damaged seals Not Cold Enough or Warm A/C There are many explanations for warm air conditioning. If your car's air conditioning feels like it lacks the cooling factor, please bring your car to our auto repair shop for inspections. Below are some of the common rea ... read more

If you are looking to replace your suspension components, it can be difficult to differentiate whether shocks or struts are right for you. In some vehicles, they may even have both. Today, we will explain some distinctions between shocks and struts and how they can improve your vehicle's handling and performance. Shock Absorber A shock absorber, or shock, is a device that dampens the movement of a vehicle's springs. They are responsible for enabling a smooth drive and minimizing wear on other suspension components like your ball joints, bearings, or bushings. By reducing the feeling of bumps on the road, they keep your tires in proper contact with the road. Struts A strut is a structural component that helps support the vehicle's body and keep it level to the ground. Sometimes, shocks can be included in the strut's configuration. Struts work by distributing side-to-side forces from one end of the vehicle to the other. Struts can be found on both the front and rear e ... read more

Whether you're hauling luggage for a road trip or carrying moving boxes for a big move for the spring and summer, you'll need to know how to do it safely. Transporting oversized or heavy items can present major risks, and if you aren't careful, it can get you or others hurt. Moreover, you don't want a ticket for something you can easily avoid. With the proper knowledge and tools, you can easily transport your items. Here are some things you should keep in mind! Clean Everything Out First Before your trip or move-in day, it is especially important that you tidy up your car first. Get rid of any trash or unnecessary items so that it doesn't take up space. Once you have a clean vehicle, it'll make things easier to organize. Size Matters If you own an SUV, truck, or van, you can obviously haul more than a sedan or coupe. You can transport more items and even strap them on top of your vehicle's roof. However, you must know how much all your cargo weighs befor ... read more

While it may be tempting to skip an oil change due to our busy schedules, doing so can pose harmful risks for your engine. For your car to run smoothly every day, you need to put clean engine oil in it to keep the motor and its parts lubricated. Motor oil helps to minimize friction, prevent corrosion, and maintain a stable engine temperature. Over time, this fluid picks up a decent amount of dirt and grime. That is why it is to get your oil and filter changed on time, every time.   The frequency of routine oil services may vary from person to person or car to car. Additionally, the climate and driving habits also play a role. The owner's manual is the best place to find reliable information regarding your oil change intervals, the type of oil required (conventional or synthetic), and much more. Your automaker has recommendations for all your maintenance items, not just your oil changes. By following the manufacturer's specifications, you'll protect your investment an ... read more

One common crime that is becoming more popular today is catalytic converter theft. Yep - you heard that right. You can find these metallic gadgets under your vehicle, and they are responsible for converting dangerous engine gasses into safer vapors to be released into the air.    You might wonder why these are so special. Thieves flock to catalytic converters because they contain precious metals such as palladium, platinum, rhodium, and copper, all of which have risen in price since the start of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing a catalytic converter may triple or quadruple the selling price of the stolen one. Nonetheless, if yours gets stolen, you should immediately get a new one to avoid damage to other parts. Moreover, you could be compromising your health and safety.   Tips to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft Here are several things you can do to prevent catalytic converter theft from your vehicle. Only park in well-lit parking areas as light ... read more

Brakes are a critical safety component because they help you control vehicle speed and stop your vehicle when needed. You simply cannot operate a car without functioning brakes. A common problem that drivers face when it comes to brakes is soft or mushy brake pedals. When this happens, stopping your car may be a problem, making driving very dangerous. Below are some reasons why brakes can get spongy: Damaged Brake Lines Brakes lines are susceptible to rust. Moisture and salt can collect in certain areas and weaken your brake lines when you drive. As a result, you may experience leaks that cause spongy brake pedals. Old or Low Brake Fluid Brake fluid is necessary to convert the pressure applied to the brake pedals into stopping power. As previously mentioned, a loss in the brake fluid can cause mushy brakes. However, old and contaminated DOT fluid can also cause the same feeling. Fluid maintenance is necessary for this particular reason so that your brake fluid remains effective at ... read more

A police officer pulls you over because your tail lights are out. This is one of those common car problems that people rarely catch since they don't see their taillights when driving. You can only be certain that your taillights are working if you check on them regularly, which most people don't. Today, we will be going over the importance of taillights and why they might go out. What Is a Tail Light? Taillights (sometimes referred to as taillamps) are those red lights in the rear end of your car. Similar to your headlights, their primary goal is to make your vehicle visible to others on the road. Your taillights are typically connected to your headlight.  While your taillamps are on the backside of your vehicle, they are not the same as your brake lights. Though both are red and located in the same housing, they are not interchangeable. Brake lights are always much more vibrant than the regular tail lamp and only come on when you engage your brakes. What Causes Tailli ... read more

Happy Thanksgiving from our entire team at The Model Garage! For this holiday, we are not only thankful for our friends and family, but we are thankful for you all. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more coming up, it means lots of travel. If you are planning a road trip to visit your loved ones far and near, we highly urge you to come by our shop for a check-up before you hit the road. Here are five tips to remember when traveling for the holidays! Don't forget to pack ample blankets, coats, socks, hats, gloves, etc., for the road to keep you warm if you're traveling to colder places.  Pack an emergency kit in your trunk just in case of emergencies. Some things to include in that kit are a spare tire, jack, wrench, flashlight, batteries, road flares, cell phone charger, jumper cables, and first aid kit.  What's a road trip without snacks? Besides your cold-weather gear and emergency kit, please make sure you pack plenty of water and some snacks. This can curb ... read more

Many people take the reliability of a car's electrical system for granted until your car doesn't start. Without a battery, the ignition and starter would have no capability to crank the engine. Even after your vehicle starts, the battery continues to provide electrical charges to power the car's electrical systems. While you may think batteries are straightforward, many misunderstandings exist about their function, maintenance, and purpose. Today, we're here to lay it all out and set the record straight. Myth #1: Hot weather isn't as bad on batteries as cold weather. Both hot or cold temperatures can negatively affect the liquid solution that holds a charge in the battery. Both extremes significantly lower performance and leads to premature wear. While batteries won't freeze in frigid temperatures, it will also limit the battery's ability to work at full power. Ho ... read more