A while back we wrote about California’s plan to ban sale of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Well… Wyoming legislators introduced a resolution to ban sale of electric vehicles by 2035. Sponsors mentioned that there is no infrastructure in the state to support electric vehicles, and that electric vehicles do not contribute to state’s economy – whereas fossil fuels are a major industry in Wyoming. One of the sponsors pointed out that his goal was not to ban electric vehicles, but rather to bring attention to other state governments banning gasoline powered cars. Wyoming is known for its laissez-faire attitude and free market inclinations. Wyoming government is one of the few state governments that are truly fiscally conservative and runs a budget surplus, even though Wyoming does not collect state individual income tax or state corporate tax. The resolution is unlikely to become a law but it did bring attention to the heavy handed behavior of many ... read more

An oil change is one of the essential maintenance services that should not be put off. This is because motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine, providing lubrication for fast-moving parts. Over time, the oil will become dirty and contaminated, necessitating a change. Timely oil changes extend engine’s longevity and enhance its overall performance. Fortunately, with the new synthetic engine oils, you don’t have to get engine oil changed as often as in the past. If your Audi uses full synthetic engine oil, the rule of thumb is to change the oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months. You Owner’s Manual will provide manufacturer recommendations which, ideally, you would follow. We cannot overstress the importance of regular engine oil change. Regular service is required to keep the manufacturer’s warranty in force, but it’s the other benefits that make regular oil change so valuable. Fresh engine oil provides better lubrication, thus putting less strain on the eng ... read more

Everyone knows how essential the braking system is to their safety and that of their passengers but many vehicle owners forget to get the brake fluid changed regularly. Although the brake fluid is capable of withstanding high pressure and temperature caused by friction, it can lose its effectiveness over time due to buildup of dirt and particles. Brake fluid also absorbs water from the environment, and over time increased water content can cause braking problems, and in severe cases, outright brake failure. That’s why Toole’s Garage offers brake fluid testing and brake fluid change at our Stockton, CA auto care facility. Signs your Audi needs a brake fluid change service It’s vital to know when the brake fluid is losing its hydraulic power and your Audi will usually let you know by giving off warning signs. Here are a few to note: Longer braking distance When you press the pedal, the brake fluid transforms the force into pressure t ... read more

Honda Timing Belt Replacement You may never come in contact with your timing belt but it is vital for the smooth functioning of your Honda’s engine. It is responsible for rotating the engine’s cam and crankshaft in sync to enable them to open and close at the right time. Without a working timing belt, an engine will not run. Because it is subject to a lot of stress and strain, the timing belt suffers wear and tear, and will eventually need to be replaced. Typically Honda timing belt will need to be replaced every 105,000 miles or so. The number is not precise, because a lot depends on the type of driving you do, and on the timing belt inspection – if there is visible deterioration, an early riming belt replacement is indicated. If the timing belt is past its prime, you may also notice following symptoms – we recommend a timely visit to your local mechanic – a broke timing belt is not an insignificant issue. So here is a short list of sy ... read more

When it comes to Audi service, the timing belt or the timing chain are some of the most crucial systems to pay attention to. We all know about timing belt replacement, but what if your Audi has a timing chain? Aren’t they supposed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle? In theory, a timing chain should never have to be replaced. In reality, though, it turns out that some makes, and Audi in particular, may need timing chain replacement. While timing chains typically do not break, they do stretch out. As a result, timing might be off, and your Audi may suffer engine misfire, or you can hear rattle from the engine area. Problems starting your vehicle can also occur due to a timing chain being stretched out. If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s time to visit your friendly mechanic. Timing chain diagnosis and replacement is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires special tools, training, and years of experience. So if you are looking for best-in-class Audi maintenance ... read more

Oil Change, the Unsung Hero As car owners, we are told that oil change is important, that we should have our vehicle get an oil change every 3000 miles if using conventional oil, and every 5000 miles if using full synthetic. But do we do it? When you get your car back from an oil change, there is usually a little sticker in the upper left corner of the windshield – it tells you when or at what mileage to get another oil change. Heed this advice. The biggest value of an oil change is that it extends engine life. Over time, motor oil deteriorates – both due to passage of time and the high heat under which it operates. It’s chemical and mechanical properties change. As it circulates through the engine and the system, it also picks up all kinds of grime and impurities that form within the system, as metal parts move close to each other, plastics deteriorate, etc. Oil filter can only filter our bigger particles, rest of them cycle through the system caus ... read more

Electric Vehicles - Challenges Ahead   Since California Governor Newsome mandated that by 2035 all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California are to be zero-emission vehicles, we are facing a few challenges.    First of all, no vehicle is “zero emissions” – the emissions just happen to occur far away from California towns and cities – in somebody else’s backyard.    Electric vehicles, as the name implies, require electricity. Most of our electric energy is generated by burning fossil fuels. There is about 30% loss (energy value of the fuel vs generated electricity) during generation of electricity in a power plant. Then electricity has to be sent across vast distances from power plants to the end users – according to the Energy Information Administration, that’s additional 9% power loss for California. And most of the electricity comes from fossil fuels ... read more

Why a Shock and Strut Repair Is Important   Your shocks and struts are an invaluable component of your vehicle’s suspension. These parts not only ensure that you have a comfortable ride but are also integral in making sure that you have complete control of your car.   Shocks and struts replacement or repairs are not something that should be put off as a suspension failure can cause loss of vehicle control. What Are Shocks and Struts Shocks and struts are sometimes used interchangeably and while they perform similar tasks, they are their own independent components. Every car can have a combination of shocks and struts or some may just have shocks. It is fairly common have shocks in the front and struts in the rear axle.   Both of these parts will help your vehicle in the following ways:   ● Preventing excessive body and tire movement. ● Provide consistent braking and handling by ensuring the tires are in consta ... read more

Brake Repair    It’s hard to overstate the importance of your car’s brakes. Responsible for allowing your car to come to a stop, they are the most important feature in your vehicle when it comes to safety. That’s why it’s important that you keep up with maintaining these systems and not hesitate to have a brake repair done if needed.    While brakes are much simpler than your engine, there are still many parts that contribute to your car's stopping power.   Most Common Brake Services and Repairs Due to how vital the brakes are to your safety, it is always recommended that you have your brakes repaired at your local repair shop. If you have noticed decreased braking power, a grinding noise when braking, or anything else out of the ordinary, do not delay bringing your car into the shop. As there can be many factors responsible for poor braking, here are a few examples of what types of brake repairs can be done at y ... read more

You will find here information about auto repair, interviews with shop owners, tips on vehicle maintenance as well as information on what to look out for when buying a used car, and occasional news from the car world.   This blog, similar to the radio program, will give you the straight scoop on everything auto – the new, the old, the good, the bad, and the ugly. So visit now and then and enjoy the ride