Tesla’s problems with the Tesla truck are well documented. But what about other automakers? Well, I recently talked to a delivery guy. The company he works for uses a fleet of Ford ETransit  (yes, that’s “electric” Ford Transit) and Rivian trucks.  His enthusiasm was muted. The biggest problem, of course, is the range.  He said that Ford ETransit was giving him about 100 mile range. Rivian vans were better, at 140 miles, but it was not because of super efficiency – they just have a bigger battery pack. The bane of the electric cars – limited range – will continue to impact electric vans for years to come. Imagine crawling in Bay Area traffic, and your electric van is running low on power. Are you close to a charging station? Is it a fast charging station? How about 15 minutes to get 45 mile range at a fast charging station. But at the Level 2 Ford Connected Charge Station, it will take almost 3 hrs. to recharge, so you can go a ... read more

Toyota will invest over $8 billion in North Carolina, expanding its battery manufacturing capability. It will create additional 3,000 jobs and allow Toyota to significantly expand its production of batteries for EVs and for Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Estimates are that by 2030 that plant will be able to manufacture around 600,000 EV battery packs every year. Considering that Toyota has made large bets on hydrogen powered vehicles, and that it continues to improve hydrogen technology, it speaks to its financial prowess that it can invest billions into EV technology that it plans to make obsolete with its hydrogen cars. But then, given Toyota’s position in the automotive industry, it is not surprising that it can invest in two very different technologies simultaneously. It projects yearly profits at 26 billion dollars. Even though Toyota currently offers only two purely electric vehicles - bZ4X SUV and its twin, the Lexus RZ, it also offers plenty of hybrids and plug-in hybrids tha ... read more

Yes, you heard it right, Tesla service at independent auto repair shops. We can now provide Tesla owners not only with new OE tires, but also wheel alignment, brake pads replacement, and suspension work. Tesla finally recognized that the long wait times at the Tesla service centers are not going away, particularly when they are ramping up production at the Texas Giga Factory. So for the first time independent auto repair shops are getting access to Tesla OE parts, and we are also getting more technical information flow. Naturally independent shops  can also provide Michelin OE Tesla tires, as well as Tesla tires from Continental and other well-known brand names. These tires have the special foam inserts to keep the ride quiet. Naturally along with new tires we can provide wheel alignment for Tesla vehicles. We anticipate that over time Tesla will provide more technical information, more parts, and will rely on independent auto repair shops to provide the services that Tesla vehi ... read more

Goodyear is known for its tire innovations including using dandelion latex instead of tree harvested latex (when you break dandelion stem, the white stuff that comes out contains latex). So it’s not a surprise that recently Goodyear announced they were able to produce a 90% sustainable tire. The tire materials include not just recycled polyester, but also plant-based materials, like soybean oil, rice husk waste, and pine resin. Steel used in the tires has high recycled content. According to Goodyear, the tires have passed regulatory testing, as well as Goodyear’s internal durability and performance testing. Naturally Goodyear will need to line up suppliers and create a reliable supply chain in order to scale production, so it will take some time before you can buy 90% sustainable tires at your local tire dealer. The stated goal of Goodyear is to eventually produce tires that are made of 100% sustainable-materials. At present, there is no estimate on when this tire will b ... read more

Your Subaru has a transmission system that enables the smooth transfer of power from the engine to the wheels. Because the system consists of several moving components, it uses the transmission fluid to ensure proper lubrication to prevent friction, wear and tear, and overheating. Overtime, the transmission fluid will begin to break down and lose its effectiveness. When this happens, it exposes your transmission to risks. Flushing old transmission fluid and adding new fluid is the only way to keep your transmission in great condition. At Toole’s Garage in Valley Springs we offer Subaru transmission fluid replacement as one of the hundreds of Subaru maintenance and repair services we perform.   Signs your Subaru needs transmission fluid change As the transmission fluid gets older, it picks up grit and grime. These are the signs your Subaru will express when the transmission fluid is old and dirty. Grinding noises When the transmission sys ... read more

Your Subaru’s proper functioning is determined by the combined efforts of different components in your vehicle. The engine is the one of the most important components in your Subaru. While your vehicle may continue moving if some components are faulty, any problem with your engine may get you stranded on the side of the road. Even though most modern vehicles are self-tuning, we still recommend bringing your Subaru for a tune-up from time to time. Toole’s Garage in San Carlos can provide Subaru tune-up services, along with hundreds of other services your vehicle may require. Even though computers watch over most of the functions that used to be performed during tune-ups, and adjust parameters in real time, sometimes things will get so far out of the normal range that the computer cannot compensate, and a tune up service becomes a necessity. Signs your Subaru is overdue for an engine tune up ... read more

The timing belt might seem unimportant, but it plays a crucial role in the mechanics of your Subaru. It enables your engine to operate by rotating the cam and crankshaft in sync to ensure that each cylinder fires at the right time. It controls the timing of the valves and pistons. Over time, age, heat and possible oil leaks will cause timing belt deterioration and it will need to be replaced. Timing belt replacement is a major undertaking, and you should take your Subaru to a trusted auto repair shop. At Adams Autoworx Albany we have extensive Subaru service and repair experience, and our nationally ASE certified technicians can perform even the most complex Subaru maintenance services and repairs. As the timing belt ages, if not replaced, it will at some point break ( most often one of the teeth will sheer off – it’s still called a “brake”). This can cause serious engine damage that will cost thousands to repair, assuming repairs are advisable. If the worst ca ... read more

Catalytic converters rarely fail, since they have no moving parts. Thus catalytic converter replacement used to be a once-in-a-while repair. If your Toyota’s catalytic converter failed, we could order a replacement, and have the repair done in a day. But for the last 3 years or so, catalytic converter theft has resulted in a vast increase in catalytic converter replacements at our Stockton auto care facility.  Often we also have to repair damage done by thieves that extends to other components. In particular, oxygen sensors often get damaged during catalytic converter theft. Unfortunately for Toyota owners, Toyota Prius is the most frequent victim of the catalytic converter theft. It takes a professional thief less than 2 minutes to steal the catalytic converter, yet he can sell it for hundreds of dollars. We recommend keeping your vehicles inside the garage at night. If you have to park outside, try to find an area that is near a street light – it deters thieves. An ... read more

About 4 months ago we noticed that the parking lot at the Tesla factory in Fremont, CA was full of Tesla vehicles - something we never noticed before. In January Tesla lowered prices of their vehicles amid the news that they were not selling as briskly as they used to. That was good news for consumers. Now for the latest bad news - in Q4 2022 fuel expense to drive 100 miles in a typical electric vehicle cost more than driving a typical internal combustion engine car. Anderson Economic Group( AEG) reported that in Q4 2022 typical mid-priced internal combustion engine vehicle drivers paid $11.29 for fuel to drive 100 miles. That was 31 cents cheaper than mid-priced electric vehicle drivers had to pay to travel 100 miles - if they charged at home. If the EV drivers charged their vehicles at a commercial facility, they paid $3 more per 100 miles. With continuing inflation, the cost of electricity is up, while the seasonal drop in demand for gasoline has caused the prices to come down ... read more

Your Audi’s AC was designed to keep you cool and comfortable whenever you’re behind the wheel. It is especially helpful in the summer months when extreme heat causes a lot of sweating. Because of the vital function the AC system plays, it’s important to ensure that it’s in top working condition – Diablo Auto Specialists provides comprehensive Walnut Creek Audi AC repair services. Old age and frequent usage may lead to some components getting worn and damaged. When this happens, your AC may fail to provide the right temperature. Warning signs your Audi AC needs repair Knowing the warning signs of a failing AC can help you nip the problem in the bud, so you don’t end up in a sweaty mess while driving. Weak airflow The number one sign that your Audi’s AC is overdue for service or repairs is that the airflow drops until it is non-existent. When a vehicle’s AC stops blowing cool air, it could be due to a f ... read more