Ignition coils make it possible for spark plugs to generate the sparks that ignite air-fuel mixture that powers the internal combustion engine. Ignition coils transform low voltage from the car battery into high voltage that spark plugs require to generate the sparks. Over time, ignition coils may fail. When the ignition coil starts to fail, you may notice a number of behaviors that are not typical for your vehicle. You may notice that the check engine light came “on”, or that there is loss of power, or slow acceleration. Engine may run poorly, it may misfire, or it may even stall. These are all symptoms that indicate something is seriously wrong – but it takes a professional mechanic with professional diagnostic tools and skills to track down all the possibilities and get to the root cause of the problem. If it turns out that ignition coil is at fault, ignition coil replacement will fix the problem. Generally we recommend replacing all ignition coils at the ... read more

Tesla vehicles have taken California by storm – whether in Southern California or Northern California – you can see them everywhere. One of the recurring needs of Tesla owners is wheel alignment. Electric vehicles tend to be hard on tires. Any time you do tire replacement, wheel alignment is indicated. Due to rapid acceleration, it’s also easy for a Tesla to bump into curbs, parking stalls, etc. Any time your vehicle bumps into things, there is a high probability of wheels going out of alignment. Over time, misaligned wheels will cause accelerated and uneven tire wear, resulting in premature need for tire replacement. At Adams Autoworx in Castro Valley we offer professional Tesla wheel alignments – our newest computerized alignment machine can detect and correct misalignment as slight as 1/100 of an inch. Yes, that’s the accuracy we can achieve, and recommend for your Tesla. Even slight misalignment can cause accelerated tire wear, so having your Tesla ... read more

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