What Are Automobile Struts and how do they go bad?

What are automobile struts and how do you know if they are going bad?

The strut on an automobile is basically a shock absorber assembly for your car. However, the shock absorber portion, itself, is just one part of the strut. The main function of the strut is to dampen the bouncing of the vehicle when it travels over uneven surfaces.

The strut assembly combines the coil spring, the upper and lower coil seats, the strut bearing, the strut mount and the strut boot.

As in any case with mechanical devices, after wear and tear and aging, the strut and its components will weaken. This causes side effects shown as increased tire wear, poor rebound effects or "body roll" and lack of steering stability.

It is important to have the struts checked regularily to maintain your car's performance and safety.

We at Autovantage Service Centers can perform that service and keep you on the road where you belong. Call us at 530-823-3456

Autovantage Services

Visit the Top Rated Auto Repair Service in Auburn, CA

Whether you’re here for an oil change, vehicle tune up, or have unexpected car problems, our professionally trained, ASE Certified auto mechanics give your vehicle the attention it deserves. From the moment you book an appointment to the moment you pick up your keys, we are committed to exceeding your expectations. We want you to have an experience that will keep you coming back. Call us (530) 823-3456 or use the easy online form to make an appointment.

When you come to Autovantage Service Center in Auburn CA, you will receive the quality and expertise you expect from a major auto service center. We perform all types of preventive maintenance, auto diagnostics, and repairs for most vehicles.

 •ASE Certified Technicians
 •24 Months/24,000 Unlimited Miles Nationwide Warranty
 •24 Months/24,000 Miles Warranty
 •Original Equipment (OE) quality parts
 •Courtesy Automotive Inspection Services
 •Early-bird/After hours drop-box
 •Free shuttle service in the Auburn area
 •Wireless internet access in waiting room

Your going to love the service Autovantage offers you for car repair.

How often do you need to change motor oil?

Do you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles?  Most drivers are still under the impression that this is the case.  The truth is that this interval is no longer necessary.  Engine oil does get dirty and this dirt can clog engine parts but if your car is less than 5 years old – changing the oil every 3,000 miles is probably a waste of money, time and….oil. 

Thanks to the improvements in high quality lubricants and tighter tolerances in manufacturing of newer vehicles, the recommendation by many automakers is now at 5,000, 7,000 10,000 or more depending on driving conditions.   

Check with your car’s manufacturer.  For example, Toyota recommends 5,000 for a 2005 Tacoma pickup but Honda says 7,500 for a 2002 Odyssey.  A 2010 BMW 3 can go up to 15,000 before you change your oil. 

Want more information – call the experts sat Autovantage Service Center – 530-823-3456

What does the SAE Viscosity rating on your Motoroil bottle mean?

What do the viscosity numbers really mean on a bottle of motor oil?

 Viscosity is the oil's resistance to flow or, for the layman, an oil's speed of flow as measured through a device known as a viscometer. The thicker (higher viscosity) of an oil, the slower it will flow.

You will see oil viscosity measurement in lube articles stated in kinematic (kv) and absolute (cSt) terms. These are translated into the easier to understand SAE viscosity numbers you see on an oil bottle.

A W on a viscosity rating means that the oil’s viscosity has been tested at a Colder temperature. The numbers without the W are tested at 210° F or 100° C which is considered an approximation of engine operating temperature. In other words, a SAE 30 motor oil is the same viscosity as a 10w-30 or 5W-30 at 210° (100° C).

The difference occurs when the viscosity is tested at a much colder temperature. For example, 5W-30 motor oil performs like a SAE 5 motor oil would perform at the cold temperature specified, but still has the SAE 30 viscosity at 210° F (100° C) which is engine operating temperature.

This allows the engine to get quick oil flow when it is started cold verses dry running until lubricant either warms up sufficiently or is finally forced through the engine oil system. The advantages of a low W viscosity number is obvious. The quicker the oil flows cold, the less dry running. Less dry running means much less engine wear.

We at Autovantage Service can advise you on the oil best suited for your vehicle and the area of use.  Click here for more information on Autovantage or Call us at 530-823-3456

When Should Car Batteries Be Replaced?

How Long Do Car Batteries Last?

The Answer: Lead acid car battery life expectancy is 3-5 years. Auto battery life is shorter in regions with hot climate due to water loss and sulfation.

The most simple and effective way to extend the life of an automotive battery is to keep it charged close to 100%. Periodically check the state of charge of your battery and charge it with a dedicated charger device when necessary.

 Consequently, try to avoid deep battery discharges that can happen, for example, if you leave your car's lights on.

Hybrid car battery life expectancy and electric car battery life expectancy is about 8 years.

Need a new battery or need to have it charged to last longer, click HERE for Autovantage.

Oxygen Sensor, How Do They Work!

What is an Oxygen Sensor and how does it work?

Every new car, and most cars produced after 1980, have an oxygen sensor. The sensor is part of the emissions control system and feeds data to the­ engine management computer/

 The goal of the sensor is to help the engine run as efficiently as possible and also to produce as few emissions as possible.

A gasoline engine uses oxygen to burn gasoline. There is a particular ratio of air and gasoline that is "perfect," and the most common ratio is 14.7:1 (different fuels have different perfect ratios ) If there is less air than this perfect ratio, then there will be fuel left over after combustion. This left over fuel creates pollution.

 If there is more air than this perfect ratio, then there is excess oxygen. More nitrogen-oxide pollutants are created in this situation and can cause poor performance and even engine damage.

Th­e oxygen sensor is positioned in the exhaust pipe and can detect the mixtures. The reason why the engine needs the oxygen sensor is because the amount of oxygen that the engine can pull in depends on all sorts of things, such as the altitude, the temperature of the air, the temperature of the engine, the barometric pressure, the load on the engine, etc.

When the oxygen sensor fails, the computer can no longer sense the air/fuel ratio, so it ends up guessing. Your car performs poorly and uses more fuel than it needs to.

Want an expert to help make sure this device works? Click HERE for Autoadvantage.com.

How Often Should I Change My Spark Plugs?

There is no single correct answer to this question. As spark plugs age, they lose their sharp edges as material from the center and ground electrodes is slowly eroded away.

 As the gap between these two points grows, the voltage required to bridge the gap increases. Even the best ignition systems will be stressed to supply enough voltage to completely burn the fuel.

Replacing worn out spark plugs with new ones effectively restores the ignition system's efficiency. Misfires are reduced, power is restored, economy of operation is enhanced and emissions are reduced.

The best guide is the manufacturer's recommendation for your vehicle, as this particular service varies from brand to brand and model to model.

In the absence of this information or in conjunction with it, you can rely on the advice of a mechanic who is familiar with your type of vehicle.

Click HERE to call the technicians at Autovantage Service Center for expert advice to keep your vehicle running at its best.