COVINA AUTO REPAIR

A jump-start can be perfectly safe, but only if you follow the right steps and know when to stop. Modern cars carry sensitive electronics, smart alternators, and sometimes start-stop systems that do not tolerate mistakes. Use this guide to decide whether to jump, how to do it correctly, and what to check afterward so the problem does not come back. When a Jump-Start Makes Sense A healthy car that simply sat too long or a battery near the end of its life are the usual candidates. If the starter clicks once, the dash lights dim during crank, and accessories work until you try to start, a low battery is likely. If the engine cranks at normal speed but will not fire, the issue is not a dead battery, so jumping will not help. We often see owners try multiple jumps for a no-start that really needs diagnostics. Quick Safety Checklist Park nose to nose or side by side with both ignitions off, parking brakes set, and transmissions in Park or Neutral. Inspe ... read more

Choosing engine oil used to be simple. Today, there are multiple viscosities, synthetic and conventional options, and specification codes that look like alphabet soup. The wrong choice can lead to noisy cold starts, timing problems, or deposits that build up quietly. The right oil helps your engine last longer, run smoother, and stay efficient. Here is how to pick correctly without the guesswork. Viscosity Numbers Are Not Just Labels The numbers on the bottle, such as 0W-20 or 5W-30, describe how the oil flows when cold and when hot. The first number with the W indicates cold start behavior. A lower first number flows faster on cold mornings, which helps protect parts during the first seconds after startup. The second number indicates thickness at operating temperature. Too thin when hot and the oil film can shear, too thick when cold, and it reaches moving parts too slowly. Your owner manual or oil cap lists a specific grade for your engine. Stick to it unless a ma ... read more

Many drivers have seen the check engine light appear on the dashboard at some point. When that light is solid, it typically signals a minor issue such as a loose gas cap or an aging sensor. A flashing check engine light, on the other hand, is far more serious. It usually means something is actively damaging your engine while you drive. The difference between a steady light and a blinking one is more than visual. It’s a warning that you should not ignore. What a Flashing Check Engine Light Often Means The most common cause of a blinking check engine light is an engine misfire. This happens when fuel fails to ignite properly in one or more cylinders. That unburned fuel travels through the exhaust system, where it can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. This component is expensive to replace and plays a key role in controlling emissions. A flashing light ... read more

When your car is idling, it should run smoothly and steadily without shaking, sputtering, or vibrating excessively. A rough idle, where the engine feels unstable or inconsistent, is one of the first signs that something is wrong under the hood. While most drivers dismiss it as a minor inconvenience, it can point to problems that affect your engine’s performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability. Ignoring it only allows the issue to worsen and can eventually lead to more expensive repairs. Common Causes of Rough Idle There are several potential reasons your vehicle might idle roughly, ranging from simple to complex. Clogged air filters, dirty spark plugs, or faulty ignition coils can all cause incomplete combustion, which results in a shaky idle. Fuel system issues, like dirty fuel injectors or low fuel pressure, can also cause inconsistent engine behavior. In some cases, vacuum leaks or carbon buildup in the intake manifold can disrupt the air-fuel ba ... read more

Maintaining proper tire care extends far beyond simply inflating them to the correct pressure. Two essential but often misunderstood services are wheel alignment and wheel balancing. They significantly influence your vehicle’s handling, tire longevity, and ride comfort.. Although they sound similar, alignment and balancing serve distinctly different purposes, and understanding the difference can help you identify problems early and keep your vehicle running safely. We'll explain what each service involves and why both are critical for your car’s performance and comfort. What Is Wheel Alignment Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your wheels so they are perfectly parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road. The manufacturer precisely sets these angles (camber, caster, and toe) to ensure optimal tire contact and even weight distribution across all four tires. When your wheels are properly aligned, your car drives straight, your ... read more