#napaautocare

[ozziesauto]

Under Pressure: Your TPMS System

Flats, blow outs, skids and longer stopping distances can all be the result of driving around CA on underinflated tires. Now, it's hard to tell when a radial tire is underinflated but your friendly and knowledgeable Ozzie's Automotive can help you. The tire may not look low until it gets below 20 pounds – which is significantly underinflated.

Your newer vehicle or light truck might be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This technology has been used by race car drivers for years. They are able to head off problems from underinflation by closely monitoring tire pressure on the track.

Obviously, TMPS systems don't come free for Palm Desert car buyers. U.S. government studies have estimated the net costs of the TPMS system itself, maintaining the system, replacement of worn or broken parts and tire repair cost increases. The costs are partially offset for Palm Desert drivers by savings in fuel and tire wear. There's also a saving in property damage and travel delay for people in Palm Desert. The net cost is estimated to be between $27 and $100. The government predicts fewer fatal accidents. They estimate that is will cost between three and nine million dollars for every life saved. This new safety equipment will help Palm Desert motorists avoid the most common vehicle failure and possibly a catastrophic accident.

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[carwired]

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[ramirezqualityservices]

#ramirezqualityservices #automotiverepair #r134a #r1234yf #napaautocare (at Ramirez Quality Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvhKipqJmUl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9d9ymphoarc

[aceperformanceauto-blog]

Vorsteiner and Toyo Tires make every car look good!

[drrocksphotography]

@roncapps28 , driving his way to a win during the 2nd eliminations round of the Camping World NHRA Texas Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex! #drrocksphotography #campingworldnhra #dragracing #dragrace #nhra #nhradragracing #speedshot #nhratopfuelfunnycar #funnycar #nitrofunnycar #2021fallnats #texasmotorplex #actionphotography #actionphotographer #actionphoto #nikond850 #tamron2470 #professionalphotographer #professionalphotography #300mph #napaautoparts #napaautocare #fallnats (at Texas Motorplex) https://www.instagram.com/p/CU7gmA9ABQF/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thestarautoservice]

#thestarautoservice #minitruck #napa #napaautocare #monday #workday

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#napaautocare #autocarecenter #caymanislands #kirkmotors

[ozziesauto]

Radiator Fans

If you’re old enough, you’ve heard the term “fan belt." Back in the day, the radiator fan in your vehicle was turned by a belt driven by the engine. There are still belt driven fans, although most are now driven by the serpentine belt. But most vehicles now have electric fans that draw fresh air across the radiator to cool it.

As coolant/antifreeze circulates in the cooling system it captures heat from the engine and flows into the radiator. Air cools the radiator and the coolant in it before it flows back into the engine to pick up some more heat. Now your engine has an ideal temperature range in which it is most efficient: it shouldn’t be too hot or too cool. The electric radiator fans help maintain the ideal temperature.

A switch mounted in a cooling system passage checks the temperature of the coolant. If the coolant is at the low end of the range, the switch turns off the fan motor. When the coolant rises to a certain temperature, the switch turns on the fan. When you are running the air conditioning, the radiator fan will likely be turned on as well to help reduce the extra engine heat created by the load placed on it by the air conditioner.

A lot of vehicles will actually have two radiator fans. One, both or neither may be running at any given time depending on the conditions. When you are cruising at highway speeds, the air rushing over the radiator and around the engine will help control the heat. By contrast, stop and go driving around town doesn’t generate much natural air flow so the radiator fans will be working hard.

You may have noticed the sound of the radiator fan running after you turn your vehicle off. This keeps the engine from heating excessively after it has been run and shut off.

Now the radiator fan motors and the switch are wear items that will eventually fail. If your temperature light comes on while driving, you have a problem with the cooling system. Your service technician can inspect your entire cooling system, including the radiator fans, to determine what is causing the indicator light. Of course, servicing the cooling system as recommended will help extend the life of all the components. Ask your service advisor at Ozzie's Automotive if you are due for a cooling system service.

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[ozziesauto]

Evaporative Emissions Control - EVAP

The oil and fuel in your vehicle give off vapors that are very harmful to the environment. Evaporative emissions control systems – EVAP for short – are mandated in all cars and trucks. The EVAP system is there to capture these vapors and direct them into the engine to be burned – kind of an on-board recycling program. The EVAP system is a complicated network of hoses, valves, filters and such. Issues with the EVAP system are in the top 5 reasons for a Check Engine light to be illuminated. Your friendly and knowledgeable Ozzie's Automotive service advisor can pull the trouble codes and begin a diagnostic procedure to isolate the fault.

With the proper equipment, your technician can test the valves in order to trace a blockage. A low pressure smoke test can be performed to find any leaks. The repairs are then made to get the EVAP system working again and to reset the Check Engine light. While EVAP problems don't generally lead to vehicle damage, the fact that they trigger the Check Engine light can mask other more problems for Palm Desert residents if left unaddressed. After all, there are hundreds of conditions that can trigger a Check Engine light, but there is only one light. So if the light is on because of an EVAP issue you haven't fixed and another arises, you won't be alerted to the new condition because the light is already on. Of course, if you live in a jurisdiction in CA that requires emissions testing to register your vehicle, you won't pass the test until you make the repairs. An EVAP trouble code could be caused by something as simple as a loose or worn gas cap, a leak in a hose, problems with a purge valve or even a rusty fuel filler pipe. When your Check Engine light comes on, bring your vehicle into Ozzie's Automotive in Palm Desert and let us check it out. Your Ozzie's Automotive service advisor will be able to diagnose the system and work out a plan to address any problems that are uncovered. There's peace of mind for Palm Desert drivers that comes from knowing what is wrong and taking care of it. Give us a call. Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[ozziesauto]

Anti-Lock Brakes, ABS

We rely on our brakes to safely slow and stop our vehicles. You’ve probably had the experience where you’ve slammed on your brakes and started to skid. When your wheels are locked up, you are just sliding all over the road. And if the road is wet or slick or covered with gravel – you really get out of control. Steering is next to impossible. That is why anti-lock brake systems (ABS) were invented: to help you maintain control in extreme stopping conditions.

As mentioned, control is lost when your wheels lock up. ABS keep your brakes from locking – helping you stop while maintaining your ability to steer. Sensors on each wheel equipped with ABS, monitor wheel spin and compare it with vehicle speed sensors. When you are pressing on the brakes, still traveling forward, but your wheels are not turning, the ABS system steps in and modulates the brakes.

They ABS quickly “pumps” the brakes, not allowing the wheels to lock-up while still applying braking pressure. This is all done automatically without any intervention on your part. You will feel a pulsation through the brake pedal and will hear a clunking as the brakes are rapidly being applied and let off repeatedly. The first time this happens to you, you may be surprised and think something is wrong. Well, it isn’t – so just keep your foot on the brake and allow the ABS to do its thing. In fact, remember the 3 S’s of anti-lock brakes: Stomp, Stay, & Steer. Stomp on the brakes, keep the pedal down, and steer as needed.

When you first start your vehicle, the ABS does a quick self-check to make sure everything is OK. The ABS warning light will briefly illuminate with all the other warning lights on your dashboard and then go out. If the system detects a fault, the ABS light will come on and stay on. Take your vehicle in for a check if the ABS warning light is on.

Proper brake system service is the best way to protect your ABS. Replacing brake fluid that is depleted and/or contaminated will help preserve proper ABS operation and protect it against corrosion. Ask your service advisor if it’s time for a braking system inspection or service.

Give us a call

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[ozziesauto]

Headlight Restoration

Question: My headlight lenses are all cloudy. I checked with my Palm Desert vehicle dealership about replacing them and it is very expensive. What else can I do?

Ozzie's Automotive Answer: You are right - replacing a headlight assembly can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily there is something Palm Desert citizens can do about cloudy headlamps.

First let's talk about why the headlamps are so cloudy. Back in the day, Palm Desert vehicles' headlights were glass. These were heavy, could crack, and had practical limits as to their shape, so manufacturers started using plastic headlight lenses. CA road grime and UV light take a toll on the plastic surface. Over time the lenses get cloudy and discolored. Just look at the vehicles in any Palm Desert parking lot and you'll see a lot of that.

Because a disproportionate amount of traffic accidents happen at night, smart Palm Desert citizens make sure they have maximum visibility. Cloudy lenses reduce the amount of light that gets out on the road, which in turn can really hurt the time you have to respond to hazards in the road.

Fortunately, your Palm Desert service center (or Ozzie's Automotive) can restore your lenses. Using a combination of special cleaners and polishes, the cloudy and discolored layer is removed. This service costs a fraction of replacing the headlight assembly.

How costly it is will depend on the size of the lens and how badly it is clouded. The can be used on brake lights, turn signals and tail lights as well. If it's been over a year since you replaced your headlamp bulbs, they may have started to dim. You can ask your friendly and knowledgeable Ozzie's Automotive service advisor about options to replace or even upgrade your headlamp bulbs.

Give us a call.

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[ozziesauto]

Oxygen Sensor

Many people hear the term “oxygen sensor" and figure it must have something to do with sensing oxygen. But they don’t really know much beyond that. Let’s break it down; your vehicle has an oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold that measures how much un-burned oxygen there is in the exhaust. The sensor reports its findings to the engine control unit (ECU), which knows how much oxygen there should be in the exhaust. Based on that information, the ECU will adjust the amount of fuel it sends to the engine.

This feedback and adjustment loop is non-stop. The goal is to have the optimal air to fuel ratio for performance, efficiency and to lower harmful emissions.

Now there is a second oxygen sensor located in the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. It also measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust after it has been treated by the catalytic converter. As this measurement is reported back to the ECU, the computer compares the oxygen levels before and after the catalytic converter to determine if the converter is still functioning properly.

Four-cylinder vehicles have two oxygen sensors. V-6 and V-8 engines have four sensors, two for each bank of cylinders. As you can imagine, the oxygen sensor lives and functions in a pretty hot environment so they do wear out over time. Substances in the exhaust can also damage them,  leading to failure. Outside elements like water and road salt can corrode an oxygen sensor. When the sensor goes bad it simply needs to be replaced.

You may be interested to know that oxygen sensors are often replaced needlessly. When the oxygen sensor returns a measurement that is out of the specified range, it may trigger a trouble code in the ECU, and the Check Engine light is illuminated. Inexperienced do-it-yourselfers or parts store employees may read a trouble code that reports an out-of-range sensor reading. That could mean that the sensor is bad, but it could also mean that the sensor is accurately reporting a condition caused by some other malfunction. A skilled diagnostician can sort this out and will only replace the oxygen sensor when it has truly gone bad.

When you have a Check Engine light come on and stay on, it’s good advice to have it checked out by a qualified service technician at Ozzie's Automotive. The cause may be minor or quite significant, so it’s best to play it safe and let the professionals weigh in.

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[ozziesauto]

Tips on the TPS- Throttle Position Sensor

When you step on the accelerator, you expect your vehicle to speed up, not slow down.  But, what if it doesn’t?  That can be a big problem.

The answer may be a problem with the sensor that helps your vehicle determine that the proper mix of air and fuel for your engine.  It's called the TPS, or Throttle Position Sensor. Here's how it works.

Your vehicle’s throttle opens when you need more air to accelerate and closes when you need less.  The throttle position sensor does pretty much what its name says: it senses the position of the throttle.  That reading, along with air flow measurements, is sent to the vehicle's computer.  The computer factors in air temperature, how fast the engine is turning over, and air flow to determine how much fuel to supply the engine.  If everything's working correctly, you'll get the acceleration you want along with the fuel economy you expect. 

However, if the TPS fails, your vehicle won’t accelerate properly or have the power you expect when you push down on the accelerator pedal.  Your vehicle could even accelerate on its own.  Another symptom could be reduced engine power.  You also may see your Check Engine light come on. 

If you notice any of these signs, it's wise to get over to see your NAPA AutoCare Center soon.  When your TPS stops working correctly, it can leave you behind the wheel of a vehicle that is not safe to drive. In case of a total TPS failure, most vehicles have a "limp home" or "limp in" mode that will allow you to at least get off the road to a safer spot. 

Your qualified technician can diagnose the problem and install the correct TPS replacement part.  The new unit may need to be reprogramed to work in harmony with other software in your vehicle. 

Let's face it; computers are a big part of today's vehicles.  It's important to keep them—and the sensors that provide them information—working right so you can travel safely down the road. 

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[ozziesauto]

Alternator

Question

My battery keeps going dead. I had it tested and it is fine - what could be the problem?

Answer

Well, your problem could be caused by several things.  Let's start with a likely suspect: your alternator.  The alternator is like a little electrical generator.  It is spun by the serpentine belt on your engine and makes electricity.  This electricity is used to power the electrical systems required to run your vehicle.  It also powers all your electronic accessories like your stereo, navigation, heated seats, and air fans, as well as charging all the electronics you have plugged in. 

After the alternator has done all that, any electricity that's left over is used to charge your battery.  You can see where we're going: if the battery isn't getting enough electricity to stay charged the reason may have something to do with the alternator. 

Now it could be that the alternator is bad – they do wear out over time.  There are several failure points within the alternator, but in practice, it is cheaper to simply replace the alternator than to take it apart and repair it.

Your service center can test your alternator to see if it needs to be replaced.  Very often the alternator tests out as being OK - but for some other reason it's not putting out enough electricity to keep the battery charged.  Remember we said that the serpentine belt drives the alternator?  Well the fault can often lie with the serpentine belt system.

The serpentine belt transfers power from the engine to the alternator.  When the belt wears away to a certain point, it is no longer able to provide enough grip and the belt can slip on the alternator pulley so that it is not spinning fast enough to generate all the electricity that your vehicle needs.

A possible related problem is a worn serpentine belt tensioner pulley.  This pulley provides tension on the serpentine belt so that it is tight enough to spin the alternator and other accessories.  When the belt is too loose, it can slip on the alternator pulley and, once again, not enough electricity is made.

So, when your battery is going dead - test it.  If the battery is still good - test the alternator.  If the alternator is still good - inspect the serpentine belt and belt tensioner.  Chances are good that your service center will get to the root of your problem.

Give us a call

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[ozziesauto]

The Forgotten Filter (Cabin Air Filter)

A driver got a surprise the other day when he took his vehicle to a service facility for an oil change.  He knew his owner’s manual schedules an oil and oil filter change every 5,000 miles/8,000 km, but when the Service Advisor suggested his cabin air filter should be replaced, he thought they were just trying to sell him something he didn't really need.  After all, how bad can a cabin air filter be?

The Service Advisor offered to show him the old one before he made his decision, and what the driver saw shocked him.  Instead of a nice, intact filter, the old one was full of dirt, leaves, and other unidentifiable ick!

You'll find cabin air filters in most newer vehicles, but many drivers don't even know they have one.  They filter out things like dust and other particulates like pollen before the air goes into the passenger compartment.  This can be very helpful to those with allergies and sensitivities to airborne pollutants.

Your vehicle manufacturer will recommend how often a cabin air filter should be changed.  Of course, if you drive in areas that are dusty or polluted, you may want to change it more frequently.  A couple of signs your cabin air filter is dirty?  Not as much air comes out your vents when you turn on your ventilation system fan, and the air smells musty.  You may also notice more dust in your passenger compartment.

While we’re at it, let’s mention one other filter.  Vehicles with air-conditioned seats also have filters under the seats that filter the air that blows through the seat bottom and back.  Seat filters get dirty too and need to be replaced.

Your NAPA AutoCare Center can help keep your cabin air in good shape.  You'll breathe easier.

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com

[ozziesauto]

Used Vehicle Inspection

It’s always exciting to get a new car – even when it’s used. But it can feel like you’re going out on a limb a bit when you buy a used vehicle. I mean, people sell vehicles for a lot of reasons. Maybe they just wanted a new car, maybe there was something wrong with it, and maybe there was something really wrong with it.

It’s a great idea to order a report from a vehicle history service. This can uncover title problems and may reveal serious accidents or flood damage as well as any recall notices for the vehicle. Maintenance and repair records are a plus, but most sellers don’t have them.

Of course the best thing is to get a professional to perform a used vehicle inspection. The inspection will go much deeper than just how good the vehicle looks and drives. You’ll get a feel for the vehicle’s overall condition, the status of major safety systems and an indication of how well it has been maintained. You’ll get a good idea of any work that needs to be done – and that will help you determine an appropriate value for the vehicle.

It’s pretty easy to see how a used vehicle inspection is worth the cost. If problems are uncovered, you can either steer clear of the vehicle or bargain for a better price. If everything is OK, you’ll have a plan for addressing any routine services that should be done, not to mention a whole lot of peace of mind.

It’s easy to fall in love with a vehicle – just don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment. Have our pros at Ozzie's Automotive perform a used vehicle inspection so that you’ll know if you’re getting a peach, or a lemon.

Ozzie's Automotive 74894 Lennon Place Suite F2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.5939

www.ozziesautomotive.com