San Francisco European Auto Repair

A clean fuel system goes hand-in-hand with a healthy and good-performing engine. You need fuel to accelerate and run. Therefore, the cleaner your fuel system, the more efficiently your engine will burn fuel. That means more power and higher fuel economy: a win-win for you.   After many years of being on the road, your car will collect some dirt and debris in the fuel tank. Fortunately, this stuff gets sifted out of the fuel before it moves through your engine. But, what happens when the fuel filter is clogged too? The contaminants will get to the fuel injectors and eventually the cylinders.     If your fuel system is dirty, you could experience major problems with the combustion process. So that is why the experts at International Sport Motors recommend regular fuel system cleanings. We recommend referring to your owner’s manual or ask your service advisor to determine when you might need this done.   A professional fuel system cleaning at Internati ... read more

Cars have numerous electric components that make them run efficiently. They are a maze of electrical wires, fuses, and relays that can make vital systems fail to operate. So, if you want to know most of the electric issues your vehicle can have, you are in the right place. Learning the following electrical problems can help you know when to call your trusted mechanic. Electrical System Issues Dead Battery One of the most recurring electric problems that most mechanics deal with is dead batteries. It might seem like a simple issue, but it is not. It might leave you stranded by the roadside and make you late for important meetings or appointments because the engine won't start. It is an issue that requires a jump start by an experienced mechanic. The professional can check your batteries using the illumination the headlights generate. If the mechanical expert troubleshoots the batteries and the vehicle fails to start, the issue might be a worn-out battery that cannot hold the c ... read more

It may be difficult to handle your car if it is out of alignment. Your safety, as well as the safety of your passengers, may be at risk. Your vehicle may become misaligned as a result of hitting a pothole, curb, or even a hard bump. Alignment problems can also be caused by high mileage, getting into accidents, or not maintaining your tires balanced correctly. Here are 5 signs that it is time for a wheel alignment. When traveling straight ahead on the road, you detect your vehicle pulling to the left or right. If you're having trouble maintaining your car between both the lines of your driving lane because it's tugging to the left or right, it could be due to a problem with your car's alignment. You could feel everything from a little tug to a strong jerk. Tires that are under-inflated or the improper size are occasionally the source of the problem. It's possible that you've noticed that your tires are wearing unevenly. They can also wear out fast ... read more

There are many possible reasons that a car's engine may overheat which may occur at any time. It is important to recognize the signs of overheating and know what to ahead of time in case it catches you by surprise. One of the classic signs of an overheated engine is smoke or steam seeping out from under the hood of the car. Another clear sign is if the engine's temperature gauge on the car's dashboard is indicating that the car's temperature is higher than it should be. One of the easiest things you can do immediately is turn your car's heater on and air conditioning off. This will attract the heat in the engine away into the area of the car the heater is warming, thus cooling the engine. It is also important to pull over your car and stop the engine as soon as is safely possible. This will give the engine time to cool down on its own. This is a great time to call a friend, family member, or roadside assistance for help if you wish while you let the engine rest for ... read more

Any mechanic will tell you that there is no set mileage that will determine how often you need to replace your brake pads but generally they are changed after around 50,000 miles. A mechanic can check the lining for thickness for a clearer picture of the health of your brake pads. Pads, when new, are 12 mm so when they are in the 3 mm to 4 mm range, they are due a change. Signs Your Brake Pads Need To Be Replaced Unless you bring your car to an auto repair shop, you may not be able to tell when your brake pads need replacing. However, there are some signs that will point to your brake pads being in bad repair. A scraping or squealing noise on braking The car jittering or shuddering when you press on the brakes Sparks coming from your brakes All the above signs are a cause for immediate concern as it means that the grippy material of the pad has, or is about to, run out. This puts you in a very dangerous position should you need to brake suddenly or at a higher speed. What Can Cau ... read more

It is unfortunate that even the safest and most cautious drivers can end up in a car collision. When this incident happens, it is important that you are well-prepared and know what to do afterward to save you time, money, and stress. Here are the top 5 things you should do after being in a vehicle accident: 1) Inspect for injuries and damages If anyone is hurt in the accident, the top priority should be to get help immediately. Please remember to turn on your hazards. You should stay at the scene of the accident and remain there until the police get there. If the accident occurred in an unsafe area or with high traffic, it would be best to move to a safer location. 2) Call the police and file an accident report Having an officer at the scene to gather unbiased information from all parties is the best way to go about the situation. They can help collect information from all parties. 3) Gather information Exchanging contact information with the other drivers is the most important s ... read more

It's nearly inevitable that your vehicle might need mechanical or body repairs done at some point in its lifetime. Generally, most people want their repairs to be done quickly, efficiently, and at a reasonable price. While figuring out what kind of services you need is crucial, figuring out where to get them done is even more important. When searching for the proper repairs, most people wonder, "Is it better to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or a dealership?"  Before you jump to conclusions, here are some factors to consider when drawing the comparison between the two: Price The cost of the services is usually one of the most important factors for most people. You don't want to spend more than you have to. When comparing independent auto repair shops versus dealerships, it has been shown that dealerships have to upcharge their services at a minimum of a couple of hundred dollars more. So if a warranty doesn't protect your repair, you're bette ... read more

Oil changes are the most important service to get for your car. Day in and day out, mechanics can't stress this enough. Oil changes are necessary for the overall function of your vehicle because this particular fluid protects the health of your engine. Running with low or dirty motor oil can lead to overheating, corrosion, and metal-to-metal friction between the engine's parts. And if you know a thing or two about cars, engine repairs can be costly. Therefore, it is best to avoid it at all costs by having your oil changed on time.    Motor oil is responsible for lubricating your car's components and regulating the heat. It also helps to prevent dirt and debris from building up by moving them through the oil filter.   There are many things that dictate how often you may need an oil change: oil quality, car make/model/age, and how you drive the car on a day-to-day basis. To be reassured, you can always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for spec ... read more

Driving conditions can drastically change when weather strikes. Driving in rainy conditions is more challenging than driving in fine weather due to multiple factors. For instance, heavy rains make it challenging to see what is ahead and more difficult to stop the vehicle. Other risks are also involved such as aquaplaning. New or well-maintained tires with optimal tread depth contributes to a safer rainy-day driving experience. Besides having good tires, you should be careful and conscientious when driving. Below are some common-sense safety tips for rainy-day driving: Switch on Lights, Not Brights Although most modern cars have automatic running lights, you should turn on the headlights as you use windshield wipers as your tail lights are turned on too to identify all the four corners of your car. However, do not flip on the brights as they will reflect off wet surfaces, irritating you and other road users. No Cruise Control Do not activate your cruise control in the rain as you ... read more

A good suspension is essential to motor vehicle safety and performance. Shocks and struts stabilize the movements of automobiles. They give drivers greater control of steering, turning, acceleration, and braking. A worn-out suspension makes for an uncomfortable ride and poor handling, and we don't want you to have that. Even on the smoothest of roads, the car won't perform well.   Like any other parts of a motor vehicle, shocks and struts need regular replacement. It is even more critical for those who drive over rough terrain. Most auto manuals come with schedules for maintenance of shocks and support, but it always helps to know the signs of wear and tear.   Tires Wear Out Prematurely/Unevenly A clear sign of worn-out shocks and struts is in the tires. If you notice bald patches, uneven wearing, or if the tire treads wear out faster than usual, your suspension probably needs a replacement. Premature or uneven wearing is a sign that the wheels a ... read more