Posted March 19, 2023 7:56 AM
San Francisco area residents may remember when the U.S. government's “Cash for Clunkers” program made a splash on the news scene. People were offered incentives to trade in old vehicles for new, in the interest of better and improved air quality from reduced emissions. But a lot of San Francisco drivers want to hang onto their old clunkers. They're dependable and they're paid for. Owners would love to see the odometers on those vehicles turn past 200,000 miles (320,000 km), as long as the repair bills don't get too expensive. There are a lot of vehicles on Califorina roads that have run past the 200,000 mile (320,000 km) odometer reading. Is there something that their owners are doing that keeps these vehicles on the road? Or did they just win the “lemon lottery,” and luck out by getting a particularly good vehicle? Not surprisingly, most of these owners have something in common. They never skip an oil change. Can keeping a vehicle on the road for 200,000 miles (320,000 km) really be that easy for San Francisco drivers? Actually, it makes sense. Oil is the lifeblood of a vehicle. Clean oil ensures that the engine will run efficiently and staves off the build-up of sludge that can eventually damage engine parts. Oil changes remove dirty oil and replace dirty oil filters, keeping an engine clean and running smoothly, just like eating right keeps our hearts healthy by preventing build-up in our arteries. But there's another reason why not skipping an oil change can result in a longer life for your car. When you bring your car in to Toscalito Tire & Automotive for an oil change, all of the fluid levels are checked and topped off. If these fluids are depleted, dirty or low, they can damage the engine. If a fluid is significantly low, it usually indicates a leak somewhere, leading to an inspection of relevant parts. This inspection and the replacement of the worn part can prevent repair bills and maintain the health of the engine. At an oil change, your technician at Toscalito Tire & Automotive will also do a quick check for worn belts or hoses, uneven tread wear, leaking shock absorbers and other signs of wear and tear. This advance notice allows the owner to replace parts before they break down and possibly damage your vehicle. The oil change is also a good time to review any other service that the vehicle might need. Many car owners rely on their pros at Toscalito Tire & Automotive for good auto advice on check-ups and follow-up vehicle care that will keep older cars running well. Parts wear out on older vehicles. There's no avoiding it. As the odometer chugs upward toward 200,000 miles (320,000 km), the vehicle will need several batteries, a couple of alternators and water pumps, a new set of shocks and possibly some brake rotors. But these items—all together—add up to far less than the cost of a new vehicle. Good vehicle care and preventive maintenance are the hallmark of San Francisco drivers who have kept their vehicles on the road and running past the age when most of us have given up and headed back to a car lot. We can learn from their wisdom. So treat your car right: Take good care of it and don't skip the check-ups at Toscalito Tire & Automotive in San Francisco.
Toscalito Tire & Automotive 2342 Lombard Street San Francisco, Califorina 94123 (415) 922-2808
Posted March 12, 2023 8:25 AM
We've all been through it. The vehicle ahead of us kicks up mud, slush, snow or salt on our windshield and we can't see a thing. And not being able to see a thing when we're driving? Not a good thing.
Debris on a vehicle's glass can be blinding when driving directly into the sun. And other things can ruin visibility: scratches on the glass, fogged windows, mineral deposits.
So lets make one thing clear: Your windows. Here are some tips.
Now that you have clean windows, here's how to keep 'em clean.
Your service advisor at Toscalito Tire & Automotive will be able to recommend good wiper blades for your vehicle and install them properly.
Visibility. See what we mean?
Posted March 5, 2023 11:17 AM
If someone tells you to put the brakes on something, you know it means stop. And stopping is one of the most important safety maneuvers you can do in any vehicle. That means your brakes have to work properly.
Let's face it. You stop dozens of times every time you drive. And over time, that takes its toll on your brakes. Friction is what stops your vehicle. Most newer vehicles have disc brakes, and the parts that wear out the fastest are those that rub against each other every time you stop, the rotors and the pads.
The rotors are discs that rotate with the wheels, and the pads are removable surfaces that make contact with the rotors to slow or stop your vehicle. Bits of both wear off each time you stop, and when enough of either (or both) lose too much material, your brakes become unable to safely slow or stop your vehicle.
The pads usually are the parts that wear out first. Signs that your brakes might be getting worn are:
If you notice any of these, bring your car to us so we can have a technician inspect your brakes. Most brake pads have a wear indicator that indicates it's time they should be replaced. The technician who is checking things out will also look at your rotors for wear, as well as other brake system components.
With regular inspections and maintenance, you'll be sure that when you need to stop, your vehicle will be up to the task.
Posted February 26, 2023 9:14 AM
If you've ever noticed your vehicle's lights are dim or not working at all, the problem could be many things. But one possibility is your battery cables aren't doing their job. A power outage in your vehicle is similar to one in your house and needs to be repaired to get things back to normal.
Battery cables connect your vehicle's battery to the vehicle itself. There is a positive cable when provides the power and a negative cable that connects to the vehicle chassis and provides a ground for electrical components.
A failing battery cable may cause your vehicle not to start. Your starter may turn over very slowly. Or you may just hear a series of clicks. One other clue is on your dash—the battery warning light.
There are many things that can cause power issues in a vehicle, but it's important to keep battery cables clean and maintained. Salt and corrosion are enemies to any power system. A technician can keep things in top shape, disconnecting the cables, inspecting them and cleaning their ends and the battery terminals. Cables, by the way, are often made up of smaller strands of wire. If they are frayed, some of those smaller wires can touch metal parts of the vehicles that they shouldn't. The result? Electrical system malfunctions.
So if you see any of these signs that something is not quite right with the power in your vehicle, consult your service advisor and get it checked out. Feel the power!
Posted February 19, 2023 9:56 AM
Something you're going to be hearing a lot about around San Francisco, Califorina, is diesel engines. We're not talking about semi-trucks and buses; we're talking about diesel engine cars, pick-ups and SUVs. Most people in Califorina are surprised to learn that around half the cars on the road in Europe have diesel engines. Nearly all import brands offer a range of diesel engines abroad - even the ultra-luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW. For the most part, these diesel engines haven't been available in San Francisco, Califorina. But that's about to change. In the past, North American diesel fuel has had a much higher sulfur content than European fuel. Recent environmental laws have required changes in diesel formulation and emissions standards here in San Francisco, Califorina, so we are now ready to start seeing more diesel options offered over the next few years. Why are so many San Francisco drivers interested in diesel engines? Well first off, diesel fuel is more energy dense. There's more power in a barrel of diesel fuel than there is in a barrel of gasoline. The result? Better performance and improved fuel economy. Diesel powered vehicles get about 20 percent better fuel economy. And as for power - why do you think that the majority of new heavy duty pick-up trucks are being sold in San Francisco with diesel engines? If you think back to the late 1970's and early 1980's, you may shudder when you think of the diesel powered cars of the day - noisy, smoky, under-powered beasts that rattled and shook their passengers. Modern diesels sold in Califorina have evolved considerably. They are quiet, clean - and powerful. They're so refined that many San Francisco drivers can't even tell they're riding in a diesel powered vehicle. In addition to fuel savings, diesels generally last longer than gasoline engines because of their heavy duty construction. Another thing the San Francisco green crowd takes advantage of is the use of bio-diesel in diesel vehicles. Bio-diesel is made from vegetable oil - even recycled cooking oil from San Francisco restaurants. There is a lot of buzz about hybrid cars in Califorina. Look to diesel-electric hybrids in years to come to make a good idea even better.
Every year, manufacturers introduce new diesel models. Look for diesels in domestic light trucks, SUVs and passenger cars. Import brands have plans to bring more of their outstanding diesel engines to Califorina as well. New San Francisco diesel owners need to know that properly maintaining a diesel engine is somewhat different than a gasoline engine. Fluid change intervals are different. Emissions control devices have to work harder to filter diesel fuel and to scrub the exhaust so you will need to pay attention to that. And the fuel injection system operates at much higher pressures than gas fuel injection systems, so it's important to keep your fuel system clean with a diesel. The good news is that Toscalito Tire & Automotive in San Francisco is keeping up with the new diesel technology and will be able to advise you on maintaining your diesel. When we tell you to look for more diesels on San Francisco streets, you won't be looking for smoky tail pipes as a clue. You also won't be listening for that familiar big rig rattle. And, you certainly won't be waiting for them at the stoplight, because modern diesels are as quick as their gasoline counterparts.
Posted February 12, 2023 9:11 AM
Don't love winter weather? Here's a list of four things you need to keep a watch on during the winter months.
Let's start with coolant levels. Coolant is as important in cold weather as it is in hot weather. Think of the term "anti-freeze." Your coolant needs to be adjusted for climate and temperature so the coolant doesn't freeze when the vehicle isn't running. Your service facility will know the right mixture.
Next, windshield wiper fluid. Winter weather can be challenging when it comes to visibility, so it's important to have the correct windshield washer fluid. Some of it is specially formulated for ice and freezing temperatures. And it won't freeze if your vehicle has to sit out in below-freezing temperatures. And don't forget you can get winter wiper blades that stay clearer in snowy, icy weather than ordinary blades.
Don't forget your tire pressure and tread. After all, tires are what connect your vehicle and the road. As temperatures go down, so does the air pressure inside your tires, so it's important to keep that up to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Also, make sure your tires have enough tread so they can grip slippery roads. Any service facility can perform a simple test so you'll know. If you need some new tires, they can help you find those that will fit your driving patterns.
Finally, oil gets thicker when the temperatures go down, so it's important to have the proper viscosity for your climate. Consult your service advisor who will make sure your vehicle is using what the manufacturer recommends.
Keep your vehicle prepared for winter weather and it will reward you with the safety and performance it's designed for.
Posted February 5, 2023 10:02 AM
Pop quiz: What is a cabin air filter?
A. A filter for your San Francisco house? B. A fresh, piney scent? C. A filter for the passenger compartment of your car?
Clever you, it's C. A cabin air filter cleans the outside air before it comes into the passenger compartment of your vehicle. It filters out common Califorina air particles like dust, pollen, spores, bacteria, pollutants, exhaust gas, odors and even sparrows. These high tech filters can block particles larger than 3 microns. By contrast, a grain of sand is about 200 microns. Not all San Francisco vehicles have cabin air filters. They are fairly new on the scene in Califorina. Last check, about 40 percent of new vehicles sold in San Francisco come with cabin air filters, but the number is growing every year.
Cabin air filters make driving a lot more pleasant for people in San Francisco. Your vehicle can be a haven during our Califorina allergy season with very little dust and pollen getting into the cabin. Of course, like all filters, the cabin air filter eventually gets clogged. When this happens, your heating and air conditioning flow can become restricted. The filter can even get kind of smelly.
Check your owner's manual for replacement guidelines. If your vehicle owner's manual doesn't mention your cabin air filter, ask your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at Toscalito Tire & Automotive for a recommendation. It's usually every year or 12,000 miles /19,000 kilometers. Change it sooner if you drive in dusty conditions around the San Francisco area, or if you start to notice a funky smell coming from your vents. The team at Toscalito Tire & Automotive urges San Francisco drivers to keep their cabin air filter cleans. It may not help with your brother-in-law in the backseat, but it will make your driving experience around San Francisco more enjoyable.
Come by and we'll take a look at your cabin air filter for you.
Posted January 29, 2023 9:16 AM
So you almost got through the winter until, one day, your muffler started sounding like a dragster, loud and obnoxious. It's not surprising. All that road salt and brine can cause rust to punch holes in a muffler, and that should raise a big, red warning flag about the safety of your vehicle.
One big concern is carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can drift into your cabin if your muffler is leaking. You've probably heard about people whose home furnaces have leaked carbon monoxide and overcome families inside. Carbon monoxide can first cause you to feel dizzy and nauseous. It can even render you unconscious—even kill you. So if your vehicle's muffler is leaking that gas, well, it's nothing to mess around with.
Oh, and how about that noise? You may get a ticket since many municipalities have laws against noisy exhausts.
Your muffler may be making a clunking or rattling sound when the engine's running or it may be spewing thick exhaust smoke. All of these symptoms are telling you to get to your vehicle service facility soon. A technician may find it's the muffler or another part of your exhaust system that is coming apart or is busted.
Sometimes the repair can be as simple as replacing a section of pipe or clamps, but sometimes you'll need to replace more components. Your service advisor can recommend several different options to try to help you meet your performance and budgetary needs.
You'll drive out with a vehicle that doesn't sound like a teenager trying to hotrod the family car, is a whole lot safer and sounds a lot less obnoxious in the process.
Posted January 22, 2023 10:08 AM
Recalls are pretty serious for San Francisco residents and don't happen all that often. But sometimes cars have less serious problems that San Francisco residents still might want to know about. For these less serious cases, the vehicle manufacturer issues what is known as a Technical Service Bulletin - or TSB. These bulletins tell San Francisco service centers (including Toscalito Tire & Automotive) how to repair a problem that occurs frequently or is especially difficult. Your San Francisco service center receives updated information through subscription plans, which are sometimes available in consumer versions too. Whatever your source, pay attention to San Francisco vehicle recalls to keep you and your passengers safe.
No matter how well they're made, vehicles are bound to have problems with their design or manufacturing. Think of all the moving parts. When the government thinks a problem is really serious, they require the vehicle manufacturer to issue recall notices to San Francisco residents and to fix the affected vehicles free of charge. The they try to contact all San Francisco residents who own that type of car so they can have it taken care of at their San Francisco service center.
To find out if your car has any recall issues, give us a call:
Toscalito Tire & Automotive
San Rafael, CA
Corte Madera, CA
Novato, CA
San Francisco, CA
Please click anywhere to continue browsing our site.