Sacramento Auto Repair

In recent years, there has been a disturbing surge in automotive-related crimes, with catalytic converter, tire, and fuel theft emerging as particularly prevalent and costly issues. These crimes not only pose financial burdens on individuals and businesses but also contribute to environmental concerns and public safety hazards. Paul’s Automotive is your trusted auto repair partner in Sacramento. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the spike in these thefts, their impact on communities, and measures being taken to address the growing problem.

Catalytic Converter Theft: A Lucrative Niche for Criminals
Catalytic converters, essential components of a vehicle's exhaust system, contain valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The surging prices of these precious metals in the global market have made catalytic converters an attractive target for thieves. Criminals can swiftly remove these devices from parked vehicles, often in broad daylight, using simple tools.

The impact of catalytic converter theft extends beyond the financial loss to vehicle owners. Repair costs can be substantial, and the environmental consequences are noteworthy, as catalytic converters play a crucial role in reducing emissions and air pollution.

Tire Theft: Stripping Vehicles Bare
Tire theft is another automotive crime that has gained prominence. Criminals often target high-value or specialized tires, leaving vehicle owners with not only the expense of replacing the stolen tires but also potential damage to the vehicle during the theft.

The rise in tire theft is driven by various factors, including the demand for specific tire brands, sizes, or types in the resale market. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive tracking systems for tires makes it challenging for law enforcement to trace stolen goods back to their origins.

Fuel Theft: Draining Resources and Creating Safety Hazards
Fuel theft is not a new phenomenon, but its frequency has increased in recent times. Thieves target fuel tanks, punching holes in tanks to drain fuel or siphoning off gasoline or diesel for personal use or resale. This crime not only results in financial losses for individuals and businesses but can also lead to safety hazards, including fuel spills and potential fire risks.

The motives behind fuel theft vary, ranging from individuals looking to save money on fuel costs to organized criminal groups seeking to profit from the resale of stolen fuel on the black market.

Combating Automotive Crimes: Legislative Measures and Technological Solutions
Governments and law enforcement agencies are recognizing the urgency of addressing these automotive crimes. Legislative measures are being implemented to regulate the scrap metal industry, making it more difficult for thieves to profit from selling stolen catalytic converters and other automotive components.
Moreover, advancements in technology are playing a crucial role in preventing and solving these crimes. GPS tracking devices, security cameras, and vehicle immobilization systems are being employed to deter thieves and aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles and components.

Creating awareness within communities is essential for preventing automotive crimes. Public education campaigns can inform vehicle owners about the risks and encourage them to take preventive measures, such as parking in well-lit areas, using anti-theft devices, and marking catalytic converters with identifying information.

We have added a new product and service to our menu, the installation of Cobra Cat anti-theft devices.  The Cobra-Cat™ Security Strike System, is a cutting edge alarm system that uses radar technology to secure the undercarriage of most cars and trucks. It does a remarkable job of protecting your vehicle’s catalytic converter as well as your rims and tires from theft! At Paul's Automotive, we understand the challenges posed by the rising tide of automotive crime. Give us a call or schedule your installation appointment online today.

We all know what tires are but do we really fully appreciate what they do, how important they are and how they can tell us about potential issues with our vehicle.

Let’s first talk about what tires do.  Tires connect our vehicles to the road.  Everything literally rides on our tires.  The contact patch of the tire (roughly the six inches of tire that touch the road while we are driving)  carry us safely to wherever we are going.  Making sure your tires are properly maintained will enable you are able to safely drive your vehicle.  Your tires will also play a part in the comfort and ride of your vehicle.  Nice tall (fluffy) tires will provide a lot of cushion when driving on rough roads and give you a more comfortable ride.  Short and squatty tires will give you better handling when cornering at higher speeds.  The size and inflation of your tires are REALLY IMPORTANT too.   In addition to increased fuel usage overinflation and underinflation can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely.  Wheels that are out of alignment can also cause uneven tire wear (edge wear) as well as wheels that are out of balance (patchy wear).

Most modern vehicles are equipped with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) which will alert you to high/low pressure.  The information for the TPMS is provided by sensors located on or in your tires or wheels.  Sensors are battery operated.  Batteries will start to lose their power when the sensors are about 7-10 years old.  Aftermarket replacement sensors are available or you can also check the correct tire pressure for your vehicle by referencing the chart located on the driver’s side door jamb of the vehicle.

At Paul’s Autmotive we believe tires are so important for your safety we include a complimentary tire inspection with every service we do here.  As always, if you have any questions we are happy to help.  Give us a call or stop by the shop at your convenience. 

Although oil changes are vital, they should not be the sole concentration of car maintenance. Although replacing the "blood source" of your vehicle is vital, there are additional measures to ensure a safe and dependable vehicle. Ignoring safety inspections can have dire consequences for your safety, finances, and driving enjoyment. Envision a serene drive, interrupted by a sudden flash of a warning light on your dashboard. The potential outcomes of ignoring those signs are dire beyond what we might imagine.

In much the same way, regular safety checks on our vehicles are necessary to ensure their overall health and well-being. Early detection and rectification of issues are made possible by these inspections before they become major. Safeguarding road safety requires focusing on these assessments to prevent gradual deterioration. Paul's Automotive understands the significance of scheduling maintenance at your convenience and places great importance on your safety during every visit. By conducting digital safety inspections, we take photographs to serve as a reference and educate you on how to prioritize for budget-friendly solutions. A deeper understanding of your car's health is part of the scope of care, which goes beyond an oil change. Technicians with certification scrutinize every vital aspect to deliver top-notch vehicle performance. The unexpected nature of safety is reversed at Paul's Automotive, where you take control. By prioritizing proactive care, you can safeguard your vehicle's durability and overall health.

When you hear the work spark, especially at this time of year, you think of little children holding wands with a little snap, crackle and pop at the end. This month we are talking about something kind of similar, the spark that causes the combustion in an internal combustion engine.

There are different types of spark plugs available. The type of spark plug your vehicle uses will depend on the type of fuel your vehicle uses.

Most automobile engines are 4 stroke engines. The first stroke brings air and fuel into the cylinder, the second stroke compresses the air/fuel mix, the third stroke (the power stroke) is the combustion stroke where a spark ignites the compressed air/fuel mix and the fourth stroke is the exhaust stroke. This process happens thousands of times every time you drive your vehicle. It is the third stroke of this process, the power stroke, where a vehicle’s spark plugs come into play. Without any spark, combustion will not occur and your car will not start or move.

The three main types of sparks plugs vary due to the metal used at the tip of the electrodes. Copper, Platinum and Iridium are the three different types of metal that are most commonly used. Why does the metal matter? The stronger the metal the longer it will last. Copper sparkplugs are the most commonly used spark plug. Copper is an excellent electrical conductor, but it is not as hard as the other metals and has a lower melting point. They have an average life of about 20,000 miles. Platinum plugs will typically last about 60,000 – 100,000 miles. That is because Platinum is a harder metal and has a higher heat tolerance. Iridium spark plugs have the longest life span. Iridium is 8 times stronger than Platinum and has a melting point over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, Iridium plugs last up to 25% longer than platinum spark plugs.

Silver spark plugs are also an option. Silver, like copper, is an excellent thermal conductor but, like Copper, is not as hard as platinum or iridium and will not last as long. Silver spark plugs are mostly used in motorcycles or older European vehicles.

Diesel engines do not use spark plugs at all, rather they use ”Glow Plugs”. Instead of creating intermittent sparks, glow plugs are essentially a heating element. When the compressed fuel and air in a cylinder make contact with the hot surface of the glow plug it will ignite and cause combustion.

So, there you have it! We hope we put a little spark into your day 😊

If you are experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, declining fuel economy or engine knocking it could be a sign that your spark plugs are in need of replacement. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online and we would be happy to check it out for you.

The most prevalent cause of clunking noises are problems with your suspension/steering components. But where does this originate?

This can be a result of different components not performing as designed. One of these components is a strut and/or shock. What is a strut or shock? Struts are a structural part of the suspension system and are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle on the top, and they come down through. Struts will have mounts, boots and bump stops within the complete strut. They are located behind the front tires most of the time. A Shock Absorber is a part designed to keep your tires on the road and keeps vehicle from bouncing. Vehicles can have a strut and a shock on the same vehicle. You will find many cars and trucks with Struts on the Front Axle and Shocks on the Rear Axle. Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster.

Shocks and struts don't go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time. This can also put stress on other suspension/steering components because they are no longer getting support from the struts/shocks and ultimately be an extremely expensive repair. It is crucial that you get your vehicle suspension checked regularly to avoid loss of handling and control. You may notice that your vehicle bounces excessively, rolls or sways abruptly when making a turn. Your vehicle can also nosedive coming to a complete stop and causing the brakes to wear out faster. You may feel out of control when hit by a cross wind. It can also lose their ability to control the rate of weight transfer when going around corners.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms plan a visit with us and we will be happy to perform a visual inspection, save you thousands, and ultimately keep you safe on the road.

What is TPMS and How Does it Work?

In response to a surge of accidents due to underinflated tires, the US government passed the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act.  One of the outcomes of this legislation was that most vehicles sold after 2007 include a TPMS system of some kind.

Your vehicles Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is designed to warn you when the pressure in one or more of your tires may be low or require service.  The TPMS warning indicator is the yellow symbol shown above (horseshoe shape with an exclamation point).

Why is an underinflated tire so important?

• Underinflated tires cause poor fuel economy.  The Department of Transportation estimates that underinflated tires waste 2 billion US gallons of fuel each year. 
• The life of your tires is not as long when you drive on underinflated tires.  When your tires are underinflated the internal temperature rises and causes a breakdown of material bonds inside the tire.  Once a tire is weakened, it won’t heal after being re-inflated to the proper pressure.  So if a tire has been allowed to run low for a period of time it may need to be replaced.
• Underinflated tires will affect the handling of the vehicle.  Properly inflated tires add greater stability, braking and a safer experience for the driver.
• According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, vehicles with under-inflated tires release more than 300 billion pounds of carbon monoxide in the United States each year. By monitoring tire pressure on your vehicles, you can ensure tires are properly inflated so you can help reduce the emission of dangerous pollutants.

It is not uncommon for the TPMS senor to activate when the temperature drops.  The air gets denser and takes up less space, meaning reduced pressure from the air in your tires.  When the temperature turns colder check your tire pressure and add air as needed — think of adding a bit of air like topping off your gas tank.

When you see the TPMS warning indicator on your vehicle’s instrument panel, immediately check your tire pressure or stop our shop so that we can do it for you.  If your alert is still displayed after setting the tire pressure, your TPMS may need to run through a “relearn” process or even require a TPMS sensor replacement.  We can also examine your tires for damage, such as a puncture, to explain the air loss.

Wet Weather Maintenance Tips

Wet weather, like we have been experiencing lately, can create road hazards and some detrimental effects on our vehicles.  Some things to be aware of when you are driving are potholes.  The ground is so saturated now that potholes are starting to appear more frequently.  If you drive over a pothole, your tires and steering system can be damaged.  The rubber on your tire can be pinched when you hit a large pothole.  While this may not cause an immediate flat or noticeable damage, this will create a weak point in the rubber where it is pinched.  This may cause blistering on the side of the tire.  If the blister ruptures, your tire will rapidly lose air and create an obviously hazardous driving condition.  Make sure to inspect your tires several days after hitting a pothole to make sure a blister does not appear.  A blister cannot be repaired.  If you notice a blister, you should get a new tire as soon as possible.   A large pothole can also throw off the wheel alignment of your vehicle.  If you start to notice that your vehicle is pulling to the right or left when you are driving after hitting a pothole, you should have your alignment checked as soon as possible.  Driving over a pothole can also cause your wheels to go out of balance.  When your wheels are out of balance you will notice a chatter or shimmy in your steering wheel while driving.  If your wheels are out of balance, it creates an unsafe driving condition and additional wear on your tires you should have your wheel balance checked as soon as possible.

An often-overlooked area of vehicle maintenance is your vehicle’s drains.  All vehicles have drains to eliminate water that accumulates from rainfall or having your car washed.  Over time drains can become clogged by dirt, leaves or other debris.  When a drain is clogged, accumulated water cannot exit and will pool in the vehicle creating extra weight and causing rust. If you notice constant wet spots in your vehicle’s carpet, water stains on your door panels, your sun or moon roof is leaking or hear water sloshing around in your vehicle it could be an indication that your vehicle’s drain is clogged, and water is not draining properly.  You should have your drains checked as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, please give the shop a call so we can get your vehicle taken care of and get your back on the road safely.