Sacramento Auto Repair

Engine cooling and air conditioning are two different systems that play crucial roles in maintaining the performance and longevity of vehicles. Engine cooling is primarily responsible for regulating the temperature of the engine, while air conditioning focuses on cooling the interior of the vehicle for passenger comfort.

Engine cooling is essential to prevent overheating, which can lead to severe damage to the engine. It typically involves a radiator, coolant, water pump, and thermostat. The radiator helps dissipate heat from the engine coolant, which absorbs excess heat from the engine. The water pump circulates the coolant, ensuring that it flows through the engine and radiator, while the thermostat regulates the coolant flow based on the engine's temperature. This cooling system prevents the engine from reaching excessively high temperatures, optimizing its performance and preventing potential breakdowns.

On the other hand, air conditioning is responsible for cooling and dehumidifying the air inside the vehicle's cabin. It consists of a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve. The air conditioning system uses a refrigerant that circulates throughout the entire system. The refrigerant converts from a gas to a liquid state and vice versa, allowing it to absorb heat from inside the vehicle and discharge it outside. This process cools the air and helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside the car during hot weather.

In conclusion, while engine cooling protects the engine from overheating and ensures optimal performance, air conditioning enhances passenger comfort by cooling and dehumidifying the air inside the vehicle. Both systems are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, catering to the different needs of the vehicle and its occupants.

If your vehicle is running hot it may be time to have your cooling or air conditioning services.  We are happy to help you with that at Paul's Automotive in Sacramento, CA.  Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today for cool runnings!

Owning A Car In Midtown Sacramento - What You Need To Know

We love being in Midtown and have been here since the early 1980s. In fact, we feel that Paul’s Automotive is synonymous with Midtown, Sacramento. As a result, many of our customers live and/or work locally and drive very little. In fact, I used to be one of those people (before the babies and the necessity of car seats has required me to drive more). I lived, worked, shopped, went out, did everything within a two-mile radius. I barely drove my car; perhaps to Petco, since biking with a 45lb bag of cat litter was not feasible.

I thought, “I hardly ever drive! I don’t need to get anything done until I reach 5,000-miles for an oil change.” It would take me about three years to drive 5,000 miles! Since I started working with Mike at Paul’s Automotive, I’ve discovered that I was woefully misinformed. For you urban dwellers like me out there, who rarely drive, there are still critical things you need done to ensure your car is safe and will last for years. After all, you barely drive, you don’t want to have to buy a new car!!

There are various things that can happen to your car over time, especially if not driven often:

• Oil and other fluids break down due condensation build up;
• Tires lose air and pressure;
• Tires develop flat spots, separate, and crack;
• Windshield wipers crack;
• Hoses and belts crack; and
• Battery’s charge is affected (especially in winter)

If you’re a Midtowner, we don’t expect to see you in the shop several times a year for mileage services or for big repairs, simply because you are not putting thousands of miles on your car. However, we do hope to see you twice a year: at the beginning of the winter and at the beginning of summer. During these visits, we can make sure your car is ready for the season ahead.

After all, two visits a year to ensure the safety and longevity of your car and prevent even more costly repairs down the road is worth it!

Call us for more information on our new Midtowner Service!

It’s not even officially summer and we’re already hitting 100 degree temperatures. It’s around this time the kids run in the sprinklers, we stock up on popsicles, and we start running our car’s air conditioning systems non-stop…and it’s also the same time we wonder: is my A/C system even working at its full potential? Will it keep me cool throughout the summer?

If it isn’t running as cold as you wish it was, your first thought may be to call us and say, “My A/C isn’t running so cold, it needs more Freon.”

“Not so fast!” we’d reply. There are several parts that work together to keep your A/C system running. There are hoses, fans, the compressor, and the condenser that are all parts of the system as well. In fact, we often find that a leaky hose or a malfunctioning fan is the culprit.

At Paul’s we offer an A/C Performance and Systems Service where we do several activities to check your vehicle’s A/C system and get it running in tip top shape. This service includes:

• Removing any existing Freon, cleaning it, placing it back in your car, and topping it off;
• Checking the hoses and other components for leaks. If we do suspect a leak, we add a dye that helps us pinpoint exactly where it is coming from. The dye also allows us to identify if there are multiple leaks;
• Checking fan operation. We check both the blower fan and the cooling fan to make sure they are operating properly;
• Checking cabin air filter condition;
• Measuring overall system pressures and temperatures; and
• Replacing any lubricants that may have been lost due to servicing your A/C system.

We want you, your children, friends, and your pets to have a cool, comfortable ride to and from all your fun summer events! Happy summer!