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!

Have A NEW Car Warranty? You Can Still Count On Paul's!

Picture this: After extensive research, you finally pick out and buy that car you've had your eye on. Whether it's brand new, or simply new to you, your hope is that the vehicle is reliable for years to come.

Congratulations! The dealer offers you a sweet deal, a warranty of 3 years/30,000 miles, or something similar, for only a few thousand dollars. You say, “What a deal!” You drive around, basking in the glory of your new ride. After so many months, you realize it is time for a mileage service, oil change, tire rotation, or you hear an odd noise.

“Ugh,” you say. You bought that warranty package, and the idea of leaving work early, arranging rides for the kids, and schlepping all the way out to the dealer sounds like such a hassle.

“Oh, I miss the days of going to Paul’s Automotive, just down the street from my home and work! So convenient!” Not to mention, you liked supporting a local, family business and you knew and trusted the staff working on your car. You also remember how Paul’s uses the same, high-quality OEM parts, oils, and fluids that you would find at the dealership, for much less cost.

BUT WAIT! Did you know that having any kind of work done by us WILL NOT void your warranty??

According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, (United States Code [U.S.C.], Chapter 15, Sections 2301-2312) a vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty of your vehicle due to an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the aftermarket part was the cause of or contributed to the failure of the vehicle (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2302 (C)). This means that a vehicle's warranty cannot be "voided." The dealer can only deny a claim if the stock part failed due to damage or unreasonable use.

This site has a helpful summary of how the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act could affect you: https://www.autoanything.com/popups/MossWarranty.aspx.

Another option is to visit us first, before the dealer. We could do an inspection and possibly discover things that the dealership may not find, and then we will refer you to the dealer if it is something a warranty would cover.

So, don’t wait until your warranty expires.

SKIP THE DEALERSHIP. Let Paul’s Automotive be YOUR DEALERSHIP ALTERNATIVE!

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!