Visalia Auto Repair

Also known as a cam belt, a vehicle's timing belt helps ensure combustion in the engine runs consistently, keeping you safe as you cruise the roads with your Honda. The cam belt is a continuous loop of rubber with ridges that interlock with the crankshaft's and the camshaft's teeth, synchronizing the movement of the two engine parts. The systematic synchronization ensures the exhaust and intake valves within the engine open and close in time with pistons. What if the Timing Belt Breaks? The engine stops working efficiently or stalls the moment your timing belt breaks. If the belt breaks while you're driving your Honda vehicle, the camshaft will stop turning, causing some engine valves to remain in an open position. The crankshaft continues to rotate, moving pistons up and down. This defect makes the pistons strike the valves that are left open. It may, in turn, trigger heavy engine damage inclusive of shattered or bent valves and destroyed pistons. Also, there could ... read more

A catalytic converter works hard to make sure that clean air goes through your Lexus. When there are issues with it, you may be exposed to harmful emissions. Here are the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter. Engine does not perform as well If you've been noticing that your engine isn't performing the way it should be, look at the catalytic converter. If the converter is clogged, it means that the car will not function well. Even a crack in the catalytic converter can lead harmful gas into the engine, making it perform poorly. Rattling Noises If you are hearing rattling noises, check on the catalytic converter. The reason it does this is that it may be failing, or it's just done for. The rattle is more noticeable when you turn on your Lexus, and it will worsen over time. Sulfur Smells If you are smelling sulfur, investigate that as soon as possible. This would mean that the catalytic converter is not working right to produce odorless sulfur dioxide. Check Engine Lig ... read more

Our Acura can make a lot of sounds – some can be normal, which is why most car owners don’t give much thought when they hear a slight ping. However, when you catch a new and alarming sound, you should never ignore it. Your Acura could be signaling to you that something is wrong. Here are 5 concerning car noises that your Acura can make: Hissing Under the Hood If you hear this sound, it can mean that you have a fluid leak. When coolant leaks, it tends to hit the hot part of the engine. If coolant leaks onto the engine block or manifold, you may hear a hissing noise whenever you accelerate. Rattling Steering Heavy vibrations coming from your Acura’s steering system can be an evident sign that something is wrong. From a loose nut to low power steering fluid, you don’t want to ignore this for too long. Bring your car to us for inspections before it is too late.  Popping Exhaust If you hear a loud band or pop coming from your exhaust pipes, it could mean y ... read more

There's no greater fact that Asian car brands remain to be the most reliable vehicles on the market. Out of all the brands on the market, Asian makes tend to stand highest for their dependability. The top brands from this car segment include Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, and Kia. On the other hand, studies have shown that European vehicles scored the lowest. Read on to learn why their reliability stands year after year. Asian automakers employ the very best engineers, who are very meticulous in the details of their many vehicles. They consider style, speed, performance, price, and reliability when designing their vehicles. Moreover, the brand considers all the possible ways that the car can fail and implement ways to prevent them. Asian cars tend to be mass produced in larger quantities than other cars. Therefore, there's more supply, making its price point be more favorable. The brands look to oversaturate and dominate the market. They use long-la ... read more

A good tune-up can help your car run more efficiently and smoothly, saving you money on fuel and extending the life of your diesel engine. However, if you aren't sure when it's time to bring your truck into DS Auto Experts, here are five signs that indicate it may be time for a tune-up. Pay attention to these red flags and you can help avoid any unnecessary repairs down the road! Fuel Usage The most basic thing to look for is how fast your diesel fuel is going. If it's getting low faster than usual, that could be a sign that something isn't right in your diesel engine. Since an engine can't burn fuel if it doesn't have enough air, make sure you check other signs of an aging car. Strange Clunking Noises When You Accelerate There are many common sounds that indicate something is wrong with your truck, and one of them is strange clunking noises when you accelerate. If your car makes unusual sounds when you press on the gas pedal, it may need to be tuned up. A t ... read more