Logo | Autotrend Auto Repair

Loading ...

Missing business hours data / Error occurred while getting the data.

Blog

By Dave Kusa 01 Mar, 2024
AutoTrend Auto Repair in Campbell, CA is here your go to for all things auto repair.
By Dave Kusa 01 Feb, 2024
Don't forget these tips before heading out on a Valentine's Day trip!
By Dave Kusa 01 Jan, 2024
Happy New Year, Campbell! Here's How To Take Better Care of Your Vehicle in 2024
By Dave Kusa 20 Nov, 2023
We appreciate your commitment to our business.
By Jennifer Filzen 01 Nov, 2023
Explore a gratitude playlist curated by AutoTrend Auto Repair in Campbell, CA. These songs celebrate thankfulness and make for a perfect soundtrack for your next drive. Let's keep the gratitude going, one song and one drive at a time!
spooky
By Jennifer Filzen 01 Oct, 2023
Experience relief from car troubles at Autotrend Auto Repair. Expert technicians banish ghosts of engine, tire, and brake issues. Contact us today!
fall
By Jennifer Filzen 01 Sep, 2023
Is your vehicle's A/C ready for fall? Weak airflow, strange noises, and foul odors are signs it needs repair. Visit AutoTrend Auto Repair.
school supplies
By Jennifer Filzen 01 Aug, 2023
Prepare your car for the new school year with Autotrend Auto Repair. Brake, oil, air filter, tire, and battery checks for a smooth, safe ride.
By Jennifer Filzen 01 Jul, 2023
Discover exciting events and activities in Campbell this summer! There's something for everyone from the Campbell Summer Concert Series to the beautiful San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. Dive into adventure at Campbell Public Libraries and indulge in the Downtown Campbell Wine Walk. Plus, don't forget to take care of your vehicle with our top summer services. Keep your cool with air conditioning service, power up for adventure with a battery check, roll smoothly on the summer breeze with a tire inspection, quench your vehicle's thirst with a fluid check, and shine bright with exterior detailing. Visit AutoTrend Auto Repair before your summer fun begins. Schedule an appointment with our expert mechanics, and let us take care of your vehicle. Like us on Facebook for news and updates.
5 Signs It's Time for an Oil Change | Autotrend Auto Repair
By Autotrend Auto Repair 01 Feb, 2023
Discover the 5 signs indicating the need for an oil change. Learn about checking oil levels, dark or sludgy oil, exhaust smoke, unusual engine noises, and tracking mileage.
How To Detail Your Car Simple Tips Blog | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Jan, 2023
Learn some simple tips on how to best detail your own car such as using microfiber cloths and using a paintbrush to clean the air vents.
Reflections And Planning For The Next Year As A Driver Blog | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Dec, 2022
Improve your driving experience with these vehicle-focused New Year's resolutions. From maintenance tips to overcoming anxiety, we've got you covered!
Country Flags | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Nov, 2022
At Autotrend Auto Repair, we want to thank all of the brave people who have selflessly fought for our country.
Halloween pumpkin | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Oct, 2022
Check out our curated list of 'spooky' things you can do in Campbell, CA this Halloween. From Winchester Mystery House to Campbell Historical Museum.
Road | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Sep, 2022
Thank you to all the hardworking drivers this Labor Day! CDL and truck drivers deserve our appreciation for keeping our lives moving forward.
Tire | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Aug, 2022
Ensure your vehicle is safe to drive with regular inspections. Stay on top of maintenance and visit Autotrend Diagnostic for your vehicle inspection.
USA Flag | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Jul, 2022
Celebrate Independence Day by honoring America's fallen heroes. Find creative ways to show gratitude, donate, attend events, and involve children.
Car in Desert | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Jun, 2022
Get your car summer-ready with expert tips on fluid maintenance, brake checks, AC performance, and emergency preparedness.
Car in Garage | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 May, 2022
Buying a new car can be stressful. Read our blog to learn the top things to know when buying a new car. From a mechanic's view.
Car | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Apr, 2022
April's National Vehicle Maintenance month is your reminder to get your vehicle in for its routine maintenance so prevent major repairs in the future.
Spring Flowers | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Mar, 2022
With spring's arrival, it's crucial to prepare your car with a thorough wash, tire inspection, and battery check due to winter conditions.
Men Inside the car | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Feb, 2022
Learn five key strategies to maintain your car's condition and value in the new year, including interior care and essential maintenance tips.
Patrol Pump | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Jan, 2022
Discover how cold weather can affect your car's fuel economy and learn essential tips to minimize its impact.
Grinch | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Dec, 2021
Avoid turning into a road Grinch this holiday season with our essential tips on emotional control for better driving
Letters | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Nov, 2021
Explore the significant impact small acts of kindness can have, whether in auto repair, construction, book donations, or environmental work.
Car in fog | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Oct, 2021
This guide explains what concerning noises might mean, including grinding brakes, knocking suspension, and hissing engines.
ASH and Smoke |Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Sep, 2021
Get essential tips for wildfire season: home safety, evacuation planning, car readiness, and survival strategies for emergencies.
Ground | Autotrend Auto Repair
31 Jul, 2021
Unleash your wanderlust with our list of extraordinary weekend adventures in California at destinations like Vision Quest Ranch and more!
Tent | Autotrend Auto Repair
30 Jun, 2021
Looking for memorable ways to spend your summer without actually leaving home? Dive into our guide on mastering the art of a staycation.
Couple in the car | Autotrend Auto Repair
31 May, 2021
Make your road trips lively and fun with our family-friendly music ideas. Keep everyone in the car singing and laughing together the whole way.
Palm tree | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 May, 2021
Safeguard your car from the summer heat with tips on shaded parking, interior cleanliness, fluid level checks, and air conditioner maintenance.
Diagnostic | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Apr, 2021
Welcome to the April blog! With technology becoming cheaper and cheaper, more people are buying their partners home automobile diagnostic machines for their cars, for birthdays and Christmas presents. It’s a great gift for a car enthusiast who wants to go into a shop with some idea of an existing problem. But the trouble with a diagnostic device is that it doesn’t really offer the answers. It’s a part of the question, one that helps the mechanic work out where the issue is. But we frequently see people coming from parts stores who want a specific part changed. If that part is replaced and the problem still exists, that’s not the fault of the auto mechanic; that’s a shortcut that took the car owner twice as long and twice the price. Still, home computer diagnostics are not a bad thing. It’s important that the user understands it doesn’t have the full story on what’s wrong with your car, usually. That’s something that an experienced auto mechanic uses a diagnostic to narrow the scope of his search. You may ask what’s a home diagnostic is good for: It can give you an indication of what your issues are. By pointing you towards a specific system or part, it can give you an idea of the possible costs to replace it. It can relieve your worries about a more costly issue. If you were worried that their might be a problem with your electrical system and the computer diagnostic is indicating a problem with just the Alternator, that’s a massive relief-- but get the problem properly checked out, to be sure, For the most part, a home diagnostic is missing the most important element you need: the experience of decades of car repairs to understand what the real issues are. At Autotrend Auto Repair, we’ve got Diagnostics in our name. We’re big on testing and resolving the mysteries of your vehicle. For the best auto repair and preventive maintenance service, schedule an appointment online. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service, or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Flower | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Mar, 2021
Welcome to March! Spring will soon be sprung. We hope it’s a good season for you and yours and that you have the resources you need to see your way through the next month. The arrival of spring will bring with it certain other problems: the local fauna will wreak havoc on the sinuses of the unprepared. Particularly in dry seasons, the dusting of pollen all over our cars can make life difficult for the sensitive among us who react badly to pollens, whether tree, ragwood, or otherwise. Protecting your car and your passengers against pollen is important. We’d like to recommend a few each steps to helping you save your passengers (or yourself) during the allergy season: Consider your destination. If you’re going somewhere near a big field of flowers or where the parking will put you right where pollen will hit you, rethink your plans. Wash your car regularly. Get your car washed at regular intervals if the season is dry and the rain isn’t washing the pollen away enough. Air Filters. Replacing your air filters inside your car is a good way to flush out a large accumulation of pollen. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, Autotrend will be happy to take care of it for you! We hope the return of mother nature is kind to you and yours, but if it isn’t, we hope these tios will help you cope during Allergy season. If you need your air filter replaced, bring your vehicle to Autotrend Auto Repair\! For the best auto repair and preventive maintenance service, schedule an appointment online. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service , or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Romantic Getaways During The Pandemic Blog | Autotrend Auto Repair
By Rose | Autotrend Auto Repair 01 Feb, 2021
It’s Valentine’s Day in the midst of a pandemic! Health concerns will make it difficult to plan out romantic adventures with our sweethearts. It's impossible to predict, over a month away, what the climate for going outside will be. With a new, more contagious variant of Coronavirus on the loose, it is difficult to make any kind of plans right now. It's also true that we need getaways. Our love relationships need cultivation and stimulation, or they become stagnant. We must do something to shake up norms and get the bonding experiences that keep us together. With the Downtown Campbell Farmers' Market closed due to COVID19 concerns, there's a little less to do in Campbell at the moment. While we'd all like to book a table at Elements Massage for an exciting spa day, the best we can do now is to purchase a gift certificate to help them get through the pandemic, too. There are, however, places where you can step out of your comfort zone and get a little variety back in your life. With a pandemic on, no one wants to risk a long trip to an unknown place, so we tend to shelter in our homes until monotony sets in, and we begin to lose sight of just how hard we're all trying to keep ourselves together and stay healthy. But you can still visit a safe, clean space nearby and get out of your own life for a bit. Consider staying somewhere like the Campbell Inn for a few nights away from the chores and household duties to get you and your spouse perked up about reclaiming your own space with a little elbow grease when you get home. Consider outdoor spaces, too, where you can give other couples distance while sharing in the beauty around you. For more than a small sampling of roses this year, you can visit the San Jose Municipal Rose Gardens. It's still not safe to go into movie theaters with large potential crowds, but that doesn't rule out drive-in theaters. From the safety of your car, or with lawn chairs, a picnic basket, and blankets, the West Wind Capitol Drive-In is showing films in the great outdoors. Weather permitting, a great date experience!  We hope your Valentine's Day will have all the tenderness and love you desire, give you a much-needed break from the past few months' events, and help to strengthen your bonds with the ones you love.
Driving In Pandemic | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Jan, 2021
Welcome to a new year! As the pandemic carries on into 2021, we’ve had to adjust the way we do everything to keep ourselves and our kids safe. There’s a lot to do every time we go out the door now! Here are some ground rules we should all follow when venturing forth in our cars Know your route. We’re at a stage where we have to consider where we’re headed as where we may potentially break down. So check your route on a navigation device for any detours or obstructions. Be aware of when traffic slows on your way there and back, to avoid high traffic periods. Keep your calm. This is hard, especially with kids around. Sometimes the kids can get excited or loud during a trip. And sometimes outside events can affect our calm: rude drivers, sudden stops, conflicts. It’s important to stay calm and remember that the objective isn’t winning a race when we drive, it’s to get safely to your next destination. And remember, other people may be trying to stay calm, but failing at it. Show them grace and help them out. Checklist the PPE gear you need before you leave the house. Does every passenger have it? Are there spares if someone loses it? Do you have hand sanitizer? And the most crucial: did everyone use the restroom before going to the car? Know that your car is well enough to make the voyage. There’s no sense putting your head in the sand about your car. If it’s in need of some work, it’s best to know what and address it when possible, then ignore it and run the risk of being stranded somewhere with no help in sight. Here’s to you and your family for managing so well this far into the pandemic. If you need an updated inspection of your vehicle, give the team at Autotrend Auto Repair a call today! For the best auto repair and preventive maintenance service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service , or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Happy Driver | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Dec, 2020
At Autotrend, we know how easy it is to take driving for granted, to think of ourselves as invincible and impervious. But other drivers do this, too. To survive them, you need to be aware of their major sins. These 9 New Year’s Driver Resolutions are about helping you be more aware and protected from bad driving on the road. Focus on the drive - Sort out your distractions before you start your journey. Never drive sleepy, never drive after drinking, or under the influence of drugs (illegal and prescribed). Adjust your mirrors properly Before you take the car out of Park. Pull the vehicle over for an emotional conversation. Practice Defensive Driving - every time you get behind the wheel, be aware that someone else may be even more reckless than you are. Don’t tailgate - Leave a bigger gap Obey traffic laws - Follow the speed limit. Use appropriate speed on the highway and come to a full stop at stop signs. Do not switch lanes within 45 yards of an intersection. Share the road - Match your speed to the traffic around you, and get to the right-hand lane if you others wish to go faster. Be courteous - do not let bad driving or selfishness in other drivers affect your driving. Be kind to the mistakes of others. Be present - Hold the steering wheel properly, and wear proper shoes on your feet. Signal - Don’t weave between lanes. We hope you and your family are ready for what 2021 has in store for you. Please, give the team at Autotrend Auto Repair a call today! For the best auto repair and preventive maintenance service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service, or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Dining Table | Autotrend Auto Repair
12 Nov, 2020
Did you know that this Thanksgiving marks the 400th anniversary of Thanksgiving? The first one actually happened on November 9th, 1620, on board the Mayflower. After 65 days in rough seas, the pilgrims finally made it to the shores of North America, just off Cape Cod. They read out Psalm 100 in unison to thank God for their safe arrival. This year, as we gather with our families where we can for Thanksgiving, there will likely be some hard feelings over differences of opinion on politics and science. It’s important that we talk to each other with a willingness to understand our differences as much as stake the claim to our own beliefs. We hope your family forgives their differences and is thankful to be alive and in each other’s company in a year of pandemic. At Autotrend Auto Repair, we’re thankful for your patronage this past year. The continued support of the Campbell community kept us alive and our jobs intact. We hope you will be thankful for the common element that brought us together this year: your car. You can do very small things for your car, and very big things for your car… but in all of our plans, the endgame is to save you money in the long run. Here are our top 4 suggestions for showing gratitude to your vehicles: Clean them. This seems naively simple, but there’s science behind it. Cleaning the outside clears it of dirt and grit that can wind up clogging your systems, and cleaning the inside of your car helps keep you healthy. Also, when your car looks good, you do more to protect it. Consolidate your trips out. Less driving means less wear and tear on your car, and less chance of getting into a random accident along the way. Stop letting yourself get angry in your cars. Road rage and anger of being cheated, cut off, or taken advantage of in traffic only makes you a worse driver. Let your car be your sacred place, instead of a volatile, reactive place. Flush out your systems. Take advantage of our preventative maintenance program to protect your car and extend its life. To learn more about the many ways you can show gratitude to your car, give the team at Autotrend Auto Repair a call today! For the best auto repair and preventive maintenance service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service , or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Rainy evening | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Oct, 2020
Your car takes a beating day in and day out, but as the seasons change and the weather starts to get colder and more harsh, now is the time to start thinking about getting your car ready for the winter weather. Keep reading to find out how to start that preparation! Though the Bay Area isn’t necessarily known for its harsh weather conditions, there’s no telling what this winter season will bring. With fire still raging all over California and the west coast, now’s the time to get fully prepped for the months that lie ahead. Take a look at some of the ways you can get prepped: 1. Engine There are a multitude of things that could go wrong with your engine during the winter, so now’s a good time to give everything a thorough once-over. Get an oil change, and have your fluid levels checked. This should include your antifreeze, oil, windshield washer fluid, radiator fluid, and more. Also take a look at all your belts and hoses, to see if any have abnormal or extensive cracks or leaks. If you do, see an auto mechanic right away. Additionally, you should give your transmission and brakes an inspection, which can easily be handled by the skilled auto mechanic team at Autotrend Auto Repair! While you’re taking a look at your engine, this is also a good time to check on how your air filter is doing. With all the fires raging around California, you don’t want to be breathing in bad air from a clogged air filter. Your car’s cabin filter and all your air filters will likely need changing soon, if not immediately, as a result of the soot and ash in the air. 2. Tires While San Jose enjoys a relatively moderate cold season, the rain and potential hail that we see during the winter can pose just as much of a hazard to drivers as snow. You should inspect your tires for proper tread, as well as abnormal wear and tear, and air pressure, which can easily be performed by your auto mechanic of choice. You’ll also want to have your tires rotated and balanced, in order to ensure that you have full control and precise handling when you need it most in the coming winter rainy season. If you plan on heading to areas with snow or ice on the roads, you may want to think about snow tires or snow chains. With snow tires you’ll get superior maneuverability and handling, though they may be a hassle to buy, install, and remove. Snow chains are another great option, and are easy to put on, take off, and store in your trunk. 3. Lights and Bulbs Lights and bulbs may not seem like they need all that much attention, but when you’re out on the road and your headlight or tail light goes out, you’ll wish you’d checked them! Go through all the lights and bulbs on your car and see if any are dimmed or in need of replacing. If they’re no longer good, give the Autotrend Auto Repair team a call. We’ll get your lights and bulbs squared away with speed and efficiency and have you on your way in no time. 4. Windshield Wipers The windshield wipers on your car are especially important in the winter. With rain, sleet, and potentially snow obstructing your vision while driving, you need to be able to depend on your windshield to clear your view. If you notice that your wiper blades make a squeaking or skipping noise while they’re on, or if they have any visible damage like cracks, brittleness, or chunks missing out of the rubber, you should look into having them replaced. Otherwise, they should be replaced every six months to a year as needed. 5. Car Emergency Kit Your car emergency kit should always remain in your vehicle, and each vehicle you drive should have one! You should cater your emergency kit to your particular car’s needs, as well as the location and terrain you’ll be driving in. Every kit should at least contain jumper cables, flashlight and batteries, flares or reflective road triangles, a warm blanket, basic toolkit, a first aid kit with a small supply of your prescription medications. You may also want to include some bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and an extra cell phone charger. To learn more about how to get your car ready for the fall and winter, give the team at Autotrend Auto Repair a call today! For the best auto repair and preventive maintenance service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service , or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
01 Sep, 2020
Until recently, most diesel vehicles in the United States were trucks, since the diesel engines are better equipped to haul large or heavy loads like tractors or construction vehicles. Now, the industry is starting to see an influx of passenger cars with diesel motors, and the team at Autotrend Auto Repair couldn’t be happier! Keep reading to find out just why you should own a diesel. One of the most important reasons people choose to buy diesel vehicles is because of their improved fuel efficiency. A diesel frequently gets 30% more miles per gallon than the same car that’s powered by a gasoline engine. With larger vehicles like a truck or SUV, that difference in gas mileage will likely be lowered, though typically they still range about 20% better on fuel than gasoline-powered trucks or SUVs. Another upside to buying a diesel vehicle is that they frequently require less maintenance than a gasoline-powered engine. Gas-powered engines have significantly more ignition issues than their diesel counterparts, so long as the vehicle is maintained. You’ll also have more power at your disposal, since diesels accelerate faster from a complete stop and have far greater towing capacity than gasoline cars. That’s not to say that diesel engines are faster. Diesel engines are not made for speed, which is why you may find you prefer a gasoline vehicle. To illustrate why diesel vehicles remain popular, here is a video from Donut Media that explains the differences between diesel and gas-powered engines.
Charging | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Aug, 2020
No matter your skill level, as a car owner, you should get comfortable making sure you can perform some simple car-care practices. Some things you may want to leave to the pros, but there is a bunch of simple vehicle maintenance that you can do easily on your own too! Firstly, you should always get acquainted with your owner's manual. Every car has one, and it’s usually a thick little booklet that's stored in your glovebox. If you can't find it, don't worry; you can always find an online version! Give it a read, and then turn to your maintenance schedule section. This will tell you what kinds of maintenance is needed and when. Next, you'll want to regularly check and change your car's oil and oil filter. Think of your engine as your vehicle's heart and its oil as its blood. It lubricates the rest of the engine, allowing its various parts to work together without grinding and causing damage over time. Old engine oil can cause just as much damage as too little engine oil, so be sure to get it changed regularly. The type of oil you use will be widely up to you, so long as it meets the service and viscosity requirements laid out in your owner's manual. After your oil checks, you should make sure to check your tires each month. Your tires are in constant use in your car, so it's even more critical for them to be in tip-top shape. While it's simple to add air to your tires, you'll need to ensure that they're at the correct tire pressure. Your ideal tire pressure can be found in both your owner's manual and on the inner door jamb on the driver's side door on a white or yellow sticker. You'll need to inflate your tires when they're cold, after having driven less than a mile to get an accurate reading with a pressure gauge. Otherwise, add 4 PSI to whatever reading your gauge gives you. According to your manufacturer, your tire pressure should be no more than 5 PSI over or under the recommended amount. And while you're at it, check your spare tire's pressure too! In addition to checking your tires, you'll also need to inspect the rest of your fluids. Some of the most important to check are your brake, transmission, coolant, and washer fluids. Like with your engine oil, you'll want to check the transmission fluid with a dipstick. Brake fluid, radiator fluid, coolant, and washer fluid levels can all be checked visually. Lastly, examine all your engine's belts and hoses for leaks or cracks. If you spot any leaks, cracks, or bulges in a hose, have it replaced pronto. And on belts, check for signs of wear like cracking, glazing, and missing chunks missing. These should also be replaced as soon as possible to prevent additional costly repairs. You'll also want to inspect your windshield wipers, battery, and air filter occasionally to ensure they are all in good working order. Following this quick list of simple car-care practices will help your car to go for many more months and miles without a hiccup. And if you still aren't comfortable taking on some of these car maintenance tasks, go ahead and give the team at Autotrend Auto Repair a call today! For the best auto repair service and hybrid service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service, or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Emergency | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Jul, 2020
No matter where your travels take you, you should never drive your car without first having a properly stocked emergency car kit on board. There are some essential items each emergency car kit should have, but the ways to personalize it are endless. Read on for what to include in your emergency car kit! There are three main categories for what goes into your emergency car kit: car repair, medical and safety, and miscellaneous. Check them out below: Car Repair: When you face a vehicle emergency like a flat tire, there are some things you’ll need to have on hand in your vehicle. An inflated spare tire, a wheel wrench, and a tripod jack are all necessary and usually come in your car. Never changed a flat before? Don’t worry! Check your car owner manual for directions and pictures of how to do so. You can even check out some video tutorials online for practice. Also included on this list are jumper cables, tool kit, reflective triangles, and a reflective vest. These last two items are mainly for when your car is stuck, and you’re fixing that flat, so drivers know you’re out there. Medical and Safety: As any good driver does, you’ll want to have a fully stocked first aid kit in your car safety kit. This first aid kit should also have any frequently used medications for you and your family, like blood thinners, insulin, or epinephrine pens. You should also include a supply of nonperishable foods such as nuts or protein bars, as well as plenty of drinking water. Make sure to check these every six months to make sure they don’t spoil! Miscellaneous: No matter where you are going, you’ll want to have a flashlight and extra batteries, a compass, a car cell phone charger, fire extinguisher, duct tape, and a rain poncho. Now, depending on where you’re headed and what the weather’s like, you might also add to this list a set of warm clothes and a blanket, a small shovel, and a bag of cat litter. The shovel and cat litter can be used to dig a car out of a muddy situation or for traction if you get stuck. This list is by no means all-inclusive! These items are to get you started but depending on your needs, you may want to add or take things away from this guide to suit your needs. For the best auto repair service and emissions testing, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Engine Oil | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Jun, 2020
While many people grew up learning how to check and take care of the fluids in their cars, innovations in the automotive industry have added a variety of additional fluids that need maintenance. While a quick oil check used to be the standard, newer model vehicles require more maintenance and upkeep to keep them running to the best of their ability. Keep reading to learn how to understand more about some of your car's fluids! All cars run on oil, so you must check the oil regularly. The oil lubricates various parts of your engine, making sure it doesn't overheat and runs smoothly. If you go for a quick drive, then park and let your engine cool. If low, fill with the type of oil recommended in your car manual, and you're good to go! Another fluid vital to the running of your car is the radiator fluid. Radiator fluid ensures your engine doesn't overheat while it's running. If you run low on radiator fluid, you run the risk of overheating your car while out and about in traffic and potentially being stuck on the side of the road. Always check this fluid after driving your vehicle, though not while it is hot or cold. Your transmission allows your transmission to remain lubricated, thereby preventing a variety of expensive problems from cropping up with your transmission. Its job is to ensure that all the working parts of your transmission aren't damaged and keep it cool. In addition to ensuring you have enough, you'll also want to check the quality of your transmission fluid. Pink or clear transmission fluid is ideal; fluid that smells burnt or has particles in it should be changed out. Brake fluid is integral to your brakes' health and adds power to your braking system to keep your stops reactive and quick. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid and is responsible for moving the different components of your car's braking system. This fluid operates under high temperatures and pressure, allowing it to stop your vehicle when you press down on the brake pedal. Power steering fluid allows for your power steering to continue working by adding lubrication to the system. This ensures that you have added power and control when driving, as you have an additional level of control over your car's wheels. After finding the power steering fluid reservoir, you'll likely be able to see the fluid level from the outside, as the container is opaque. You can check it in the same way that you would check your oil with a dipstick and can easily add fluid if it's running low. Air conditioning coolant (also called Freon or refrigerant) is especially important when the weather begins to get warmer. This coolant cools the air that runs through your air conditioning system for you to feel comfortable in your car. With this fluid, you'll want to watch out for leaks. Not only will a leak cause your car to stop blowing cold air, but it can be harmful to the ozone. There are many more types of fluids in your vehicle that may need maintenance, and we can't always be bothered to check and replace them ourselves. That's where Autotrend Auto Repair comes in! For the best auto repair service and emissions testing, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Smoke check | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 May, 2020
We all know that emissions testing (also sometimes called a Smog Check) is an essential part of being a car owner these days. The Environmental Protection Agency sets the basic emissions standards for all vehicles sold in the United States. While that's true, it's up to each state to maintain those standards. As a result, states often adopt even stricter rules, including California. Some states don't require emissions testing, though California requires them every two years. New residents are required to have a smog check done before they can register their vehicle in California. If for some reason, you do not pass your emissions test and your car is not exempt, you will not be able to drive your vehicle within the state legally. Now, before getting into the requirements for the California emissions test, what does testing emissions even do? This test looks at your car's emission production to give an overview of its functional state. During an emissions testing, your vehicle is inspected for emissions both visually and functionally. Your auto mechanic will measure the amounts of various chemical gases that are released into the air when your car runs. The physical inspection looks at your car's exhaust system to see if there are potential ways to limit those emissions. Depending on where you go for your emissions testing, there are three current forms of tests used in California. The two-speed idle test, the acceleration simulation mode test, and the on-board diagnostics test. The two-speed idle test measures emissions through the tailpipe while your car is idle, as well as at low and high speed. It's usually used on older vehicles, though location can also be a factor for its use. The acceleration simulation mode test is generally used on very old cars. It includes a drive-on dynamometer that can measure the exhaust emissions while being driven. In the last test, the on-board diagnostic test measures the data it receives from your car's computerized diagnostics system. Due to changes in automotive technology, this test only applies to vehicles made in 2000 or newer. To get one of these emissions tests done, you should visit a STAR station, a testing location, or a testing and repair location. For those with cars that have higher levels of emissions, it may be a good idea to visit a STAR certified station. When you do visit these locations for an emissions test, make sure to bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, your vehicle's title, and registration. Once you have the results, your emissions information is recorded and registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair. This agency then determines if you have passed your emissions test. You'll receive a dated vehicle inspection report, as well as a receipt that says whether you passed or failed. This certificate is what you'll need to register or renew registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles. For over 24 years, Autotrend Auto Repair Auto Repair has been providing the greater Campbell area with the best auto mechanics in the business. As time passes and automotive technology continues to evolve, you can count on our auto mechanics to be ahead of the curve on training and certification. For the best auto repair service and emissions testing, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did! Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Mechanical Tools | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Apr, 2020
For the modern car owner, auto repair is now more involved and complicated than it has ever been. Vehicles and the technology inside of them are constantly getting more and more complex, so the tools and diagnostic skills associated with them are continually evolving as well. As a result of this constant change, it’s vital to the health of your car that you find a well-trained auto mechanic who can service your vehicle while providing you with the best possible auto service experience. Any auto mechanic worth their salt will tell you that proper education and training is an absolute must, and that’s no different at Autotrend Auto Repair Auto Repair. We make sure that not only are our auto mechanics highly trained in all the new diagnostic processes and the ins and outs of new car technologies, but that they have the experience necessary to take proper care of your car’s auto repair and preventive maintenance needs. Our technicians undergo extensive training, including advanced certifications, to keep up with our stringent quality guidelines. Another key element to ensuring your auto mechanic is top-notch is to make sure that they have all the tools at their disposal to perform any needed repairs or maintenance. Our auto repair specialists are highly trained in all up-to-date auto repair technology and have access to the latest tools and diagnostic methods available on the market. Along with cutting-edge diagnostic tools, our auto mechanics also have access to up-to-date information systems. This allows our technicians to pinpoint both drivability and electrical system failures in the most cost-effective manner we can to get your car back to its peak performance level. For over 24 years Autotrend Auto Repair Auto Repair has been providing the greater Campbell area with the best auto mechanics in the business. As time passes and automotive technology continues to evolve, you can count on our auto mechanics to be ahead of the curve on training and certification. For the best auto repair service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did. Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Car Bonet | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Mar, 2020
We all know that catching a small issue early can curb massive repair bills later down the line; this is one good reason to have your car serviced regularly. Standard preventive maintenance keeps your vehicle flush with fluids, adjusted, properly lubricating needed parts, and general cleaning and inspections. Your mechanic is a lot like your car's doctor who will keep your vehicle healthy, they know what to keep an eye out for and can help you catch a small issue before it snowballs into a major repair. What type of car owner are you? Do you keep your car maintained, scheduling regular services? Or do you wait for something to go wrong with your vehicle and deal with that squeak, dash light, or noise only when it becomes a bigger problem? Reactive car owners often have to spend more money on their vehicles than owners who schedule regular maintenance based on mileage. Here is a list of preventive maintenance to use as a guide when thinking about your car: Oil Changes Give your car regular oil changes, and it will thank you. Filters are often replaced at the same time, which can catch pollutants before making it into your cabin also talk about the frequency of changes. A good rule of thumb is 3,000 miles, however, with the new oil technology on the market, extending your oil's life. You may need to bring your car in less frequently for oil changes, depending. Fluid and Belt Checks Regularly checking your fluids helps keep you familiar with your car. Open the hood and take a look around. There are caps with different labels to put fluids such as antifreeze, wiper fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Your car needs each of these fluids to operate correctly. Belts such as timing and serpentine belts should get a visual inspection. If they break on you, it could mean a new engine. Most owners manuals recommend replacing these belts every 60,000 miles or so for standard preventive maintenance to extend the life of your car. Having old belts on your vehicle is a bit like playing Russian roulette. Tire Inspections Tires are your lifeline on the road. Having a good tread that has even wear is a crucial component to keeping you safe. Take a penny and stick it in between your tire tread. If you see Lincoln's head, then it is time to get a fresh set on your car. Taking your vehicle in for regular rotations can extend the life of your tires. If you find that your tires are wearing unevenly or that your steering wheel is out of center, it may be time for an alignment. Tires can get expensive, so make sure they are wearing evenly. Many tire shops offer free rotations and inspections, so take advantage of that service. Clean Air Cabin filters are easy to replace and can keep you breathing fresh air. Depending on where you adventure to or live, your cabin air filter can get dirty quite quickly. Your owner's manual has recommended filter changes, or you can plan to replace them during your oil changes. Treat yourself to clean air! Inspect and Clean That Battery A simple inspection and wipe down of your battery with a brush can extend the life of your car. Check your jumper cables and make sure your battery jumper has a full charge. It is a good idea to see what your car battery is charging at. If you don't own a battery tester, most auto parts stores offer free battery testing and fluid check, swing by and take them up on that service. Spark Plugs How often do we think of spark plugs when we drive our car? Spark plugs are not something we often think about. However, they are the igniter for our cylinders. Your owner's manual is the best place to find recommendations for a replacement schedule. The qualified mechanics at Autotrend Auto Repair are happy to help you with that as well. Wiper Blades Having a good view from your windshield is crucial to everyone's safety in the car and for those around you too. Wiper blades are rather inexpensive and easy to replace, but if you want to squeeze a little extra life out of your existing blades, scrape and wash your windshield good and wipe your blades down with some denatured alcohol and see if that helps clear up streaking. Rolling Dirty? Simply keeping your car clean can prevent rust issues, prolong the life of your wiper blades, keep your rotors from rusting, and overall keep your vehicle looking like new. So, bathe your car and enjoy a clean ride, it is right for you and your vehicle. When you want the best for your car, turn to Autotrend Auto Repair. We specialize in transmission and auto repair for all American, Asian, VW, and Audi vehicles. We love to partner with our clients to help maintain or improve your car's performance as well as to extend its life expectancy. Whether you drive an Asian or American vehicle, we are here for you! If your vehicle requires general auto repair, oil change service, new brakes, advanced diagnostic testing, or anything in between, you can count on our ASE-Certified auto mechanics to get the job done right the first time. For best service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did. Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Showing Love For Our Cars Blog | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Feb, 2020
Americans have a passion for our cars. They represent freedom as well as an expression of who we are as individuals. Our vehicles portray a picture of us and help begin to tell a story about how we like to show up in the world. Most people don’t see our homes, but far more people see our cars and when they do, they form an opinion about us based on what they see. As Americans, our cars rarely are simply purchased as a means of getting us from point A to point B. No. We make decisions to buy cars based on many other factors and that’s why it’s important that in this month of love, we take the time to show some to our cars that help us look our best. The foremost way we can show our love and appreciation to our vehicles is to take the time and money to properly care for them. That starts with a commitment to preventive maintenance. Partner with the team of professionals at Autotrend Auto Repair in Campbell to get the most out of your vehicle. From its life expectancy to overall performance, when you provide your vehicle with proper and regular preventive maintenance, you will enjoy your car more and for a longer period of time. Here are some other ways to show car love: Wash and detail your car. Take the time to thoroughly clean out your vehicle. Lovingly wash and wax the exterior. Consider having a professional do a complete detail and you won’t regret how it looks or makes you feel. Look into ways you can better organize your car. (Here are a few ideas from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=organize+car&ref=nb_sb_noss_1) The latest and best technology you can buy your car this year: https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/cool-car-accessories-gadgets/ When you want the best for your car, turn to Autotrend Auto Repair. We specialize in transmission and auto repair for all American, Asian, VW, and Audi vehicles. We love to partner with our clients to help maintain or improve your car’s performance as well as to extend its life expectancy. Whether you drive an Asian or American vehicle, we are here for you! If your car requires general auto repair, oil change service, new brakes, advanced diagnostic testing, or anything in between, you can count on our ASE-Certified auto mechanics to get the job done right the first time. For best service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did. Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience. See you soon!
Why Do So Many Americans Love To Drive And Own Asian Vehicles Blog | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Jan, 2020
Americans love to drive Asian vehicles for so many reasons. First of all, many of them aren’t truly Asian since a lot of them are built here in the US. They are dependable, reliable, efficient, and can compete on style depending on the model. There truly is something for everyone in the Asian lineup of automobiles. Efficiency: They pride themselves on being extremely fuel efficiency. When it comes to hybrid and electric, they lead the way. The Asian market knows how to get the most out of a single charge and they are dedicating themselves to making the hybrids and electric vehicles more stylish. Practicality: They are everywhere and that means it’s easier to find parts as well as mechanics who know what to do with those parts. The sheer number of Asian vehicles in the US helps to drive costs down on all fronts. Innovation: They are also at the head of the pack when it comes to style, performance, overall efficiency. Asian vehicles tend to be smart, futuristic, and contemporary. Asian automakers continually looking for ways to change the industry. Technology: Asia is at the forefront of technology development. This is true for gadgets to phones and most things in between. This lends itself well to making their vehicles perform better on many levels. Testing: Every vehicle goes through testing, but the Asians are meticulous when it comes to safety. They prove that by having every single car thoroughly tested before it drives out of the factory. Value: Asian vehicles provide and hold great value. They are fun to drive, fuel-efficient, and will cost you less money from the moment you drive off the showroom floor. Competitively priced for purchases as well as for maintenance, their value is hard to beat. Performance: Asian cars dominate the rally championship arena in both performance and looks. Subaru, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Nissan lead the way when it comes to performance on and off the rally roads. Autotrend Auto Repair specializes in transmission and auto repair for all American, Asian, VW, and Audi vehicles.We love to partner with our clients to help you get the most out of your car for as long as possible. Whether you drive an Asian or American vehicle, we are here for you! If your car requires general auto repair, oil change service, new brakes, advanced diagnostic testing, and everything in between, you can count on our ASE-Certified auto technicians. For best service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did. Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience.
Terrific Christmas Gifts To Give Your Car Blog | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Dec, 2019
It is the time of year to spoil yourself and your car. What better reason and season to improve your driving life than an upcoming holiday? Car gifts are fun to shop for and very rewarding to use. Going big, such as shopping for a Bluetooth stereo, a new sound system, speakers, or GPS car trackers are easy yet expensive items for your car. There are a lot of options and combinations to choose from. An alternative choice is an OBD2 system. These are systems that use Bluetooth to connect to and scan your vehicle's diagnostic system. These can help monitor your car and detect when a system begins to go awry and so offer peace of mind as your car ages. There are many little gifts and upgrades you can give your car that is relatively easy on the pocketbook and also improve your driving life. Items like a seat gap filler, a vehicle-specific garbage can or trunk organizer that help streamline and prevent frustrations. Gifts like these are beneficial and make you feel good while driving. Add a smartphone air vent mount to your dash, improves driving safety, look cool, and are ergonomic as well. Buying your car a handy detailing kit offers a fun and easy way to improve the look of your vehicle. Prepackaged kits with window wash, tire polish, and special soap and interior vinyl conditioner make it easy. However, you can also build your own package, which offers customized products you love to use. Add wax or a car vacuum. You can go big and add an orbital buffer, pads, degreaser, microfiber towels, polishing compounds, and a paint conditioner. Although this is manual labor, it is highly rewarding. For safety, buy your car a portable jumper, a keychain car escape tool, jumper cables, a flashlight, bungee cords, a utility knife, screwdrivers, a mini air compressor, or a first aid kit and add a whistle, rain poncho, and some high protein snacks and water. Autotrend Auto Repair specializes in transmission and auto repair for all American, Asian, VW, and Audi vehicles. If your car requires general auto repair, oil change service, new brakes, advanced diagnostic testing, and everything in between, you can count on our ASE-Certified auto technicians. For best service, schedule an appointment online or give Autotrend Auto Repair a call. You'll be glad you did. Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience.
Driving On Thanksgiving What You Need To Know Blog | Autotrend Auto Repair
20 Nov, 2019
Have you been thinking of your upcoming road trip to grandma's house for her delicious pumpkin pie - oh ya, and a tasty Thanksgiving dinner? Family road trip adventures abound! Here is a guide on how to maximize fun during a holiday road trip. Planning Gathering to plan your road trip is a great way to make sure everyone is looking forward to this driving adventure you are about to embark upon. Call a meeting, pull out the map, a paper map or atlas is best, and gather around the table with snacks and hot drinks in hand. Talking trip details helps everyone feel empowered and on board for this adventure together. Realistic driving schedule When planning your trip, decide how many hours everyone is able to travel in the car. Some families can drive comfortably for 5-6 hours a day, some are able to really muscle it and make it 8-10. If you are looking to make the journey a big positive part of the holiday experience, it might be best to choose your mid-stop destination town with a highlight. It could be a waterfall, a short hike, or a mall or museum. Snacks Snacks Snacks This is a very important part of your travel. Be sure to bring along enough snacks to keep everyone content on the drive. A great trick is to bring along paper cups to fill and pass snacks such as chips or cheese & crackers around the car. This trick really helps to contain potential messes and helps in passing goodies from hand to hand. Pack light One way to keep smiles on your passenger’s faces for longer is to maximize legroom in the car. Planning ahead to ensure that all luggage is tucked away. Ideally, in the trunk, on a roof rack or even a cargo rack will make a huge difference. By avoiding baggage underfoot and in seating areas, everyone will have a little more wiggle room, which means more miles each leg of your journey. Set screen time limits If you are hopeful that this road trip will bring your family closer, make sure everyone on board knows “The Rules” well in advance is fundamental in keeping arguments at bay. Talking it out and agreeing on a ratio of driving hours with and without screen time will keep everyone’s expectations in check. Play games I spy games are a “gas” when on the road. Simple games like starting with the letter A finding a word on any sign, working your way through the alphabet. First one to get to Z wins! How about I spy? Custom license plate hunting, all of these little games can become a great bonding experience when spending hours on the road in the car together. Just say yes Making “Yes” your go-to word when a question is asked can make a trip more memorable. Allowing room for different snacks, rest areas, and mini detours on your drive often turns an average road trip into a memorable experience. Be sure to bring your vehicle to the auto mechanics at Autotrend Auto Repair in Campell for a check up before you head out and you will leave with peace of mind about the health and safety of your vehicle. Schedule an appointment for service or contact us online for a stress-free auto repair experience.
The Scariest Automotive Sounds Weve Heard Blog | Autotrend Auto Repair
01 Oct, 2019
When your vehicle starts making scary sounds, turn to the expert auto mechanics at Autotrend Auto Repair in Campbell for all of your auto repair needs. All cars make noise, but the important thing is to be able to hear a sound and know whether or not it is an urgent cause for concern or not. Here we have a chance to talk about some of the scariest sounds we’ve heard, what they mean, and what should be checked or done next in order to avoid any other major issues.
More Posts
Share by: