Bear River Auto Tech

This family-owned automobile repair shop is celebrating its 17th anniversary this June. Grant is a highly experienced automobile mechanic offering full service auto repair facility. He specializes in domestic and Asian vehicles as well as classic car restoration.

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Regular Car Maintenance – An Ounce of Prevention

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.  We agree.  It would seem counterintuitive for a car repair shop to teach you how to keep your car in good shape, but that’s just who we are.  We want you to trust us to give you the truth even if it doesn't serve us.

Doing regular maintenance on your car does not guarantee it will never have a problem, but it most likely it will last longer between car repair appointments if you do.

Hoses and belts:  Let’s start with the belts.  Your car generally has a serpentine belt,timing Belt, V Belt, and an alternator belt.  Check each belt for signs of fraying, cracking, missing pieces, etc.  Also look if the belt is where it is supposed to be.  Misalignment is one of the highest reasons for belt failure.

Radiator Hoses (upper and lower), heater coil hose, and vacuum hose.  Hoses should not appear cracked or swollen.  These are signs of excessive wear and eventually failure to a hose. Check clamps to the hoses as well.  Valves, if appropriate, should also be maintained.

Wiper Blades - These are the most obvious, often neglected, and easiest parts of your car to identify wear and replace.  Unfortunately, they are often the last thing to get replaced because they get put on the “I’ll do it tomorrow list”.  Clean windshields = clear view of what’s going on around you.  Dirty windshields are a recipe for disaster.

Fluids and Filters- Check your fluids regularly.  This means brake fluid, engine oil, radiator, washer, transmission, and power steering.  Check your manual for locations and methods for ensuring all fluids are at their appropriate levels.

Tires- Properly inflated tires are happy tires.  Not only do they offer a smoother ride but experts estimate that balanced tires can improve your gas mileage by 3.3%.

We realize not everyone has the time or ability to do regular maintenance on their car.  We lead busy lives.  Yet, if you can take some time to do some of these checks and maintenance regularly, you can keep your car in good shape and may even avoid major repairs that might otherwise be needed due to neglect.

If you are looking for honest car repair services in Auburn, CA - Bear River Auto Tech:  530-268-6363 

Bear River Auto Tech – Where Customers Refer Their Friends!

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Tips from Gran - Car Won't Start? – When You Should Handle it and When To Call A Mechanic

Uh oh...that sinking feeling when you get in the car, sit down, turn the key and nothing happens!  Most likely you cried out "NO!" in disbelief, uttered a few words we can't print, and then repeated the process hoping this time it would start...Read More

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Grant’s Quick Tips - Tighten up Loose Gas Caps or Lose Gas Mileage!

Did you know the main reason for a “check engine” light to come on is a loose gas cap?  It stands to reason because you are dealing with a sensitive group of instruments in your car that make up what is called the evaporative emissions system.  It sounds complicated, but really it’s just a system designed to help your car momentarily store fumes to avoid gasses being released improperly into your engine system.  A poorly placed cap can throw off this system causing it to work improperly and send a signal to your car that there is trouble even when danger...Read More

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Grant’s Quick tips – Bad Battery or Bad Alternator?

Your car battery provides electricity to engage the starter motor and get you going. It also provides energy to the devices in your car that need electricity when the engine isn't on. Every time you start your car, listen to the radio/ipod, use the power windows and/or seats while the engine is off, you are taking electricity from the battery that isn't being restored. Read more...

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Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

With lots of mountain driving in the foothills it's not uncommon over time to find your steering wheel is shaking. However it can, and often does, mean you need to get your car looked at. 

Shaking vibrations coming to the steering column can mean a number of different things: first, it could mean that you have bent wheel rims, a damaged motor mount, bad CV joints, or lug nuts have come loose. However, shaking when only the brakes are applied can often mean that there is damage done to your rotors.

Rotors are a critical part of your braking system. Brake rotors (also known as brake discs) are what your brake pads squeeze down onto to stop your wheels. The rotors are often subjected to varying levels of intense heat. The harder you stop, the more intense that heat is. When the rotors are subjected to regular intense stopping such as commuter traffic and downhill driving the rotors can wear more quickly. The excess heat that they endure can cause the rotors to warp and become thinner in certain areas. Since the area the brake pads are making contact with is no longer smooth the bumpy pattern now on the rotors can cause vibrations to transmit to the steering column causing your hands to receive an unintended massage.

We always recommend having your car looked over by professional, however there are a few tips and tricks you can use to help identify the problem.

First, get your car into a position where you can get to the rotors. This will require removing the wheels either one or two at a time. This will also give you an opportunity to determine if any of your lug nuts are loose on any of the wheels. If loose lug nuts are found, tighten them down in a star pattern. Take the car for a drive around the block and see if your steering wheel continues to shudder.

If the shuddering continues when the brakes are applied, go back to the first step in and remove the tire so that you can get to the rotor. Spin each rotor by hand, looking for any wobbling and feeling for any imperfections as the rotor spins. A rotor in good order should spin all the way around with no notice of wobbling or defects. Severe damage will be very apparent, whereas light damage may only be able to be determined with a micrometer.

To give you an idea of how important it is to maintain your rotors, replacing rotors can cost you somewhere around $250-$300. Having to replace the entire braking system could cost a few thousand. In short, if your car is shuddering don't leave it too long before you see your mechanic. Bring your car to your friendly, honest brake repair specialist at Bear River Auto Tech.

  Bear River Auto Tech - Where Customers Refer Their Friends!

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How to Fix a Flat Tire 101

In life you can count on flat tires almost as much as taxes. Here’s a quick guide to help you turn a sticky situation into smooth sailing.  

As with any problem you’re going to need some tools to get the job done. Here's a list of what you need:

A car tire patch kit consisting of:

Reamer tool

Vulcanizing tire adhesive such as rubber cement

Rasp tool

Tire repair plugs

Car Jack

Lug nut wrench

lug nut key (if applicable)

A pair of pliers (optional)

Wire cutters

Flathead screwdriver

Water and dishwashing liquid (if needed, read more on why)

Now that you have your tools ready it’s time to change the tire. First and foremost, make sure where you're changing the tire is safe. Once you have determined it’s safe to change the tire begin by using the lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground. This might require quite a bit of force. If your car requires a lug nut key, now would be a great time to check your car and locate the lug nut key. Without it, your job will be a million times harder.

Place the jack underneath the car so that it makes contact underneath the frame of the car where it won’t cause any damage.  Check your car manual for the correct spot suggested by the manufacturer.

Once the car is lifted up remove the lug nuts completely and pull off the wheel and tire. Now rotate the tire while standing up to see if you can spot where the puncture is or if there is any object stuck in the tire. If you can't see anything or hear any air escaping now is the time to mix some liquid soap and water together. Pour some of the soapy mixture over the tire and rotate the tire until you see where the mixture begins to foam. This is where your puncture is. If there is something in the tire remove the obstruction either with the pliers or wire cutters.

Once the obstruction is removed, locate the hole again. Take the reamer, that's the T-shaped tool with the file marks, and insert it into the hole. Push the tool in and out a few times while rotating the tool from side to side. Remove the reamer and get the rasp tool ready (the tool with the prong on the end).  This is done by placing the screwdriver underneath the back end of the prong and twisting gently until the prongs open enough to let you slip one of the tire plugs into position. Apply rubber cement liberally to the plug strand while it is held in the rasp tool. Insert the prong into the hole so that the two opposite ends of the plug stick out approximately 1/4”-1/2”. Remove the tool and cut the ends left sticking out with the wire cutters. Let the tire stand for five minutes to allow the glue and plug to take hold.

Place the tire back on and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Fill the tire with air and take it for a test drive to warm the tire and ensure the patch has been successful. You can apply a small amount of the soapy water again over the hole to see if any air is leaking. Check the tire again the next day to affirm the puncture has been sealed.""

  Congratulations! You now have a skill for life. If you found this article helpful please let us know or if you have some of your own tire changing tips feel free to add them in the comments! Think you might need car repair services in Auburn, CA area? Contact your friendly, honest auto mechanic at Bear River Auto Tech.

  Bear River Auto Tech - Where Customers Send Their Friends!

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8 Great Car Tips from Bear River Auto Tech

If you treat your car well, it will serve you reliably for many years and thousands of enjoyable miles.  Here are some helpful tips from your friendly car repair folks at Bear River Auto Tech.

Read more ...

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Don't Be Shocked

You may be surprised to learn just how important automotive shocks really are. Shocks are responsible for keeping the spring in check. When you hit a bump, the springs compress to comfort the passengers and the shock, when working correctly, keeps the car from bouncing by dampening the oscillation of the springs.

The shocks work in concert with the struts to absorb the impact of the bumps in the road without any undue bouncing after the fact.

So, how do I know when my shocks or struts need replacing?

Read more ...

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The Basics on Brakes

There are 3 different types of brakes on most passenger vehicles.

Late model cars typically have disc brakes on the front wheels, and some have disc brakes on all four wheels. These brakes compose the braking system that helps you slow and stop your car.

Many cars have drum brakes on the rear wheels and disc brakes on the front. Drum brakes have more parts than disc brakes and are generally a little more time consuming to service, but they are less expensive to manufacture.

Drum brakes work on the same principle as disc brakes where brake shoes press against a spinning surface. In the case of disc brakes, that surface is a disc; in the case of drum brakes, that surface is a drum.

Many brakes have a ‘squealer’ plate attached to them.  This thin plate is designed to warn you when your brakes need replacing.  The plate rubs against the rotor when your pads become badly worn, alerting you to replace the pad before the rotors are damaged. If you hear a squealing sound when driving and it stops when you step on the brakes, have your brakes checked before the rotors need to be resurfaced or replaced. This simple plate will save you money if you just listen up!

Emergency brakes are a secondary braking system installed in automobiles vehicles. They are also referred to as e-brakes, hand brakes and parking brakes.  Emergency brakes are not powered by hydraulics and are independent of the disc or drum brakes described above.

Take good care of your car and especially your brakes. Don’t take them for granted, take them to the folks at Bear River Auto Tech for an inspection and brake replacement if needed.

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What’s Wrong With My Car – Basic Troubleshooting

Sounds and smells are definite clues that something may be amiss with your vehicle, but there are subtle clues that also should alert you to trouble. If you are the primary driver of your car, you should be able to notice when there is a change in the behavior or feel in handling.

Car trouble doesn't always mean major repairs but don’t delay in having it looked at. Often what starts off as minor will compound if not repaired as there are many interworking parts in an automobile.

Here are some common causes of trouble and techniques to help you identify them so your mechanic can find and fix them promptly:

Read More ...

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Are You Car Care Aware?

The key to keeping your car running well, both today and in the future, is routine maintenance. But what exactly does that entail?

The basics should be checked monthly and those include lights, tires, and windshield wiper fluid.

Every 3 months or 3,000 miles, you should check belts, engine oil, air and oil filters, hoses, and coolant.

Every 6 months or 6,000 miles, you should check battery & cables, exhaust, wiper blades, transmission fluid, and brakes.

Many of these items you can easily check yourself. Others are best left to the experts at Bear River Auto Tech. Bear River is your source for car repair services in Auburn, CA.  We specialize in engine diagnostics, brake replacement, and transmission services. We offer ‘while you wait’ oil change services (by appointment only).

Visit us today and keep your automobile investment in top shape!

Bear River Auto Tech            530-268-6363

Where customers send their friends !!!

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Is it Time to Check Your Tires?

Changes in the temperature outside can also cause changes in your car’s tire pressure.  A temperature change of 10 degrees (F) can cause the tire pressure to change 1 or 2 pounds.

Improperly inflated tires can cause higher fuel consumption and lead to faster tire wear.  Bear River Auto Tech recommends that you check your tire pressure regularly.  Read more ...

For expert car repair services in the Auburn, CA area, visit Bear River Auto Tech today!

Bear River Auto Tech - Where Customers Send Their Friends!

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Bear River Auto Tech offers while-you-wait oil change service

Oil changes are an important part of keeping your car’s engine running smoothly.  The job of the engine oil is to keep the internal parts of the engine cool and lubricated.  The oil also minimizes the friction in the moving parts which, over time, will cause wear and damage internally. 

Without frequent oil changes, dirt and sludge build up in your engine and the lubrication is much less effective leading to potential engine damage.  Depending on what make of vehicle and the type of oil used, you should change your oil anywhere from every 3,000 to 7,500 miles.

Bear River Auto Tech offers a variety of oils to match your particular vehicle’s needs.  We proudly offer Swepco oil and  Fram oil filters and air cleaners.

Care for your car and it will give you many long years of reliable service. 

At Bear River Auto Tech we understand the importance of maintaining your car including routine oil and filter changes.  If you’re looking for convenient service offered by an excellent auto technician, then let Bear River be your next stop for the oil change you need. 

Bear River Auto Tech

10062 Streeter Rd # 2

Auburn, CA 95602-8510 [phone]

www.bearriverautotech.com

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Get ready for summer - charge your AC

Recharging Your Car's Air Conditioner with Refrigerant.

When servicing your car's A/C system, you can either top-off your car's system with refrigerant, or evacuate and recharge the system. Both of these options will provide cool air in the passenger compartment for some period of time. Neither will fix an A/C system leaks. You might therefore also choose to have any leaking components in your A/C system checked, repaired, or replaced.

Read more about topping off vs. a complete purge and recharge....

or visit the friendly auto mechanics who specialize in personalized car repair - Bear River Auto Tech.  Where Customers Sent Their Friends.

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WARMING UP YOUR CAR - Is it really necessary?

On the face of it, seems like a good idea, however with today's vehicles it is more of a waste of gas and time. Do not jump in, crank over the engine, and burn rubber out of your drive way! Get in, turn the car on, fasten your seat belt, check your mirrors, and gently drive away. Taking it easy for the first few minutes is all your car needs to allow all the fluids to come up to proper operating temperature and for the oil to lubricate the engine.

Take your car to someone who knows - take your car to Bear River Auto Tech - an automobile mechanic you can trust!

Car Repair Service, Brake Pad Replacement, Transmission Service, and the Best Oil Change Service in Town !!!

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$5 a week can save you THOUSANDS of $$$

How can $5 a week save you thousands?

By properly maintaining your vehicle according to the specifications in the owner’s manual you can save yourself from having to replace the engine, the transmission or the vehicle itself before its time.  You may be thinking that $5 a week is not nearly enough to maintain your vehicle, every vehicle is different, so let’s just generalize a bit and see how this can work over the course of a year.

An Oil change is typically $39.95 (on special), figure twice a year on average = $80.00 Changing your engines coolant is approx. $100.00 (every 2 years) so $50.00 needed a year. Changing your brake fluid is approx. $60.00 (every 2 years) so $30.00 needed a year. Transmission service is approx. $200.00 - based on mileage of 40k between services let’s call it every 2 years, so $100.00 needed per year. That adds up to approx. $260.00 per year needed to avoid the multi thousand dollar catastrophic tow it in wish I had changed the oil, brake fluid, coolant, tranny fluid, blues!

Don’t ignore the manufactures major service intervals, typically 30k, 60k, 90k mileage. Add a few bucks a week to cover those expenses and keep your vehicle running efficiently!!!

Call Bear River Auto Tech and ask for Grant Greven, your experienced automobile mechanic serving Auburn and Lake of the Pines.

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High Octane = $$$ Does my car really need it?

The short answer is check the owners manual for the recommended octane rating. The owners manual should always be your best guide when it comes to maintaining and or operating your vehicle or consult an expert.

That being said, there is a lot of information available on the subject and it seems to fall into two camps. In some cases you can get away with using lower octane gasoline without damaging your vehicles engine, however not following your owners manual is NOT a recipe for keeping your car happy and healthy over the long term. If your car requires high octane gasoline, it may be because it is a high compression motor and NOT running the high octane gasoline WILL (probably) damage your engine.

Be smart, consult the manual and your friends at Bear River Auto Tech.