Albany Auto Repair

Your BMW has a suspension system that provides a smooth and safe ride. It’s because of this system that you barely feel the bumps and jolts when you drive over potholes and rough roads. At Adams Autoworx Albany we provide full gamut of suspension repairs, including control arms, ball joint, shocks and struts. If any of these parts fail, quality of the ride will be impacted, and in some cases, your safety may be at risk as well. Signs your BMW is overdue for suspension repair Suspension problems might seem inconsequential at first but they can quickly deteriorate into severe headaches. Here are some signs to look out for to prevent that from happening. Rough ride Since the suspension system helps to absorb bumps caused by uneven road surfaces, one sign that something is wrong is when you start to feel those bumps at an increased level. Drifts or pulls to one side Your BMW’s suspension helps to keep the vehicle stable whe ... read more

Your Toyota will need wheel alignment about once a year – most vehicles do. The sorry state of the Bay Area roads may necessitate more frequent alignment, as even hitting a pothole can throw the wheels out of alignment. If the wheels are not properly aligned, you will find accelerated tire wear, and a bit less control over the vehicle, fuel efficiency may suffer a bit as well. Since the tires wear out gradually, the changes might not be noticeable at first, but if the tires are out of alignment, over time the signs of tire wear will be unmistakable. At Adams Autoworx Albany we offer full service tire alignment on a computerized tire alignment machine. We provide this service not only to individual car owners, but also to a number of local auto repair shops who trust us with properly aligning their clients’ vehicles. We recommend yearly wheel alignment check – the cost of this service pays for itself in extended tire life and better mileage. The procedure can be per ... read more

If you notice that your Audi is overheating during normal driving, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Ideally, your vehicle shouldn’t overheat because its cooling system, including the radiator, are designed to handle any heat load the engine might generate. Assuming regular maintenance is done, the most likely cause of overheating is a radiator leak. Signs of Audi radiator leak Here are the common symptoms of a radiator leak that may be helpful: Puddles beneath the vehicle If you notice a puddle under your Audi, you may be dealing with a radiator leak, especially if it is greenish and has a sweet smell. If you can’t tell what color it is, grab a paper towel, napkin or some other material to see how greasy it feels. If you still can’t tell what it is, call for assistance. Low coolant level When there’s a coolant leak, you’d notice a quick drop in your vehicle’s coolant fluid level. Coola ... read more

Every vehicle comes with a power steering system that allows us to turn the steering wheel quickly and easily. Like many other systems in the car, the power steering requires fluid to keep its different parts (including valves, pistons, hoses and power pumps) working. Without the power steering fluid, turning the steering wheel of your Toyota would be difficult, and it would only be a matter of time before the pump and other related components would get damaged. While this fluid doesn’t get burnt off like motor oil, grit and grime can accumulate over time. When this happens, the fluid loses its effectiveness and needs to be replaced. Signs your Toyota is due for a power steering fluid replacement service Most of us acknowledge the importance of changing the power steering fluid but not many know when to do that. The following are signs that usually indicate that it’s time to change the power steering fluid. Manufacturer’s recommendation ... read more

Toyota Battery Replacement in Albany, CA Your Toyota’s battery must be in top condition if it will be able to start your vehicle and power other electronic components. While the average lifespan of a car battery is 4-5 years, it may last longer or die sooner, especially since weather, automotive care and other factors are involved. It’s best to plan on replacing the battery every 5 years, so you never face a no-start situation. Car batteries seldom die suddenly. There are often warning signs that tell you that your battery is starting to go. Here are the top signs. Struggles to start  A clear-cut sign that your Toyota’s battery needs a replacement is if you’re having trouble starting your car. You turn the key only to find that it is slow to fire up. The lights may even begin flicker and your vehicle makes an unusual noise. All these likely indicate a failing battery. Battery is cracked, swollen or leaking ... read more