Albany Auto Repair

Symptoms of Water Pump Problems The water pump is an unsung hero of your vehicle. It circulates the coolant throughout the cooling system, including the radiator, and keeps the engine and other components at the correct temperature. Housed under the hood, water pump keeps the engine from overheating. Over time, water pump may start leaking, or may fail. If the water pump fails, it will likely lead to engine overheating, and engine damage, which in the worst case scenario may necessitate engine replacement. At Adams Autowrox Albany we can provide complete cooling system inspection, service and repairs. Signs of Water Pump Trouble:   Rust on the Water Pump If you see physical deterioration of the water pump – rust or grime – it’s likely the water pump needs professional attention. Sometimes grime and rust might occur due to wrong coolant type, or faulty pressure cap. Strange Noises Coming from the Water Pump Area A whining noise coming from under the hood ma ... read more

Vehicle Health Index is published by CarMD and they just released the latest list of the most frequent 2020  repairs that triggered the Check Engine Light. First position on the list is occupied by catalytic converter replacement. Sadly, this is due to large number of catalytic converter thefts. Second position on the list belongs to oxygen sensor replacement. This, again, is the results of catalytic converter thefts – very frequently oxygen sensor gets damaged when thieves steal the catalytic converter. (At Adams Autoworx Albany we highly recommend, and offer, installation of a catalytic converter shield which discourages theft). Items 3-6 are typ ... read more

A timing belt (or timing chain) is an integral part of the functioning of an internal combustion engine. Timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s). This allows the engine's valves to open and close at the proper times as each cylinder goes through its intake and exhaust strokes. There is also a type of engine, called an interference engine, where the timing belt is also critical in preventing the piston from striking the valves. That’s why a broken timing belt can result in very expensive repairs.  Timing belts typically need to be replaced every 90,000-100,000 miles (but check manufacturer recommendations for your vehicle as they differ from make to make). Timing chains last considerably longer, though they may occasionally break, and they do stretch out a bit.  Since the timing belt is so critical to the proper functioning of your vehicle, every time you bring your vehicle for service or repairs, we perform a digital veh ... read more

Many of the systems in your car are powered directly or indirectly through belts. Most of us have heard of the timing belt, and the problems it can cause if it breaks. Serpentine belt is another belt that can cause problems if not serviced in a timely fashion. Typically, the Serpentine belt drives and powers auxiliary devices such as water pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, etc. Belts are under lots of stress, high temperatures, and possibly chemicals that can over time weaken the belt structure. Time takes its toll as well.  Hoses also grow brittle with age. Your vehicle has multiple hoses that bring air and fluids to various systems in the vehicle. They too should be checked regularly. At Adams Autoworx Albany, we provide a full range of automotive services and repairs, including digital vehicle inspections with every service or repair – and during the inspection we do check the belts and hoses. We are the leading auto repair shop in Albany, CA. So if you li ... read more