Automotive News & Information - CME Smog & Auto Repair

When you think about diesel engines, you probably think about large trucks and machinery, and maybe a few oddball cars over the years. So how long has diesel really been around, and why is it used the way it is today? More specifically, why should you choose a diesel engine for your needs? Here at CME Smog & Auto Repair in Vacaville, CA, we discuss this with customers often based on their unique needs along with the history of the diesel engine.

When a vehicle has trouble starting, many people initially blame the starter. What is the starter, and how do you know if yours has called it quits? At CME Smog & Auto Repair in Vacaville, CA, we want to keep you informed, and telling you what to look for will prevent further damage when issues arise. The starter is essentially just an electric motor; a gear at the end of that electric motor engages the flywheel, which turns the engine over, allowing it to start. How do you know if yours is failing?

At CME Smog & Auto Repair in Vacaville, CA, we know that your diesel pickup is more than just transportation; you want a truck that can perform, both at work, off-road, and on the street. A major aspect of your truck’s abilities lies in the suspension components you choose to install. Our team of expert technicians has the knowledge, equipment, and ability necessary to take your truck to the next level and provide you with a suspension setup tailored to your specific needs.

Hitting a pothole always hurts - you may not be sure exactly what happens when you hit a pothole, but you can tell it’s not good for your car, truck, or SUV. Here are issues caused by potholes, and what to watch out for if you hit a really rough one, from CME Smog & Auto Repair in Vacaville, CA.

The differentials on your Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge diesel pickup are some of the hardest working components on your truck. At CME Smog & Auto Repair in Vacaville, CA, our technicians are experts in maintaining, repairing, and replacing differentials, keeping your truck reliably on the road.

At CME Smog & Auto Repair in Vacaville, CA, we recommend always making it a priority to change your oil on time. Here’s a look into why it’s so important, and what happens if you don’t keep up with oil changes.

Sludge - If oil stays in an engine too long, sludge begins to build up anywhere oil can go. The oil absorbs tiny debris and contaminants, kind of like a liquid sponge - once it’s at capacity, that oil begins to stick, clog, and build up throughout the engine. Small veins that carry oil to components like actuators, turbos, and bearings will become blocked, starving critical components of oil and causing component or engine failure.

Does your car, truck, or SUV shift at the wrong moment? CME Smog & Auto Repair in Vacaville has the solution. Shift point issues can manifest themselves in two ways; either your car will rapidly shift through several or all the gears at low speed, low rpm, getting to the highest gear before you’ve gained enough momentum, or shifts will be delayed, the transmission refusing to shift until far into the RPM range.

Vehicles driving on a highway with headlights on

All the lights on your vehicle have an important job to do. Brake lights, tail lights, blinkers, reverse lights, and headlights are a crucial part of driving. Lights make you visible, make things visible to you, and allow you to communicate with other drivers. All of a vehicle’s lights make driving easier and safer, and all of them are important...not to mention legally required.