Sacramento Auto Repair

We've all been there before: you're cruising down the road, enjoying a pleasant drive when suddenly, you hear that dreaded sound of a tire blowout. In this frustrating situation, your trusty spare tire becomes your savior. But have you ever wondered how long you can safely drive on a spare tire? Spare tires, also known as "donuts" or "space-savers," are designed to serve as a temporary solution until you can get your regular tire repaired or replaced. Their purpose is to provide enough support to drive your vehicle to a nearby service station or auto repair shop safely. Unlike regular tires, spare tires are not intended for long-term use. While the specific mileage or time limit for driving on a spare tire can vary depending on the manufacturer, it is generally recommended not to exceed 50 miles of driving or exceed speeds of 50 mph. This guideline ensures that your spare tire remains in good condition and minimizes the risk of further damage or failure. A ... read more

You're rolling down the highway, enjoying a pleasant drive, when suddenly, you notice the temperature gauge climbing into the danger zone. Next thing you know, steam starts spewing from under the hood. The reality is that engine is overheating. While this situation can be alarming, staying calm and taking the necessary steps to address the problem promptly is crucial.  Before we dive into the solutions, it's important to identify the symptoms of an overheating engine. Keep an eye out for the following indications: High Temperature Gauge: The temperature gauge on your dashboard is designed to show the operating temperature of your engine. If it reaches the red zone or goes beyond the normal range, it's a clear sign that your engine is overheating. Steam or Smoke: Steam or smoke coming from under the hood is a visible indication of engine overheating. Pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. Strange Odors: A sweet, syrup-like smell or a burning odor may be prese ... read more

Preparing for a Memorial Day road trip involves ensuring your vehicle is in good condition and equipped with essential items for a safe and enjoyable journey. Here's a checklist to help you get started: General Inspection: Check the overall condition of your vehicle, including tires, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. Look for any signs of leaks or damage. Ensure your vehicle registration and insurance are up to date. Fluids: Check and top up the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Tires: Inspect the tire tread depth and condition. Replace any worn-out tires. Ensure all tires are properly inflated, including the spare tire. Verify the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge. Battery: Examine the battery terminals for corrosion. Clean them if necessary. Test the battery's charge and consider replacing it if it's old or weak. Lights: Check that all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signal ... read more

Preventative Maintenance for your vehicle is important to keep up with, as it will increase the efficiency of how your vehicle runs, and drives, and increase the longevity of your vehicle's major components. In this article, you will find several reasons why you will want to and must get into the habit of Preventative Maintenance for your vehicle.  Safety: Regular maintenance helps to ensure that your vehicle is operating safely. For example, here at Sacramento Specialty Automotive, we have seen numerous occasions where a customer comes in stating that their vehicle is taking a lot longer to stop when exiting the highway, or their vehicle is pulling them into the next lane over! This is a very unsafe driving condition caused by neglecting regular maintenance and now the repairs are costly because we waited too long to address them.  Reliability: Preventative maintenance will save you from unexpected part failures, causing breakdowns and other mechani ... read more

Tesla has become a household name in the electric vehicle industry. With several models to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for you. Read on to explore the different Tesla models and see which model best suits your needs. Tesla Model S: The Model S is a luxury sedan that can travel up to 373 miles on a single charge. It has a sleek design, high-tech features, and impressive acceleration. The Model S is perfect for those who want a luxurious electric vehicle that can travel long distances. Tesla Model X: The Model X is an SUV that can travel up to 371 miles on a single charge. It has unique falcon-wing doors, ample cargo space, and a high-tech interior. The Model X is perfect for families or anyone who wants an electric SUV with impressive features. Tesla Model 3: The Model 3 is a compact sedan that can travel up to 263 miles on a single charge. It has a minimalist design, impressive acceleration, a ... read more