Transmission Repair or Replacement: Which is Right for You?

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A vehicle’s transmission is in charge of transferring power from the engine to the wheels of the car. As one of the most complex parts of an automobile, however, any issue with the transmission can be very expensive to fix. If you’ve been told that your car or truck’s transmission needs repair, you may find yourself asking if it’s worth it to simply replace the entire transmission instead. Choosing between car transmission repair or replacement can come down to several different factors. Regardless of your choice, you’ll want to make sure that you work with a trustworthy source for auto repair and car transmission services in Orange, such as Citywide Auto Care. 

The first instinct with transmission issues is to try and repair them, of course. Repairs are typically less expensive than replacement and are a faster solution. By choosing to repair your transmission, you can have your automobile back sooner and generally at a lower cost. However, there are factors that can push you towards wanting to replace your transmission instead.

The first reason is if your vehicle’s transmission has been a consistent issue. If your current transmission has been giving you problems even after being repaired once, it’s typically a signal that there will be more problems to come in the future. If you end up having to undergo car transmission repair in Orange multiple times, the costs will inevitably add up. In the long run, it may be better to start over with a new transmission rather than trying to salvage your old one.

Another reason to replace your transmission is if it is older and on the verge of complete failure. If your transmission needs repairs and the car has more than 100,000 miles on it, it is probably time to replace it entirely. If you choose to repair it in this instance, you may end up suffering a complete transmission failure afterward and be forced to replace it anyway. 

Lastly, while transmission repair in Orange is typically cheaper than having a full replacement, there are exceptions. The cost of transmission repair can vary from anywhere from $1500 for minor repairs all the way up to $4000 for a complete rebuild. If your problem is a minor one, it will likely be better to opt for repairs. If it would be cheaper to just get a new transmission, however, there isn’t much reason not to do so. 

If you need a trustworthy source for car transmission repair in Orange, you can put your faith in Citywide Auto Care. Since 2002, we’ve been performing transmission repair for Orange automobile owners, using the latest in automotive repair techniques and tools. All of our technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, ensuring their credibility and professionalism, and we strive to treat every customer like family. If you’d like to learn more about our car transmission repair services or any other automotive repair services we offer, call us today at (714) 633-4211.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Check Engine Light

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If you spend any amount of time driving, there’s a good chance you’ve seen that little light on your dashboard come to life: the words “Check Engine,” often accompanied by a small graphic of the engine. It’s easy to ignore that little light, and many drivers often do. However, this can be extremely dangerous to neglect, as your check engine light can represent a variety of issues, both minor and serious. In order to determine what the underlying cause is, it’s important that you have your car diagnosed by a local auto repair service like Citywide Auto Care. 

If the check engine light is on but not flashing, you don’t need to immediately panic. Unless your car is exhibiting alarming symptoms such as overheating or stalling, you should be safe to drive a short distance until you can get to an auto repair shop in Orange. You may notice that your light turns itself off after a while. If this occurs, you should still visit an auto repair shop as soon as you can; somewhere in your vehicle, a malfunctioning component caused that light to turn on, and it isn’t going to magically fix itself. You’ll want to bring it to a complete auto repair provider and have their technicians investigate the root cause. If the check engine light is on and rapidly flashing, however, that means that there is a serious mechanical issue in your car or truck, and you need to stop driving immediately. You’ll need to pull over to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and have it towed from there to an auto repair shop in Orange to have it fixed. 

The most common causes behind a check engine light turning on are:

  1. A lost or missing gas cap. As embarrassing as it is, people sometimes forget to screw the gas cap back on after refueling their car. Double-check that your gas cap has been tightened down all the way or if it has broken off entirely. If you’ve somehow lost your gas cap, don’t worry; it’s a very inexpensive component to replace.
  2. Issues with the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor regulates the fuel-air mixture in your engine, ensuring that proper combustion takes place. If there’s too much fuel in the mixture, the engine runs rich which negatively affects your emissions and gas mileage. Oxygen sensors can be damaged by fuel additives or oil from worn-out engines, and they may require replacement. 
  3. Spark plugs. Responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s cylinders, spark plugs can eventually wear out and fail to fire properly, causing the engine to suffer performance issues and even damaging your catalytic converter.

It’s important that you resolve your check engine light issue quickly for several reasons. Firstly, small issues with your engine can become larger and more expensive failures if they aren’t addressed promptly. Replacing a single spark plug, for instance, is much less expensive than replacing the catalytic converter. Another major reason to address the issue quickly is that the check engine light cannot tell you if there are multiple issues at play. If the light turns on because of a minor problem that does not immediately affect your car’s performance, it can end up masking an issue that is much more serious. 

Are you looking for a complete auto repair shop in Orange to check your engine light? Bring it to Citywide Auto Care. We’ve been the trusted providers of complete auto repair in Orange since 2002, employing ASE-certified technicians that are fully trained in the latest tools and techniques in the industry. We can quickly and efficiently diagnose the issues your car’s engine might have and offer repair solutions at an affordable rate. If you’d like to learn more about our auto repair services for Orange, give us a call at (714) 633-4211 today.

How to Keep Your Car’s Electrical System Healthy

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Modern automobiles are extremely reliant on their electrical systems to function safely and efficiently. If you’re like most Orange residents and use your car or truck almost every day of your life, it’s critical that you keep your vehicle’s electrical system healthy. It’s advised that you have the entire electrical system checked by a trained technician at least once every two years in order to keep it in prime condition. Small issues may be acceptable for DIY fixes, but electrical system failure is a serious issue that you’ll need to address with a complete auto repair service such as Citywide Auto Care.

What Is An Electrical System?

The three most important components of an automobile’s electrical system are the battery, starter, and alternator. The battery provides the electric current used to operate the ignition, the fuel systems, and the power to the vehicle when the engine is not in operation. The starter is the component that operates the flywheel and turns the engine’s crankshaft; if the starter doesn’t work, the engine won’t work either. Lastly, the alternator charges the battery and helps it store energy for the future, as well as powers the electrical system while the engine is running.

Clean Your Battery

So, how can you take care of your electrical system at home? One of the best things you can do as a responsible car owner is to inspect and clean your battery and battery cables. Corrosion inevitably builds on the posts and cables of your battery, which can inhibit the flow of electricity. Once a month, open the hood of your vehicle and check the points of contact for corrosion. If there’s any present, you can clean it off with a mixture of baking soda and water, or use cleaning fluids that you can find at any automotive maintenance store. To safely clean the battery posts and cables, begin by detaching the battery cables from the posts. Then clean the posts and cable ends with your chosen fluids and a wire brush. Rinse the battery cables and posts with water after they’ve been thoroughly cleaned off. Once they’re completely dry, reconnect the battery cables starting with the positive side. Before reconnecting, and if you’re ever jumpstarting your car, be sure to turn off all electronics inside both vehicles, including lights, radios, and cell phone chargers. The electrical surge that occurs during a jump-start can damage these components if they are left on.

Inspect Drive Belts

While you’re checking the battery, inspect the engine’s drive belt as well. The vehicle’s drive belt connects various engine accessories, including the alternator, and ensures that they run at the same speed. If the drive belt shows signs of cracking, dryness, or surface glazing, you’ll want to have it replaced by an auto repair professional.

Replace Your Battery Regularly

Lastly, batteries will eventually need to be replaced no matter what you do. The average lifespan of an automobile’s battery is roughly four to five years, but factors like hot weather and heavy usage can shorten this. For example, constant start-and-stop driving drains the battery without giving the alternator a chance to recharge it, which contributes to a shortened life expectancy. Additionally, when starting your car, keep electrical components like the A/C and the stereo off. This will ease the initial load on your battery and starter. If, at any point, you smell burning plastic or notice leaking battery acid, have your vehicle towed to a complete auto repair service station immediately. These are signs that your battery is on the verge of failing completely, and trying to drive in this state will only make repairs more expensive.

If your vehicle is showing signs that it needs electrical system repairs such as dim headlights or difficulties starting, bring it to Citywide Auto Care. We’ve been the trusted provider of complete auto repair in Orange since 2002, with a staff of ASE-certified technicians who can diagnose and fix a wide range of automotive issues. When you make Citywide Auto Care your complete auto repair service provider, you’ll never have to worry about getting upsold on services you don’t need; instead, we treat every customer like family. Give us a call today at (714) 633-4211 and we can start scheduling an appointment at your earliest convenience. 

Reasons Behind Your Car Engine’s Vibration

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If you’ve spent a lot of time driving around Orange, there’s a chance you might have noticed some strange vibrations coming from under your car or truck’s hood. The engine is the beating heart of your vehicle, so anything that seems out of place can be understandably concerning. You don’t need to worry, though; Citywide Auto Care is the expert at complete auto repair for Orange, and we’re familiar with all kinds of reasons behind engine vibration and how to fix them. These are some of the most common causes of engine vibration that we’ve encountered.

Broken Engine Mounts

An engine mount is a piece of hardware that keeps the engine secured in place inside the engine bay and will vary in appearance and configuration based on the vehicle’s requirements. Most engine mounts are made from metal and rubber; the metal provides the structural integrity to hold the engine in place, while the rubber absorbs the engine’s vibrations. Engine mounts will wear out over time no matter what car they’re installed in, however. After enough deterioration, the metal can no longer hold a firm brace between the engine and the chassis, and the worn-out rubber cannot absorb vibrations. Once this happens, the engine mounts will need to be replaced. .

Failing Spark Plugs

An engine’s spark plugs are critical parts of the internal combustion process. As their name implies, they provide the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in a cylinder and creates combustion. However, every time a spark plug fires, its tip deteriorates slightly. It takes thousands of miles of driving for a spark plug to fully degrade, but once it does, it will cause the engine to misfire and make your car shake and shudder erratically. Other issues in the spark and compression system, such as a faulty ignition coil, can cause similar vibrations. During a complete auto repair inspection, spark plugs are removed from the engine and examined to see if they need to be replaced.

Worn-Out Belts

There are several belts inside an engine, such as the timing belt, serpentine belt, and v-belts. These belts synchronize various parts of the engine, ensuring that they run at consistent speeds. A failing or misaligned belt can result in serious shaking and squealing or rattling sounds coming from the car’s engine, which is a sign that fans and other components are not rotating properly. A qualified auto repair technician can identify which belts are failing and need replacement as well as which belts simply need to be readjusted.

Loose Or Disconnected Hoses

Every engine features hoses that help expel exhaust gases created during internal combustion. If one of these hoses becomes disconnected or develops a leak, however, it will prevent these gases from being properly cleared from the engine. This can result in harsh vibrations when idling or running, or even cause the engine to stall and shut down. Fortunately, reattaching loose hoses or replacing damaged ones is usually a relatively simple repair. 

A Faulty Fuel Intake System

The fuel intake system is critical for maintaining a healthy mix of fuel and air inside a car’s engine. However, over thousands of miles of driving, the fuel intake valves can get clogged by sludgy buildups that impede the flow of the fuel-air mixture. This can cause serious shaking in the engine even at idle speeds and is typically fixed by taking apart and cleaning the fuel-intake system to remove blockages. Readjusting the carburetor to make sure it is delivering the proper mix of fuel and air is another common solution.

If your car or truck’s engine vibrations have you worried, you can trust the experts at Citywide Auto Care to accurately diagnose the problems with your vehicle and fix them at an affordable rate. We provide complete auto repair for Orange and the broader Orange County area, with a staff of ASE-certified technicians who constantly train and update on the latest repair techniques and tools. We’ve been the trusted source for complete auto repair in Orange since 2002, and we’d love to earn your trust as well. If you’d like to schedule an appointment today, give us a call at (714) 633-4211.

What Does It Mean to Be an ASE-Certified Technician?

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While a car accident is always a stressful experience, trying to find a reputable auto repair service afterward can be downright hair-pulling. Locating an auto repair shop in Orange that has the right qualifications to service your vehicle while also offering reasonable rates for their work can be enough to make a car owner want to give up and take the bus instead. One key way to know if a repair service can be trusted, however, is if their technicians are ASE certified.

ASE refers to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a nonprofit certification group that certifies professionals and shops in the automotive repair and service industry across North America. The ASE was founded in 1972 as an independent organization in response to growing consumer desire for distinguishing between competent and incompetent automotive technicians. Ultimately, the ASE aims to improve the quality of vehicle repair through the testing and certification of repair service professionals.

The ASE serves to protect both the automotive service consumer, the auto repair shop owner, and the technicians themselves. By testing and certifying automotive professionals, shop owners and service consumers can better gauge a technician’s abilities before utilizing their services, while certification lets a technician have tangible proof of their capability to perform repairs.

ASE certification is highly stringent, requiring either a certification test and two years of on-the-job training or one year of training and a two-year degree in automotive repair. ASE tests are highly challenging, and only two-thirds of test-takers pass on their first attempt. After their initial certification, professionals must also re-test every five years to keep up with advances in automotive technology. ASE tests are written by workshops of industry professionals and executives, including working technicians, automobile manufacturers, and educators.

There is an ASE certification for every type of vehicle and automotive system imaginable. For instance, A1 is the Engine Repair Certification for cars and light trucks, while S7 covers air conditioning systems and controls in school buses. There are also master technician certifications that are earned after passing all tests for sub-categories. A Master Automotive Technician has earned all eight (A1-A8) Automobile & Light Truck certifications, and they can be considered an expert on the subject of auto repair. Citywide’s owner, Bruce, is an ASE-Certified Master Technician and has been for over 40 years.

At Citywide Auto Care, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible auto repair services to residents of Orange. As part of this dedication, we only employ ASE-certified technicians to guarantee our Orange County friends and neighbors the best complete auto repair experience possible. Whether you just need an oil change or a complete engine repair, we offer efficient and high-quality service at affordable prices. If you’d like to set up an appointment, give us a call today at (714) 633-4211.

Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle

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Even in Southern California, each season of weather brings different maintenance needs for your personal or commercial vehicles. While some of these maintenance steps can easily be performed at home, you’ll want some to be done by trained professionals at an Orange complete auto repair service.

Watch Your Oil

Firstly, be sure to change the oil. If you haven’t already, winter can be a good time to switch from conventional to synthetic oil if it’s appropriate for your vehicle. Cold weather starts will be easier on the engine with entirely synthetic oil, as synthetic oil flows freer at low temperatures and doesn’t require any warm-up time. You can also try a blend of synthetic and conventional oil, but be sure to consult your Orange auto repair shop as to whether that’s the right choice for your vehicle.

Keep The Lights On

Next, maintain your battery. The heat of summer takes its toll on automotive batteries, and by winter, batteries are typically on their last legs. Schedule a battery and charging system test at your auto repair service in Orange, and replace the battery if it is too weak. If you live in a cold area or drive infrequently, you can also consider investing in a maintainer or trickle charger for the battery. This is because the battery has to work harder in colder weather, and it gradually loses power over time if it isn’t in use. You can also disconnect the battery from the vehicle to prevent power draws, but doing so can cause you to lose memory presets like radio stations and navigational info.

Maintain Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is a consideration all year long, but even more so during the winter months as the temperature drops. This is because tires lose a pound of pressure for every ten degrees the temperature falls. Driving on underinflated tires causes them to wear down prematurely, hurts your fuel economy, and makes them lose traction on slippery surfaces. It’s a good idea to check your tire pressure weekly and get them refilled if they drop below the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Stay Topped Off

While they may not initially appear to have much in common, you’ll want to keep both your gasoline and your washer fluid tanks full. A full gas tank stops accumulated water from freezing inside the fuel pump, which will interfere with engine operation. Meanwhile, washer fluid is critical for getting rid of dirt and debris that gets deposited on your windshield after harsh weather. Driving without washer fluid accessible can be dangerous if your view becomes unexpectedly obstructed.

Keeping Warm, and Staying Cool

Lastly, inspect your radiator cap and thermostat. The radiator cap is a critical part of the heating and cooling system of the car; it keeps antifreeze where it should be inside the vehicle and keeps the entire cooling system pressurized, which raises the boiling point of the coolant. A leaking radiator cap can cause the engine to overheat and antifreeze to leak. Have your auto repair technician inspect it, or see for yourself if the cap is leaking. Alternatively, if the radiator cap is several years old, it’s probably time for a replacement. The thermostat is another inexpensive but critical component for the HVAC system of your car, and if it fails, you may find yourself without heat on a cold morning. If the thermostat fails, this is usually because the coolant hasn’t been changed regularly, and corrosion has been allowed to build up.

No matter whether your car’s needs are simple seasonal maintenance or drastic repairs, Citywide Auto Care is the premier auto repair shop for the city of Orange. We’re dedicated to performing quick, cost-effective, and trustworthy maintenance and repair services for your vehicles, whether they’re personal automobiles or a commercial fleet. If you’d like to make us your complete auto repair solution, or just want an inspection of your vehicle, you can call us at (714) 633-4211 today to schedule an appointment.

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Brake Pads

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Have you ever heard or experienced a sharp squealing sound as you or a nearby car is applying the brakes? This is a common indicator that the vehicle’s brake pads need to be replaced. While car owners often remember to have their oil changed like clockwork, having areas like your brakes inspected is often forgotten or neglected. However, it’s one of the most important parts of your car to take care of, for obvious safety reasons. If you notice any of these signs of worn brake pads, bring your car into your local Orange auto repair shop in order to have your brake pads replaced as soon as possible. 

1. Indicator Light Turns On

The most obvious way to tell if your brake pads are worn down is if your indicator light turns on. Not all car models have this, but some newer vehicles have a sensor on the brake pad that will trigger an indicator light when the brake pads become worn down. If your brake light turns on, bring your vehicle into an auto repair professional in order to have them assessed and replaced.

2. Squealing Sound 

One of the most common symptoms of a worn-down brake pad is a sharp squealing or squeaking sound. If you hear this sharp noise when applying the brakes, it’s highly likely that your brake pads need to be replaced. Although some conditions such as cold or rain can cause occasional squealing, hearing this noise consistently through all weather is a sign that it’s time to have your brakes evaluated by a professional. 

3. Grinding Metal Sound

One of the worst noises you can hear is a deep grinding metal sound. This likely means that your brake pads have worn down completely and are irreplaceable. The sound is caused by the disc and the caliper rubbing together as the brake pad has been completely eroded. If this occurs, you’ll likely need to have your rotors turned or replaced, and your brake pads are likely beyond replacement as well. 

4. Car Shakes When Braking

There are several reasons that your car could be vibrating, most a common cause is brake issues. If your car begins to vibrate and idle roughly when you’re braking, it’s likely caused by worn-down brake pads. The front brakes receive the most stress when you’re braking, so if your brake pads need to be replaced, your vehicle may start shaking when the brakes are applied. It’s advised that you replace your brakes every 50,000 miles on average to avoid this.

5. Reduced Responsiveness 

The final sign of worn brake pads is reduced responsiveness, also known as “brake fade”. Applying the brakes over a vast distance without bringing the car to a full stop can take a serious toll on your braking mechanism. Whether you live in a hilly area or you ride the brakes on a city freeway, forcing the pads to make contact with the rotors for an extended period of time will cause the brake pads to wear down. This reduces their ability to generate friction and, as a result, your car won’t come to a stop as quickly and efficiently as it used to.

If you notice any of these signs of worn-down brake pads, it’s highly recommended that you bring your vehicle into Citywide Auto Care as soon as possible. Your brakes are a vital part of your car that need to function properly in order to guarantee your safety in the vehicle. Even if you don’t experience any noticeable signs such as the ones above, it’s always wise to have an experienced mechanic check your brakes whenever you bring your vehicle in for an oil change or any other maintenance services. If you’re an Orange resident looking to replace your brake pads or have their status assessed, give Citywide Auto Care a call at (714) 633-4211. We would love to help you make an appointment for the time most convenient for you.

5 Reasons That Your Car is Shaking

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Have you ever noticed your car shaking or vibrating when you drive it? For some car owners, the problem occurs when you brake. For others, it begins when you hit higher speeds. Whatever the circumstances, it’s an issue that virtually every driver in Orange has experienced and wants to avoid. However, there is a wide range of auto issues that could be causing your vehicle to shake. Here are the top five reasons that your car is vibrating when you drive it. 

1. Engine Problems

There are several components of your car engine that could be causing your car to shake. The most common culprit is your spark plugs. Spark plugs last for about 80,000-100,000 miles as a general rule. If your car has this many miles or more, it’s likely that your spark plugs need to be replaced. Once this occurs, the shaking should stop. If it’s not your spark plugs, it could also be your engine air filter. A dirty air filter can cause the engine to not receive as much oxygen and fuel as it needs to run properly. An engine that’s starved of fuel will also shake or vibrate in this way. Have a professional diagnose the issue and gauge which engine component is to blame for the vibrating. 

2. Brake Problems

If the shaking occurs when you apply the brakes, it’s likely that your front brakes are the cause of the shaking. The front brakes receive the most stress when you’re braking, so if your brake pads or rotors need to be replaced, this can cause the vehicle to vibrate. Your brakes need to be replaced every 50,000 miles on average, but it’s wise to have your mechanic check the condition of your brake pads whenever you receive an oil change. A professional can help you keep track of when your brakes are in need of replacement before they’re worn out completely and become a potential safety hazard.

3. Axle Problems

Most vehicles will have two axles, one to connect the front tires and one to connect the back tires. If either of these axles is damaged in any way, it can cause you to experience a vibration when driving. If the intensity of the shaking increases as you accelerate, axle problems are a likely cause. Axle damage if most often caused by a car accident or other incident, so if you’ve recently experienced something like this, speak to a professional about the possibility of axle damage.

4. Tire Problems

The most common cause of this shaking sensation is tire issues. Unbalanced tires or tires that are wearing unevenly can cause the car to vibrate. You may need a tire rotation or new tires entirely. In either case, vibration issues related to your car tires are a fairly easy fix. Bring your vehicle into a professional auto repair shop in order to diagnose the issue and have it repaired right away.

5. Steering Problems

If you’re experiencing a shaky steering wheel more than a shaky car overall, this can be due to steering issues. Loose steering components or steering components that are worn out can cause this vibration due to the lack of responsiveness from your wheels. Whether or not you’re experiencing any obvious trouble with the steering itself, vibrations can be a symptom of loose steering components and should be repaired right away.

If you’ve noticed your car or steering wheel shaking when you’re driving, it’s recommended that you bring it into an Orange auto repair shop as soon as possible. There are many different issues that could cause this symptom, so it’s best to have a professional diagnose the issue and repair it in an efficient and thorough manner. Here at Citywide Auto Care in Orange, all of our technicians are ASE-certified and we have cutting-edge diagnostic tools that will help us repair your issue in a timely manner and with as much accuracy as possible. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (714) 633-4211 today. We’ll have you back on the road with a smooth ride as quickly as possible. 

Manual vs Automatic: What Are the Key Differences?

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Your transmission is a crucial element of your vehicle’s operation; it transfers the power generated by your engine to the drive wheels. No matter how perfectly your engine is functioning, nothing can get done without your transmission. There are two basic types of transmission: manual or automatic. While people usually know that there’s a major difference in user experience, other key differences are often overlooked. If you live in Orange or anywhere else in Orange County, having the proper transmission for your needs and knowledge is essential for getting the most out of your vehicle and avoiding constant transmission repair. Here are some of the key differences between a manual and automatic transmission that will most affect you on your daily commute.

Driving Style

The most obvious difference between a manual and an automatic transmission is the driving style and user experience. In a manual transmission vehicle, the driver is engaged in shifting the gears; in an automatic vehicle, the car shifts the gears automatically. Some car enthusiasts prefer a manual shift, believing it to be more engaging and fun. Manual vehicles allow more control over the vehicle, which can be beneficial in poor weather conditions. However, a manual transmission can be a hassle in congested traffic since it will require you to constantly shift gears and utilize the clutch pedal. If you live in a high-traffic area such as Orange, an automatic transmission can make city driving much easier. Automatic transmissions generally require less interaction, and therefore it can be less stressful for the driver to control the vehicle. 

Gas Mileage

Many drivers don’t realize that a car’s fuel economy can fluctuate based on the transmission style of the vehicle. Although mileage varies between make and model of vehicle, manual cars tend to generally get a better fuel economy since the motor isn’t having to work as hard to shift between gears. Compared with an automatic, a manual transmission can improve gas mileage up to 5 miles per gallon. 

Cost

In general, having a car with a manual transmission rather than an automatic can reduce a car’s price by up to $1,200. While the cost of vehicles will fluctuate based on a variety of factors, manual transmission vehicles tend to be cheaper than automatics. Manual vehicles also generally have fewer long-term maintenance costs than automatic vehicles. Manual transmission cars require fewer tune-ups and are often easier to fix. The system is less complex than an automatic transmission, so repairs are simpler and more affordable. However, when it comes to selling the vehicle, you’re likely to sell your vehicle for more if it’s an automatic transmission. It’s more difficult to find a buyer who can drive a manual vehicle and would prefer it, so having an automatic is advantageous when it comes time to resell your vehicle.

No matter which transmission style you choose, Citywide Auto Care in Orange can handle your transmission repair when it’s needed. Whether it’s routine maintenance or transmission replacement, we can perform a range of transmission repair services that will get you back on the road in no time. It’s recommended that you have a transmission fluid flush completed every 30,000 miles. Next time you hit that number, stop by Citywide for a quick and thorough transmission flush service. If you’re an Orange County resident in need of a transmission flush or other transmission repair services, call us at (714) 633-4211 to schedule an appointment today. 

Warning Signs That Your Car Battery is About to Die

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Getting stranded anywhere with a dead car battery is annoying, and sometimes it can even potentially be dangerous. Luckily, batteries usually give you several different warning signs that your electrical system is failing before they entirely die. If you live in Orange or anywhere else in Orange County, keep a close watch for these six warning signs of a failing car battery so you can bring your vehicle in for a replacement battery and stay on schedule. 

Dim Headlights

Your headlights are a crucial safety feature necessary for you to see where you’re going at night. If you notice that your headlights are much dimmer than they used to be, this could be a sign that your battery is dying. Although most drivers may chalk it up to a dirty vehicle, it’s actually caused by your headlights not getting enough power to be as bright as they could be. Not only does this create dangerous conditions for driving at night, but it’s also a sign that your car’s electrical system could fail and leave you stranded somewhere. If you notice you have dim headlights, take your car into an auto repair shop for a battery charge test and replacement.

Clicking on Key Turn

This sign of a dead battery is often the cliche: you get in your car, turn the key in the ignition, and nothing happens. Instead of the sound of the engine starting, you hear a clicking sound that tells you your car battery is dead. Although your car should be able to receive a jump start with no issue, you still want to make sure that you bring your vehicle into an auto repair shop to get a replacement battery as soon as possible. Having to jump your car with increasing frequency is a major hassle for any car owner, but it’s an easily avoidable problem.

Backfiring

If your car is backfiring, this could be a sign of several issues including a dying car battery. If your carburetor and black box both seem to be fine, then be sure to get your car battery checked out before it dies. A dying battery causes intermittent sparks, which can lead to fuel accumulating in the cylinders. When this is ignited, it causes your car to backfire. Since backfiring can be a symptom of several different problems, always be sure to bring your vehicle into an auto repair shop for a battery test before investing in a brand new battery.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your vehicle, or if your car battery’s warning light is on, bring your vehicle into Citywide Auto Care in Orange. We’ll diagnose any issues and get you fitted with a brand new battery to ensure that you can stay on the road. The last thing you want is to end up stranded somewhere unsafe or end up late for something important. Be proactive by bringing your car into Citywide Auto, and we’ll perform a comprehensive battery test to assess exactly how much life is left in your battery. To schedule an appointment today, give us a call at (714) 633-4211.