Ask a Technician

Q. Can you tell when I have no idea what you're talking about when you're explaining to me what's wrong with my car and why it needs to be fixed?

A. The blank stare or the blank stare/vacant nod combination are everyday occurrences. But don't let the fact that you have no idea what your technician is talking about intimidate you or keep you from asking questions. Look at it as an opportunity to learn something new.

Now, your technician might not have the time, nor should you expect them to explain how everything works. They can certainly explain it enough so that you have a basic understanding. But don't stop there. Jot down a few notes and use that wonderful web to learn more.

 

You're not alone in being a bit puzzled by some of the facets of modern engines. Some of the newer cars have so many computers you need a full fledged Geek Squad to understand how they really run.

 

Modern cars aren't just complex machines, they're a system of complex computers. Even base model new cars can have up to thirty different computer modules. Computers control everything from your transmission to your stability control. Knowing what's wrong with them takes advanced diagnostic tools. While your technician knows what the readout means, the rest of it is just plain old black magic.

Is your car making a noise? Bring it to Honda of El Cerrito, and we'll help you out.

Schedule your next appointmet here!  Service Appointmet

If your check engine light is on, we'll pull the code at no charge to you!  Click HERE for details

ABOUT HONDA OF EL CERRITO

Honda of El Cerrito was one of the first Honda dealerships to open in this country and has been an established Honda Dealer in the Bay Area for more than 35 years. Honda of El Cerrito serves the entire Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Danville, Dublin and the Peninsula. In 1993, Honda of El Cerrito became a member of the Hendricks Automotive Group, which consists of more than 60 automobile dealerships nationally. Honda of El Cerrito is proud to offer great deals on new and pre-owned Hondas, including the Honda Accord, Honda Crosstour, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Honda FCX Clarity, Honda Fit, Honda Insight, Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. Learn more at www.hondaelcerrito.com or call us at (888) 241-4477.

Ask a Technician

Q. How bad is it not to get the oil changed in your car regularly?

.

Clean oil makes for a happy car. Happy cars are less expensive to maintain and have a better resale value, making for a happy owner. Oil serves several purposes. It lubricates your engine, but it also cleans as it goes.

Lubricating your engine parts is oil's number one job. Without oil, all of those metal parts would be scraping against each other. The result would be a hefty repair bill. Clean oil keeps your car running smoothly and limits the wear and tear your engine endures.

Oil is also a diligent little cleaner. That's why your oil gets darker as it ages. It's picking up all sorts of gunk from your engine. If you don't change your oil, it will get more and more sludgy. Eventually, it can't absorb anymore dust or combustion byproducts and those substances would be left to do some serious damage to your car.

Most cars should have their oil changed every 5,000 miles. Check your owner's manual to see what your manufacturer recommends. It's a cheap upfront cost with great down the line benefits.

The average cost of an oil change is somewhere between $25 and $30. With the average driver traveling about 15,000 miles a year, that's less than $100 a year to save your engine from a premature grave at the junkyard.

Need an oil change? Get a coupon and schedule your service below.

http://www.hondaelcerrito.com/specials-1.aspx

ABOUT HONDA OF EL CERRITO

Honda of El Cerrito was one of the first Honda dealerships to open in this country and has been an established Honda Dealer in the Bay Area for more than 35 years. Honda of El Cerrito serves the entire Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Danville, Dublin and the Peninsula. In 1993, Honda of El Cerrito became a member of the Hendricks Automotive Group, which consists of more than 60 automobile dealerships nationally. Honda of El Cerrito is proud to offer great deals on new and pre-owned Hondas, including the Honda Accord, Honda Crosstour, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Honda FCX Clarity, Honda Fit, Honda Insight, Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. Learn more at www.hondaelcerrito.com or call us at (888) 241-4477.