Transmission

ONE. BIG. TIP. Fluid Replacement is the number one way to extend the life of your transmission. If your transmission is bumping and slipping as you start driving or you hear some noises it’s time to take a look.

 

Suspension and Alignment

Tires are a big part of the cost of your car. If your suspension parts are worn out your tire will wear quickly. The shocks and struts and ball joints and steering columns and bushings and control arms and … well, apparently it’s a big list of parts that keep your car driving straight and true. As ASE certified mechanics we know exactly which items to watch for on your model of car.

ASE Certified Mechanics!

The simplest and most common items to fail are shocks and struts. Those ordinary suspension parts become critical components at high speed when you are trying to avoid a collision. That’s right, if your car has enough miles to bounce a little… you are a little less safe. Don’t worry because new shocks and struts will smooth out your ride–and keep your car stable during emergency or avoidance driving. Bonus: not a lot of money.

Oil Changes and Fluids

Oil Changes are the simplest car service. Yes we know that you can go to the little drive-thru and get your oil changed. That seems a tidy way to go about that task but in recent years those companies have become the target of big complaints with consumer protection agencies. They might sell you things you don’t need. Why take your car to a regular shop for oil changes instead? Because of our thorough inspection. Because we are completely qualified ASE (American Service Excellence) repair technicians. We don’t just fix the little things…. we fix the big things, too.

Included in every oil change we do:

• Brake Inspection.
• Tire Pressure and Tire Wear Inspection.
• And we Top off ALL fluids in your car.

 

Warning Lights

Have you ever seen a warning light and couldn’t figure out what it meant? They use symbols to try and give you a hint that something is wrong with your car. Armando’s Auto Service knows all the lights and even a few tricks to cheaply keep you on the road. For example… this symbol is for low tire pressure.

Sometimes… that light is wrong!

The sensor that reads your tire pressure might have a watch battery and sometimes the battery runs out of juice.

 

ANY WARNING. TEN DOLLARS. USUALLY 5 MINUTES.

If your car needs a repair and we do the work, you can keep the ten bucks.

Air Conditioning

We live in Sonoma, too. Yes, we know that A/C is important. Armando’s Auto Care will have you driving in Air Conditioned splendor in no time.

You will not be hot. We promise.

Scheduled Maintenance

The phrase Scheduled Maintenance has replaced the word ‘tune-up’ for most cars. Ordinary scheduled maintenance is to replace spark plugs and some filters. It’s a low cost once in a while thing and car makers list what should be done and after how many miles.

One big item in the scheduled maintenance that you don’t have to do very often is replacing the timing belt. Big Caution. About 80% of all cars will experience SIGNIFICANT engine damage if the timing belt fails. What this means is that a repair costing a few hundred dollars becomes … well, it might be enough for you to just scrap your car.

Timing Belts! 60,000 Miles!

 

Brake Service

Everyone knows that Brakes on your car are the first safety item. There are two ways to take care of your car’s brakes.

1. Regular inspection at a shop that knows your car.
2. Wait until they make noise or stop working.

Brakes are made to wear out. If you wait too long then the worn out parts can damage the rotors or hubs… and this costs you more money. We have a simple way for you to stay ahead of your brakes wearing out.

Visit Armando’s for your Oil Changes!

We always do an automobile inspection with every oil change and our service doesn’t cost any more than the drive thru oil changers.