In business since 1983!

Truckee Auto Repair

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Call Us:(530) 214-5534
The Auto & Tire Doctor Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Express Lube Hours
Appointments Highly Recommended.
Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Smogs available: Smog checks on 2000 and newer vehicles.
Available at both facilities during regular business hours.

Articles:

Blind Spot Safety for TRUCKEE Driving

Blind spots may be a good thing when it comes to a spouse's annoying habits, but when driving an automobile in TRUCKEE, they are definitely to be avoided. So, while it's not good marital advice, it's good auto advice to minimize your own blind spots and stay out of other TRUCKEE drivers' blind spots, especially when it comes to large, heavy vehicles like trucks and buses.First, minimize your own blind spots. Do this before you pull out of the driveway or parking space. Adjust your rearview mirror so that you see as much of the area behind you as possible. And, no, this doesn't include the passengers in the back seat. The rearview mirror isn't designed to be a baby monitor.Next, lean to the side until your head almost touches the driver's side window. Now adjust the driver's side mirror so that it just catches the side of the vehicle. Then, lean to the middle of the car and adjust the passenger's side mirror in the same way. Th ... read more

Categories:

Safety

Treat Your Vehicle to Good Tires at The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc

When we shop for shoes, most of us know that we can get two pairs of cheap shoes or one good pair for about the same price. And since the two cheap pairs wear out in about the same time as the good pair, there really is no difference in cost. If you like having a closet full of shoes to match your moods and outfits, then cheap shoes can be what you want. But if you spend a lot of time on your feet, you probably know that cheap shoes can come with an added cost of sore feet and other foot ailments. When you add in the benefits of comfort and protection, the more expensive shoes are actually the better value.Buying tires at The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc in TRUCKEE is a lot like buying shoes, except that TRUCKEE vehicles don't have changeable apparel and don't need a closet full of tires to match. Vehicles spend a lot of time on their tires—all the time, in fact—so they need tires that can stand up to the job. Tires are work ... read more

Categories:

Tires and Wheels

What Is a Differential and Do You Have One?

With front-wheel drive being so common these days in TRUCKEE, CA, the differential is just taken care of during a transmission service, so most TRUCKEE drivers don't even have to think about it. And rear-wheel drive differentials don't need to be serviced for years, so it's understandable that it's not something on the top of TRUCKEE customers' minds. It's not uncommon for drivers to not know they have a differential let alone know that it needs service. Call The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc in TRUCKEE at 5305872178 for information about differential service, or stop by our TRUCKEE, CA, auto center at 12000 PIONEER TRL, 96161. To better understand what a differential does, think about our local TRUCKEE high school track. There are lanes marked off on the track. For the longer distance races, the starting lines are staggered. The starting lines for the outside lanes are ahead of the starting lines for the inside lanes. That's to compensat ... read more

Categories:

Drive Train

How Much is Enough for TRUCKEE Auto Owners? Tire Tread Depth

Most TRUCKEE drivers know that tires wear out and that the wear has to do with tread depth. Most of us have heard that “bald” tires are dangerous, but most of us picture a tire with no tread at all when we think of a bald tire. And when we take our vehicles in for preventive maintenance, the technician tells us they're need to be replaced long before all the tread is worn off. Just how much tire tread wear is too much? And how can you tell? Tires are and their condition is important to the safe handling of a vehicle, so it's for TRUCKEE vehicle owners to know the answers to these questions.First of all, it's important to understand that there may be a legal limit to tread wear. If your tires are worn past this limit, you have to replace them to be in compliance with CA auto safety laws. That's why measuring your tread wear is part of a vehicle sa ... read more

Categories:

Tires and Wheels

TRUCKEE Safety Systems: Tire Pressure Monitoring System

TRUCKEE Safety Systems: Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Flats, blow outs, skids and longer stopping distances can all be the result of driving around TRUCKEE on underinflated tires. Admittedly, it's hard to tell when a radial tire is underinflated. If your vehicle manufacturer recommends 35 pounds of pressure, your vehicle tires are considered significantly underinflated at 26 pounds. The tire may not look low until it gets below 20 pounds.New laws require all vehicles to include a tire pressure monitor system, or TPMS. This technology has been used by race car drivers for years. They are able to head off problems from underinflation by closely monitoring tire pressure on the track. It's up to your vehicle's manufacturer to determine which of many TPMS systems available they'll use to comply with the law.Obviously, all of this doesn't come free for TRUCKEE drivers. Government studies have estimated the net costs. Of course, the TPMS system itself will cost something. Maintaining the sys ... read more

Categories:

Tires and Wheels

TRUCKEE Road Trip Preparation

People from TRUCKEE, CA, love their cars. And nothing goes with cars better than a CA road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road – it's great! But there's nothing like car trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt.You can't always avoid problems, but you can take steps to reduce the probability of getting sidelined on your trip. Heading out on a CA road trip? Stop by The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc before you head out to make sure everything is in good repair. Let's look at some of the auto maintenance related problems you might encounter on a road trip in CA and what you might do to avoid them.The most common vehicle component to fail is the tires. Of course, you can't always avoid a road hazard that leads to a flat, but you may be able to head off some maintenance-connected tire problems.A good tire inspection at The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc will start with l ... read more

Categories:

Inspection

The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc Advice on Buying New Tires

Today's tires and wheels offer a lot of options for every TRUCKEE driver's style, habits and driving conditions.Tires are designed for high-performance in winter or summer and even come in a long-wearing variety for all CA seasons.TRUCKEE off-roaders should be excited about the options available to them as well. The tread on off-road tires is designed to handle the wear from bumps and rocks. The tires' high profile protects rims from damage.But what if you own an SUV but aren't interested in off-roading around CA? You can change out those high-profile beasts for a lower, wider look if it suits your style.The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc tire professionals can offer great auto advice on how to choose tires that match your needs and style.If you just need to purchase new tires, a tire professional at The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc can also help you select the tires that are best for your driving needs and habits. The right tires will protect you and your vehicle on the road.So personali ... read more

Categories:

Tires and Wheels

Check Engine Light Diagnosis at The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc

Hello TRUCKEE . Have you ever had your Check Engine light come on? Did you panic? Or just scowl and ignore it? What should you do? Pull to the side of the road and call a tow truck? Or just keep driving? What does that little light really mean for TRUCKEE drivers?First of all, the Check Engine or Service Engine light does indicate that something is wrong. That's why it is called a warning light. But the something that is wrong might be a loose gas cap, or it might be serious vehicle engine trouble. That's why TRUCKEE residents often don't know how to respond to it.The Check Engine light has two modes: it flashes or it stays on. A flashing light is serious. You need to get your vehicle to The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc in TRUCKEE ASAP. No, you don't need to call a tow truck, but, yes, you can't wait to get your car serviced. If your Check Engine light is on and flashing, you should not to ... read more

Emergency Items for TRUCKEE

Safe CA travel starts with preventive maintenance and good vehicle care at The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc. But there are other things TRUCKEE residents can do to prepare for emergencies on the road. Here's some auto advice that can help you plan for emergencies, and just may save your life — or someone else's.First, TRUCKEE auto owners should consider keeping an auto emergency kit in their vehicle. The kit should contain items that will allow you to deal with common emergencies on the road.Some items you should carry in your vehicle include jumper cables (or a booster box), flares, a flashlight and some basic hand tools. Other useful items include gloves, two quarts of oil, some antifreeze, water and everything you need to change a tire. You might also consider a can of tire inflator, which is a great temporary fix for minor flats.But taking care of your ... read more

Categories:

Safety

Finding Vehicle Recall Information in TRUCKEE, CA

No matter how well they're made, vehicles in TRUCKEE, CA, will have design or manufacturing problems. And when the government thinks a problem is really serious for people in TRUCKEE, CA, they require the manufacturer to issue a recall notice and fix the vehicle  free of charge. The manufacturer then tries to contact everyone in CA who owns that type of vehicle to get the recall work done. Perhaps you have received a postcard notifying you of a recall. The government has links on its websites, or just visit AutoNetTV for links. There are many websites with free recall information and searches. There's CarFax, AutoByTel and the DMV.Recalls are serious but not all that common. Sometimes there are fewer issues, and for these, manufacturers issue a Technical Service Bulletin, or TSB, that tells service centers like The Auto & Tire Doctor Inc how to repair a frequent or difficult problem.The pros get updated information ... read more

Categories:

Fuel System
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