It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from a simple problem that requires a little maintenance and TLC or there is real engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your vehicle or truck engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection here at the shop right away.

At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, we know how annoying a dead battery can be. Here’s some information on the subject, that will hopefully help you understand your battery issues a little better.

Good steering is an underrated and often neglected aspect of driving. At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA, we believe in making sure you have the best vehicle possible, whether you’re driving across town or traveling long distances.

One of the most annoying sounds known to man is a loud squeal every time you start your car, truck, or SUV. What causes this, and what can you do to fix it? Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA has the answer.

Are you leaking oil? Our technicians atCraig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA can help. Oil leaks not only mess up your driveway but also make a mess under the hood and cost big when it comes to related repairs and maintenance.  They can also cause serious inconvenient issues and are when best-taken care of immediately.   

The hydraulic system in your transmission is responsible for telling the mechanical components what to do, and when to do it. In order to better understand how your transmission works, it’s important to understand the mechanical components of it.

If you drive a car, truck, or SUV that runs on gasoline, there's a good chance you’ve run it low on fuel a few times (or more than a few times,) and maybe even run out of gas completely a time or two. At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA, we like to provide information applicable to you. Running a vehicle low on fuel is something we’re all guilty of, and most of us don’t think twice about it. But, can it be bad for your car?

You don’t have to buy a new, fuel-efficient car to get great fuel efficiency. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment, so take a look at our top 5 ways to save on fuel and you may just be able to pocket a little extra money at the end of the month.

Your vehicle's cooling system is one of the most important systems in your vehicle. Inside your engine, spark plugs ignite the fuel within the cylinders to produce small explosions that propel your vehicle down the road. With small explosions comes scorching temperatures that can destroy your engine if not controlled. There are two types of cooling systems - liquid-cooled and air-cooled. 

At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, we specialize in detailed knowledge of complicated, performance systems. One such system, which is becoming ever more precise and complex, is the suspension on your car. Luxury and performance vehicles are innovators and leaders in the suspension field; and as such, it takes leading technicians to service them.

At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA, we know how annoying a dead battery can be. Here’s some information on the subject, that will hopefully help you understand your battery issues a little better.

Maintaining your car doesn't have to be a hassle, just bring it to our team here at Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights. We can take care of all the dirty work. However, it's important to know when you should get proper maintenance. Here are some quick tips and advice on the basics of car maintenance!

At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA, we know the key to making your vehicle last; good maintenance. An overwhelming percentage of the problems we see, especially the really catastrophic ones, are a result of poor maintenance. While properly maintaining a vehicle can seem like a bit of a hassle, it is absolutely worth the payoff. Good maintenance is the only difference between a car that lasts 80,000 miles and a car that lasts 400,000 miles. Preventative maintenance and repair when a problem occurs are your two concerns, and both will keep your car on the road far longer if observed properly.

Everyone from mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about vehicles. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

You’ve determined it’s time to get rid of the engine you have, along with all of its issues. You’re probably considering getting something new altogether, and you’re tired of this one giving you issues. Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA is here to help you make the call.

If your car, truck, or SUV has really been put through the wringer, it might be time for a new one. However, before you decide to throw in the towel there are a few things you should consider.

At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA, we have seen our fair share of preventable engine failures. Frequently, engine disaster could have been avoided if the driver had known beforehand what the warning lights or gauges on the dashboard indicated. While some dash lights are fairly benign, others indicate imminent trouble. This guide from Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA will prepare you for the next time your vehicle shows you a warning you shouldn’t ignore.

At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA, we see a lot of the same mistakes that cause a transmission to fail. With our help, you can avoid a preventable transmission failure and keep your car reliably on the road.

Your car’s radio and headlights, plus a slew of other important functions, are powered by an electrical current generated by your vehicle’s engine. A vital part of generating electricity is having a place to store it while it’s not being used. This is where your car battery comes into play. The battery of your vehicle holds electrical energy while the car is off in order to help the engine turn over and create a spark to start internal combustion. Without a working battery, your car will not be able to start. If you allow our team here at Craig Johnson Automotive to perform proper maintenance, an average car battery can start your car reliably for roughly four years.

The exhaust on your truck is an important series of components, that work together to ensure smooth, reliable operation. At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, we also know that exhaust systems are especially susceptible to damage and rust; pipes, mufflers, and other parts are exposed to hazards on the road, and to the environment. This situation, combined with caustic emissions and extreme heat, creates a perfect opportunity for problems to arise.

If your transmission isn’t shifting correctly, you’ll want to be careful about how you choose to proceed. The best thing to do is turn the vehicle off and have a professional take a look at it, but if that isn’t an option, there are some steps you can take to ensure nothing gets damaged. At Craig Johnson Automotive in Rowland Heights, CA we can take a look at your issues and also give you some tips on what to do when that option isn't available yet.