Services
Family-owned, ASE-Certified Automobile Maintenance, and Repair Shop
AUTO DIAGNOSTICS
Don’t ignore your “check engine light,” bring your vehicle in today. Our auto repair shop features the latest state-of-the-art equipment to provide high quality and efficient repairs on your vehicle. If your vehicle isn’t running well or your “check engine light” has come on, let us take a look and see what’s wrong. We have technicians specially trained to tackle any electrical problem.
BRAKES
Brakes are the most important safety device on your car. Inspecting your brakes periodically for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers. It will also save you money by catching any damage before it becomes too costly. Brake system components that can fail include: • The master cylinder, the heart of the vehicles braking system, holds the brake fluid when it is not being delivered to the brakes through the brake lines • The brake fluid itself can become dirty or contaminated as it draws in rust-causing moisture and picks up other debris, or it can break down from excess heat. • The brake lines connect to the master cylinder through a combination valve. It regulates the pressure on the front and rear wheels to make sure both sets of brakes are applied simultaneously. • Brake pads and shoes can be made of ceramic, metal or organic materials, while the disc rotors and drums they press against are made of metal. Because the pads and shoes create friction to stop the car, they gradually wear down over time and may wear away completely, letting the metal of the calipers and cylinders they are attached to grind against the rotors and drums and damage them.
A/C & HEATING SERVICES
If the breeze from those open windows just isn’t cutting it, come by Ray’s Auto Repair in Redwood City to get an expert opinion on problems with your A/C or heater. We can help you drive in comfort. • Why is maintaining your AC System very important? Heating and A/C systems may break eventually with usage, hose pipes may clog and drip if not serviced, causing reduced efficiency heating and cooling capabilities. • What are some signs your A/C system may be having issues? Your air conditioning blows only slightly cooler air compared to the exterior air; air that blows in smells damp, musty, or like mildew and mold; the defroster takes longer than typical to operate, or does not operate at all; your heater or A/C only functions when driving, not when idling; and low airflow even at the highest fan setting. • What does a comprehensive evaluation of your heating and A/C system include? Examining the internal controls and blower; checking radiator coolant operating temperature, hoses, pressure radiator cap and thermostat; inspecting the compressor belt; inspecting system and seals for leaks or various other damages; a cooling system pressure test; verifying the A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications; measuring the interior vent air temperature.
BELTS & HOSES
A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car’s engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Hoses transfer coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine’s cooling system (including the radiator). Sooner or later, your vehicle’s fan belts and hoses will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Ray’s Auto Repair for all your vehicle’s repair needs.
RADIATORS
Radiators are heat exchangers for cooling your car’s internal combustion engine by circulating engine coolant through the engine block. When the radiator fails, the excess heat produced by the engine could damage the engine components. To prevent this from happening, have your radiator serviced regularly.
OIL CHANGE, LUBE & FILTER
Engine oil is what lubricates a car’s engine, allowing it to run smoothly and last longer. Car owners must maintain a car’s engine by changing the oil and using the oil appropriate for their cars make and model. Every car comes with a “check oil” light and an oil filler under the hood. The necessary frequency of oil changes varies depending on what your owner’s manual says in order to follow manufacturer’s recommendations. Experts recommend changing the oil and oil filter in your vehicle every 3 months or 3,000 miles, which ever is first. Oil changes at 7,500 miles are usually too long an interval for most common driving conditions.
SHOCKS & STRUTS
Your vehicle’s suspension framework fills two essential needs: overseeing street holding and taking care of and along these lines the security of your vehicle as it moves out and about and expanding driver and passenger comfort while minimizing bumpers, vibrations, and noise. Shocks and struts are necessary parts of the suspension framework and their wear has an undeniable effect on the security of your vehicle. Worn stuns and struts can influence how your wheels touch the street, bringing about perilous influencing, hydroplaning, weakened execution and bargained street taking care of and holding.
TRANSMISSION
Using the latest in state-of-the-art technology, we will install a safe and effective cleaner to suspend harmful varnish and sludge from the transmission valve body, torque converter, and lines. Repairing or replacing your transmission can be one of the most expensive repairs you may have to make on your vehicle. Maintaining your transmission according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, not only prolongs its life but can prevent a costly repair or breakdown in the future.
COOLING SYSTEM
Your cooling system plays an important role in your vehicle’s performance. Left alone, an engine would become extremely hot, overheat and even begin to melt. The cooling system helps keep your engine cool, and running. • Antifreeze is actually half antifreeze, half water. And it does more than just keep things from freezing. It has anti-freeze, anti-boil and anti-corrosive properties. It flows through your radiator and engine and helps keep everything working at the right temperature. • A cooling fan circulates air through the radiator so that it can release engine heat into the surrounding air. The fans can be mechanical or electric, if the cooling fan malfunctions, your engine can quickly overheat. • A pressure cap is sometimes, but not always, called the radiator cap. It may be on the radiator, or on the coolant reservoir. A pressure cap should be inspected at least once a year. It’s important our technicians do the inspection. A cap that’s taken off while the engine is still hot could result in severe burns from the spray of boiling coolant.
POWER STEERING FLUSH
Our technicians use a powerful cleaner to dissolve gum and varnish in your car’s power steering unit. Next, we will flush old, worn-out contaminated fluid and install fresh new fluid fortified with a special antioxidant and anti-wear ingredients to prevent expensive mechanical failure.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Have a dead battery? Misfiring starter or alternator? For all of your auto electrical repair and maintenance needs, come to us for all your needs. We service your vehicle with care, providing a high level of workmanship you can trust.
BATTERIES
The battery supplies electric energy which powers the ignition system, the starter motor, and the lights of an automotive. If you need to jump-start your vehicle in the morning, your battery is failing. When a battery starts deteriorating, it can either be replaced or repaired – this will depend on the severity of the damage. If you are having issues with your car battery, contact us today. We provide a convenient battery testing and replacement service to get you back on the road. Battery replacement, charging, installation, testing, and recycling – we handle it all.