Scheduled Maintenance
We can fine-tune your car
Keeping Your Car or Truck “Healthy” – Quick, Convenient and Guaranteed Scheduled Maintenance
For most people their vehicles represent their second largest investment next to their home. It only makes sense to protect those investments by following the manufacturer’s recommended scheduled maintenance but we also understand that life happens and a trip to the shop for service represents an interruption in a busy schedule.
At Petaluma Auto Works we make that trip as quick and hassle free as possible. Give us a call, tell us what kind of service you want and when you can make it in. We’ll be ready for you when you arrive and we’ll have you on your way as quickly as possible.
We’re fast but we are thorough and we only use quality parts and fluids. More importantly, all service is performed by local mechanics who couldn’t image doing any other type of work.
Scheduled Maintenance Services
- Oil and oil filter change. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine and if it is allowed to “get dirty” it can cause major engine damage (and a major repair bill) down the road. We use the manufacturer’s recommended grade and type oil and change frequency. However, we advise our customers who drive in stop and go traffic and make frequent trips of 10 miles or less to consider changing the oil more frequently than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Coolant flushing. Your radiator’s coolant needs to be changed at recommended intervals to not only maintain optimum performance but to prevent damage to the radiator itself. When we flush the coolant we will also inspect the hoses to ensure you don’t experience an unpleasant burst hose surprise while on the road.
- Tire repair, replacement, rotation. If you pick up a nail we’ll fix it. If it’s time for replacement we carry a select line of quality tires that we will balance and mount.
- 30k – 60k – 90k tune up. We will inspect and/or replace all of the items that the manufacturer recommends in its tune up schedule. Typically this will include spark plugs, spark plug wires, air filter, fuel filter, belts and a full diagnostic. All the work is accomplished by professional mechanics that are happy to explain what they did and what, if any, issues they found that may need addressing in the future.
- Battery charging, replacement and installation. We can do a quick diagnostic on your battery to determine if it just needs a charge or if it needs to be replaced. We carry a select line of batteries that suitable for most models.
When you want service done right the first time by certified mechanics give Petaluma Auto Works a call and we will be happy to schedule an appointment.
Petaluma Auto Works – Brake Inspection and Repair Specialists
If your brakes are squealing or your pedal is fading it is time to see the brake repair specialists at Petaluma Auto Works for thorough inspection and repair service. If your brakes are not at 100% you are putting yourself, your passengers and others on the road at risk. Avoid that risk and have your brakes checked out today. Putting it off will only increase the risk and increase the cost of restoring your brakes to a safe condition.
At Petaluma Auto Works our family owned and operated business has been providing brake repair and inspections since 1988. Brakes have always been a crucial component of any car, truck or SUV. In the past decade however, they have become integrated with onboard safety systems such as brake assist and autonomous cruise control making them more complex and more susceptible to something going wrong.
The safest and most cost effective way to keep your braking system in top performing condition is to have regularly scheduled inspections performed at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. At Petaluma Auto Works we make that easy to do.
Petaluma Brake Repair and Inspection Service
Give us a call and we will schedule a time that is convenient for you to do an in-depth inspection of your brake system. As always, we warranty parts AND labor for 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Our services include:
- Inspection of brake lines looking for leaks and corrosion.
- Brake pad condition.
- Rotor, drum, disc condition.
- Caliper operation
- Emergency brake setting
- Flushing and replacing brake fluid if required.
- Replacing pads if required.
- Turning or replacing rotor, drum, disc if required.
- Lubricating components when indicated
- Wheel bearings repacked if required.
- Road test.
If brake repair is required our mechanic will fully explain what he found and what he recommends to correct the situation. You’ll know exactly what and why the repairs are necessary.
Upgrades
If you have finally decided to test out that 3,500 lbs. towing capacity of your truck or SUV and want to tow a boat or trailer ATVs you may want to consider beefing up your braking system to handle the extra load. We can recommend and install high performance brakes on nearly any make or model vehicle.
If you would like to get more life out of your pads and treat your drums more gently at the same time, we can recommend and install ceramic pads that will outlast standard pads, decrease “brake dust” and be easier on the surface of your rotor, drum or disc.
Whatever you need in the way of brakes we can provide it and at a very competitive price. Call us today in Petaluma, CA at 707-765-2535 to set up an appointment.
If your car has excessive smoke coming from the tailpipe; uses an inordinate amount of oil; knocks or tapping; has low oil pressure and/or compression; and if oil is finding its way into places it shouldn’t be like the radiator or air filter, you most likely have an engine problem and will need an auto mechanic.
If your car or truck is making a whining, clunking or humming sound; delays in changing gears; has a burning smell; vibrates when gears change; or if there is a little puddle of bright red fluid on your driveway you may have a transmission problem.
Engines and transmissions are obviously major components and the first thing that goes through a driver’s mind when they think they have a problem is “this is going to cost me a fortune.” That thought might be right…or it might be wrong.
One thing is for sure, doing nothing will do nothing to fix the problem and the problem will not go away, it will only get worse. If your car has any of the symptoms listed above the smart move is to bring it to the specialists at Petaluma Auto Works for evaluation.
Expert Diagnosis, Expert Repair and Replacement Service From Your Local Auto Mechanic
When you bring your problem engine or transmission to Petaluma Auto Works we will run a comprehensive computer analysis on the component and then follow up with a physical inspection. Once we have identified the problem(s) we will explain what your options are, give you an estimate on cost, and let you know how long the repair or replacement will take.
Our auto mechanics are experts in engine and transmission work thanks to our extensive restoration business. They are fully trained and thoroughly love getting elbow deep in a mechanical challenge. We are so confident in their work that we offer a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty on all parts AND labor which is unheard of at other Petaluma auto mechanic repair shops.
If you have to replace a transmission or engine you may be pleasantly surprised by the benefits derived from your new components. Both replacement engines and transmissions will perform significantly better than your old worn parts. You’ll notice better performance, gas mileage and lower emissions. If your car is otherwise in decent condition, replacing an engine almost always makes more financial sense than buying a new car.
If you are having transmission or engine problems, give us a call at 707-765-2535 and schedule an appointment for an analysis by an auto mechanic. If the car is not safe to drive, let us know and we will tow it to the shop in Petaluma, CA. Our objective is to get you back on the road with full confidence in your vehicle as quickly as possible.
Exhaust & Mufflers
We take care for your vehicle
Make Your Neighbors Happy – If Your Car Sounds Like a Tank, Bring it to Us For Muffler and Exhaust Service!
When a Harley Davidson cranks up the rumble that comes out of the tailpipes is sexy. When a car with a worn muffler starts it sounds like…well a worn out muffler and it is definitely not sexy. Sexy aside, if your car or truck has a muffler or exhaust problem you also have a performance problem and the prudent move is to bring it to the experts at Petaluma Auto Works for inspection and repair.
Your exhaust system is actually fairly complex and does more than just muffle engine noise. The system begins at the front of your vehicle where the manifold connects to the cylinder heads. Gases generated by the engine are first analyzed by the O2 sensor and then processed by the catalytic converter before being quieted by the muffler and then expelled through the tailpipe.
A properly functioning system not only keeps you from violating local noise ordinances but helps the environment by reducing emissions. In fact if you flunked your last emission test your O2 sensor or catalytic converter may be the reason why. Bring your exhaust system to us and we will tell you for sure.
Like every system in your vehicle, the sooner you fix a problem the easier (and less expensive) it is. If your exhaust becomes restricted, at a minimum your mileage will be reduced and it could degrade performance to the point that the vehicle won’t start (ala Beverly Hills Cop bananas in the tail pipe). If a pipe is leaking you could have carbon monoxide finding its way into the passenger cabin.
If you smell exhaust or your car increases in noise when you accelerate, it’s time to have us check it out.
Providing Petaluma with Quality Exhaust and Muffler Service since 1988
At Petaluma Auto Works we offer a full line of exhaust service options for everyday rides and high performance vehicles. Our catalytic converters are EPA and CARB compliant; we offer a range of muffler options and our pipes will reliably hold up to the climate and road muck that they are likely to be exposed to.
As always, all of our parts and labor come with a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty, a warranty that is exceptionally generous compared to the competition.
When you want that home town feel with high tech service come to Petaluma Auto Works for all your automotive needs.