Morgan Automotive Repair

In California, you are required to pass a smog check in order to register your vehicle. A smog check is designed to check the emission levels of your vehicle and your vehicle’s exhaust system. The test checks the levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxides and nitrogen oxides that are emitted from your car. If your car has levels that exceed the allowable amount, you will fail the smog test. Typically, this occurs because your vehicle is running rough, has engine problems, or needs repairs to the exhaust system. But, there are some times when your car may fail, and it has nothing to do with the emissions that are being released. Here are non-emissions related reasons why your car may not pass a smog check. 

Your Check Engine Light is On

If your check engine light is on, your car will fail the smog test in California every time. Unfortunately, per California state law, a car repair shop is unable to turn you away simply because your check engine light is on. As such, they will test your car and you will fail. If your check engine light is on, bring it to a car repair center. Have the needed repairs made and have the light shut off before having a smog check. 

Your Car is Not Fully Warmed Up

Another common reason why your car may not pass the smog check is because your car is not fully warmed up. It is recommended that you drive your car for 20 to 30 minutes prior to bringing your car for a smog check. This allows your car to reach the proper fuel mixture level and combustion levels, both of which can throw off your emissions levels. 

You Recently Disconnected or Replaced Your Battery

When you disconnect or replace your battery, you can throw off the internal test monitors that are checked within your vehicle during a smog test. If you have recently disconnected or replaced your battery, it is recommended you drive your car for at least 100 miles and wait at least a week prior to having a smog check conducted on your vehicle. 

Your Car is In Need Of an Oil Change

The final reason why your car may not pass a smog check is because your car is in need of an oil change. If the oil in your car is dirty, the engine breathes in some of these dirty fumes. It then can give higher emissions readings during a smog test due to these fumes. Replace your oil prior to a smog check and then wait a few days before having your car tested. 

It is important to have all repairs made to your vehicle prior to having a smog check. If you are preparing to have your car smog checked, bring it to a trusted auto repair shop, such as us here at Morgan Automotive. Our car repair shop can evaluate your vehicle, make any needed repairs and get in ready for a smog check, helping to increase the odds of you passing. Book your appointment for auto repair with us today. 

When you are driving, you do not want to hear anything rattling. If you hear a rattling sound as you go down the road, the first thing you want to do is ensure that nothing is rattling around in your glove box, in a cup holder or in the trunk of your car. Once you have ruled that out, you can then get to work finding out exactly where the rattling is coming from and how an auto repair shop can fix it. Here are a few common reasons you may hear a rattling sound when you are driving your car. 

Worn Window Channels

If the rattling sound seems to be coming from one of the windows in your car, you may attempt to roll the window up. If the window is rolled all the way up and you still hear a rattling sound, you may have worn window channels. The window channel, also commonly referred to as a window seal, helps to hold your window glass in place, while keeping outside air and water out of the car. As the channel ages, it can begin to break down, which may allow the window to rattle. Luckily, this is a fairly easy and inexpensive fix. 

A Bad Wheel Bearing

If you hear a rattling sound that seems to be coming from outside of the car, and seems to get louder the faster you drive, you may be dealing with a bad wheel bearing. A bad wheel bearing can affect any one of your four tires, so that may affect whether it appears the sound is coming from the front or back of your car. A bad wheel bearing can come apart completely while you are driving, so this problem must be dealt with immediately to ensure you are safe while driving. 

Exhaust System Problems

If the rattling sound sounds like it is coming from underneath your vehicle, you likely are experiencing a problem with your exhaust system. Exhaust system problems include catalytic converter problems, muffler issues or corroded pipe, can sound like light rattling to rocks shaking beneath your car. Exhaust system problems are more noticeable when you are idling at a traffic light, stop sign or stuck in traffic. 

Water Pump Failure

If the rattling sounds like it is coming from underneath your hood, there is a good change your water pump is nearing the end of its life and about to fail. If your water pump fails, your engine will not get the coolant it needs, leading to your car quickly overheating. Your water pump needs to be immediately replaced to prevent this from happening. 

If you hear rattling while you are driving, it is a sign that something is wrong. A car repair shop can help you determine where the sound is coming from and what repairs are needed to solve the issue. Here at Morgan Automotive, we can help you with all of your auto repair needs. Call us today to set up an appointment. 

If your car’s battery or alternator are dead, your car will not start when you turn the key in the ignition. This may leave you wondering whether the problem lies with your battery or with your alternator. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can be used to help you determine which item is likely the culprit for your car not starting. Here are a few ways to tell whether the problem may lie with the alternator or your battery. 

Check the Lights on Your Dashboard

If your car will not start when you place the key in the ignition, take the time to check the lights on your dashboard. If the lights on your dashboard are very dim, or not noticeable at all, the battery is likely the culprit. If it is daylight and you cannot see the lights on your dashboard well, test out the radio or the power windows in your car. If the radio or the windows are not working, your battery is the problem. If the alternator was the problem, your battery would still have enough power to light the dashboard, play the radio and roll your windows up and down. 

The Car Stalls After Being Jumped

If your car will not start, you may have the battery jumped to help you get on the road. If the battery jumps and starts up, but your car stalls quickly after it starts up, or your car will not start up again after you turn it off, your alternator is likely the culprit. If your battery were dead, it would likely not jump start. A dead alternator does not charge your battery, which is why your car may stall out or fail to turn back on again after you power the battery. 

Have Your Battery Tested

The final way to tell whether your problem lies in the alternator or in the battery is to have the battery tested. Many repair stores that sell parts for your automobile test batteries for free. If you have a second vehicle or have a friend who is willing to drive you, bring the battery in to one of these stores. They can tell you whether the battery is dead or whether the battery still has life left in it. This can then help you definitively pin-point whether your battery or your alternator is the cause of your car not starting. 

If your automobile’s battery is dead, you can pick up a new battery and swap it out yourself. However, if the alternator is the problem, you will need to bring your vehicle to a car repair shop. When you are in need of an auto repair shop to replace an alternator, reach out to Morgan Automotive. We can replace your alternator in a timely manner and get you back on the road. 

If you have just fueled up your car, and you smell gas when you start it, it may take a second to get rid of the gas scent in your car. Your car may smell like gas simply because you were sitting at the gas station. However, if you smell this smell every time you start up your car, or when you have not just filled up your tank, there may be something else going on. In most cases, you will need to bring your car to a car repair shop to determine what is causing your car to smell like gas. Here are a few of the common reasons this scenario may be happening. 

Something Is Off With Your Gas Cap

If you smell gas when you start your car, the first thing you should do is check your gas cap. After fueling up your vehicle, you may have failed to replace the gas cap or your gas cap may not be tightly secure. This allows fumes to enter your vehicle. Additionally, if the seal on your gas cap has cracks or is broken, you may smell gas. A car repair shop can order you a new cap to help prevent you from smelling gas fumes. 

Bad Fuel Pressure

Another reason why you may smell gas when you start your car or are driving your car is because you have a failed pressure regulator. The failed regulator can burn fuel until the mixture is too thick or too thin. Burning excess fuel not only wastes gas, but also causes fumes to sit inside the exhaust, which is what you may be smelling. If you notice a decrease in your fuel efficiency and it seems like your car has weaker power than before in conjunction with the scent of fuel, bad fuel pressure may be the cause of your gas scent. 

A Gas Leak

The final reason why you may smell the scent of gas when you start up your car is because you have a gas leak. You may have a leak in your fuel line or you may have punctured your fuel tank. If you suspect you have a leak, you will notice a puddle of gas under your vehicle. Do not drive your car if you have a fuel leak. Instead, have your vehicle towed to an auto repair shop to have any damaged items causing the gas leak repaired. 

Does your car smell like gas when you start it? Here at Morgan Auto Repair, we can help to determine what is causing the smell and how to properly repair it so you no longer smell it any longer. Call us today to schedule an appointment with our auto repair shop or simply bring your car to us for an inspection. 

Normally, you should not have to press very hard on your brake pedal to get your car to come to a stop. You should press it lightly and feel some resistance from the pedal as your car comes to a stop. However, one day you may be out driving and your brake pedal may feel soft. You may not have much resistance when you push on it and the pedal may go much lower than normal or may go all the way down to the ground. If you notice this, you will want to have your car inspected by a professional quickly. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your brake pedal may be soft. 

Your Brake Fluid is Running Low

One of the reasons why your brake pedal may be soft, or going down to the floor when you press it, is because your brake fluid is running low. Generally, your brake fluid is topped off when you have work done to your car, such as an oil change. If it has been some time since the brake fluid was topped off, it may be running low. Another reason the brake fluid may be running low is because you have a leak somewhere. An auto repair mechanic can determine why your brake fluid is low and whether it needs to be topped off or whether repairs are needed due to a leak. 

Air Is In the Brake Line

Another reason why your brake pedal may be soft is because there is air in your brake lines. Your brake lines are designed to carry fluid to your brakes. The fluid is used to help your car come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is pushed. However, if air is in the brake line, it prevents fluid from reaching the brakes and your brake pedal may soften. When this occurs, your brake lines may need to be drained and flushed. This removes the air from the brake lines, which can then be filled up with fluid again. The most common reason why air gets in the brake lines is due to improperly repairing brakes yourself. 

Your Brakes Are Damaged or Need Repairs

The final reason why your brake pedal may be soft is because your brakes are damaged or you may need brake repairs. When you hear your brakes screeching or squealing, the brake pads or shoes likely need to be repaired. If you continue to drive on them, you may start to hear grinding, as the worn out brake pads run along the rotors. If you continue to drive like this, you can damage the rotors and the calipers, which can cause your brake pedal to soften. You will also begin to notice an increase in the amount of time it takes your car to come to a complete stop after hitting the brakes. 

Does your brake pedal go down to the ground when you hit the brakes? If so, you need to have your brake system examined by a professional auto repair shop. Here at Morgan Automotive, we can inspect your brakes to determine what the problem is and then repair it. This helps you to stop completely when you need to. Call our car repair shop today to schedule an appointment. 

Temperatures in California do not get as cold in the winter months as other parts of the country. However, that does not mean that you do not need to prepare your car for winter. During the winter months, your car in California may be exposed to rain and cold morning temperatures. Here are a few of the steps you should take to prepare your car for winter. 

Have Your Tires Inspected

It is strongly recommended that you have your tires recommended before winter hits. When tires are inspected, a professional is looking for signs of damage to your tire, low tread and pressure issues. Rain can make roads slick and some mornings, temperatures can dip below freezing, leaving a small amount of ice on the roads. If your tire tread is low, you may slide on the road, which can lead to an accident. If your tires are damaged, it is recommended that you replace them prior to winter. 

Replace Your Windshield Wipers

During the winter months, rain can fall from the sky. You may not think much about your windshield wipers until you need to use them. If they are worn, they can smear water instead of wiping it away, which can make it hard to see. Before the rainy season hits, make sure to test your windshield wipers and replace them if they are smudging or smearing water. 

Get Your Oil Changed

Having clean oil helps to protect your engine. This is extremely important in freezing weather. While temperatures do not always hit the freezing point in California, there are night and mornings where the temperatures can dip below freezing. Having clean oil helps your car to start and protects the engine on those days when it is extremely cold out. 

Ensure Your Heater and Defrosting System Work

Windshields can get icy and it can get cold in your car during the winter months. The last thing you want is to head out to your car on a cold morning only to discover that your heating and defrosting system is not working properly. Prior to winter, take the time to turn on your car’s heater and defrosting system to ensure that everything works as it should. If it does not, take your car to an auto repair shop to have it fixed before you need to use it. 

Inspect and Test Your Battery

Lastly, be sure to inspect and test your battery. As you inspect your battery, be on the lookout for dents or signs of corrosion. Clean the connections and remove build-up to help the battery start easier. Finally, having a professional test the battery. Batteries nearing the end of their life are more prone to failing in cold weather than warmer weather. Testing the battery helps you to know that it is time to replace the battery prior to your car unexpectedly failing to start. 

Do you need to get your car ready for winter? Here at Morgan Automotive we can help you with all of your auto repair needs, including ensuring your car is ready for winter in California. Call our car repair shop to schedule an appointment to bring your car in to be serviced.