Auto Repair in Albany, CA

A common question among car owners is, “does it really matter what quality of gas I put in my tank?” Most auto mechanics will tell you that yes, quality matters. Digressing for a moment to clarify, available gasoline qualities come in 87, 89, and 91 octane ratings. The higher the octane rating, the more car owners can expect to pay at the pump. Auto mechanics will further explain that while all vehicles can properly operate using 87 octane gasoline exclusively, individuals inevitably run into problems down the line after prolonged usage. As the quality of gasoline declines so does its cleanliness. Gasoline manufacturers add engine cleaning detergents to their fuel that help prevent carbon deposits from forming on the inside of an engine. Gasoline with a 91 octane rating has far more cleaning agents than does the lowest grade of E.P.A approved 87 grade gas. Drivers who use nothing but 87 octane gasoline will not only eventually contend with carbon deposits in their engines ... read more

Just like missing the sunshine when it’s rainy outside, you don’t appreciate your good brakes until you start to feel them wear down. It might not be the flashiest part of your car, but you cannot safely operate a vehicle without good brakes. The way brakes work is simple to understand, and once you do, it becomes apparent that inspections are necessary. As a safe driver, you should also know what to look for in case it’s time to replace your brakes. How Do Brakes Work? Your brakes are responsible for slowing down and stopping your wheels. As brakes slow your wheels down, the friction of your tires on the roads increases, and your vehicle comes to a halt. All of this happens because of a few parts. Your brake system is made of rotors, calipers, brake pads, brake lines, and a master cylinder. Your brake pads are on either side of your rotor. The rotors connect to the wheels, so when your brake pads grip the rotor, it slows ... read more

Nearly every family you know has one, many with two or more. We are, of course, talking about cars. It logically makes sense that there would be a vibrant market for vehicle repairs – and automotive technicians (auto techs). However, over the course of the last twenty years, there has been a sharp decrease in the number of experienced auto techs available throughout the country. Here are some of the reasons why: High-End Skills Required for More “Computerized” Modern Cars An engine is basically a device that turns chemical energy into locomotive energy. Using highly controlled pistons, gas is “exploded” to help propel traditional vehicles forward. That basic understanding helped spur generations of people to become mechanics. Regardless of how complex a motor may look, its function boils down to that simple fact. Modern engines are far more complex. They use advanced computers and electronics to determine fuel mixtures, timing, and whether or not to tur ... read more

There are few things more irritating, and potentially dangerous, than having your car’s air conditioner (AC) break down during a heat wave. Thankfully, the most common issues these systems face can be resolved quickly and cost-effectively. Here are some of the most common questions we at Dana Meyer Auto Care receive every summer, with the most frequent issues that brought the client in!  Why Does My AC Have Weak Airflow? There may be many reasons why your car’s AC is experiencing weak airflow issues. The most common of which, thankfully, is the cheapest and easiest to handle – your cabin air filter, also called a Pollen Filter, needs to be replaced. Few car owners realize that their vehicle’s filters need to be swapped out as often as their furnace filters. It only costs a couple of dollars and can improve engine efficiency, air quality, and the strength of the breeze coming out of the exhaust vents. What is Ca ... read more

Dana Meyer Auto Care, a long time purveyor of automotive services in Alameda County, is proud of its Green Business history. It means they have gone the extra mile when it comes to complying with the county’s environmental standards, especially conserving resources and preventing pollution. What is the Green Business Program? The Green Business Program works to establish a community of county businesses who put a premium on finding sustainable solutions to their environmental impacts and who work toward community equality. A Green Business prioritizes the protection of the planet. Pollution is kept to a minimum through recycling, waste reduction, and water and energy conservation and the safe disposal of all hazardous materials. Customers can trust companies who are designated as Green Businesses by the Alameda County Environmental Health Department for having high standards of commitment ... read more