The Importance of a Differential

The differential consists of a gearbox, which is situated between the wheels on a vehicle. The box may be located on the front or rear of the vehicle depending on whether you have front or rear wheel drive. The system functions in combination with the transmission to transfer the power from the engine to the axle to turn the wheels.

Inside of the box contains lubricating fluid designed to keep the gears from overheating. Over time, the internal temperature of the gearbox causes the fluid to deteriorate. The break down may lead to particle contamination or leakage. 

Read More
Categories:

Why You Just May Want an SUV as Your Next Vehicle

With the high popularity of SUVs today, there are many reasons why you may want an SUV for your next vehicle. If you’ve never owned an SUV, you may have some questions. We at Honda of Stevens Creek are available to answer all your questions and show you the different models. We want to ensure that if you make a purchase, you’re getting exactly what you want and know what you're getting.

An SUV may be the perfect vehicle for you if:

  • You want a vehicle with great performance.
  • You like going off-road. 
Read More
Categories:

The Consequences of a Damaged Timing Belt

One of the most important parts of your engine is the timing belt. It keeps the camshaft and crankshaft operating together. The synchronized motion of these two components is crucial for proper engine function. What happens when the timing belt becomes damaged?

If the belt is only slightly damaged, the issues you'll face aren't as serious. You may hear some squealing when your engine is on. The engine may even backfire when you start the car. While these issues are minor, you should get your belt replaced as soon as possible. Once the timing belt snaps, your engine…

Read More
Categories:

Keep Your Alternator in Top Condition

Your alternator is the system that is responsible for recharging your battery. Without this important system, your car battery will die. It takes special equipment to determine whether it is your car battery or the alternator that is to blame.

If your car will not start, or dies when you turn on too many accessories, or seems to be losing power, it may be time to have your systems checked. The alternator is like a mini-power plant that generates electricity and sends it to the battery. If it fails, your battery will quickly run out of juice. It may run…

Read More
Categories:

Common Automotive Financing Terms

Buying a new vehicle can be exciting. However, you have to get the business side of things out of the way before you drive off the lot. It's important to know what various financing terms mean so that you can effectively communicate with your lender and make an informed purchasing decision.

First, let's talk about the down payment. A down payment is what you will be paying during the signing process. The amount of your down payment will directly affect how much you need to finance and how much your monthly payments will be. Another important term to…

Read More
Categories:

Choosing a Car Seat for Your Children

There are many things to consider when it's time to buy a car seat for your baby or young child. The seat's shape and orientation in the car need to be appropriate for the size and age of your child, and it needs to be secured safely so that it can protect young bodies during an accident.

Infants and young children should be placed in a rear-facing car seat that can protect and support their back and neck regions. These seats will secure them with a harness and are generally outgrown by the time the child is eight…

Read More
Categories:

What Towing Capacity and Payload Mean

When buying a truck, it can be easy to confuse towing capacity with the vehicle's payload. This is because the towing capacity tends to be advertised more than the payload figure. The towing capacity number tells you how many pounds it can haul while payload refers to how much weight the truck can handle.

For instance, if you hear that the truck can tow 15,000 pounds, it means that it can haul objects behind it that are up to 15,000 pounds. This is true whether the truck is connected to a hitch or directly to the bed…

Read More
Categories:

Touch Up Paint: Here's What You Need to Know

If you've recently noticed a ding or scratch in your car's paint job, you might be feeling stressed. Don't worry! It's actually possible to improve the appearance of your vehicle easily. With the right tools and proper equipment, you can ensure that your vehicle's paint looks better than ever.

Make sure your vehicle's exterior is completely clean. Ensure there is no dust, dirt, or residue surrounding the affected area. Then you can carefully apply the paint over the damaged portion of the vehicle. Make sure there are no chips when you begin painting, as…

Read More
Categories:

The Clay Bar Demystified

Here at Honda of Stevens Creek, we want you to know how to properly care for your vehicle and keep it looking as it did when you drove it off the showroom floor. While many have heard of the benefits of claying their vehicles, they are also reluctant to give it a try. Claying is a wonderful way to remove many blotches and stains. When done properly, claying can also help your vehicle maintain a smooth, glossy finish.

For optimal results, learn how to use a clay bar and apply it a couple of times each year. You'll be…

Read More
Categories:

The Right Tires for Your Vehicle

Whether you're looking to maximize your fuel economy with your tires or get as many miles as possible per set of tires, choosing between all-weather and summer tires can make all of the difference. Summer tires, often referred to as performance tires, are stiffer and have less rolling resistance, leading to more miles per gallon. All-weather tires have deeper grooves and can be rotated to increase their lifetime.

While all-weather tires are designed to perform well in many different conditions, summer tires excel in warm conditions and in the rain. 

Read More
Categories: