Honda of Stevens Creek Blog

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. 

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…

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…

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…

We want you to know how to take good care of your vehicle and also how to choose a reliable mechanic to do the things you’re not able to do yourself. Good maintenance adds years to your vehicle’s life. At Honda of Stevens Creek, we have certified mechanics to provide service for your vehicle and give you tips on preventative maintenance you can do yourself. Choosing a reliable mechanic involves some steps.

• Get recommendations from friends and family.
• Start with small jobs until you get to know them.
• Check on certifications earned by the mechanic. 

If your car did not have belts and hoses, it could not operate. Let's dig deeper into this important subject now. Under its hood, your car features an array of belts and hoses. Belts turn on pulleys and other parts and help motivate your car. Hoses move liquids and gasses throughout your auto's systems.

Time, heat and pressure can damage your belts and hoses, so keep up with your car owner's manual-recommended maintenance schedule. Also, you can look for signs that these parts need immediate replacement. On hoses, search for remnants of leakage. 

The service staff at Honda of Stevens Creek always checks the health of your vehicle's battery whenever you bring it in for work. However, it is helpful to know how to check the vehicle on your own, particularly during weather extremes, to make sure it is operating properly. Checking your battery on your own helps prevent being unexpectedly stranded somewhere in San Jose, CA or elsewhere.

The easiest way to check the state of your battery is with a voltmeter. If possible, use a digital voltmeter, which is easier to read. 

Breakdowns can be an unexpected experience, but being prepared can help you stay safe in a roadside emergency. Here are some tips from the Honda parts and repair team at Honda of Stevens Creek to help you stay safe on the road.

Keep a set of jumper cables or a a portable jump-starter in your car. A portable jump-starter can be helpful if you can’t get help from a second vehicle. Periodically check on the starter to make sure that the battery stays charged. If your vehicle breaks down on the road, try to move over to an emergency…

If you don't have sufficient tread on your vehicle's tires, there is a good chance that you won't have sufficient traction on the road. This could result in an increased stop time on icy, wet or snowy roads. There are many ways to check to see if a tire has enough tread to drive safely on, and the Honda service team at Honda of Stevens Creek can help.

If the tire looks like it has no tread, it is said to be bald. A bald tire should be replaced right away. You can also use the penny…

The warnings signs of a cooling system failure are evident when the car overheats. Here is what you need to look out for when your vehicle overheats.

Look to see if the radiator hoses are secure to the engine and the radiator. Give the hose clamps a close inspection. They should be tight and they should not be corroded. Open the radiator cap when the car cools and see if the coolant may be low. There could also be a blockage in the radiator leading to the system fail.