When we wanted to buy a used car from someone selling a Toyota Echo on Craig’s List, I was grateful that I have a solid, long-term relationship with a good mechanic. He gave it a “thumbs up.” We bought the car and never regretted it.

When my husband’s ’69 VW caught on fire and needed emergency repairs, once again, we were fortunate to be within towing distance of the same shop.
And when I needed a mini-van inspected before a long road trip, I knew my mechanic would check all the vitals so that we wouldn’t have to worry about a breakdown on the Highway 5 to Oregon. He’s honest, reliable and competent. Read more

Teach Students Four Simple Things Don’t let your student drive off to college in a vehicle they have no idea how to maintain. AAA Northern California recommends parents have a talk with their students before sending them off to college about the four major things they need to do to care for their car. “Not only does a well-maintained vehicle provide safe, reliable transportation for their student, it also prolongs the life of the vehicle and saves money,” says Matt Skryja, AAA Northern California spokesperson. Ideally, learning how to care for a car is part of learning how to drive, but it is never too late to help your student learn the basics of car care. Read more

Many old Bay Area homes were wired using a method called “knob and tube,” which was in common use until the 1940’s. You don’t always have to replace it, according to Nick Courcoumelis, owner of Positive Electric, a Diamond Certified company. “Knob and tube can’t be used in places where it can’t supply enough power to a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or outdoor wiring. Or anywhere you need surge protection because it doesn’t have a ground. However, if it’s in good condition, it can still be used in other parts of the house, like bedrooms.”

Mr. Courcoumelis explains that codes don’t allow electricians to install knob and tube wiring anymore. However, you can insulate over it in California, Read more

With gas prices so high, it’s more important than ever to do everything you can to improve your fuel economy. I asked Ralph Fogleine, owner of European Auto Works, a Diamond Certified company, for his best tips. First, you have to clean out your trunk. “Driving around the Bay area with too much stuff in your trunk and all the stop and go driving, that’s where you’re going to notice a change in gas mileage the most. When that mass has to be accelerated and decelerated, it’s going to require more fuel.”
 
Aggressive driving wastes gas too, so no more racing from stoplight to stoplight.  Your brakes will also last longer. Finally, Read more

Driving on wet roads with your cruise control on can be very dangerous. Why? If your car begins to hydro-plane and tires lose contact with the surface, the cruise control will take some time to react. When your car begins to get traction again, it will accelerate, making you take off too quickly. You may lose complete control of your vehicle.

The early part of the rainy season is especially hazardous. It hasn’t rained in a long time and oils have accumulated, making it difficult for your tires to stick to pavement. Some newer cars won’t let you set cruise control while the windshield wipers are on. The safest thing is to avoid using the cruise control setting when rain and inclement weather are in the forecast. Read more