Allied Auto Works

★★★★★
"I am a new customer at Allied Auto Works. They did a great job servicing my car. The team was professional, helpful, and easy to work with from start to finish. They made the process smooth, communicated clearly, and gave me confidence that my car was in good hands. It’s always hard to find an auto shop you can trust, and Allied Autoworks made a really positive impression. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and honest service"
- S. J.

Cayenne's Idle Talk about Engines (Causes of Rough Engine Idling)

Hey, it's Cayenne, and today we are going to have an idle bark talk about rough engine idling. I don't know about you, but when I go for a drive, and start to slow down at a stoplight, the vehicle's idle should be smooth as silk. But what happens when the engine is missing or idling roughly? That's your engine's way of telling you, "Hey, I've got something wrong with me, and if you don't get someone to find out what it is, I may not start the next time you turn the key." That's not good, so let's get barkin' and stop staying idle on this subject!

You can help your service facility by describing the problem in detail. Here's a list of things to make a note of:

When is the problem happening, when the engine is cold or when it's been running for a while?
Does the rough idling occur when I'm accelerating or when I'm going at a steady speed?
Does it happen at high speeds? Does it happen at low speeds? Does it happen at both?
Make sure you describe the problem in as much detail as possible, as it will help a technician diagnose it.

One of the first things they'll check is how the spark plugs are firing. Modern iridium plugs are supposed to last a long, long time. But they CAN eventually wear out. Inspecting the firing end can help the technician identify the root cause of the problem. Corroded or worn-out spark plug wires can also contribute to an idling irregularity.

There are other potential problem spots, too. The technician may check the ignition coil, timing, piston rings, valves, and cylinder walls.

If the air-to-fuel mixture isn't correct, it may affect how smoothly your vehicle runs. Your service facility is equipped with diagnostic tools that help pinpoint the problem. Once that idle is smoothed out to the way it used to be, you'll be the smoothest operator on the road.

I leave you with this smooth quote,
"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast" — Navy SEALs Mantra
Cayenne

Cayenne's Idle Talk about Engines (Causes of Rough Engine Idling)

Hey, it's Cayenne, and today we are going to have an idle bark talk about rough engine idling. I don't know about you, but when I go for a drive and start to slow down at a stoplight, the vehicle's idle should be smooth as silk. But what happens when the engine is missing or idling roughly? That's your engine's way of telling you, "Hey, I've got something wrong with me, and if you don't get someone to find out what it is, I may not start the next time you turn the key." That's not good, so let's get barkin' and stop staying idle on this subject!

You can help your service facility by describing the problem in detail. Here's a list of things to make a note of:

When is the problem happening, when the engine is cold or when it's been running for a while?
Does the rough idling occur when I'm accelerating or when I'm going at a steady speed?
Does it happen at high speeds? Does it happen at low speeds? Does it happen at both?
Make sure you describe the problem in as much detail as possible, as it will help a technician diagnose it.

One of the first things they'll check is how the spark plugs are firing. Modern iridium plugs are supposed to last a long, long time. But they CAN eventually wear out. Inspecting the firing end can help the technician identify the root cause of the problem. Corroded or worn-out spark plug wires can also contribute to an idling irregularity.

There are other potential problem spots, too. The technician may check the ignition coil, timing, piston rings, valves, and cylinder walls.

If the air-to-fuel mixture isn't correct, it may affect how smoothly your vehicle runs. Your service facility is equipped with diagnostic tools that help pinpoint the problem. Once that idle is smoothed out to the way it used to be, you'll be the smoothest operator on the road.

I leave you with this smooth quote,
"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast" — Navy SEALs Mantra
Cayenne

★★★★★
"Efficient, friendly, cost effective."
- A. C.

Summer is here & dogs love summer car rides!

★★★★★
"Allied Auto Works has always done a great job for me. They are always ready to help. They communicate conditions with my car clearly, make practical suggestions, and triage what should be done immediately and what can wait until next time. I feel very confident depending on them to care for my aging (2013) Hyundai Sonata. I am pleased to recommend them!"
- B. A.

THE BARKING LOT: Brandy Wants To Know, Is Your Los Altos Driving Severe?

Hello Brandy here and did you know that people near Los Altos, CA, often ask Allied Auto Works how often they should have a particular service done. It's a great thing to ask. You can look at your owner's manual or have your Los Altos, CA, service advisor at Allied Auto Works look up your vehicle in a service database. What you find is often a surprise to people – there are actually two service schedules.

One is the regular schedule and the other is the severe service schedule. Service intervals are shorter on the severe service schedule. When asked, most folks in Los Altos will say that their driving is normal and that the 'regular' schedule probably applies to them. 'Severe service' sounds pretty extreme – 'I don't drive like that.'

Well, here is what the manufacturers say constitutes severe driving conditions; you can draw your own conclusions.

Most of your trips are less than four miles (six and a half kilometers).
Most of your trips are less than ten miles (16 km) and outside temperatures are below freezing.
The engine is at low speed most of the time – not on the highway. You operate your vehicle in dusty areas.
You regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads.
You drive with a car-top carrier.
You do a lot of stop-and-go driving.
You drive in very hot or very cold weather.
If that's severe driving, what constitutes regular driving? Well, it would look something like this: I live somewhere with moderate temperatures all year round – I'm thinking San Diego here. And I live close to a freeway on-ramp. Everywhere I need to go is right off the freeway, at least 4 miles (6.5 km) from my home. I can drive at a steady 60 miles per hour (100 kph) when I'm on the freeway.

I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like my normal driving. It sounds more like ideal conditions. I live where it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. I run short errands around Los Altos. Occasionally, we load up for family trips.

For me, normal driving includes elements of severe service driving. So here's what I tell people: think about how you drive, where you live, where you go, and what you expect to do with your vehicle in the near future.

Picture a line with 'regular' on one end and 'severe' on the other, and make a judgment on where you fall. If your regular oil change recommendation is 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and the severe service recommendation is 3,000 miles (5,000 km), when should you change your oil? For me, it's closer to 3,000 miles (5,000 km). For my wife, it's closer to 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Your Los Altos, CA auto service advisor at Allied Auto Works will be happy to discuss this with you and help you sort it out.

Just a quick word on why severe service intervals are shorter. One has to do with heat. That can either be external heat from the weather, engine and transmission heat from stop-and-go driving, or working extra hard, moving heavy loads, or towing. The heat causes fluids like oil and transmission fluid to break down more quickly, making them less effective.

Another factor is water. Moisture naturally collects in fluids as they cool. In your motor oil, for example, if you don't drive long enough for the oil to fully heat up, the water won't evaporate. Water in the oil can lead to the buildup of damaging sludge.

If you live where the air is dusty or polluted, fluids will become contaminated and filters will get dirtier more quickly.

So make an honest evaluation of your driving conditions. You've made the commitment to take care of your vehicles, so it only makes sense to follow the right schedule.

I leave you with this scheduling quote,
"What gets scheduled gets done." — Anonymous

Brandy

Brake-ing news: it's Memorial Day! 🎉 May your ride be smooth and your BBQ be lit, courtesy of Allied Auto Works! 🚗❤️

★★★★★
"While servicing my Acura at Allied, the technician noted that the four strut assemblies needed to be replaced due to improper (and noisy) tire wear. After the replacements, one of the front struts was faulty. Without any questions, Allied quickly replaced both front struts as a warranty issue. The car now drives, feels and sounds very well.

During the visits, the Allied team performed very well. We'll be back! "
- J. W.

★★★★★
"Allied always takes good care of our vehicles and give us comfort and security by offering us good advice while leaving it to us to decide.
For me that’s an excellent balance of autonomy and support. Keep up the good work 👏👍🤗"
- M. W.