San Rafael Auto Repair

You rely on your car to get you where you need to go, day in and day out. But what happens when something goes wrong? When a light burns out or a tire goes flat, it can be a major inconvenience. This is especially true when it comes to your headlights. Not only do they help you see at night, but they also make your car more visible to other drivers.    If your headlights are looking a little dull, don't worry—it's an easy problem to fix! Here are some tips from the best mechanic shop near you in San Rafael, CA, on how to clean your cloudy headlights. Tips for Cleaning Your Cloudy Headlights  Tip 1: Wash Your Car  This will remove any dirt or debris that could potentially scratch your headlights while you're cleaning them. You'll also want to use a mild cleaning solution on your headlights. A cheap and eco-friendly option to use as a cleaning solution is a ... read more

If you've got a Jeep and love going on adventures, it's important to ensure your vehicle is in top condition. At R&I Automotive, we provide high-quality car care services for Jeeps so that you can confidently enjoy the open road. We know there are lots of things to do to keep your Jeep ready for any adventures. Here are four ways our team members at R&I Automotive suggest staying on top of maintenance: Regularly change the oil. You should regularly change the oil in your Jeep. The oil is the lifeblood of your engine, so it's important to make sure you're changing it regularly. How often you do this depends on how much you drive and what type of oil you use. It's a good idea to check your oil level before going on a long trip because if it runs low, it can damage your engine. Always check the tire pressure. Checking your tire pressure on a regular basis is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to ... read more

Your vehicle consists of many parts and one of its most critical components is the transmission, also known as the vehicle's "gearbox". The car's transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. It allows the driver to control how much power is delivered to the car without changing how fast the engine runs. To put it simply, a vehicle's transmission ensures that your engine is running properly without going too fast or too slow. If your vehicle's transmission breaks down, it may need repair or worse, a transmission rebuild. Manual Vs. Automotive Automatic Transmission Repair There are two types of transmissions in engines: manual and automatic transmissions. Both have their pros and cons and it's up to you to choose according to your needs. Is Automatic Transmission repair complicated? The answer is it depends. One of the selling points of vehicles with automatic transmission is that it is easy to drive. The driver doe ... read more

Maintaining your car tires is one of the most important aspects of car care. Your tires are one of the most important features of your vehicle that are responsible for safety, comfort, mobility, and fuel usage. That’s why it’s so important to take care of them properly. Here at R & I Automotive, the number 1 tire shop in San Rafael, CA, we want to help you take care of your tires and keep them in top condition. Here are our 10 tips on how to do just that! Tire Tip #1: Check your tire pressure regularly Tire pressure is one of the most important things to keep an eye on when it comes to your car. If it’s too low or too high, tire pressure can cause problems like decreased fuel economy, premature tire wear, and even blowouts. It’s critical that you check your tire pressure at least once a month, and more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Tire Tip #2: Keep an eye on your tread depth Checking your  tire’s tread depth is ... read more

Your brakes are among the most critical safety features of your car. You shouldn't ignore any performance problems with it, or you're risking potential accidents and expensive breakdowns in the long run. Here are seven symptoms that you should get a brake repair in San Rafael soon: 1. Spongy brake pedals Don't ignore a spongy or soft brake pedal. This could be due to a leak in the hydraulic system, air trapped in the lines, or work brake shoes. Whatever the cause, it's crucial to have your system checked in a brake repair shop in San Rafael, CA. Our experts at R&I Automotive can diagnose the issue and restore your brakes' responsiveness. 2. Your car pulls to one side If you notice that your car is pulling to one side when you brake, it's another sign that something is wrong with your brake system. This could be caused by a sticking caliper, brake fluid leak, or worn brake pads.  3. Grinding noise ... read more