San Rafael Auto Repair

We can’t emphasize the importance of having your brakes checked for road safety. You can’t take risks when it comes to the stopping power of your car, which is why you need the best brake repair service in San Rafael, CA.   Car owners should keep in mind that there is never a wrong time for a brake inspection, and we share some of the best times to get your brakes checked out.   It’s a familiar scene in the movies or on TV, you watch a car’s brake lines cut, and the car loses control and ends up severely damaged.   This can happen in real life where lives are at stake. Unlike the movies, you can get seriously injured, or worse, lose your life when your brakes fail. Top Reasons for Getting a Brake Repair Service With the right maintenance, high-quality brakes can last up to 70,000 miles without replacement. However, there are factors that ... read more

Mini Cooper is 60 years old! It is hard to believe that the first MINI was introduced in Great Britain in 1959, in August – so Mini Cooper is over 60 years old! Originally it came in two versions: Morris Mini-Minor and Austin Seven. The differences between models were minimal. At the time, the price tag was £497 of which roughly 30% was the British "purchase tax". Designed to be fun to drive and fuel efficient as well, MINI Cooper was welcomed by British drivers still brutalized by fuel shortages due to the 1957 Suez Canal crisis. MINI instantly won their harts and minds. At R & I Automotive in San Rafael, we wish the MINI another 60 years of fun and open roads. R & I is the premier San Rafael MINI service and repair center. And yes, we are starting preparations for MINI’s 100th birthday, coming up in 2059. In the meantime, if you need MINI service or repairs, do not hesitate to call us or schedule and appointment online &ndash ... read more

Modern cars are marvels of engineering – they carry us for thousands of miles without problems, and without complaints. In order to do so, they rely on a number of fluids – which should be checked regularly.  Number one fluid to check is the engine oil – without it, the engine would be damaged and unable to work. You should check engine oil level about once a month – more often if your car is old, or if you know that it uses up oil at an accelerated rate.       Other fluids that require an occasional check:      a) Antifreeze fluid – not a big concern in the Bay Area, unless you are going skiing     b) Windshield Wiper fluid     c) Power steering fluid – it lubricates the power steering system that assists drivers with turning the steering wheel      d) Coolant – keeps cooling system functioning, and prevents engine overheating     e) Transmission fluid &ndash ... read more