California Smog & Automotive Institute
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What is a TPS? (Throttle Position Sensor) Has Video

You know you have an accelerator pedal; step on it and your vehicle is supposed to go.  But did you know there is a part in your vehicle that keeps track of where the throttle is? It's called the...
Published on: Sep 14, 2025

The Daily Grind (Grinding Noise) Has Video

If your vehicle makes a grinding sound when you turn the steering wheel, it's speaking to you.  No, really, it is.  So listen to what it's saying and you could avoid a much more costly repai...
Published on: Sep 07, 2025

Avoiding Exhaustion (EGR Valve Replacement)

No, ERG isn’t the sound a pirate makes.  It’s a part in your vehicle that recirculates exhaust gas to reduce certain gases and pollutants in the atmosphere.  In fact, ERG stands ...
Published on: Aug 31, 2025

Round and Round (Wheel Balancing)

In a perfect world, all wheels and tires would be perfectly round and weigh exactly the same at every point of the wheel.  Unfortunately, they're not, and if they're out of balance, they can redu...
Published on: Aug 24, 2025

Oil Times are a-Changin' (Oil Change Synthetic)

When it comes to oil changes, things are really changing.  Most newer vehicles require synthetic oil, and while it costs more than conventional oil, it doesn't need to be changed as often. When ...
Published on: Aug 17, 2025

Sniffing Out a Problem Has Video

Your parents probably taught you to have common sense. When it comes to your vehicle, common scents can also come in handy. Different smells may tell you about some conditions in your vehicle that nee...
Published on: Aug 10, 2025

Putting a Stop to Brake Problems (Brake Service)

It's safe to say that most drivers take their brakes for granted.  You press on the brake pedal and the vehicle slows down or stops.  It's easy to see why it is so important for your vehicle...
Published on: Aug 03, 2025

That Squeal is Telling You Something (What Causes Squealing While Steering) Has Video

If you hear a squealing noise when you turn your vehicle, it's trying to tell you something is wrong.  After all, it never made that noise before, right?  The sound  you hear may becomi...
Published on: Jul 27, 2025
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