California Smog & Automotive Institute
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General / Misc

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Distributor Cap and Rotor Replacement

If your vehicle is newer than the mid 2000s, it likely doesn’t have a once-popular ignition system which uses a distributor cap and rotor.  But if your vehicle is old enough to have them, i...
Published on: Jul 12, 2026

Low Power Mystery (Ignition Coil Service) Has Video

It's no fun when your vehicle just doesn't run the way it used to.   You may notice (especially in cold weather) the engine won't start easily or when it does start, it doesn't run smoothly....
Published on: Jun 14, 2026

(Ball Joint Replacement)

Every day that goes by, our bodies get a little more wear and tear on them.  Our vehicles have the same issue.  The older we get and the farther we travel, certain parts start showing some w...
Published on: Jan 18, 2026

In the Red (Why a Vehicle Overheats)

Heat is one thing that can damage a vehicle, especially if a problem isn’t taken care of soon.  Be on the lookout for signs that it’s getting too hot in some parts of your vehicle, st...
Published on: Jan 04, 2026

A Bright Spark (Ignition Coil Replacement)

Ever wonder how your vehicle’s engine is able to take the 12-volts from its battery and ramp that up to as high as the tens of thousands of volts it takes to fire its spark plugs? The secret is ...
Published on: Nov 30, 2025

Don’t Skip Out on These! (Vehicle Maintenance Items You Should Never Postpone)

Maybe that little sticker on your windshield is giving you the reminder that it’s time for your vehicle to have an oil change.  You’ve thought, “Aw, I can skip this one and save...
Published on: Oct 22, 2025

Getting Off to a Running Start (Starter Replacement)

When you start your vehicle’s engine, there’s another motor that makes that whole process possible.  It’s called the starter, and it’s a small electric motor that gets you...
Published on: Oct 12, 2025

Before You Buy a Used Vehicle (Car Inspection before Buying a Used Vehicle)

Before You Buy a Used Vehicle (Car Inspection before Buying a Used Vehicle) Perhaps this sounds familiar. Your vehicle seems like it’s been around forever, and you’ve decided it’s ti...
Published on: Sep 28, 2025