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02/02/2021
How to Deal with Dead Batteries at University Automotive
How to deal with dead batteries


Imagine going out to your vehicle to leave for work. Your key FOB works fine to unlock your car, and you've loaded up your coffee and necessities for the rest of the day. You try to start your car and hear nothing but some clicking, or nothing at all. Your battery is dead. Now you have to disrupt your day and find a way to get a new one.

University Automotive of Sacramento, California is there for you. We have plenty of experience and amenities to make your car repair and auto maintenance routines make for less stressful moments.

How does a Battery Die?

Age
Age kills all batteries and vehicles are no exception. Many batteries, including the ones sold here at University Automotive, come with a guaranteed lifespan which makes the battery life somewhat predictable. They will, however, eventually run out of juice.

Alternator
If your car won't start after driving, you might have a problem with the car's built-in charging system, the alternator. The alternator charges your battery when you are not driving, the issue could be that you are also making short trips with little time to rest.

Weather
Extreme heat or cold takes a toll on cars and batteries. Older batteries will have a harder time recovering from subzero temperatures. Your vehicle starting slowly on a really cold day is also a good caution that you should bring your vehicle in to have the battery tested. Weather is truly detrimental to batteries and can be dangerous. If you are parked remotely and the battery dies in very cold weather, we hope you have a blanket or warm gear in your vehicle.

Draw
We aren't talking about doodling your car or a tie. A parasitic draw means that somewhere in your vehicle, an electrical circuit is left open and is taking energy from the battery much more often than it should. The most difficult part of a draw is finding the source, which can be learned largely by pulling individual fuses from your fusebox.


One of the easiest ways to prevent battery issues is to bring the vehicle in for regular service. Instead of applying your jumper cables frequently, bring your vehicle to University Automotive and we are happy to find the source of your draw and any other battery problem you have. Our ASE Certified Technicians will test your battery's power level and replace it if necessary. Our 24/7 dropbox also gives you the chance to drop your vehicle off when we are closed instead of waiting for the sun to come up.


Call us at 916-260-2448 or visit our shop at 2111 Northrop Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825. We have outstanding reviews for our service and draw customers from all over, including Fair Oaks and Roseville. We are community-focused and truly care about getting our customers serviced. We even offer free shuttles and loaner cars as well as same day service to ensure you get to carry on with your normal life.



10/30/2020
3 Things You Shouldn't Forget To Do With Your Car In The Fall

Fall is in full swing. And there is no better time to prep your vehicle for the mild temperatures that are settling in here in Sacramento, CA. It's always a good idea to make sure that your vehicle is ready to go for the rest of the year.
Of course, pretty much everything will stay the same. The commute to and from work, dropping the kids off and picking them up from practice. But it can't be done without fully knowing your vehicle is going to be OK.
Our ASE-certified mechanics at University Automotive know that a good car is a car that runs well, no matter what time of the year it is. If you are looking for an auto inspection near Roseville, CA, and want to make sure everything is good to go, we'll be happy to help.

In the meantime, here are three things that you really shouldn't forget to do with your car as the fall season continues:

  1. Check the lights
    Your lights will definitely need to be working. Especially the signal lights where you'll want to let people know that you are turning left or right. Without your fellow drivers knowing, you might cause a bit of a fender bender (or worse).
    At University Automotive, we'll make sure everything is in good shape while your vehicle is being inspected. If you are running short on time, you can use one of our pre-inspected loaner cars for the day. We also have free Uber or Lyft rides available to and from the shop to your next destination.
  2. Make sure the tires are in good shape
    The tires might need to be rotated. After all, that should happen every six months. This will help increase their longevity.
    But if you need to get them replaced, University Automotive will get the job done. Our tire replacement service near Carmichael, CA is second to none. Plus, your tires will be backed by a 5 year / 50,000-mile warranty. If you want tires that can last quite a while, we've got a good selection for you to choose from. We take good care of our people here at University Automotive. And we prove that with all the work we put in for every customer.
  3. Test the wipers
    In a state like California, it can snow in one part and be sunny and mild in another. What if you want to make the trip to Tahoe for the weekend with family? Snow flurries are in the forecast, however.
    But you'll be ready knowing that the wipers will be in good working order. Just do a dry run of sorts (not literally, though). Deploy a bit of windshield washer fluid and see how well the wiper blades do.

Prep Your Car For Fall Now!
Fall is already underway. Isn't it about time you made sure your car is in good shape? University Automotive will gladly take a look at your vehicle for a routine inspection. If something needs to be repaired or replaced, they'll fix it all in one day.
The sooner you talk to us about your vehicle, the better off you'll be. Contact us today at 916-260-2448 or visit our shop at 2111 Northrop Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825.


12/23/2020
Holiday Travel Tips from University Automotive

At University Automotive we say "We Fix Everything" because we do fix many makes and models, ranging from Toyota to Ford, GMC to Subaru, there aren't many vehicles we can't help with.

The holidays are here, and you are traveling in and around Sacramento. No matter how far you are driving, we have some holiday travel recommendations to keep your family vehicle safe. We aim to provide you and yours with the best auto repair in the Roseville area. Our ASE Certified Technicians will have your vehicle ready for travel with free pick and delivery!

Here are a few ways we can help you travel safely this upcoming holiday season with University Automotive.

Tire Inspection
Your tires are critical especially for winter travel. Your tires need treads and the right amount of air to get the best grip on potentially slippery and wet roads. University Automotive can help you! Bring your vehicle into University Automotive and we will measure your treads and check for leaks. We can also use our gauges and teach you about your vehicle's tire pressure monitor system to ensure you have the right amount of air.

You can take a loaner car or free Lyft or Uber while we inspect and replace your tires.

Brakes!
Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car. University Automotive can help with your brake pads and rotors! You can tell when your brakes are wearing down when they begin squeaking or when it's harder to stop. Don't wait until it's too late though! Replacing your brake pads before your rotors wear through will make brake repair cheaper.

Trust your local mechanic here at University Automotive to perform a complete brake inspection and let you know when you need new brakes for your vehicle.

Oil Change
The most important regular auto repair you can have done at University Automotive is an oil change. Your vehicle needs clean oil to keep the engine running smoothly. Having no oil can drastically reduce engine life, seize the engine, and end in very costly repair. Count on the experienced technicians at University Automotive to get you fresh, clean oil to keep your vehicle happy.

Alignment
Does your vehicle travel in a straight line? Do you have to turn the wheel a bit to stay in a straight line? University Automotive can take a look at your alignment and ensure that your vehicle drives straight. A good alignment is safer and results in more even tire wear and steering.

A Little About US
We are an automotive repair center with three generations working under one roof. We are community oriented and really care about our customers like our family.

Come to University Automotive, where we fix everything! We offer a 5-year, 50,000 mile warranty on our repairs. Call us at 916-260-2448 or stop in! We are located at 2111 Northrop Ave, Sacramento, California 95825. We would love to help with your automotive repair needs.

University Automotive

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Testimonials

reviewiconKnowledgeable Staff
This review is for Cameron and the technicians that worked on my car. I'm from another city and get most of my vehicle work done there. After learning of a bad alternator and other problems, Cameron worked to find the most efficient solution to honor my warranty from the auto shop at home, in order to complete the work here. Many phone calls, numbers to exchange and decisions later, my car was finished! Cameron was incredibly helpful, kind and respectful. I've never had such good customer service at an auto shop. I would definitely come back next time my car needs service!
~ , 08/26/2019
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reviewiconTrustworthy Mechanics
I dropped my car off for an oil change. I was asked what time I needed it back and they were accommodating and had the car ready when I needed it! They identified some additional service items and included actual pictures of the problem parts. It's really nice to be able to see the broken parts before authorizing the service! Overall great experience working with the people at University Auto.
~ , 02/20/2020
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