Stockton Auto Repair

Ever wonder how engine size, power, and fuel economy are interconnected? It's fascinating engineering and physics that dictate your driving experience and impact your wallet. This relationship isn't always straightforward, but understanding it can help you make smarter decisions when choosing your next vehicle. So, let's dive into the details and unravel the mystery behind this automotive triangle. Engine Size - Bigger Isn't Always Better Engine size, often measured in liters, refers to the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. A larger engine generally means more power, as it can burn more fuel to produce more energy. This is why sports cars and heavy-duty trucks often boast larger engines – they need the extra power to deliver high performance or haul heavy loads. However, bigger engines are not always better, especially when it comes to fuel economy. A larger engine consumes more fuel simply because it has more space to fill. This ... read more

Are you enjoying your experience driving in style and power in your Audi? Your Audi, like any luxury vehicle, needs regular service and upkeep to be in top shape. At Toole’s Garage in Stockton we offer full range of Audi maintenance, diagnostics and repairs. From Audi oil change to major engine repairs, our nationally certified technicians will keep your Audi in top shape for as long as you want to own it. Toole’s Garage is a family owned and operated auto care facility in Stockton, and our goal is to keep your vehicle reliable and serving you well for years to come. Hence we advocate following manufacturer recommended schedule of services, and of course, regular oil changes. An oil change is an opportunity to not only extend engine life, but also to have your Audi undergo a digital vehicle inspection, which can identify upcoming maintenance needs, or catch developing problems – we will send you an electronic copy of the inspection results with pictures, if they can ... read more

Ever wondered what goes into ensuring your car's air conditioning (A/C) system is running at peak performance? As summer heat approaches, having a reliable A/C system is important for comfort and safety. A comprehensive A/C performance check is more than just flipping a switch to see if cold air blows out. It involves a series of detailed inspections and tests to make sure your system is in top shape. We will share the key components of a car A/C performance check and why it's essential for maintaining your vehicle's cooling efficiency. Inspection of A/C Components One of the first steps in a performance check is a thorough inspection of all A/C components. This includes the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and various hoses and connections. Technicians look for signs of wear and tear, damage, and leaks. Compressor: The heart of the A/C system, the compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. Technicians check for any signs of dama ... read more

We rely on our cars to start reliably every time we turn the key, but what happens when the starter begins to fail? In this article, we'll explore the common signs of a failing car starter and discuss what you can do to address the issue before it leaves you stranded. The Importance of The Car Starter The car starter is a small yet critical component of your vehicle's ignition system. Its primary function is to engage the engine's flywheel and initiate the combustion process, allowing the engine to start and run. Without a functioning starter, your car won't be able to start, leaving you stranded and frustrated. Signs of a Failing Car StarterIntermittent Starting Issues One of the most common signs of a failing starter is intermittent starting problems. You may notice that your car starts fine one day but struggles to turn over the next. This inconsistency is often a telltale sign that the starter is beginning to f ... read more

You're rushing to work on time, but as you turn the key in the ignition, all you hear is a frustrating click-click-click. Could your battery fail you again, or is another issue lurking under the hood? Let's see how a seemingly dead battery is and uncover the hidden role of the alternator in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Dead Battery or Faulty Alternator? It's a situation many drivers have faced. You attempt to start your car, only to be met with silence or the dreaded sound of a struggling starter motor. While a dead battery is often the first suspect, the alternator could be the culprit behind your vehicle's electrical woes.  The alternator is responsible for generating electrical power while the engine runs, replenishing the battery's charge, and powering various electrical systems. If the alternator fails, your batt ... read more

Toole’s Garage Stockton can provide comprehensive car care for your vehicle. We can provide complex diagnostics and major repairs – as well as something seemingly simple, yet so important – power windows repair. There are many issues that can negatively impact your ability to bring the car window up or down: the motor itself may be at fault, or a switch, or the regulator which moves the window up or down, or the fuse. So if your vehicle’s window is slowing down or not moving at all, call our Stockton auto repair shop to get your car’s windows problems diagnosed and repaired. At Tool’s Garage we offer not only friendly customer service, but also technical excellence – our technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). So we can diagnose not just power window problems, but also any other problem that your vehicle may exhibit. As for power window failure, it is a fairly common issue, so if you notice ... read more

Wondering if your hybrid car needs a new battery? Here are signs you should look for. Hybrid vehicles offer a blend of gasoline and electric power, but their batteries can wear out over time. Here's how to tell if it's time for a replacement without breaking a sweat. Hybrid Car Batteries Before we get to the signs, it's essential to understand hybrid car batteries. Unlike traditional vehicles, hybrids rely on both gasoline engines and electric motors. The battery pack is the heart of the hybrid system, storing and supplying electricity to the electric motor. Typically, hybrid batteries are designed to last for several years, but like any other component, they can degrade over time. Signs That Your Hybrid Car Battery Needs Replacement: Decreased Fuel Efficiency One of the telltale signs of a failing hybrid battery is a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency. If you find yourself making more frequent trips to the gas station despite maintain ... read more

At Toole’s Garage Stockton we offer comprehensive automotive services including brake calipers service and replacement. Brake calipers are an integral part of the braking system. They press the brake pads against the rotors to generate the friction that slows down, and ultimately, stops your vehicle. Brake calipers are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle – that is unless something happens that causes them to not function at the optimal level. In some cases, service will include cleaning and lubrication, but in other cases brake caliper replacement will be the right solution. Some symptoms that may indicate brake caliper problem include: Car pulls to one side Leaking brake fluid Uneven brake wear Strange noise when braking   So if your vehicle exhibits any of these symptoms, bring it to Toole’s Garage Stockton for a professional brake inspection. Our technicians are certified b ... read more

Imagine a world without catalytic converters—where harmful emissions from vehicles pollute the air we breathe unchecked. Fortunately, catalytic converters are crucial in reducing harmful pollutants emitted by vehicles, making them an indispensable component of modern automotive technology. What is a Catalytic Converter? At its core, a catalytic converter is a device installed in the exhaust system of vehicles to reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gasses into less harmful substances through chemical reactions. These reactions take place within the converter's honeycomb-like structure, which contains precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. How Does a Catalytic Converter Work? The catalytic converter operates through a series of chemical reactions known as redox (oxidation-reduction) reactions. When exhaust gasses containing pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) pass ... read more

When your Acura computer displays “A” service code, is it really just oil change? Well… yes and no. Yes, “A” service does mean oil change, but with oil change also comes oil filter change. And then there are additional modifications – digits that follow the code. They tell us what additional maintenance items or inspections are to be performed. Code A1 means oil change, oil filter change, tire pressure check and tire rotation. Code A2 means not just oil change and oil filter change, but also replacing dust and pollen filter, and checking driving belt. Code A3 ads transfer fluid and transmission fluid (where applicable) replacement to the oil and oil filter change. Code A4 is the big one – in addition to oil and filter change, it also indicates spark plugs replacement, as well as valve clearance inspection, water pump inspection and timing belt replacement (when replacing timing belt, we also recommend replacing the water pump). Code A5 me ... read more