Fairchild Automotive
is a full service repair center. We are equipped to
meet all of your automotive repair needs. Our Lead
Technician Robert has over 20 years of diagnostic experience.
If you need more information about our services, please
give us a call at 530-345-9739.
The number one alternator killer is a battery that's on its last legs; the alternator has to overwork to keep it charged. If your battery is 5 years old, ask Fairchild Automotive technician if it's time to replace it. When you replace your alternator, it's a good idea to replace your serpentine belt at the same time. Your technician will have to remove the old belt anyway so he might as well put on a new one when he's done. At Fairchild Automotive in Chico, we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 530-345-9739 and let us help keep you on the road.
Axles just wear out over time!
Axles just wear out over time and need to be replaced. And sometimes axle seals leak, causing the axle to wear out prematurely. Lubricant leaks out, and water and dirt can get in and contaminate the gears. When this happens you might hear strange noises coming from your axle.
If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be at the rear end. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be up front. Of course, with an all-wheel drive, the sound could come from either front or back. It might be a groaning sound or clunking when turning.
It’s important to take care of this work as soon as you become aware of a problem. Waiting only makes the damage worse and more expensive to repair later. If the axle fails completely, it could lock up and damage your transmission.
Is your Check Engine Light on?
Why the Check Engine
Light coming on is a mystery to most drivers.
If your vehicle's check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe engine damage. Naturally, you should get that taken care of right away.
If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn't’t drive at highway speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. Take it easy all the way to your auto service center.
If the light is glowing steadily, auto owners should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light will not go off, call us at 530-345-9739 to schedule an appointment to get it checked
out.
Winter Tip
You may be surprised to learn that 40 percent of traffic fatalities take place at night even though there's 60 percent less traffic. It goes to show how important proper visibility is to nighttime driving.
Obviously, a clean windshield is important – so are good wiper blades.
Your headlights also play a big role in seeing at night. There are two main parts to your headlights: one is the headlamp, or bulb and the other is the lens.
Unfortunately, headlamps go dim over time. Some vehicles come with a standard
bulb which you can replace or you can upgrade to a halogen bulb that's much brighter.
Halogen costs a little more but you'd be amazed at the difference. A good idea
is to replace your headlamps once a year so that your lights will be bright for
the coming long winter nights.
For the last couple of decades, most headlamp lenses were made out of plastic which can get cloudy or yellow. You can replace the lens, but each lens assembly can cost as much as $350 to $400. It's much less expensive to restore the lens if it isn't broken.
We use a process of special cleaners and polishes to remove the yellowed and hazy layer of the lens. We then apply a hard protective finish. When we're done, your lenses really are as good as new. Our prices depend on the size of the lens and how yellowed or cloudy it is. You can even restore taillights and turn signals.
So combining a headlamp restoration with new bulbs will light up the road like a new car. Can you clearly see the advantage? Give us a call at
530-345-9739 for more information about our Winter Services.