Engine Repair & Maintenance in Santa Cruz

Your engine is one of, if not the most important component of your car. Without it working in proper order, it's impossible for you to go anywhere. If it runs inefficiently, you may face a whole host of problems that can be avoided with relatively simple maintenance. At Santa Cruz Auto Parts we provide all of the expertise and parts needed to keep your engine running happily and at peak efficiency.

Below are the services we can perform to ensure your engine remains healthy:

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Whether you're in need of simple oil service, or more significant engine maintenance, call Santa Cruz Auto Parts at 831-423-2500 to learn how we can help you get back on the road quickly!

Check Engine Light FAQs

Is it okay to drive with the engine light on?

The short answer, "No." The longer explanation is the light may indicate a serious engine failure and continuing to use your car as if nothing is wrong could result in a very expensive repair bill. The check engine light means you should stop driving and have your car looked at as soon as possible by a professional at Santa Cruz Auto Parts in Santa Cruz.

What could cause a check engine light to come on?

Come by Santa Cruz Auto Parts and we can diagnose the reasons for a check engine light turning on. It can range from something serious like a faulty catalytic converter or potential engine failure to something simple like a loose gas cap or the need for a simple 50K or 100K mile manufacturer maintenance check.

What is the most common problem with my check engine light?

A loose gas cap is the most common cause of a check engine light coming on. But the best method to determine why the check engine light is on is to have a professional at Santa Cruz Auto Parts read the diagnostic code in the car's internal OBD computer.

What does an intermittent flashing check engine light mean?

Flashing check engine lights warn of severe situations requiring immediate attention. Get your vehicle to an auto repair shop as quickly as possible or get it safely parked and call a tow truck to take it to your preferred auto repair shop.

What does a solid check engine light mean?

A steady check engine light indicates a non-emergency issue. Come by Santa Cruz Auto Parts and we can help.

Serpentine Belt FAQs

How do I know if I need to replace my car's serpentine belt?

If your serpentine belt is failing, you may notice performance issues with your vehicle. The vehicle may frequently overheat. Your air conditioning or power steering may fail to work or not work properly. You may notice your vehicle battery failing to recharge if the alternator is affected by a bad serpentine belt. If you start to notice any of these issues we encourage you to bring your vehicle to Santa Cruz Auto Parts as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems and breakdown.

Spark Plug FAQs

What else should I replace when replacing spark plugs?

If you are considering having your vehicle's spark plugs replaced, there's a high probability that your spark plug wires need changing as well. Ignition wires become brittle over time. Old ignition wires can break and cause misfires or declining fuel economy.

How do you know when a spark plug needs to be replaced?

The most common sign a spark plug needs replacing is the feeling that the car's engine is hesitating when accelerating, but other signs may include misfiring at start up, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, declining fuel economy and engine knocking.