It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from a simple problem that requires a little maintenance and TLC or there is real engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your vehicle or truck engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection here at the shop right away.

Diesel engines are known for their durability, but even the best engine has to be replaced every once in a while. At Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA, we want you to be aware of signs that your engine is about to call it quits.

Whether you drive a Chevy, Ford, or Ram diesel pickup, your engine is likely equipped with an injection pump. While injection pumps have been gradually phased out on modern engines, they are still an integral part of most diesel engine operations. At Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA, we specialize in maintenance and repair on Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke engines, including injection pumps.

At Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, we know how annoying a dead battery can be. Here’s some information on the subject, that will hopefully help you understand your battery issues a little better.

The climate control system in your car works hard to keep you at a comfortable temperature. If you’re having heater issues, trust the performance car specialists with us at Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA to get you comfortably back on the road.

One of the most annoying sounds known to man is a loud squeal every time you start your car, truck, or SUV. What causes this, and what can you do to fix it? Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA has the answer.

Do you have a noisy vehicle? If so, you may need a new muffler or exhaust system from our team here at Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna. The purpose of your exhaust system is not only to reduce the noise but also to redirect fumes away from your vehicle. Redirecting these fumes protects passengers in the car from toxins created by burning fuel.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless chemical that can escape from an unsecured exhaust system, and if inhaled can pose very serious health hazards. If you experience an unusually loud sound coming from your vehicle, it is vital to get your exhaust system checked immediately!

Once your transmission has been replaced and you’re shifting smoothly once more, you’ll probably want to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips from Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA to help keep you reliably on the road.

Stress while driving is commonplace no matter where or when you’re driving. It’s very easy to become angry due to other drivers and even yourself, but it’s just as easy to avoid road rage and the stress altogether.

Your emissions system is more important than you might realize. Even if emissions testing isn’t required in your area, there are multiple reasons to keep your emissions system in good working order. Here’s why, from Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA.

Are you leaking oil? Our technicians atPonci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA can help. Oil leaks not only mess up your driveway but also make a mess under the hood and cost big when it comes to related repairs and maintenance.  They can also cause serious inconvenient issues and are when best-taken care of immediately.   

The hydraulic system in your transmission is responsible for telling the mechanical components what to do, and when to do it. In order to better understand how your transmission works, it’s important to understand the mechanical components of it.

Your vehicle's cooling system is one of the most important systems in your vehicle. Inside your engine, spark plugs ignite the fuel within the cylinders to produce small explosions that propel your vehicle down the road. With small explosions comes scorching temperatures that can destroy your engine if not controlled. There are two types of cooling systems - liquid-cooled and air-cooled. 

Your vehicle's cooling system is one of the most important systems in your vehicle. Inside your engine, spark plugs ignite the fuel within the cylinders to produce small explosions that propel your vehicle down the road. With small explosions comes scorching temperatures that can destroy your engine if not controlled. There are two types of cooling systems - liquid-cooled and air-cooled. 

At Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA, we know how annoying a dead battery can be. Here’s some information on the subject, that will hopefully help you understand your battery issues a little better.

At Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA, we understand how important lighting is in regards the safety and presentation of your vehicle. Whether you have a broken housing, burned out bulbs, or a faulty connection, our expert mechanics are here to help.

Maintaining your car doesn't have to be a hassle, just bring it to our team here at Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna. We can take care of all the dirty work. However, it's important to know when you should get proper maintenance. Here are some quick tips and advice on the basics of car maintenance!

At Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA, we know the key to making your vehicle last; good maintenance. An overwhelming percentage of the problems we see, especially the really catastrophic ones, are a result of poor maintenance. While properly maintaining a vehicle can seem like a bit of a hassle, it is absolutely worth the payoff. Good maintenance is the only difference between a car that lasts 80,000 miles and a car that lasts 400,000 miles. Preventative maintenance and repair when a problem occurs are your two concerns, and both will keep your car on the road far longer if observed properly.

Everyone from mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about vehicles. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

Do you need new brake pads? Most of the time, if you think you do, the answer is yes. While a lot of auto parts stores sell brake pads with lifetime warranties, don’t be misled...brake pads will still wear down.