Automotive Industry News & Information - Ponci's Diesel Center

Judging by the number of near-rear-endings we witness on our morning commutes, the typical attitude toward brake maintenance appears to be, “Brakes: Don’t let them stop you!” This puzzles us because monitoring your braking system’s health is one of the most straightforward aspects of car ownership. You do have to know what to look for, though, or rather, what to listen and feel for. So let us, uh, break it down for you. Here are the top three signs that your brakes need fixing.

If your transmission is slipping, what are your options? As you’ve seen, a variety of issues can cause a transmission to slip. Likewise, repairs differ widely depending on the issue. Here are some steps you should take to make sure your repair is as simple and cost-effective as possible.

A car that brakes well and brakes correctly are just as important as acceleration, handling, or any other aspect of a vehicle’s drivability. A car with brake issues has the potential to be a far more enjoyable ride when fixed. Your brakes have a lot to do with how your car drives. Brakes are a frequently neglected item on a lot of people’s checklists, and many drivers on the road have subpar brakes and don’t even know it.

At Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA, we know that over the past decade, depending on what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive, it may seem like oil changes have gotten more expensive, and there are more options from synthetic to standard 10w/30 oil. What kind is best for your vehicle and is the higher price worth the cost?

Sometimes it is EASY to see if your car or truck needs to come into our shop for professional repairs!
1. You see steam rising from the engine!
2. The Check Engine Light is on!
3. The engine starts, but there is an odor that is not right.
4. You hear grinding or thumping noises.

What is your flywheel, and when do you need to replace it? Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA has the answers you’re looking for.

Windshield wipers are one of those things you never think about until you need them, and by then it’s too late. There’s a good chance you haven’t changed windshield wipers in a long time, so it might be a good idea to inspect them before rainy weather catches you off guard. Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA has compiled a few windshield wiper tips here for you.

Gear shift in car with manual transmission

By now, it’s likely you’ve heard someone claim “manuals get better gas mileage than automatics.” While in the past this has certainly been true – driving an automatic was truly a sacrifice, dramatically affecting acceleration, reliability, and gas mileage – is it still the case in the modern era? Ponci's Diesel Center in Fortuna, CA has the answers.