mechanic looking car over

Awareness and safety are at the top of our list of concerns here at Zylstra Automotive & Diesel, even more so with all the recall scare that happens in the news. We think a well-maintained car is a safe car that can also save you money in the long run. Here are our top ten tips for keeping your family safe, saving you money, and keeping your car running smoothly.

steering wheel

Car enthusiasts would argue that "those were the days". Everything you drove was built like a tank and had the chrome on it so you enjoyed washing it but NO power steering. For most of us, it is hard to remember life without power steering – cranking those great big steering wheels? It was a pretty good workout. Now power steering is standard. The heart of any power steering system is its pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid that provides assistance for steering. Most pumps are driven by a belt that is run by the engine – a few are electrically powered. A high-pressure hose passes fluid from the pump to the steering gear. A low-pressure hose returns the fluid back to the pump. Here at Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, CA we know that you depend on that power steering and check your fluid & hoses religiously!

diesel truck repair - brakes

Your Ram, Chevy, or Ford diesel pickup is a big truck. All that weight takes some strong stopping power and takes its toll on your brake pads - especially if you ever pull a trailer or carry heavy loads. Whenever you need a brake job, Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, CA has your back.

spark plug

Have you always wondered what a spark plug does? Our team here at Zylstra Automotive & Diesel is here to help you out. It's simple in theory but does quite a lot of work for such a small piece of equipment. Your spark plug forces electricity to arc across a gap like a bolt of lightning at high voltage and fits into your engine's cylinder head, where it “sparks” to ignite the fuel and creates combustion within your engine. Without it, you wouldn't be able to drive your car or truck. 

dash light on

A light on the dash that doesn't say - washer fluid is low immediately panics you right? It can happen when you don't keep up with standard maintenance and with older vehicles, you see it due to the age of the vehicle, however here at Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, we like to keep you driving happy and listening to your favorite songs or talking to friends and family worry-free! Here are some quick tips and hard lines in the sand that you do not need to ignore.

wheel

At Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, CA, we see our fair share of warning lights and dashboard notifications. If your ABS light is illuminated, here’s what you need to know.  First, it should be noted that the ABS light is supposed to illuminate for a few seconds after you turn the key, as part of a system test. If the light stays illuminated or comes on again randomly, there’s an issue somewhere that must be addressed.

commercial truck

At Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, we understand that big trucks mean bigger risk on the road. Here are some tips to remember, to reduce the likelihood of an accident resulting in large repair costs next time you're on the job.

wheel bearings

Wheel bearings are an often overlooked, but incredibly important component on your diesel truck; and when one begins to fail, other problems begin to arise. Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia has the information you need to recognize a problem before it turns into a bigger one. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Now Hiring
  • Jasper
  • Acdelco
  • ASCCA
  • ASE
  • Auto Value
  • Bosch Automotive
  • Bully Dog
  • Bumper to Bumber
  • Cummins Diesel
  • Donlen Fleet
  • Duramax Diesel
  • Element Fleet
  • Enterprise Fleet
  • Fleet Services
  • GE Capital Fleet
  • Ford Power Stroke Diesel
  • iATN
  • Motorcraft Parts
  • NAPA AutoCare Center
  • Pet Friendly
  • Radiator
  • Shuttle Service
  • Sinister Diesel
  • State Inspection
  • 24 Month Warranty
  • WEX Fleet