Understanding some of the basic systems of your car will make you a more informed owner, which can help to save you money when things go wrong. As your wheels spin, they also spin a metal disc. When you press your brake pedal, a caliper squeezes tightly on this disc, bringing your car to a halt. The calipers have a protective pad mounted on either side made of heat-absorbing graphite. As time goes by, this graphite wears down, producing a black dust you might see on your hubcaps. 

The headlights on your vehicle give you a clear view of what is ahead in conditions of low light. If you are having trouble seeing at night while you are driving, your headlights may need to be serviced. From changing out the bulb to cleaning up the casing, your headlights should be checked when you notice a problem.

Your headlights are part of your yearly inspection, and they must be in good working order for your car to pass inspection. If you notice that one of your lights isn't working, bring your car to Honda of Serramonte to get…

Have your finances changed after purchasing a car? You could reduce your loan through refinancing, or you could also reduce your monthly payments by trading in your car. Keeping up with car payments can be difficult, but rather than doing a voluntary repossession, you can trade in your car and purchase a less expensive vehicle. You’ll need to calculate the value of the vehicle before you decide to trade in or refinance.

So how do you determine the value? When you trade in your vehicle, you’ll probably have some equity.  

If you thought it was hard to cope with your teen having their driver's license, wait until they have their own car. Seriously, though, your teen's first car is an important purchase as you want a safe, reliable vehicle that will help them get where they need to go for many years to come. At Honda of Serramonte, we offer these tips to consider as you get ready to make that big purchase.

First, consider bigger and heavier vehicles. While they may use more fuel, they are proven to be safer in accidents.  

If you have a toddler, you may be wondering which type of car seat to choose. If your child has outgrown an infant-only seat, it is time to think about a larger car seat. A convertible seat, or all-in-one, can grow with your baby.

Children under one-year-old always need to be in a seat designed for an infant and that is rear-facing. If your child has outgrown their current seat and their head is reaching the top of the seat back, then it is time for a larger seat. It is always best to keep the car seat rear-facing for…

With winter behind you and a fun summer ahead, spring is an excellent time to clear off the grime on your car from salty, sandy roads and to prepare it for the warm temperatures that are coming.

Hot weather is a particularly unpleasant time to be stranded, so have your battery checked if you suspect it's starting to show its age. Check your coolant level periodically to make sure it's full. If your car is giving small warning signs, like stalling or idling roughly, take it in for servicing.  

The term gasket may sound highly technical, but a gasket is simply a flat piece of rubber, metal or another flexible material that is used as a seal within an engine. Keep reading to learn more about gaskets, and don’t hesitate to visit Honda of Serramonte for gasket replacement or any other automotive service matter.

Automotive engines are made primarily of hard metal components that contain gasoline, oil, water, water vapor and other fluids. These liquids and gases would quickly leak away without a proper seal between the various metal engine pieces.  

At Honda of Serramonte, we like to help our customers keep their cars in top shape. Washing your vehicle on a routine basis is important because it increases resale or trade-in value and keeps your vehicle looking sharp.

How often should you wash your car? If your vehicle is exposed to heat or you have a long daily commute, then washing your vehicle once a week is an important preventative maintenance step. Newly splattered bugs and bird droppings should be washed away swiftly to prevent long-term damage to the paint. 

If it's so hot outside that the beads of sweat falling from your brow are sizzling the second they hit the concrete, you might be concerned about your engine overheating. While hot weather is certainly a factor in whether or not your coolant is effective, several other factors and vehicle components play a role in whether or not your engine stays cool.

Your coolant should always be topped off. If you have a crack in one of the hoses that deliver coolant to your radiator and engine, the coolant level could drop pretty quickly. More than likely, you would…

We publish our blog to add value to your driving experience. Our team values the idea of sharing the road with bicyclists. Here are some related tips to assist you.

Cars do not own the road. You must leave space for cyclists. Remember that your car is much heavier than their bike, and their life is in your hands. Importantly, cyclists are entitled to a full regular lane if a bike lane is not present. Only pass them when you can move into another lane without impeding other motorists.