#Thursdaythoughts

"Saw this clip still being used at the Santa Clarita building department when he was there. He couldn't believe it".

About 30 years ago, before Brian took over the family business and Tom was still the owner, he gave this clip as a gratitude gift for choosing Tom's Transmission & Auto Service. On July 24th, 2018, we received an email with this picture showing the clip still being used in the building department. We all know that most people, throw things away when it comes to gifts from shops and they replace it with something of their own company or shops. But keeping our clip in the Santa Clarita Building Department after so many years means a lot to us since it shows that people recognize the effort we put into our work and demonstrates how happy and satisfy our customers are with the results of our expert technicians at Tom's Transmission & Auto Service.

Thank you to everyone for keep choosing Tom's Transmission & Auto Service.

Heater and A/C

A vehicle's air conditioning (A/C) system cools the air in your vehicle, and the heater warms it up. Without the heating and air conditioning systems in today’s vehicles, we wouldn't all be willing to drive while freezing during the winter season or melting under the warm summer heat.

The heater in your car is basically a smaller version of your cooling system's radiator. Hot engine coolant is circulated through a small radiator, often times called a heater core. A fan is positioned in front of the heater core to blow cold outside air over the fins. As this air travels over the heater core, it heats up and becomes the hot air which blows out your heater vents.

Like your engines cooling system radiator, the heater core can suffer some of the same issues. If the heater core becomes clogged with rust or sludge, you will no longer have heat. Also, leaks can cause a cabin full of white steam and really mess up your windows. If you are able to smell the coolant when your heater is on, then there is a chance you have a small leak in the heater core. Sometimes, the heater core is buried under the dashboard, and replacing it, is a major job since it takes time and the costs increases.

The air conditioning system in your car is comprised of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. If you have ever used a can of compressed air to clean computer components, you will know that the bottle gets very cold in a short amount of time. This is due to the rapid expansion of compressed gas. The same thing happens in your car’s air conditioning system. The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor and turns into a hot gas. In the condenser, this hot gas is cooled to a liquid state and travels to the expansion valve. As the Freon goes through the expansion valve it returns to a low-pressure gas and rapidly cools in the evaporator.

Brake Repair

"A brake is a mechanical device that inhibits motion by absorbing energy from a moving system. It is used for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, wheel, axle, or to prevent its motion, most often accomplished by means of friction. To stop a car, the brakes have to get rid of that kinetic energy. They do so by using the force of friction to convert that kinetic energy into heat. When you press your foot down on the brake pedal, a connected lever pushes a piston into the master cylinder, which is filled with hydraulic fluid"

When it comes to a brake repair, you must know that there could be a number of issues that are causing the problem. You might need shoe replacement. Your brake fluid lines might be bleeding or leaking. It could be a major issue with the cylinders that pump the fluid. It could also be a number of other random parts that need to be replaced. If you are hearing screeching while braking, rattling coming from your wheel axle, or a liquid is leaking on your driveway, then you might be in need of brake repair. One thing that is certain, if it is any one of these problems, then your brakes are not working properly.

At Tom’s Transmission & Auto Service we care about the safety of our community. You need a team that knows brakes and can diagnose exactly which part of the system is not performing at its peak ability. You and your passenger’s safety relies on it. Each and every car that comes through our shop has its own unique characteristics and need to be serviced as such. We will provide a two year, 24,000-mile warranty. So, make sure your brakes are repaired and maintained to keep you and your passengers safe. It does not matter how insignificant that sign might appear, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your brakes.

Usually, brake pads need to be replaced after about 50,000 miles. Some need to be replaced after 25,000, while others can last for 70,000 miles, it all depends on your car and the use you give to them. Remember to always check first for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of the pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of the pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.

If you have any questions about your breaks or if you need a car inspection, call us at  (661)251-3438 or book an appointment online at http://tomstrans.com/appointment/

What is it so important about a vehicle inspection?

Summer heat is here and we all know that it only keeps getting warmer day by day. During this time of the year, there are two main reasons why vehicles tend to have more issues, driving more miles because of family road trips and high temperatures causing damages on all the systems in your vehicle.

We all know that everyone wants to go out in this season especially to cooler areas, but in order to do so, you need to make sure your vehicle is in good conditions to get on the road. If you feel that something is not right, do not hesitate because the damage might spread around and it will cost you more money.Remember that going on vacation also requires a good amount of money to pump gas into your car so you don't want to spend it all on your vehicle's repairs when you could have paid less by paying more attention to your vehicle's first sign of a problem.

At Tom's Transmission and Auto Service, we know how valuable is your time as well as ours, and because of that, we like working on an appointment basis. Scheduling an appointment online or by phone is one of the best options if you want your vehicle to be ready before those vacations that you have been planning all year long.

In order for our experts to diagnose a problem with your vehicle, the first thing we need to do is a complete inspection since there are various parts that keep your car working, and if one of those parts starts having issues, the damage can spread and it will affect other areas causing more and more damages until your car completely stops.

Here are 4 things to pay attention to before getting on the road. Remember that Tom's Transmission and Auto Service is here to help you fix your vehicle.

• Tires: The higher the temperature gets the higher the risk of a blowout. Check the tires before going out since you do not want your family vacations to get ruin halfway of your destination; tread depth, tire wear, and check the overall tire condition.

• Coolant system: Check to make sure the coolant level is full and inspect its condition. Don't forget that coolant needs to be replaced frequently to maintain the system working well and its really important to make sure you use the correct fluid to save money. If the coolant level is low you need to find out why and the consequences of it, for which it's better if an expert technician checks it before you do anything to your car. This could also be a sign of a leak that can lead to an overheating breakdown especially with the temperature of this summer. 

• Air Conditioning: With the summer heat increasing, I'm sure you do not want to be stuck in traffic without A/C. If you noticed your system is blowing cool air, or even worse, hot air! it's time to get it to fix before going on your vacation. Sometimes it can be really frustrating to be on the road under this heat without anything to keep you cool while you drive. Also, remember that the system can cause serious damage to the compressor resulting in higher repair cost.

• Oil Change: The hot conditions speed up the process that breaks down oil. Make sure you change your engine oil and get a clean filter when needed.

If you feel 2 out 4 points of this list apply to you, do not wait any longer and contact us at  (661)251-3438. Consider that a complete vehicle inspection can prevent costly breakdowns and repairs. Visit our official page for more information or schedule an appointment online. Make sure to enjoy this warmer season with your loved ones!

Auto Repair

An auto shop that has been family owned and operated for two generations, spanning decades means not just business, but passion and care for what they do. Tom’s Transmission & Auto Service exemplifies what an independent auto repair shop should be, friendly, fast and convenient.  You're not just a number, you are our customer, and we want to show you how much we appreciate your business.  If you’re ever in need of auto repair in Canyon Country, CA, then look no further.

If you seem to be having engine issues, whether it is a check engine light, smoke billowing from your tailpipe, or a rattling underneath your hood, then you are definitely in need of a checkup. At Tom’s Transmission & Auto Service, they do not only fix the problem but diagnose exactly what that problem might be. Auto Repair in Canyon Country, CA and Antelope Valley does not get any more precise and seamless than at this family automotive shop.

Just because transmission is in their title does not limit them to just that. They are a full-service automotive shop that can service a number of needs when it comes to auto repair in Canyon Country, CA. Their team of technicians can service engines, electrical systems, air conditioning, lights, mirrors, exhaust, latches, oil & fluid changes, and much more on top of their specialization on transmissions. Brian, Tom’s son, and current owner and operator, is an ASE master automobile technician that takes such pride and confidence in his work that with every auto repair in Canyon Country, CA, he supplies two years, 24,000 mile warranty on all services (transmission rebuilds up to three years, 50,000 miles). It is easy to see why Tom’s Transmission & Auto Service have been at the top of their game since 1978 when it comes to auto repair in Canyon Country, CA.

It does not matter the make, model, or year of your vehicle, their team is prepared to serve you. Roadside damage in or around Antelope Valley, a scheduled maintenance or oil change, or expected wear and tear are all welcome at Tom’s Transmission & Auto Service. They care about their customers and their surrounding community. When in need, give them a call or just stop on by for all your needs when it comes to auto repair in Canyon Country, CA.

Visit Tom's Transmission and Auto Service official page to learn more about our services

Official Page

It's All About You!!

We like to work on an appointment basis. If your vehicle needs maintenance, we will be glad to make an appointment to have your vehicle checked or serviced while you wait. When you make an appointment, you can expect prompt service because your time, like ours, is very important.

Problems with your vehicle are never planned so when something unexpected happens you can also feel free to drop off your car at any time and we will be happy to serve you on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to leave your vehicle after hours, we have a secure after-hours box for you to drop your keys. Just leave us a note with your name, telephone number we can reach you during the day, and what you would like us to do for you.

4th of July?

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Why choose Tom's Transmission & Auto Service?

Why choose Tom's Transmission & Auto Service?

If you have been looking for an Oil change, Brake Repair, Transmission Repair, Diesel Repair, Brakes Repair, Timing Belt Repair, Air Conditioning Repair, or Engine Repair, CONGRATULATIONS! you have found the right place for your car's repair

At Tom's Transmission & Auto Service we specialize in all types of auto repair and maintenance. An Initial Inspection of your car is required in order for us to diagnose the problems with your vehicle.

One of the most recent problems with vehicles is the Air Conditioning. Now that Summer is here have you ever wonder "why my a/c doesn't blow hard?"
If your car is equipped with a cabin air filter, there is a chance it could be clogged. If your car's a/c is blowing warm air and the air is smelly when you first turn on your air conditioning or you have to deal with the warm temperatures hitting the Santa Clarita Valley, you want to make sure you get an appointment to fix those problems so that your cars air conditioning is keeping you cool during this season

Click on the link below to schedule an appointment online or call us at  (661)251-3438

tomstrans.com