What Is an EGR Valve and Why Does It Matter?

It makes sure your car shifts gears smoothly whether you’re driving to work or taking a road trip. But like engine oil, your transmission fluid needs to be changed to keep everything running right. Why Transmission Fluid Matters Transmission fluid keeps all the moving parts inside your transmission cool and well-lubricated. Over time, this fluid can get dirty, lose its strength, and stop protecting your transmission the way it should. If this happens, you might notice rough shifting, slipping gears, or strange noises. What Is a Transmission Fluid Flush? A transmission fluid flush removes the old, dirty fluid and replaces it with clean, fresh fluid. This helps prevent wear and tear, improves gear shifting, and extends the life of your transmission. It’s one of the smartest ways to avoid costly repairs down the road. When Should You Get a Fluid Flush? Most vehicles need a transmission fluid flush every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but it depends on your car, how you drive, and where you live. Hot weather here in California’s Coachella Valley can be tough on your transmission, so staying on top of this service is important. Trust Jim Brangham Auto Repair At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, we’re experts in transmission service, repairs, and fluid flushes. Our team will check your transmission fluid and let you know if it’s time for a change. Taking care of your transmission now can save you from big problems later. Call us today at 760-321-7040 to schedule your service and keep your car shifting smoothly!

At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, we’re here to break it down so you can understand how it works and what to watch for. The Fuel Gauge The fuel gauge shows how much gas is in your tank. If it starts acting strange—like jumping around or getting stuck—it could be a sign of a bad fuel level sensor. It’s a small part inside the tank, but if it fails, you won’t know when you’re low on gas. The Fuel Pump The fuel pump sends gas from the tank to the engine. If your car struggles to start, stalls, or feels sluggish, the pump might be going bad. Fuel pumps can wear out over time, especially if you often drive on a nearly empty tank. The Seals and Hoses Rubber seals and hoses help keep the fuel system sealed tight. If they crack or wear out, gas vapors can escape or even leak, which isn’t safe. These parts can dry out in the desert heat, so it’s important to check them during regular maintenance. Keep Your Fuel System Healthy If you notice strong fuel smells, trouble starting your car, or issues with the fuel gauge, it’s time to bring your vehicle in. We’ll perform testing and analysis to check for leaks, bad pumps, or electrical problems. Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City today to schedule your next service. We’re your trusted local shop for engine repair, fuel system service, A/C repair, and smog testing!

At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we help drivers keep their cars in top shape with regular service intervals and our very own digital vehicle inspections. Why Are Service Intervals Important? Every car has a schedule for maintenance, like changing fluids, replacing filters, checking brakes, and inspecting key parts. Sticking to this schedule helps prevent breakdowns and keeps your car running smoothly. Skipping maintenance can lead to worn-out parts, poor gas mileage, and costly repairs that could have been avoided. The Benefits of Digital Vehicle Inspections At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we use Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) to give you a clear, easy-to-understand report on your car’s condition. With photos and simple explanations, you’ll see exactly what needs attention and what’s in good shape. This helps you make smart choices about your car’s care, so there are no surprises when it comes to repairs. How Regular Maintenance Saves You Money Fixing small problems early prevents them from turning into big, expensive ones. Changing a timing belt or water pump on time is much cheaper than dealing with a blown engine. Keeping up with oil changes, brake checks, and fluid flushes helps your car last longer and avoids costly breakdowns. Keep Your Car in Great Shape Regular maintenance and digital inspections take the guesswork out of car care. If you’re not sure when your next service is due, visit Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA. Our team will help keep your car safe, reliable, and running its best. Call us at (760)321-7040 today to schedule your next service!

If you’ve noticed fluid leaking from your struts, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, we’re here to explain why this matters and how it can affect your car. What Are Struts and What Do They Do? Struts are part of your suspension system, working alongside shocks to absorb bumps and keep your tires in contact with the road. They also help maintain your vehicle’s stability when turning, stopping, or driving over rough terrain. Why Are Leaky Struts a Problem? Struts contain hydraulic fluid that helps them absorb impact. When they start leaking, they lose effectiveness. This can make your ride feel rough and bumpy because your car won’t absorb shocks as well. You might also notice that your car feels unstable, especially when turning or stopping. Worn struts can cause uneven tire wear, making your tires wear out faster and leading to costly replacements. Bad struts also affect braking, meaning it can take longer for your car to stop, which can be dangerous. How Do You Know If Your Struts Are Leaking? If you see fluid near your tires, feel excessive bouncing, or notice that your car doesn’t handle as well as it used to, your struts might be the issue. Getting them checked early can prevent bigger safety concerns and expensive repairs. Get Your Suspension Checked Today Leaky struts don’t fix themselves. Waiting too long can lead to more costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions. If you think there’s a problem, visit Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA for a thorough inspection and expert service. Call us today at 760-321-7040 to schedule your suspension check!

At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, we want to help you understand why replacing it matters. What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do? Your cabin air filter blocks dust, pollen, and other pollutants from entering your car’s ventilation system. Over time, it gets clogged, making it harder for clean air to flow inside your vehicle. Why a Dirty Filter is a Problem Bad Air Quality – A clogged filter lets dust and allergens circulate, which can cause breathing issues. Weaker Heating & AC – Your system has to work harder, leading to poor performance. Musty Odors – Dirt and moisture buildup can create unpleasant smells. Foggy Windows – A blocked filter reduces airflow, making it harder to clear foggy windows. When to Replace It Most filters should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but if you notice bad smells, weak airflow, or allergy symptoms, it may be time for a new one. Our team at Jim Brangham Auto Repair can check it for you. Stay Comfortable with a Fresh Filter Replacing your cabin air filter helps you breathe easier and keeps your car’s ventilation system working properly. If you're due for a change, visit Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA today! Call (760) 321-7040 or stop by our shop to schedule your service!

Is your car due for a smog check? Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, offers expert emissions testing & repairs. Schedule your smog check today!

Prepare your car for every season with expert maintenance at Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA. Schedule your seasonal service today!

Learn how to identify and fix car leaks with tips from Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA. Save money and keep your car safe. Call us today!

Discover the differences between timing belts and chains at Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA. Expert maintenance to keep your engine in top shape—call today!