Santa Cruz Auto Repair

Do you sometimes feel caught between a Rock and a hard place? Like You’re suffering from multiple Paper cuts? All because your Car is having “issues”? Let us help you understand how to get optimal power out of your car.
Brought to you by Water Star Motors Your Clean, Green, Auto Repair Team Written by Henry & Lisa Carter
All car owners have one thing in common; cars use tires. As we have mentioned in previous articles, tire condition and tire pressure are important factors in how well your car will perform; especially in the handling, safety, and gas mileage departments. Tires will always wear out eventually. Sometimes this happens sooner than we think. Tires also go flat. Many factors play a part in how long tires will last. What circumstances will shred miles off the life of my tires? Most commonly worn-out struts and shocks, loose steering linkage, improper tire pressure, the vehicles alignment being out of adjustment, worn out suspe ... read more

  Rock, Paper, Car   – Coolant System (Part 2 of 2)                                                                         Last Rock, Paper, Car we discovered a pool of ‘green blood’ under the car…Is it an Alien’s? It is anti-freeze – also known as coolant.    What does Coolant do? Its primary function is to cool engine parts around the cylinder walls and cylinder head. Next to where your car’s fuel is burned, where combustion takes place. The engine needs coolant circulating through it continually; without it, the combustion chambers reach temperatures over 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (RED HOT).   Its secondary responsibilities are to heat the inside of ... read more

Coolant System (Part 1 of 2)​ There’s a pool of ‘green blood’ under my car…Is it an Alien’s? Should I be concerned?   Imagine; you’ve finished your shopping, go out to put your items in your car and you notice a small river of green liquid oozing from underneath. “Yikes! Is that green stuff coming from mycar???” That "green stuff" is not some weird alien blood (although to some, a car may seem like an alien)! It is anti-freeze – AKA coolant.    GET THAT LEAK FIXED right away if you are concerned about keeping your car running, keeping the environment and animals safe! The loss of coolant often leads to overheating of your vehicle’s engine.   Coolant smells and tastes sweet. We DO NOT recommend tasting your coolant – NEVER taste it – but you need to know that animals are attracted to the sweetness of spilled coolant, and it can ... read more

  It's no secret that brake repair service is essential. But sometimes, we put it off because we're busy or you think the problem isn't that bad.   However, delaying brake repair can be a huge mistake. Neglecting brake problems with your car can lead to brake failure, which can be extremely dangerous.   At Water Star Motors in Santa Cruz, CA, we provide brake repair service for all makes and models of vehicles. We understand the importance of brake repair, and we're here to help keep you and your family safe on the road. Here are the top reasons to schedule a brake repair in Santa Cruz immediately: Vehicle Control Your car brakes allow you to control your vehicle. If they aren't working well, you could lose control of your car, which can be very dangerous. A well-functioning braking system ensures your safety while driving on the ro ... read more

If you're a resident of California, then you know that smog checks are required by law. But did you know that there are many other reasons why it's essential to get it for your vehicle? Our automotive experts in Water Star Motors share six benefits of getting a car smog check in Santa Cruz, CA, on time. Here they are: 1. Avoid costly fines You'll have to pay a fine if your vehicle doesn't pass the smog check requirements in California. The amount varies depending on the severity of the smog check failure and the age of your car.   Faking results are also heavily prohibited by law. For example, a fraudulent smog check entails a civil penalty of $150 to $1,000. So don't try to fake it, and ensure you're getting the inspection from a state-approved facility in Santa Cruz like ours. 2. Prevent damage to the environment Smog is a mixture of harmful polluta ... read more

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash, It’s The Gas, Gas, Gas That’s Jumpin’ (in price). The last time we looked, premium gas sold for $5.00 a gallon and up. Now is the time to see what can be done to get better distance out of our fuel dollars. In our article about greener driving, we exposed some of the things you can do to improve fuel mileage. Some of those things were: Make sure tire pressures are correct - not low or too high.  When you accelerate, pretend there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal so you will use less pressure on the gas pedal. No jack rabbit starts. Enjoy life by slowing down a little. Check your air filter. Cars love to breathe! Make sure your tune-up or maintenance is current. Fresh spark plugs and fuel filters help. Some fuel filters are now part of the fuel pump in the tank, so only replace if necessary. Spark plugs in various newer cars theoretically will last 100,000 miles. It is our experience that at ... read more

  Your alternator is an essential part of your car. It helps to keep your battery charged. It also provides power to all the other electrical systems in your vehicle.   So, what happens when it goes out?   When your alternator goes out, not only will your car not start, but you won't be able to run any of the electrical systems either. It can include the headlights, the radio, and even the power windows.   How do you know when you need an alternator repair service? There are a few signs that tell you to schedule an alternator repair at a reliable auto repair shop such as Water Star Motors in Santa Cruz, CA: Warning Lights / Error Codes on your Dashboard A common sign that your alternator may be going out is if you see a warning light or error code on your dashboard.   If you see a warning light that looks like a battery, it could mean a charging system issue. It could cause a problem with th ... read more

  If you're like most Santa Cruz drivers, you rely on your car to get around. Whether you're going to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, your car is an essential part of your life.   When something goes wrong with your car, you need to find a reliable auto shop to get the repairs done quickly and correctly.   But how can you be sure that you're getting the best deal on auto repair services? Here are some tips to help you save money without compromising on the quality of auto shop repairs and maintenance services: Auto Care Coupons Auto shops often offer money-saving coupons for their services. Check the shop's website before scheduling a repair to see if it has any current offers or discounts.   If your auto shop doesn't provide such deals, make sure to ask before starting work on your vehicle. Auto shops often offer special discounts for new customers, certain types of ... read more

  If you're like most people, you probably don't think about preventive car maintenance until there's a problem. And by then, it's often too late.   A reliable auto repair shop like Water Star Motors in Santa Cruz, CA, can help keep your car in good shape with various services, from oil changes to brake inspections.    Routine maintenance service keeps your vehicle running smoothly and can help prevent more expensive repairs down the road. Here are five preventive car maintenance services at a reliable auto repair shop that you shouldn't miss: Oil change It is one of the essential services you can get for your car. According to your car's manufacturer recommendations, an oil change every few months helps keep your engine in peak performance and improves fuel economy.   Tire rotation Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly and extends their life span. It's also a goo ... read more

  Maintaining a car can be overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with how to do it yourself. Fortunately, many great mechanics in Santa Cruz, CA, can help you keep your car running smoothly.   However, before you take it in for service, there are some things you should do to prepare. Here are a few tips before you hire mechanics in Santa Cruz, CA: Get your car serviced regularly- It will help prevent any significant problems from developing and ensure that your mechanic is familiar with your vehicle. Make sure you have the necessary documentation and information on hand - It includes the make, model, and year of your car, as well as the VIN. Be prepared to pay for the automotive service - Most mechanics charge by the hour, so be sure to know how much work needs to be done. Why Should You Schedule a Routine Preventive Car Care Maintenance Services from ... read more