Santa Cruz Auto Repair

A while back we wrote about Goodyear using dandelion latex instead of tree harvested latex in order to produce tires with sustainable materials. Well, recently Goodyear announced that they created a tire that consists of 90% sustainable materials. Apparently the tire materials include high recycled content steel, rice husk waste, pine resin, and soybean oil. It also uses recycled polyester. The tire is said to have passed regulatory tests, as well as Goodyear’s internal tests for durability and performance. We don’t know how long it will take for Goodyear to organize supply chain that would allow it to scale production, but we expect it will be a while before Goodyear Tires and Auto Repair in Santa Cruz can offer you 90% sustainable tires. Ultimately, Goodyear wants to produce tires that are made 100% of sustainable-materials. Currently they offer no guidance as to when such tires may become a reality, but we applaud a lofty goal. Having said that, as soon as the 90% su ... read more

Automotive transmission system allows for smooth power transfer from the engine to the wheels. Transmission consists of multiple components that have to be lubricated and cooled – that’s the job of the transmission fluid. At Goodyear Tires and Auto Repair in Santa Cruz we offer transmission fluid change, aka transmission fluid flush, for all vehicles, foreign and domestic. Vehicles need transmission fluid flush because the fluid deteriorates over time. Heat, friction, and passage of time cause the transmission fluid to lose its protective chemical and mechanical properties. It also picks up all kinds of gunk and grime that gets created when multiple parts work in close proximity – it’s natural for this to happen, but it further decreases transmission fluid’s lubricating capability, hence transmission fluid exchange is highly recommended – it serves to improve shifting, and extend transmission life. Depending on the transmission typ ... read more

Tire repair is a fact of life for car owners, unfortunately. A stray nail can cause a major inconvenience, especially if the puncture is so severe that you have to use a spare tire. If you are lucky, only a slow leak develops and after the tire warning light lets you know that something is amiss with your tires, you will be able to add air and  look for a "tire shop near me". At Goodyear Tires and Auto Repair in Santa Cruz we offer on-the-spot tire repairs. While not all tire punctures are repairable, we will inspect the tire and let  you know if your's is. If so, we will get it repaired and back on your car, usually in less than an hour. If the tire's sidewall has been compromised, or the puncture is too large, such tires cannot be repaired. In that case, we offer a wide range of replacement tires, including Continental tires, Bridgestone and Michelin tires as well. So next time  your vehicle picks up a nail, or develops a tire leak, call Goodyear T ... read more

Engine diagnostics and repairs are some of the more complex skills that a mechanic can learn. At Goodyear Tires and Auto Repair, the premier full service Santa Cruz auto repair shop, our technicians are not only highly skilled, but are also certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). If your Honda experiences engine problems, bring it to our Santa Cruz auto care facility – you will find friendly customer service and technical excellence that will assure that your Honda gets fixed and back on the road. Honda engine problems can vary in severity and symptoms, but if you notice any of the symptoms we list below, it’s time for a visit to our Santa Cruz auto repair shop – these symptoms tell you that your Honda needs help. Check engine light coming “on” is not to be ignored – without professional inspection, it’s not possible to tell if it’s a minor issue, or if you are damaging your car by driving with the c ... read more

Braking system is the primary safety system of your Toyota. At Goodyear Tires and Auto Repair, the premier Santa Cruz full service auto repair facility, we provide comprehensive brake repairs and services, including Toyota brake fluid change. Regular brake fluid change is important to the proper functioning of your vehicle’s brake system. Brake fluid works under high pressure and high heat conditions. Over time it will suffer from chemical deterioration due to age and high heat, will pick up grime and other impurities as it circulates through the system, and it will absorb moisture from the environment. This last condition – increased water content of the brake fluid - can cause increased braking distance, and in severe cases, it can even cause brakes failure. Car manufacturers offer different time / mileage intervals for brake fluid changes, shortest being 20,000 miles, and some as long as 150,000 miles. At our Santa Cruz auto repair shop we recommend brake fluid test af ... read more

Honda Spark Plugs Replacement in Santa Cruz, CA Spark plugs are vital to the proper functioning of your Honda’s engine. Depending on the quality and materials used to manufacture the spark plugs, they will need to be replaced every 30,000 – 90,000 miles. At Goodyear Tires and Auto Repair in Santa Cruz we offer complete Honda maintenance and repair, including spark plugs replacement. If the spark plugs are not replaced in time, your vehicle may exhibit a number of symptoms, including: trouble starting, check engine light being illuminated, engine misfire, poor fuel economy, rough idling. While these symptoms can be caused by other factors, they can be caused by failing spark plugs. If you bring your vehicle to our Santa Cruz auto repair facility, our nationally ASE certified technicians will use state-of-the-art digital tools to diagnose your Honda, and if the spark plugs turn out to be at fault, we can replace them, usually the same day. So if your Honda ... read more