At Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we have seen our fair share of preventable engine failures. Frequently, engine disaster could have been avoided if the driver had known beforehand what the warning lights or gauges on the dashboard indicated. While some dash lights are fairly benign, others indicate imminent trouble. This guide from Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ will prepare you for the next time your vehicle shows you a warning you shouldn’t ignore.

If your transmission isn’t shifting correctly, you’ll want to be careful about how you choose to proceed. The best thing to do is turn the vehicle off and have a professional take a look at it, but if that isn’t an option, there are some steps you can take to ensure nothing gets damaged. At Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ we can take a look at your issues and also give you some tips on what to do when that option isn't available yet. 

Once you know what's in your transmission, and what’s connected to it, it’s much easier to understand how it works. Let's take a look at how it all comes together. At Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we want to make sure you know how your car works so you can keep it in great condition.

Once you have an idea of how the major components of your transmission operate, it’s time to bring them all together. In its most complex terms, a truck’s automatic transmission takes a lot to understand. However, at Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we like to keep things simple when we can. We want you to understand exactly what's going on with your car, truck or SUV. Here’s a rundown of how everything works together.

You’ve likely encountered someone talking about their car or truck transmission "slipping”. What does that mean, why does it do it, and where do you go from here? At Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, our trained staff has the answers to get you safely back on the road. Transmission slippage is certainly one of the most dreaded issues you face as the owner of a car or truck’s and there are some indicators that let you know that something is wrong.

Nobody wants to put an engine or transmission in their car. However, when that time comes, it’s important to make an informed decision - here are some things to consider when installing a used engine or transmission, from Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ.

In the realm of performance engines, valve adjustments are an essential part of keeping your car running its best. When you add customization to the mix, valve timing becomes even more critical, and it’s important the technician adjusting them really knows their stuff. At Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we’ve got you covered.

On modern vehicles, the PCV system (Positive Crankcase Ventilation System) is essential to ensuring your car or truck is ready to go when you are and remains a long-lasting, reliable vehicle. It’s much more than just emissions control - your PCV system serves multiple purposes and is quite interesting! How does it work, and what are those purposes?  Here at Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we have those answers for you!

Your pickup truck is heavy and hard working, whether it’s a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge. If you add towing to the mix, it’s even heavier and has to work harder. Your brakes are one of the most wear and tear prone systems on your diesel pickup, but at Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we can help you keep yours in good shape.

Automatic transmissions aren’t well understood outside of specialists like our technicians here at Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ. While it would be impossible to teach you enough to make you a transmission expert in a quick article, what we can do is give you the fundamental knowledge you need to have a good idea of what your transmission is doing and how it works. Being able to understand how your transmission works will help you identify any problems that may arise to prevent further wear and tear on your vehicle. 

Every year, more and more trucks come equipped with turbochargers. What was once a novelty or a performance option has become increasingly common as stock equipment. What are they for, and how do they work? Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ is here to help.

Transmission malfunctions are sometimes hard to pin down and might even go unnoticed. A transmission slip can manifest itself in a lot of different ways because there’s not a universal or consistent way to describe it. The trained technicians at Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ can help diagnose your problem. The more details you can provide, the quicker we can help. Since it will vary based on the vehicle, how bad the issue is, and what components are at fault, here are some symptoms to look for in your SUV.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if a transmission is working the way it should or not. Is it supposed to make that noise? Is that problem a symptom of the transmission or something else? Fortunately, Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ has the answers.

If you drive a lightweight car, truck, or SUV, the torque converter you have installed is probably just fine. For those of you with more heavy-duty applications, like high horsepower setups or towing rigs, the stock converter may not be enough. At Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we can help you determine if your torque converter is right for the job you need to be done. 

There comes a time in the life of every fleet vehicle or commercial truck when you have to decide - is it time to retire that truck or van, or should you put the money into fixing it? At Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we’re here to help.

If your brake lights are giving you trouble, it’s something you want to get fixed. It’s a safety hazard, and you might also get a ticket out of it. Why aren’t they working, and what can you do about it? Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ has the answers.

These days, many four-wheel-drive systems are electronically controlled - a button is pushed to engage four-wheel-drive, which activates a solenoid in the transfer case, shifting it into gear. What happens when yours stops working? Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ has the answers.

Alignment is the position of your wheels in relation to your vehicle and how they interact with the road. When your vehicle is properly aligned, your wheels will point in the same direction as the vehicle. To maintain proper control of your car, you must keep your wheels in proper alignment. Otherwise, steering will become difficult, your tires will wear unevenly and your fuel economy will decrease. 

What condition are your tires in? At Sunset Automotive, Inc in Chandler, AZ, we want to make sure you can tell if your tires are in good condition or ready to be replaced. A simple visual inspection is all you need - it’s easy if you know what to look for. Our technicians have been trained to identify trouble before it hurts your vehicle, but they can also help you understand how to keep your eyes open for serious issues.