Kaneohe Auto Repair

As the weather heats up, you'll want to ensure that your car's air conditioning system is working properly. One common issue that can cause your A/C system to malfunction is a refrigerant leak. If your car's A/C system isn't cooling your car as it should, it's possible that your system is lacking refrigerant. But how do mechanics test for A/C leaks? There are several ways that auto repair shops can test for leaks in an A/C system. Method #1: Visual Inspection One of the simplest ways for a mechanic to determine if there is a refrigerant leak is through a visual inspection. The technician will look for oil stains or residue around the A/C system components, including the compressor, hoses, and connections. Oil stains may indicate that refrigerant has leaked from the system. Method #2: UV Dye Test If a visual inspection doesn't reveal any obvious leaks, another trick we may use is the UV dye test. The technician will add a small amount of UV dye to the A/C s ... read more

Your vehicle's transmission is a vital component that helps your car shift gears and transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Unfortunately, transmissions can wear out over time and may require repair or replacement.  When to Repair Your Transmission If your transmission is experiencing minor symptoms, such as slipping or sticky gears, it may be possible to repair it rather than replace it. Common repairs for transmissions include replacing the clutch, repairing or replacing solenoids, or replacing faulty seals or gaskets. If your transmission is still under warranty, it may be more cost-effective to have it repaired. When to Replace Your Transmission In some instances, it may be more cost-effective to replace your transmission rather than repair it. If your transmission is severely damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan, it may be more practical to replace it with a new or rebuilt transmission. Signs that your transmission may need to be replaced include fr ... read more

The automotive air conditioning (A/C) system is a crucial component for ensuring comfort during hot summer months. An essential component of the A/C system is the refrigerant, which removes heat from the cabin and circulates cool air. Over the years, different types of refrigerants have been used in automobiles, and it's important to understand the most common types and their benefits. R-12 (Freon) - This was the original refrigerant used in automotive A/C systems, and was very popular until the 1990s. R-12 has a high global warming potential, which is why it was banned and replaced by newer, more environmentally-friendly refrigerants. R-134a - This refrigerant became popular in the 1990s and is still widely used in vehicles manufactured after 1996. R-134a is an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant that has a low global warming potential and is safe for the environment. R-1234yf - This is the latest and most advanced refrigerant used in modern vehicles. R-1234yf has a very low gl ... read more

Transmission repairs are two words that terrify our customers the most (and with good reason). The transmission isn’t something that vehicle owners should take lightly. It supports the life of your vehicle by transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Unfortunately, transmission repairs can occur due to poor maintenance or old age. Fortunately, it can be easy to catch the signs early enough to avoid costly repairs.  Here are some of the warning signs that indicate your vehicle needs transmission repairs: Slow Responding or Unresponsive Transmission - Does your vehicle hesitate or refuse to stay in gear? If so, there’s a good chance you need transmission work. If there is a delay between gear shifts while you are on the road, it can put you and others in a hazardous situation. Problems Changing Gears - If your transmission simply can’t stay in gear or shift gears at all, please do not drive your car. It is not considere ... read more

The sun is always shining in Kaneohe, which means many of us are still blaring our car’s air conditioning in December. And without working A/C, your car rides can quickly turn miserable. Auto A/C is no longer a luxury but an essential for Hawaii drivers.  Auto air conditioning systems have evolved and become more complex as technology improves. If you want to stay comfortable in your ride, make sure to repair any A/C problems you may have. Below are some of the most common problems and indications that you need A/C repairs: Weak Airflow  Most cars nowadays allow you to precisely control the temperature and airflow of their air conditioning system. If you turn on your A/C to only be met with little to no airflow coming out of the car vents, then you likely have an air conditioning problem. This can be attributed to a hose or fan problem, but it is best to take your car to Willy's Transmission & Air Conditioning for accurate inspections and repai ... read more

A drivetrain is often the most confusing and underlooked part of the automobile. This problem stems from various factors, including how the term drivetrain often gets confused with driveline and powertrain. The drivetrain is a broad term that comprises major components including the transmission, axles, and wheels. These parts work together to play a major role in propelling your vehicle and controlling torque or turning force. What Are the Main Parts of A Drivetrain? Transmission - Responsible for transferring engine power to the driveshaft. Wheels - Structured to support the weight of the vehicle and produce motion to move the vehicle. Driveshaft - A steel tube that connects the transmission and wheels Universal Joint - A flexible pivot point that is used to transmit rotary motion. Constant Velocity Joints - A part of the driveshaft designed to bend in different directions while turning the wheels. Differentials - Splits engine power and allows wheels to turn at different RPMs ... read more

Regular maintenance is crucial for any vehicle if it is to run optimally. There are several types of maintenance schedules for vehicles with one of them being the factory scheduled maintenance also known as 30/60/90k vehicle maintenance. It means that you schedule maintenance for your car every 30,000 miles so at 60,000 miles and 90,000 miles and so forth. Most drivers and car owners ignore 30/60/90k vehicle maintenance because the car may still be running smoothly after 30,000 miles. However, factory scheduled maintenance can help your vehicle be in the best shape and avoid the cost of repairing or replacing parts. Importance of Factory Scheduled Maintenance Following the factory scheduled maintenance or servicing your car every 30,000 miles is crucial for several reasons. For starters, some companies will consider the warranty void if you do not follow the 30/60/90k maintenance schedule. Therefore, following the schedule may help you use your warranty. Following the factory's ... read more

On average, a car battery should last approximately 3 to 5 years. Beyond this time window, batteries should be monitored more closely as they become more unreliable and prone to dying. In fewer cases, some vehicle owners may have to replace their vehicle’s battery sooner than 3 years. Considering your battery is where all of the electrical power is stored in your car, you should know how to spot the signs of a dead battery. 5 Ways to Tell If You Need a Car Battery Replacement Half-functioning Accessories - A good method to check your battery is to check how your accessories run right after your car starts up. For example, see if your headlights are dim. Rev your engine to see if the lights react differently. If so, it may mean that your battery is weak and cannot meet power demands. Battery Corrosion - When was the last time you inspected your car battery? If you open your hood only to see a blue or green substance covering your battery terminals, there is a good chance that y ... read more

Properly working air conditioning is a necessity for those in Kaneohe, HI. During the hotter months in Hawaii, drivers become more reliant on their A/C than ever. Now imagine getting into your car, SUV, or truck and blasting the A/C, only to find that it only blows hot air.    You might be wondering, “why is my car A/C still only blowing hot air?” Below are some of the most prevalent reasons why auto A/C may stop blowing cold air: Refrigerant Leak -  Low refrigerant levels are the most common culprit of warm A/C. If there is a lack of refrigerant circulating through the A/C system, then it can’t eliminate the heat successfully. At Willy’s Transmission & Air Conditioning, we can pinpoint leaks and patch them up with no problem. Failing Condenser - The condenser is an air conditioning component that is responsible for removing warmth from the refrigerant released from the compressor. This process cools down the refrigerant before it turns in ... read more

Transmission fluid is what helps to keep your car moving while in gear. The gears in your transmission are constantly meshing, which produces a lot of heat. Over time, the transmission fluid can break down and become less effective at doing its job. That's why it's essential to change your transmission fluid regularly. But how often should you do it? How Often Should You Change Your Transmission Fluid? The general rule of thumb is to change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. However, this may vary depending on the make and model of your car as well as your driving habits. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or frequently tow heavy loads, you may need to change your transmission fluid more often. Some carmakers have started to extend the recommended interval for changing transmission fluid. For example, Honda now recommends that you change your transmission fluid every 100,000 miles under "normal" driving conditi ... read more