Automotive Industry News & Information - Oliver Automotive

At Oliver Automotive in Novato, CA, 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 Oliver Automotive in Novato, CA will prepare you for the next time your vehicle shows you a warning you shouldn’t ignore.

If you’ve owned a vehicle long, particularly one with a few miles on it, you have probably encountered a peculiar smell that grabbed your attention. Scents that you encounter while driving (emanating from your vehicle, not the horse farm down the road) are indicators of your vehicle's health and often the first warning that something may be wrong. Oliver Automotive in Novato has assembled this list to prepare for you for the next time you smell something odd, so you’ll know what’s going on next time you notice a funny smell.

At Oliver Automotive in Novato, CA, we understand all too well the importance of changing your oil regularly. Three to five thousand miles sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t really take that long to rack them up. The busier you are, the more you probably drive, and the more likely you are to forget it’s time to change your oil. Here are some reasons to pay attention to your oil changes, and help you better understand why oil changes are so important.

At some point, while waiting for your tank to fill up, you’ve probably wondered what the difference is between the choices of gasoline at the pump. Typically, you see three buttons, with a number between 85 and 98, in ascending order and ascending prices. These numbers are octane ratings, which you probably know; but what is an octane rating, really?

Some of you may have experienced poor quality work done to your vehicle, which may have ended damaging your car worse or left you feeling uneasy. At Oliver Automotive in Novato, CA, we understand the importance of high-quality service and repairs which is why we strive to be the best. Here are examples of why it makes a difference, no matter what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive.

Man working under the hood of his vehicle

If you want to avoid nasty and unexpected surprise maintenance costs, sticking to a regimented schedule of preventative maintenance is something you are going to want to get used to. The reason being is simple – frequent maintenance will keep your vehicle in good health, ensuring you get the most out of all those expensive-to-replace parts. While it might sound counterintuitive, the best way to reduce maintenance costs is to stick to a prescribed maintenance schedule.

man in car smiling at camera with hand on shifter

How long have you been driving? Most people say since they were sixteen years old or even younger. Driving for that long will obviously improve anyone’s driving, but there will always be room for improvement. Whether that’s getting rid of distractions or simply changing how you drive, here are some tips that are sure to better your driving.

At Oliver Automotive in Novato, CA, we know how easy it is to overlook vehicle maintenance when everything is working as it should - we also know firsthand the toll neglected maintenance takes on a vehicle. Here’s an easy thing you can do yourself, that might save you an engine, transmission, or avoid numerous other problems.