Empire Automotive, Inc.
412/416 Madison Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 707.762.7577

General / Misc

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Getting Off to a Running Start (Starter Replacement)

When you start your vehicle’s engine, there’s another motor that makes that whole process possible.  It’s called the starter, and it’s a small electric motor that gets you...
Published on: Mar 09, 2025

Don't Blow a Gasket! (Valve Cover Gasket Replacement)

When you head out to your vehicle after it's been parked and notice oil leaking underneath it, that's something to have looked at right away.  Oil leaks mean your oil level is probably low, and r...
Published on: Jan 19, 2025

Don't Store These in a Cold Vehicle (Items to Avoid Storing in a Freezing Vehicle)

The other day, a man walked into a restaurant carrying a can of paint. He had just bought the latex paint at the local home improvement store, and he was stopping for lunch. "Latex paint is water-bas...
Published on: Nov 02, 2023

MAF Sensor

Air and fuel are mixed together to be burned in your engine. You request how much of each you need by how hard you press on the accelerator, by going up or down a hill or by how much you are carrying ...
Published on: Aug 14, 2023

Finding Vehicle Recall Information in Petaluma

No matter how well they’re made, vehicles will have design or manufacturing problems.  And when the government thinks a problem is really serious, they require the manufacturer to issue a r...
Published on: Jul 26, 2023

Do You Know About Disc Brakes

Racing legend Richard Petty once said, "If you've got good brakes you can stay out of a lot of trouble." If you're hearing unusual sounds when you brake or if your brake pedal is feeling squishy or to...
Published on: Jun 27, 2023

Six Warning Signs Your Vehicle Needs Service (Repair Warning Signs)

Some drivers don't worry at all about their vehicles and neglect taking them in for service.  Here are six warning signs that it's time to head over to your NAPA AutoCare Center and get things ch...
Published on: May 28, 2023

Cold Facts about Heaters

Brrrr.  It's cold outside.  And if your vehicle's heater isn't working, then it's cold inside too.  No fun – and potentially dangerous: heat is needed to defrost your windshield.&...
Published on: Feb 17, 2023