Is Your Fuel Pump on the Fritz? Here’s What You Should Know

Your car is made up of hundreds of moving parts that work together to get you from point A to point B. Over time, those parts wear down or get dirty, and that’s where regular maintenance comes in. Even though every make and model is different, most vehicles have recommended service intervals that help you know when it’s time for a check-up. Some of the most common items that need service at regular intervals include your engine oil and filter, air filter, cabin air filter, brake pads and rotors, transmission fluid, coolant, spark plugs, timing components, and even your battery and fluids like brake or power steering fluid. Ignoring these can lead to breakdowns, expensive repairs, or even safety concerns. But the good news? Staying ahead of your maintenance schedule can prevent bigger problems down the road. Not sure when your vehicle is due? Our team is here to help. We can look up the manufacturer recommendations for your specific vehicle and help create a maintenance plan that fits your driving habits and your budget. Trust Jim Brangham Auto Repair to keep you on the road—safely, reliably, and confidently. 📍 Stop by the shop or give us a call at ( 760)321-7040 to schedule your next maintenance service.

Optimize your vehicle's performance with Jim Brangham Auto Repair's expert diagnostics in Cathedral City, CA. Discover precision service today!

At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, we see this issue all the time. Let’s talk about what your alternator does and why keeping it in good shape matters. What Does an Alternator Do? Your alternator helps keep your car running by making electricity. It takes power from your engine and charges your battery while you're driving. It also powers important things like your lights, radio, A/C, and power windows. Without it, your battery would run out fast. Signs of a Bad Alternator There are a few warning signs to watch for: Your battery light comes on Your headlights are dim or flickering Strange smells or sounds (like a burning smell or whining noise) Trouble starting your car A dead battery that keeps coming back If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to have your alternator tested. Save Money with Early Repairs Catching alternator problems early can save you money and prevent you from getting stranded. Sometimes it’s just a worn-out belt or a bad connection—easy fixes when caught early. Ignoring it could lead to a dead battery or damage to your car’s electrical system. Visit the Experts in Cathedral City At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we have the tools and experience to test and replace alternators the right way. We’ll let you know what’s wrong and only fix what’s needed—no upselling, just honest work from people you can trust. If you think your alternator might be failing, give us a call today. We’ll help you stay safe and keep your vehicle running strong. Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at 760-321-7040 to schedule your appointment.

If your vehicle has a carburetor or distributor, you know how important it is to keep those parts working right. These older systems might not have fancy computers, but they still play a big role in keeping your engine running strong. What Does a Carburetor Do? The carburetor mixes air and fuel so your engine can burn it and make power. It’s like a chef making the perfect recipe—if the mix is off, your car won’t run right. A dirty or broken carburetor can cause your engine to stall, run rough, or get bad gas mileage. That’s why regular cleaning and tuning is important. What About the Distributor? The distributor sends electricity to your spark plugs at just the right time. This spark is what lights the air and fuel mixture in each cylinder. If your distributor is worn out, your engine might misfire, have trouble starting, or lose power. Keeping it in good shape helps your car run smoother and more reliably. Why It Matters Older cars need just as much care as new ones—sometimes even more. Parts like carburetors and distributors wear out over time, and replacing or adjusting them can make a big difference in how your car drives. If you're noticing hard starts, rough idling, or poor fuel economy, these components might be to blame. Trust the Experts in Classic Car Care Whether you’re restoring a classic or keeping your daily driver alive, the team at Jim Brangham Auto Repair has the experience to help. We know how to handle carburetors, distributors, and all kinds of vintage auto repair. Bring your vehicle in for expert service you can count on. Call us today at (760) 321-7040 or visit us in Cathedral City to schedule your service! We’ll help keep your ride running like it should—old school or not.

What Are Wheel Bearings? Wheel bearings are round metal parts filled with tiny steel balls. They sit inside your wheels and help reduce friction so the wheels can turn easily. Every time you drive, your wheel bearings are working hard behind the scenes. Why Wheel Bearings Matter If a wheel bearing starts to wear out or break, you might hear a grinding or humming sound while driving. It could also feel like your steering is loose or shaky. In some cases, it might even be unsafe to drive. A worn-out wheel bearing can cause the wheel to wobble—or worse, come off completely. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we check wheel bearings during inspections to make sure your vehicle stays safe and smooth on the road. If you're hearing odd noises or feeling vibration while you drive, it’s a good idea to let our team take a look. How We Help Our technicians know how to spot bad bearings early and replace them before they cause major damage. We use quality parts and take the time to explain what’s going on—so you’re never in the dark about your car’s safety. Don't Wait on Noisy Bearings Wheel bearings don’t last forever. If something doesn’t sound or feel right while you're driving, give us a call. We’ll inspect your vehicle and let you know exactly what’s going on. 📞 Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at 760-321-7040 📍 Cathedral City, CA Trusted Auto Repair | Brake, Suspension & Wheel Safety Experts

Is your vehicle's A/C is blowing warm air, making unusual noises, or not cooling like it should? Maybe it's time to schedule a professional auto A/C inspection. Ignoring the problem can lead to more expensive repairs, especially if parts like the compressor or condenser start to fail. Common Signs You Need Car A/C Repair Warm air blowing from the vents Weak airflow or uneven cooling Strange smells or noises from the vents A/C works sometimes—but not always These symptoms can point to problems like a leak, a failing compressor, or a worn-out expansion valve. Whatever the issue, our trained technicians will pinpoint the problem and explain it clearly, so you know exactly what’s going on with your car. Why Cathedral City Drivers Trust Jim Brangham Auto Repair At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we believe in fair pricing, honest service, and high-quality auto repairs. Whether your car needs a simple A/C recharge or a full system replacement, we’ve got the tools and experience to get it done right the first time. We proudly serve drivers in Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and the surrounding areas. Our family-run shop is known for dependable work and clear communication—so you always know what’s being done and why. Book Your Car A/C Service Today Don’t let the desert heat leave you sweating. If you're searching for auto A/C repair near me, look no further than Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City. Call us today to schedule an appointment or stop by the shop for fast, friendly service. 📞 (760) 321-7040 📍 Cathedral City, CA Jim Brangham Auto Repair – Cooling Cathedral City, one car at a time.

What Does the Rear Main Seal Do? The rear main seal is a rubber or silicone ring that seals the back of your engine where it connects to the transmission. It helps keep motor oil from leaking out of the engine. Oil is what keeps all the engine parts moving smoothly, so a leak is a big deal. Signs You Might Have a Rear Main Seal Leak Rear main seal leaks aren’t always easy to spot, but here are a few signs to look for: Oil spots under the middle or rear of your car Low oil levels even after a fresh oil change A burning oil smell while driving Oil on the underside of your vehicle or near the transmission If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your vehicle checked out soon. Is It a Big Repair? Yes, replacing a rear main seal is a labor-intensive job. That’s because it sits between the engine and transmission—two large parts that usually need to be separated to get to the seal. But at Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, our experienced technicians know how to get the job done right. Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It A leaking rear main seal will only get worse over time. If your engine runs out of oil, it can lead to serious engine damage, and that can be very expensive to fix. Catching the problem early can save you a lot of trouble (and money). We’re Here to Help If you think your car might have an oil leak or any other issue, bring it to Jim Brangham Auto Repair. We’ll inspect it, explain what’s going on, and walk you through your repair options. 📍 Located in Cathedral City, CA 📞 Call us today at 760-321-7040 to schedule your visit!

At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we know how important it is to stay cool, especially during those long summer drives. If your A/C isn’t blowing cold air, makes strange noises, or doesn’t seem to work like it used to, it may be time for a professional A/C service. Your vehicle’s A/C system has many parts working together. The compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant all play key roles. If just one part isn’t working right, your system can’t cool properly. Even a small leak or low refrigerant can cause big problems. That’s why our team uses advanced tools to test and analyze your entire A/C system and get to the root of the problem. A well-maintained air conditioner doesn’t just keep you comfortable—it helps protect your engine, your passengers, and even your wallet. Ignoring A/C issues can lead to bigger repairs down the road, especially in the extreme heat we get here in the Coachella Valley. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we’re proud to offer honest A/C service with quick turnaround times and fair pricing. Whether your system needs a recharge, a new compressor, or just a check-up, we’re here to help. Don’t wait until you’re stuck in traffic with no cool air. Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at 760-321-7040 to schedule your A/C service today!

Discover expert auto diagnostics at Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA. Ensure your car's optimal performance today! Visit us now!