What You Should Know About Wheel Bearings

They help your alternator make power, keep your A/C blowing cold, and run other parts your car needs. Here in Cathedral City, our hot weather is hard on belts. Heat makes the rubber wear out faster. Over time, belts can crack, stretch, or even break . If a belt breaks while you’re driving, you could lose power steering , your battery might stop charging , or your engine could get damaged . Signs Your Belt Needs Help If you hear a squealing noise , see cracks , or notice frayed edges , your belt may be worn out. Even if you don’t notice anything, belts should be checked often so they can be replaced before they fail. Keep Your Car Running Right At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we check your belts and replace them when needed. This helps prevent bigger problems and keeps you safe on the road—especially during our hot desert days. If you think your belt might be worn, or it’s been a while since you had it checked, call us at (760) 321-7040 to set up a visit.

Get top-notch A/C & heat repair at Jim Brangham Auto Repair, Cathedral City, CA. Stay comfortable year-round. Visit us today for quality service!

Many people think cold weather is the main cause of battery problems, but heat can actually do more damage. High temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside a battery. While that might sound good, it also makes the battery fluid evaporate faster . This can lead to corrosion , internal damage , and a shorter battery life . That’s why in the Coachella Valley, batteries often fail sooner than the usual 3–5 years. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we offer battery testing to make sure yours is in good shape. Our testing and analysis checks how well your battery holds a charge and how it performs under stress . This helps spot problems before they leave you stranded. If your car is slow to start , your lights dim when using accessories, or your battery is more than three years old , it’s time for a check. A quick test now can save you the hassle and cost of a breakdown later. Stay ahead of the heat—call Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City at (760) 321-7040 to schedule your battery test today. We’ll help keep your car ready for every drive, even in the hottest desert days.

When it starts to fail, you might notice the brakes feel harder to press or the car takes longer to stop. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we’re here to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel. What Does a Brake Booster Do? The brake booster is a part of your braking system that uses vacuum pressure to help your foot push the brake pedal more easily. It reduces the effort it takes to stop your vehicle. If it stops working properly, stopping becomes harder—and that can be dangerous, especially in sudden traffic situations. Signs Your Brake Booster May Be Failing You might have a brake booster issue if: Your brake pedal feels stiff or hard to press. The engine stalls when you press the brake. It takes longer to stop your car. You hear a hissing noise when braking. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a trusted shop. Why It Matters Brake boosters don’t need to be replaced often, but when they fail, it affects your entire braking system. Ignoring the problem can lead to higher repair costs and increased risk while driving. That’s why regular brake inspections are key to safe driving. We’re Here to Help At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we offer professional brake inspections and repairs you can count on. Whether it’s the brake booster, master cylinder, or your brake pads, we’ll take care of it with honest service and expert attention. We proudly serve the Yucaipa, CA community and surrounding areas. Need Your Brakes Checked? If your brake pedal feels off or you're unsure about how your brakes are performing, schedule a visit today. Call us at (760)321-7040 or stop by the shop—we’re happy to help!

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.

At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, we’ve seen our fair share of fuel pump problems, and we’re here to help you understand what they do, how they fail, and when to bring your car in for help. What Does an Electronic Fuel Pump Do? In simple terms, the fuel pump delivers gas from your tank to your engine. It needs to send just the right amount of fuel at the right pressure, or your car could sputter, stall, or struggle to start. Most modern vehicles use electronic fuel pumps because they’re precise, efficient, and work seamlessly with fuel injection systems. Signs Your Fuel Pump Might Be Failing If your car is acting up, your fuel pump could be the culprit. Keep an eye (and ear) out for: Engine sputtering or stalling Hard starts or no start at all Loss of power while driving Whining noise from the fuel tank If you're noticing any of these issues, don’t ignore them—fuel pump problems can quickly go from annoying to dangerous. Why Timely Fuel Pump Repair Matters A faulty fuel pump can leave you stranded, reduce fuel efficiency, and cause other engine problems if left unchecked. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we use testing and analysis to pinpoint fuel delivery issues and recommend the best solution for your vehicle—whether that’s a fuel pump replacement or related repair. Trust the Pros at Jim Brangham Auto Repair Since 1993, we’ve proudly helped drivers throughout Cathedral City with honest, reliable service. If you suspect a fuel pump issue—or anything else—give us a call. We’re family-owned, STAR-certified for smog repair, and ready to handle everything from engine diagnostics to A/C repair and more. Need help with your fuel system? Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at (760)321-7040 and get back on the road with confidence.

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.