Why Your Ignition Coil Matters — And How It Can Save You Money
May 13, 2025
At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA, we see all kinds of engine problems—and one small part that can cause big trouble is the ignition coil. While it might not sound important, your ignition coil plays a huge role in keeping your car running smoothly.
What Does the Ignition Coil Do?
Your ignition coil takes the battery’s low voltage and turns it into the high voltage needed to create a spark in your engine. That spark lights the fuel in your engine so your car can run. If your ignition coil isn’t working right, your engine may misfire, run rough, or even stop running altogether.
Signs You Might Have a Bad Ignition Coil
If your car is hesitating, stalling, shaking, or your check engine light is on, it could be due to a faulty ignition coil. You might also notice a drop in fuel efficiency or poor acceleration. These issues can damage other parts of your engine over time if not fixed.
Why Servicing Your Ignition Coil Saves Money
Catching ignition coil problems early can save you from much more expensive repairs down the road. A misfiring engine can damage your catalytic converter, which is one of the most expensive parts on your car. Replacing a coil is far cheaper than replacing the entire exhaust system or engine components that get stressed when the coil fails.
We Use Advanced Testing and Analysis
At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we use advanced testing equipment to find issues fast. We don’t guess—we test. If your vehicle is showing signs of trouble or the check engine light is on, bring it in. We’ll pinpoint the problem, explain your options, and only recommend repairs you actually need.
Keep Your Car Running Strong
Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a big one. Regular service and inspections help keep your ignition system healthy and your wallet happy. If you’re in Cathedral City or anywhere in the Coachella Valley, we’re here to help.
Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at (760) 321-7040
to schedule your next service.
At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we check and service all the key parts of your vehicle, including: Oil & Filter Service – Fresh oil keeps your engine running smooth. Brakes & Brake Flush – Regular checks make sure you can stop safely. Coolant Flush & Radiator Service – Keeps your engine from overheating. Transmission & Differential Service – Protects your gears and helps with smooth shifting. Belts, Timing Belts & Radiator Hoses – Stop problems before they leave you stuck on the road. Tire Rotations, Alignments & Balancing – Help your tires last longer and improve gas mileage. Air, Cabin & Fuel Filters – Keep your engine breathing right and your air clean. Battery Service – Makes sure your car starts every time. Spark Plugs & Fuel Induction Service – Give your car more power and better fuel economy. Shocks & Struts – A smoother ride and safer handling. Even small things like windshield wipers , radiator caps , and A/C duct cleaning make a big difference in safety and comfort. If you skip these services, your car may seem fine at first, but over time you’ll risk breakdowns, costly repairs, and unsafe driving. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we help you stay on track with your service intervals. When your car is cared for on schedule, you’ll have fewer surprises, more peace of mind, and a vehicle you can count on. 📞 Call us today at (760) 321-7040 to book your next service and let our team keep your car safe and reliable!
What Do Radiator Hoses Do? Radiator hoses move coolant between the engine and the radiator. This keeps your engine from overheating, especially in the hot Cathedral City weather. Without strong, healthy hoses, your cooling system can’t do its job. Signs Your Radiator Hoses Need Attention Over time, hoses can wear out, crack, or leak. Here are a few signs you might need a hose replacement: You see coolant on the ground under your car. The hoses feel soft, swollen, or brittle. Your engine temperature starts to rise. Why It Matters in the Desert With triple-digit summer temps, the cooling system in your car works overtime. A weak radiator hose could burst without warning, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Staying ahead of the problem with a quick inspection can save you from an expensive breakdown. Trust Jim Brangham Auto Repair At Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, our ASE-certified team can inspect, test, and replace your radiator hoses to keep your vehicle safe and reliable. We’ve been helping drivers in the desert for decades, and we know how tough the heat can be on your car’s cooling system. If you notice any of the signs above, don’t wait. Call us today at (760) 321-7040 to schedule your cooling system service or smog check. Keeping your radiator hoses in good shape means a cooler, safer ride for you and your vehicle.
Discover expert auto diagnostics at Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City, CA. Optimize your car's performance. Schedule an online appointment now!
One of the most important parts of your vehicle is the cooling system . It keeps the engine from getting too hot. If your radiator, hoses, or water pump stop working, your engine can overheat fast. That can leave you stuck on the side of the road with a big repair bill. Taking care of your cooling system is simple but very important. Fresh coolant, good hoses, and a clean radiator all help your engine stay safe. If you see your temperature gauge go up, notice steam under the hood, or find green or orange liquid under your car, your cooling system may need attention. A strong cooling system also helps with smog checks. When your engine runs at the right temperature, it works better and cleaner. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we’re a STAR-certified smog station , so we can help you with both cooling system service and smog testing in one stop. We’ve been serving Cathedral City for years, and our family-owned shop is here to keep your car running cool and safe. 📞 Call us today at (760) 321-7040 to book your cooling system check or smog service. Stay cool, pass smog, and drive with confidence!
Why Classic Cars Need Special Care Classic cars are built differently from today’s vehicles. Many use older systems, unique parts, and materials that require careful attention. Over time, rubber seals dry out, belts and hoses wear down, and electrical systems can show their age. If these issues aren’t handled properly, it could take away from the joy of driving your classic. Our Experience with Vintage Vehicles With decades of experience right here in the desert, our team has worked on all types of classic cars. From muscle cars to European collectibles, we know how to service, repair, and maintain these vehicles with the precision they deserve. We don’t rush the work. Instead, we take the time to make sure repairs are done right the first time. Services for Classic Cars At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we offer: Preventive maintenance to keep your car reliable Careful repair and replacement of worn parts Testing and analysis to make sure systems are working properly Expert advice on how to keep your car in top condition Trust Your Classic with Us Your classic car isn’t just transportation — it’s a passion. That’s why you need a shop that respects its value and treats it with the same care you do. Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair in Cathedral City at (760) 321-7040 to schedule service for your classic car today. Let us help keep your piece of history on the road for years to come.
At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we know how important it is to keep your air conditioning system in top shape during the hottest months of the year. Your vehicle’s A/C system does more than just blow cold air. It uses several key parts—like the compressor, condenser, and refrigerant—to keep the air cool and keep you safe from the desert heat. When something goes wrong, you may notice warm air , weak airflow , strange noises , or even a bad smell from your vents. These are signs it’s time to have your A/C checked. Our experienced team provides thorough testing and repair to make sure we find the cause of the problem, not just the symptom. From r echarging refrigerant to fixing leaks or replacing worn parts , we do the job right so your A/C keeps you comfortable mile after mile. Don’t wait until you’re stuck driving in the heat—if your A/C isn’t keeping you cool, bring your vehicle to us today. Call Jim Brangham Auto Repair at (760) 321-7040 to schedule your A/C service and let our family take care of yours.
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!
