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13 – The Used Low-Mileage Motor Home

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Sturken

We get this call every week: “I just bought this really low mileage motor home that’s older (10-20 years) and it needs a few things looked at. Can I bring it by this week? We have a trip planned soon and we want to get it checked out before we go.”

Please don’t do that! You are buying a motor home to enjoy and take your family out for a good time. You are probably going to spend a fair amount of money for it. So why not get it inspected BEFORE you buy it?

Mileage on the odometer means almost nothing on a motor home. The reason why is that they sit. And this is usually outside in the weather, uncovered and un-moved for 90% of their life. Since the majority of the critical parts of an RV are made of rubber and plastic they begin breaking down (hardening/cracking) within a few years of being built. If they sit in intensely cold or hot areas with direct sunlight, the aging process can accelerate at a tremendous rate.

In a motorized RV the aging process usually starts at the roof and tires and then moves to the engine and the seals. It’s a tall order to expect all of these components to be in top notch, road worthy conditions when they sit and the suns ultraviolent radiation rains down every day for years on end.

My recommendation is to have any RV (or car for that matter) professionally inspected prior to purchase. One of three things will happen:

You will find out that the vehicle is very well maintained and needs little or no work.
You will find out that it does need some work but might be a workable solution for your family. And, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate or walk away.
Or you will find out that the vehicle is in deplorable condition and should not be purchased under any circumstances (yes this does happen).

Whatever the outcome you will have confidence in your decision and clarity in your mind regardless of the outcome.

When it comes to buying any trailer, motor coach or car do what wise investors have been doing for years. Pay to have your next used vehicle inspected before you invest in it. If not you could be paying for it for years to come.

When it is your time to buy call Sturken Auto & RV for your pre-purchase inspection
408 295-7195

12 – What is Bondo?

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Sturken

Bondo is a trade name that has become synonymous with all plastic body fillers. Much like the brand name Kleenex which has universally become the name for tissue.

Plastic fillers became popular in the 1960’s because of their ease of use and minimal toxicity. Prior to plastic filler all rough body work had to be smoothed through the use and application of molten lead. The lead was heated up to a liquid state and then applied to the dented metal with a wooden paddle. The lead had to be applied quickly and with expert ability. Needless to say it took a lot of practice and resources to use it. Lead was used in many different ways at that time and auto body was just one example. As time went on scientist discovered that lead was toxic and it was eventually eliminated from the body shop altogether.

As for plastic fillers, they have continuously improved as dozens of companies now make their own versions of “Bondo”.

Plastic fillers start as two components, a soft creamy substance a little thinner than warm peanut butter. To that, a catalyst is added in a small ratio. A chemical reaction occurs and the two products combine and become warm. Within a few minutes the filler begins to harden. Once dried or cured, the “Bondo” can be sanded into almost any shape or contour. Typically, it is used to hide unsightly dings or dents in auto body work that cannot be smoothed to perfection with body hammers. When sanded in stages (and often applied or re-coated 2 or 3 times) an expert body man can make a previously dented panel appear to be perfect and without flaw.

So our thanks to the chemists that created all of the plastic fillers we use today. You have made dent removal safer and faster for body shops everywhere.

For flawless body work always insist on the best. Insist on Sturken Auto Body.

Call 408-295-7195.

11 – What does car care aware mean?

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Sturken

Car care means a lot of things. For starters it means reading your owner’s manual so that you’re aware of what the manufacturer’s maintenance schedules are. It means paying close attention to how your car starts every day. How it runs when it’s cold. How it runs when it’s hot. Does it steer with a hesitation and go straight down the road? Do the brakes stop effortlessly and without noise or vibration? When you are outside of your car at night, do all the lights work? Are the headlamps aimed straight ahead? Do the headlamps reach as far down the road as they used to or are they faded and yellowed? Does your transmission shift smoothly and consistently? Do you have any occasional or constant warning lamps on your instrument panel? How about doors and locks? Do they open and close without any effort and not allow any wind or rain in as you drive? Is the air conditioning blowing as cold as it used to? Do you smell funny smells or do you have fluid leaks? Is the car clean and waxed regularly to assure the finish will last for years?

There are dozens of systems on today’s automobiles that need or will need attention at some point in your vehicle’s lifetime. Most folks don’t pay enough attention. (Which is why almost everyone needs a professional mechanic to inspect and maintain their car in a pro-active way.) If a regular and consistent plan is followed the chances of having a break down or catastrophic failure are minimized.

Today cars and trucks are very well built and they can last a long time if they are cared for. It would bode well for your wallet and your conscious, if you find a mechanical shop that your trusted. (The type of shop that would help you to stay a step ahead with regular preventative maintenance.) As the old doctors used to say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Do yourself and your car a favor. Let Sturken’s take care of all of your maintenance and you will have tremendous peace of mind. We will take care of your car or truck so you can focus on the other important things in your life. Knowing that your car is safe and reliable all of the time is a great feeling. Call Sturken’s today to get and keep complete automotive satisfaction 408-295-7185.

10 – What Makes Sturken Auto & RV Different From A New Car Dealer?

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Sturken

VALUE! We offer a far more personal experience. Our goal is NOT to make the cash register ring and rake up as much profit as possible. Our goal is to repair your vehicle properly using parts appropriate for the job necessary. And, to do so in a respectful manner while educating you as to the “why” we need to do “that”

There are often many options when repairing your car. We try to give you a choice when there is one so you can make an informed decision as to what might work for you at any given time. No scare tactics here; just the facts and observations.

We encourage you to do your homework. See what others say about Sturken’s. The reviews are out there. We have been repairing cars for over 50 years and chances are if you ask a few folks about us they will have heard of us.

If you have a accident the team members at Sturken’s will do everything they can to make the best of a bad situation. If you need repair or maintenance on your car, truck or RV, we will be glad to help. Without happy clients that refer us to friends and family, we wouldn’t have a business. And we never forget that!

Make it safe and reliable…. Make it Sturken’s!

9 – Update: NHTSA’s August RV-Related Recall List

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Sturken

Print September 22, 2011 by RV Business Leave a Comment

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the latest recalls related to the RV industry:

• Cummins is recalling certain ISB6.7, ISC8.3, ISL9, ISX11.9, and ISX15 engines shipped from September 2010 through December 2010 to various vehicle manufacturers. These engines were installed in recreational vehicles, emergency vehicles, buses, and certain truck applications. The V-band clamp assembly, part numbers Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)/Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) include a T-bolt which can fracture and fail when subjected to stress or load. A fracture or failure of the T-bolt may cause the clamp to loosen and the inlet or outlet sections attached to the DOC/DPF housing to disconnect. Cummins is working with the vehicle manufacturers to identify and notify owners. The safety recall is expected to begin during September 2011.

• Fleetwood RV is recalling certain model year 2010 American Eagle, American Tradition, Discovery, Revolution LE, and Model Year 2011 American Eagle, American Heritage, American Tradition, Bounder, Bounder Classic, Discovery, Expedition, Providence, Revolution LE, and Southwind Class A motorhomes equipped with Murray or Siemens brand circuit breakers. These circuit breakers have a non-conforming “spring clip” plug-in assembly that breaks or fails to provide sufficient force to maintain a proper electrical connection in the panel board. The safety recall began on August 25, 2011.

• Winnebago is recalling certain model year 2012 ERA motorhomes manufactured from November 11, 2010, through July 13, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, “Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars.” These vehicles are equipped with the wrong vehicle weight label. Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions. At the customer’s option, a dealer can perform the installation for them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on August 19, 2011.

• Airstream is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Avenue coaches manufactured from May 10, 2010, through July 29, 2011. The driver’s and passenger’s seat swivel mechanism locking pin could loosen and become disengaged from the swivel mechanism allowing the seat to swivel back and forth going down the road. Airstream will notify owners, and dealers will repair the coaches free of charge. The safety recall began on August 19, 2011.

• Tiffin is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Phaeton motorhomes with floorplans QBH, QKH, and QTH that are built with 2010 EPA-certified engines on Powerglide chassis. The exhaust pipe is mounted too close to the underside of the floor. Melting of the insulation can occur, possibly resulting in a fire. Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will attach a heat shield to the bottom of the floor and an insulating sock or blanket will be wrapped around the exhaust pipe. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2011

• Spartan is recalling certain model year 2010, 2011, and 2012 recreational vehicles, models MM, K2, K3, Bus, Furion, Gladiator, and Metro Star, manufactured from September 29, 2010, through June 20, 2011, equipped with a Cummins ISB, ISC, ISL, or ISX diesel engine. The V-band clamp assembly, part numbers Q187684, Q187685, and Q187686, used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)/Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) include a T-bolt which can fracture and fail when subjected to stress or load. Spartan is working with Cummins to identify and notify owners of the recall campaign. Repairs will be performed by authorized Cummins dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on September 12, 2011.

• Navistar is recalling certain model year 2011 Monaco Vesta and Holiday Rambler Trip recreational vehicles manufactured from May 28, 2010, through May 18, 2011. The fuse in the high beam headlight electrical circuit may blow under normal operating conditions disabling the headlights without warning, possibly resulting in reduced driver visibility. Navistar intends to send out an interim notice to owners if parts will not be available before October 14, 2011.

• Dutchmen is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Rubicon travel trailers manufactured from December 8, 2010, through July 15, 2011. These vehicles may have been manufactured with the exterior furnace vent not installed in the sidewall of the trailer. The furnace can run without the proper exhaust ventilation and release carbon monoxide to the interior of the unit. Dealers will inspect the trailer to verify the furnace exhaust is present and install one if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on August 26, 2011.

• Winnebago is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Winnebago Access, Access Premier, Chalet and Model Year 2011 Itasca Impulse, and Impulse Silver motorhomes manufactured from March 5, 2008, through April 28, 2011. These vehicles may have the potential for the propane supply hose to make contact with the metal door frame. Dealers will check to make sure the propane supply hose is not damaged and replace it if necessary and add a clamp to route hose away from any unfriendly surfaces. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on August 19, 2011.

• Jayco is recalling certain model year 2011 Seneca Class C motorhomes, series 36FK and 37FS, manufactured from May 18, 2011, through July 13, 2011. These vehicles may have insufficiently torqued bolts attaching the trailer hitch to the motorhome frame. Loose hitch bolts could result in the hitch separating from the frame. The safety recall is expected to begin during September 2011.

• Carriage is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Cameo, Carri-Lite, model year 2010-2011 Royals, and model year 2009 Domani fifth-wheel trailers with generator transfer switches. The generator transfer switch may not be manufactured or installed to the proper specification causing a potential for excessive heat build up inside the switch. Dealers will inspect the generator transfer switches and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during September 2011.

• Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Damon Tuscany, Astoria, and Essence recreational vehicles and model year 2011 and 2012 TMC Tuscany and Astoria recreational vehicles manufactured from May 7, 2009, through August 12, 2011. The circuit breaker for the windshield wiper motor is insufficient for the load. The breaker should have a 15-amp rating, however the vehicle was built with one rated at 10 amps. The windshield wiper will stop operating if the breaker trips due to a circuit overload. TMC will notify owners, and dealers will exchange the breaker with a 15-amp one, free of charge. TMC has not provided an expected start date for the recall.

• Thor motor coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Windsport and Hurricane motorhomes manufactured from September 3, 2010, through August 18, 2011.on these vehicles, the exhaust system is close to a vehicle storage compartment. Heat can build up in this area. TMC will notify owners, and dealers will install a heat shield to protect the storage compartment from the heat generated by the exhaust. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during September 2011.

• Motor Coach Industries, Inc. (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2011 E4500 and J4500 motor coaches manufactured from December 2010 through January 2011, equipped with a Cummins ISX 11.9 diesel engine. The V-band clamp assembly, part numbers Q187684, Q187685, and Q187686, used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)/Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) include a T-bolt which can fracture and fail when subjected to stress or load. A fracture or failure of the T-bolt may cause the clamp to loosen and the inlet or outlet sections attached to the DOC/DPF housing to disconnect. MCI will notify owners, and repairs will be performed by authorized Cummins dealers free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during September 2011.

• Tiffin motorhomes is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Phaeton, MY 2008-2010 Bus, and MY 2010 Allegro motorhomes equipped with Kongsberg automotive adjustable brake pedals. The adjustable brake pedal arm may loosen allowing the arm to rotate around its shaft and swing in front of the accelerator pedal, reducing braking function. Daimler Trucks (DTNA), the manufacturer of the chassis, is performing recall repairs and notification to owners. The owners were initially notified by DTNA on December 22, 2009, and a follow up notice was mailed to owners on July 20, 2011.

8 – Improving the ride on your R4R or RR4R Roadmaster RV Chassis

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Sturken

If you are looking to improve the ride on your Class A – Roadmaster motor home, look no further then Source Engineering.

Source Engineering has designed several suspension upgrades that not only enhance the comfort of your ride but they also give you tremendous peace of mind. When a complete suspension upgrade is installed one the first things you notice is less stress behind the wheel. It almost doesn’t matter which proprietary components you purchase for your coach, the result is always an improved ride.

If your Class A motor home does not give you a Class A ride, go to www.rvchassis.com (Source Engineering website) to see if it can be improved.

As a dealer and installer of the outstanding Source Engineering products we can vouch for a few things. The parts are well engineered for their intended purpose, well made and they work!

Our clients are always pleased with their “new coach” ride and improved handling.

Take it from us, upgrading your suspension will be the best investment you can make.

Give us a call to review the ride improvements that may be right for you. We’ll be happy to speak to you about any improvement possibilities.

Why not make the investment to drive your dream in comfort, as hundreds already have?

Sturken Auto & RV Repair (408) 295-7195

San Jose 95133

7 – What is Paint Blending?

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Sturken

Paint blending is a special process that involves spraying new paint in a gradual pattern so that at the human eye cannot detect color variance or a start and stop point.

That sounds pretty straight forward but in the real world, it really is a work of art.

There are literally dozens and dozens of factors that can ultimately affect the colors we see when looking at partially repainting an automobile.

Did you k now that there is no such thing as factory paint? That’s right, car factories don’t make paint, they buy it. And a car factory in Kentucky does not use the same paint as a car factory in Detroit even though they are building the same car and painting it the same color. Often times there are 4-6 variables for the same color! This is just the start of the difficulties. Then add in wear and tear and fading and you can imagine what a modem automotive paint technician is up against.

Suffice it to say that a good paint tech is an artist and illusionist. At the end of the day no matter how good of a repair the body shop has done, if the paint does not match perfectly, we have let the customer down.

Fortunately the crew at Sturken Auto Body has a perfected this process. We buy the best paint and paint products, train our folks well and do everything we can to assure that your paint repair has a matching show room finish. If color matching is one of your concerns after you’ve had an accident, rest comfortably in knowing that Sturken’s guarantees that the paint we spray will match.

Call today for a personal tour of our paint department (408) 285-7195

6 – How often should I wax my car and is there an easy way to do it?

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Sturken

Waxing your car should be done at least twice a year. If you are using a pure wax (versus an abrasive cleaner/wax) you can wax your car as often as you would like.

The easiest way to wax your car is to do it in sections. Always wash, rinse, and wax your car when the surface is cool. When waxing work in sections perhaps a quarter of the car at a time. Focus on the top surfaces since they get the most sun damage and never get a break from ultra violet radiation. With all of the U.V’s it is easy to understand why these surfaces become dull, chalky, and flaky before the rest of the finish.

So why do you say work in sections? Well this is for several reasons, first and foremost if you look at the task of waxing as several small jobs instead of one big job you are more likely to get it done. You don’t have to wax your entire car in one stop. Wax one section at a time until you slowly make your way around your vehicle. If you do this each time you wash your car and on a regular basis you will end up waxing your car completely twice a year or so. Another reason to wax in sections – it won’t wear you out as much. If you waxed your entire car in one session it will wear you out, and discourage you from doing it the next time.

The final reason – it takes a really long time to wax your car properly front to back, top to bottom. By all means go for it if you have the time and energy. With the way our lives are now days, most of us cant’ spend the hours it takes to get it all done at once. The important thing is that you do wax your paint.

Newer cars have sophisticated paint jobs that are very expensive to replace. You will be proud and your car and it will have more resale value if the paint has a showroom finish years after it leaves the dealership. Just take some time to care for your paint.

If you don’t’ have the time or the energy to wax it yourself our detail crew would be happy to do it for you. Give Sturken Auto and RV Repair a call today to schedule an appointment. It doesn’t get any easier then that! (408) 295-7195

5 – Do I need to buy name brand gas?

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Sturken

Technically no. But, your engine and it’s components might be happier if you did. Quality fuel has better refinement than lesser refined fuel. Like wine, if you start off with better grapes you’ll end up with better wine. A higher grade of crude oil that has better refinement will end up as a better grade of fuel. (Regardless of octane ratings).

Refiners have a choice when producing fuel. Lower quality fuels have less refinement. Less refinement means undesirable compounds for your engine and fuel system.

Things like olefins and di-olefins any numbers of undesirable compounds are left in gasolines that are less refined. Your engine has to be able to rid itself of these or long term problems can arise.

Poor quality fuels can raise your vehicles emissions, lower fuel mileage cause stumbling, rough idle, clogs and deposits in places that wouldn’t have them. In short long term use of cheap fuel, will probably cause long term and costly repairs down the line.

So what should you do? By name brand fuel as often as you can. I’m not saying never buy cheap gas, but, if you do, do so in moderation. If you use quality fuels at least 50% of the time you’ll probably be okay. I say probably because there are dozens of variables that can change the outcome. Ultimately you need to pay attention to how your car runs, responds, and your fuel millage.

Regardless of what fuels you use it would still be a good idea to use a fuel system cleaner occasionally to make sure your fuel system and engine run at 100% efficiency all of the time. Do so and you won’t run into any breakdown issues because of a clogged or dirty fuel system.

Sturken Automotive can help your car truck or RV fuel system run at optimum levels, ALL of the time. Ask us about it the next time you’re in for preventative maintenance.

4 – Treat your car like a plane and make it last

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Sturken

What is the difference between an aircraft that doesn’t get preventative maintenance and a car that doesn’t? The car’s drivers can pull over if their car quits and call a tow truck. The plane’s pilot is going to die. Think that you might handle maintenance differently if your car was a plane? You bet you would as death is not a good option.

Federal law requires aircraft maintenance every 100 hours or so. If you don’t get your aircraft signed off by a certified mechanic the plane is “grounded” and you can’t use it. If it were the same for automotive care, our experience is that 80% of the cars on the road would be “grounded”. That is a huge percentage! That means 8 in 10 of the cars on the road wouldn’t be on the road for lack of maintenance.

Twenty percent of the cars we see daily are in excellent mechanical condition and virtually all of those are less than 2 years old. Take them out of the equation and almost 100% of our inspected vehicles need some type of service!

Do your best to take care of your car, truck, or RV. You may not kill yourself if your car quits but your wallet could suffer shock and death if you avoid regular maintenance.

See us at Sturken’s automotive at least twice a year to keep your vehicle “airworthy”.

Call Now! (408) 295-7195

(408) 295-7195