The sentiment of the consumer can be affected for dozens of reasons. But, the majority of complaints are from cars that are not fixed right the first time and misunderstandings about cost.

No shop is perfect but how a shop handles its issues, often makes or breaks a client’s comfort level with a repair shop.  At Sturken’s we ask a lot of questions so we can gather as much information as we can about your vehicle and its needs. Sturken learned a long time ago the expectations are everything.  We do everything that we can to meet your expectations.  This means repairing your car, truck or RV properly the first time, on time and within your budget.

What happens if we don’t deliver as promised? First we own the short coming. We don’t blame the customer.  We apologize for the inconvenience. We then find a solution to get the situation rectified as soon as possible.

If we made a mistake then we explain what went wrong as we understand it.  If we need to buy a new part or do some labor for free, rent a car or give a ride, we do it.  Our clients come to us to solve their automotive issues not get new ones.  Sturken’s understands this very well and our staff does whatever is fair and ethical to make things right.

You find out the real character of a person or a company in difficult times.  Sturken’s never has clients that are given ultimatums or “take it or leave it” attitudes.  That is not the way to treat anyone especially that people that we serve.

Sturken automotive wants you to know that we know you have a choice in automotive repair facilities. We are grateful to the thousand that have chosen us over the last 50 years.

  If you or a friend is in need of responsible auto body, auto repair or an RV repair shop, give us a call, we are always ready to lend a hand and offer a fair repair.

Call Sturken Automotive today!     (408) 295-7195.

You ask, “how does this happen? I take good care of my car and keep it clean” The biological activity is not from what you see but from what you don’t see.  The odor is a result of moisture from your car’s evaporator cooling unit. The collection of dust, pollen and spores condensing together in a warm moist dark environment is the perfect habitat for this smelly condition.  So now you know how it got there. What to do to get rid of it?

There are several things that can be done to remove the foul A/C smell.

• If your car has a cabin air filter make sure it is changed at least once a year. This helps to block dust, pollen and spores from getting to your evaporator in the first place.
• In dusty, humid or heavy pollen areas use recirculated air.  Again, to minimize the bad stuff.
• Under normal conditions (dry or low humidity areas) keep the air system in the fresh mode while driving.
• While driving never turn the fan completely off. Especially after running the air conditioner. This helps to dry out the evaporator so the mold won’t start to grow.
• Try to remember to turn the A/C off a few minutes before reaching your destination. But, leave the fan on; again to dry things out.
• Occasionally in the warmer times, turn your heater on full blast for a few minutes with the A/C off. This will dry out the moisture and kill whatever is trying to spawn in your dashboard. (Note do this with the windows down while driving or let your car idle while parked with the heater on and windows open.  (Sounds crazy but it works!)

Last but certainly not least, there are specialized chemicals that can be sprayed into the far crevices of your dashboard to kill the biological odors.  These products will rid the evaporator of nature’s science experiment and prevent the smell from coming back anytime soon.

Sturken Automotive has the tools and the know how to eliminate those bad smells from your dashboard give us a call now. There is no need to put up with bad science anymore

(408) 295-7195

The brakes in your car are hydraulic. This means the brake fluid (which is not compressible) is forced mechanically (by the action of your foot on the pedal) to compress the brake calipers, which squeezes the brake pads against the brake rotors. By squeezing the rotors, the wheels which are attached, slow down.  A tremendous amount of hydraulic force is required to stop a car. In turn this force causes a tremendous amount of friction between the brake pads and the rotors.  The by-product of friction is heat…a lot of heat.

All fluids have a boiling point and brake fluid is no different. But, if brake fluid boils it changes into a vapor (air) and since air is compressible, this means your brake pedal may get soft and spongy and your car won’t stop very well. In extreme cases it won’t stop at all. Brake fluid is hydroscopic which means it likes to absorb water. When brake fluid sits in your car over several years it collects all types of contaminates as well as water.

Water in the brake fluid lowers the boiling point of the fluid. Remember that water boils at 212. °   Brake fluid is engineered to boil at two or three times that temperature.

When brake fluid is contaminated by water the boiling point lowers.  Under severe braking a lowered boiling point can cause the vaporization of the fluid.

When water is combined with steel it creates rust.  The major components of your brake system are made of steel.  So guess what happens (from the inside out) to your brake system if you don’t change the brake fluid? You got it, it rust. What happens when metal rusts? It tends to get weak and often gets holes in it. Not a good plan for the most important system in your car!

Brake fluid that gets water in it turns funny colors. (Just like water) So if your brakes get rusty inside and have leaks internally, your car is probably not going to stop real well.  (Please take a look at your vehicles brake fluid reservoir.  If it is not clear or looks reddish in color it needs to be flushed out)

Brake repairs and replacements can be very-very expensive the easiest way to minimize these expenses is to not create them in the first place. Flush your brakes every 2 to 3 years and save yourself a bunch of money.

Keep your family and your pocketbook a little bit safer.  Ask for a brake flush the next time you are in.

Call Sturken Auto for a free brake fluid inspection today: 408-295-7195

Ford is recalling certain F-53 and F-59 stripped-chassis vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years to fix a transmission-selector cable that may break.  The F53 chassis is typically used as a platform for motor homes while the F59 is used in commercial trucks, such as delivery vans.

The company said the “prndl “ cable that controls transmission’s gear indicator display can break where it is attached to the transmission control selector arm on the steering column. “Prndl” stands for the park, reverse, neutral drive and low gear positions.  If the cable breaks, the gear indicator display in the instrument panel will not move when the driver changes the gear position.  This can prevent drivers from knowing whether the vehicle is in park or reverse, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford said it built the affected 2011 chassis from Feb. 1,2010, through July 1, 2011, and the 2012 models from May 10, 2011 through Oct. 25, 2011.  The recall includes 13,239 vehicles.

Under the recall dealers will replace the transmission selector arm assembly and the cable free of charge.  The recall is expected to begin in March.  Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Article printed from RV Business”http://www.rvbusiness.com.

On the other hand you can buy great materials but hot prepare the surface properly and you will have shiny paint on a bumpy or dirty surface.

You see it takes both quality materials and quality workmanship to make a paint job good.

I guess it would be a good time to define “good”.  From my perspective that would mean a paint job that will stand up to the elements and look like it did when it left the Dealer.  That would mean quality preparation in a clean environment, with quality materials that are meticulously applied by experts and then highly polished to a show car appearance.  Of course the vehicle would be completely dis-assembled and every ding on it removed.  Then and only then, will I call a paint job good.

For clients fortunate enough to allow Sturken’s to refinish their car, whether it is a complete paint job or a partial paint job after a collision, quality of the paint job is the last thing that you will have to worry about.

Sturken’s guarantees your car will have a perfect color match and paint that is guaranteed for life.  So if you are in need of excellent paint work give us a call.  We can assure you that it will not be done in a cheap way.

Call Sturken Auto Body to ensure a show room finish on your car or truck. 408-295-7195

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:

1. You will find out that the vehicle is very well maintained and needs little or no work.
2. 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.
3. 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

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.

 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.

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!

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.