We're Hiring

Click Here To Apply

Yearly Archives: 2011

Using Proper Fluids in Your vehicle

Today, Made In America Made In Japan is writing about the proper fluids for your vehicle. It's become more complicated with changes in automotive design and manufacturing. It's not that people in Sacramento are confused as much as they don't realize how much things have changed in recent years. If you have questions about the fluids in your vehicle, please don't hesitate to stop by Made In America Made In Japan. You can find us on 1200 I St in Sacramento, California 95814.Just give us a call at 916-442-3287. Let's take engine oil. Twenty or 30 years ago, there were just a handful of different weights of oil. The weight of an oil is a scientific measure of its properties, particularly its viscosity or thickness.It was common in those days to use a lighter weight oil in the winter when it's cold outside. That way the oil would be able to splash around inside the engine and protect the parts before it was fully warmed ... read more

Categories:

Fluids

Emergency Items for Your vehicle

Local Sacramento roadside emergencies can range from a flat tire downtown to being stranded in a snowy ravine for three days. So you may want to consider a basic emergency kit to keep in the car at all times and a travel kit tailored to a specific trip.Your close-to-home kit for around Sacramento would have some basic items to work on your car: everything you need to change a tire, gloves, a couple quarts of oil, some antifreeze and water. A can of tire inflator is a great temporary fix for minor flats. You'll also want jumper cables or a booster box, flares, a flashlight and some basic hand tools.Now for your comfort and safety: a first aid kit, drinkable water, high calorie food (like energy bars), blankets, toilet paper, cell phone, towel, hat and boots. Keep some change for a pay phone, emergency cash and a credit card.People who live in areas with frequent severe weather or earthquakes may want to carry provisions for longer emergencies.For trips away from home, c ... read more

Categories:

Parts

Made In America Made In Japan On Your Serpentine Belt

  Today we're going to be talking about serpentine belts for our Sacramento, California, customers. Let's start by talking about the accessories that are driven by the serpentine belt. First is the alternator. That's the device that makes electricity to power the vehicle and recharge the battery. Then there's the air conditioning compressor that makes cool air for you while you're driving around California in the summer.The power steering and power brake pumps are driven by the serpentine belt in most Sacramento residents' vehicles. Those pumps provide pressure that assists your steering and braking.In many vehicles, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt. The water pump is what circulates the coolant that protects your engine. In some cars around Sacramento, California, the water pump is driven by the timing belt.The radiator cooling fans on some vehicles are also driven by the serpentine belt. Some have separate electric motors. That's really ... read more

Categories:

Maintenance

Battery Replacement for Your vehicle

Modern vehicles in and around Sacramento run on 12 volt electrical systems. 12 volts is enough to get the job done for Sacramento drivers without having so much power that there is danger of electrocution. But today's vehicles have more electrical components and do-dads than ever before. This really strains your electrical system, making it hard for the battery to keep up. Think about it: electric seats, seat heaters, power locks windows and sun roofs. And then us California drivers have all the power outlets for our cell phones, computers and DVD players.We also have navigation systems and powerful stereos. Plus there are all the engine and transmission computers, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, sensors and on and on. Even the security system is running off the battery while the car is turned off.Fortunately, battery technology has given Sacramento drivers resilient batteries that are able to meet these strenuous requirements. But the fact is, batteries ju ... read more

Categories:

Battery

Fuel Saving Tip: Car Weight and Your California Driving

Weight is the enemy of fuel economy. Everyone from Sacramento knows this makes sense.Some of us in the Sacramento area carry a bunch of unnecessary weight, and I'm not talkin' what you see in the mirror.Guys: sports equipment and tools. Ladies: well, just take a look around the passenger compartment and trunk. I think my car has about 45 pounds of french fries on the floor.All that extra weight wastes gas as you drive between here and there, and everywhere else.Lose the junk and save some money....And you really only need one of those spare tires. Made In America Made In Japan 1200 I St Sacramento, California 95814 916

Categories:

Fuel System

Check Your Shocks and Struts at Made In America Made In Japan

  Today we're talking to Sacramento drivers about shocks and struts. They're so easy for California folks to forget about because they last so long and wear out so slowly. But your shocks are really responsible for keeping your tires on the road – so they're very important.Without shocks, your wheels would be bouncing over bumps and lifting on corners. The shocks push the tire down to the road to maximize traction. Good shocks equal good ride quality and safe handling for Sacramento drivers. There's a difference between shocks and springs. Springs support the weight of the vehicle, keeping it suspended up off the axles. The shocks moderate the rebound motion as wheels hit bumps. Now a strut combines a shock and a coil spring in one compact unit. It's best to replace all four shocks at the same time. That way you'll have even, predictable handling at all four corners. Anything less could be dangerous. Visit Made In America Made In Japan&nb ... read more

Categories:

Shocks & Struts

What to Do In Case of an Accident

If you've ever been in a vehicle accident around Sacramento, California, even a minor one, you know how upsetting it can be. It's hard to think straight and know what to do.Let's review what you should do in case of an accident in Sacramento, California:When an accident occurs, you should always stop. Leaving the scene of an accident is considered a crime in California, even if it's not your fault. And hit-and-run penalties are fairly severe, possibly resulting in steep fines, loss of your driver's license or even jail time in our local Sacramento lockup.Most places, including California, require that you try to help someone who is injured by calling for help or performing first aid if you are able.Warn other Sacramento motorists by putting out flares, using your flashers or lifting your hood.Call 911 as soon as possible. Tell the operator if medical or fire help is needed.Always file a police rep ... read more

Tracking True in California: Wheel Alignment in Sacramento

The biggest issue for Sacramento area drivers is always safety. When your vehicle wheels are out of alignment, the vehicle will pull to one side, which could lead to an accident. When you're vehicle is out of alignment, you should have it taken care of right away at Made In America Made In Japan in Sacramento. When undergoing an alignment service at Made In America Made In Japan, your vehicle is put on an alignment rack where the tires, steering and suspension parts are checked for damage. Then the alignment is charted and checked against the factory settings.Precision adjustments are made to bring the wheels back into alignment. This gets all four wheels going in exactly the same direction.Sacramento drivers should be aware of the signs of alignment problems. These include the car pulling to one side. Also, the steering wheel may not be centered when you're going straight. If you see the edges of ... read more

Categories:

Alignment

Finding Vehicle Recall Information From Sacramento

No matter how well they’re made, cars are bound to have problems with their design or manufacturing. When the government thinks a problem is really serious, they require the manufacturer to issue a recall notice to Sacramento residents and to fix the car free of charge. The manufacturer then tries to contact everyone who owns that type of car in Sacramento and elsewhere until the work is done. These recalls always affect safety, so you need to take them seriously. It’s really easy to find out if a vehicle is being recalled. For links to government sites, look in the AutoNetTV website. Other website include: carfax.com; autobytel.com; and dmv.org. All of these sites have free recall searches. R ... read more

Categories:

Maintenance

Custom Wheels and Tires for Your Sacramento Ride

  It seems like everywhere you go in the Sacramento area you see custom wheels. Big trucks, little cars, mini-vans - it doesn't matter - are expressing themselves with custom wheels. Some California auto owners want smaller tires and wheels - some want larger - and some want them enormous. So where do you start if you want new wheels? At Made In America Made In Japan, we suggest you start with your budget. We know, that sounds so practical. But if the look you're after goes beyond just new tires and wheels and enters into the world of suspension modifications, you need to be prepared for the additional cost.Let's start with something easy - you want to give your ride a unique look and the stock wheel size is just right for you. One of the concerns you will have is that the new wheels have the same offset as your vehicle factory wheels.Your tire and wheel professional at Made In America Made In Japan in Sacramento can help you find the right size wheel or install adapters ... read more

Categories:

Tires and Wheels
Having Trouble Finding us?
Get Directions
Jack Dane Auto Service is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Sacramento (Downtown) (916) 442-7139, Rocklin (916) 934-5200 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.