Taking a little time in December to review your vehicle’s maintenance can help you start the new year strong, avoid expensive repairs, and make sure you’re not leaving money—or miles—on the table.
Today’s vehicles are more advanced than ever. From hybrid powertrains to full electric drivetrains and complex onboard computers—modern cars are closer to smart machines than simple transportation. At Toole’s Garage in San Carlos, we embrace that evolution. Our technicians are not just keeping pace with the technology curve—they’re trained, certified, and fully equipped to handle the latest innovations in automotive systems. Here’s how we’re helping Bay Area drivers stay confidently on the road as vehicles continue to get smarter. The New Era of Automotive Technology Over the last decade, we’ve seen more change in the auto industry than in the fifty years before it. Vehicles rolling into our San Carlos shop today are packed with technology like: Hybrid and Electric Drivetrains that rely on high-voltage battery systems and complex power management. Computerized Engine and Transmission Controls that optimize performance and efficiency. Over-the-Air Software Updates that can change how your vehicle behaves—without you ever visiting the dealership. These advancements make driving safer, cleaner, and more efficient—but they also require a new level of expertise when it comes to maintenance and repair. Hybrid and EV Maintenance: It’s Not Just About the Battery Electric and hybrid vehicles still require regular maintenance—just a different kind. Brake systems, cooling circuits, software updates, and even cabin filters play vital roles in keeping your EV or hybrid running at its best. At Toole’s Garage – San Carlos, our technicians are trained in: High-voltage safety and diagnostics Battery health assessments and cooling system maintenance Regenerative braking service Manufacturer-specific EV systems We use industry-approved tools and follow OEM-level service procedures to ensure every EV and hybrid we touch gets the care it deserves—no shortcuts, no guesswork. Our Training Never Stops Technology moves fast—and so do we. Every Toole’s Garage technician participates in ongoing education to stay current with evolving vehicle systems. From advanced electrical diagnostics to manufacturer-specific software, we invest heavily in training and equipment so our team remains ahead of the curve. We’re also part of professional networks and training groups that connect us with the latest industry updates, ensuring our San Carlos team can handle whatever rolls into the shop—gas, hybrid, electric, diesel, or hydrogen and CNG. Your Dealership Alternative for the Next Generation of Cars Dealerships aren’t the only ones that can service advanced vehicles. At Toole’s Garage, we combine dealership-level technology with personalized, community-focused care. Whether you drive a Tesla, Toyota hybrid, or the latest European model, you’ll receive transparent communication, expert service, and genuine respect for your time and investment. Modern cars demand modern care—and Toole’s Garage – San Carlos is ready. From EV and hybrid maintenance to ADAS calibration and cutting-edge diagnostics, we’re proud to lead the way in the next generation of automotive service. If you drive a high-tech vehicle, trust the team that’s trained for the future. Schedule your next appointment at Toole’s Garage – San Carlos, and experience what advanced auto care feels like—today and tomorrow.
Long dry spells change the road. Oil and dust build up on the pavement, tires dry out a bit, wiper blades harden, and drains collect debris. When the first big storm hits, that oily film lifts, traction drops, and visibility becomes the real challenge. A quick pre-rain plan keeps your car sure-footed, your glass clear, and your trip less stressful when California finally gets the downpour it has been missing. Tires Tires lose wet-road bite long before they look bald. Tread depth below about 4/32 inch struggles to move water out from under the contact patch, which raises hydroplaning risk at surprisingly low speeds. Check all four tires with a tread gauge and look for uneven wear that hints at alignment issues. Set the pressures to the door label number when the tires are cold. If your pressure monitor has been warning on cool mornings, you may already be a few psi under the target, which hurts wet traction and braking. Brakes Water reduces friction until pads and rotors wipe themselves dry. If the system already has issues, the first mile in a storm will expose them. Pulsation from rotor thickness variation, dragging calipers, or thin pads all lengthen wet stopping distances. A quick inspection for pad life, clean and lubricated slide pins, and firm fluid condition pays off the first time traffic stacks up on a shiny freeway. If you tow or drive in the hills, consider rotors and pads matched to higher heat so the pedal feel stays consistent in the wet. Visibility Hardened wiper blades smear instead of squeegee . If the rubber leaves fine lines or chatters in a drizzle, replace the blades now. Top the washer reservoir with low-temperature fluid so it does not dilute the first time you spray. Many drivers forget the cabin air filter’s role in defogging; a clogged filter slows airflow to the windshield and makes it hard to clear humid glass. Turn on the A/C with heat to dehumidify the air when the cabin fogs, then switch out of recirculate once the glass is clear so moisture has a path out. Electrical and Battery Readiness Wet weather exposes weak connections. A battery that is marginal after a hot summer can dip below the voltage that modern modules expect, which leads to flickering screens and random warnings. Clean the terminals, confirm the hold-down is tight, and have the battery tested for its state of health, not just its charge. Inspect exterior lights and replace cloudy bulbs so you are visible in heavy spray. If your car has headlight lenses that have grown hazy, a quick restoration improves light output on dark, wet evenings. Seals, Drains, and Underbody Dust, leaves, and pine needles collect during dry months. Cowl drains near the base of the windshield can clog, sending water into the cabin during a downpour. Clear debris from the cowl and sunroof drains if equipped. Check door and trunk weatherstrips for tears so water does not pool in hidden pockets where electronics live. After the first big storm, a gentle underbody rinse removes mud and grit from brake and exhaust brackets that hold moisture against metal. Driving Habits for the First Storm The first hour of rain is the slickest as oil lifts from the pavement. Give yourself a larger following gap and lower speed. Avoid cruise control in standing water so you can lift the throttle quickly if the tires start to skim. If you feel the steering go light, ease off the gas, keep the wheel straight, and let the tires roll down to a speed where they can bite again. Gentle inputs keep stability control calm and help the tires cut through the film rather than slide over it. A Quick Pre-Storm Checklist Measure tread depth and set tire pressures to the door label Replace wiper blades and top the washer reservoir Inspect brake pad thickness and rotor condition Test the battery and clean the terminals Clear cowl and sunroof drains, check weatherstrips Verify all exterior lights, especially brake and tail lamps These small steps stack up to a big gain in confidence when the sky opens. What To Do After Driving Through Deep Puddles If you cross water that reaches the bottom of the doors, assume some moisture touched the brakes and underbody. Lightly brake for a few seconds afterward to dry the rotors. If the steering feels heavy or you hear a new belt squeal after a splash, a wet serpentine belt may be slipping; let it dry while avoiding heavy electrical loads. If the car ever stalls in deep water, do not crank it repeatedly. Have it checked to prevent water ingestion damage. Storm-Ready Service at Toole’s Garage in California If you want your car prepared for the first big rain, we can help. Our team checks tires and alignment, services brakes and fluid , installs fresh wiper blades and a clean cabin filter, tests the battery and charging system, and clears drains so water stays out and visibility stays high. Schedule a visit with Toole’s Garage in California, and head into the storm with clear glass, confident stops, and a car that feels planted on wet pavement. Toole's Garage - San Carlos, 1065 Washington Street, San Carlos, CA Toole's Garage - Valley Springs, 3577 W. Highway 12, Valley Springs, CA Toole's Garage - Stockton, 847 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, CA Toole's Garage - Jackson, 12700 Kennedy Flat Road Jackson, CA
Some people discover their calling later in life—but others grow up surrounded by it. At Toole’s Garage in San Carlos, one of those naturals is our technician, Kelby , whose path into the automotive world feels almost destined. A Childhood Built on Curiosity and Craft Kelby spent his early years in Hawaii and later on the San Francisco Peninsula, where he was always tinkering, building, or digging holes in the yard. His grandpa restored old cars and even built boats, while his dad kept his beloved Vanagon “Westie” and an old Ford Country Sedan running with plenty of weekend wrenching. Whether he knew it or not, Kelby was absorbing all of it. But like many young gearheads, he also loved video games and drawing—interests that helped shape the creativity and precision he brings to every repair job today. From Cupcake Jockey to Automotive Pro After high school, Kelby enrolled in the automotive technician program at Skyline College , committing to a hands-on career that blended his love of problem-solving and working with mechanical systems. To pay the bills, he took a job at a local bakery as a self-proclaimed “cupcake jockey”—proof that even future master technicians start somewhere unexpected. His first official step into the automotive world was as a lube tech at a dealership. Day after day, he found himself under an endless sea of Toyotas, gaining experience, speed, and confidence. Then he heard about a respected local independent shop—Toole’s Garage—thanks to a longtime family friend who had been a customer for years. After doing his research, Kelby picked up the phone and called Dave Toole directly… and the rest is history. Growing Into the Big Jobs When Kelby joined our San Carlos auto repair team , he started with routine maintenance services. But it didn’t take long for everyone to see that he had an appetite for the complex stuff—the jobs with a hundred tiny pieces and tight tolerances. As most technicians know, building a career means investing in your tools. Kelby began assembling his collection, buying the specialty equipment needed to handle bigger, more advanced repairs. He shadowed our seasoned techs, tackled heavy jobs, and—like so many driven mechanics—enrolled himself in what he calls “YouTube University.” Of course, he also took real professional training courses, expanding the most valuable tool in any technician’s toolbox: knowledge . The Satisfying Symphony of Precision Ask Kelby what he loves most, and you’ll get a clear answer: “ The complex jobs. The ones where everything has to go back together just right. ” For him, the reward isn’t just the repair—it’s the moment the engine fires up and purrs perfectly, the proof that every step, every bolt, every adjustment was spot-on. That commitment to precision is exactly what makes him such a strong asset to Toole’s Garage and to our customers who rely on high-quality, trustworthy repair. When he’s not under the hood, you’ll find him riding the backroads on his motorcycle or gaming online with his dad—who, fittingly, is a video game designer. A True Part of the Toole’s Garage Family Kelby brings humor, enthusiasm, and genuine passion to our shop every single day. He’s the type of technician who would probably still show up even if he won the lottery (though we’d tell him to at least take a long vacation first). We’re proud to have technicians like Kelby on our team—people who not only keep cars safe and reliable, but also bring heart, personality, and professionalism to every customer who walks into our San Carlos shop .
