Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog is the place to trust your vehicle to keeping it running. Proudly servicing vehicles in Nevada & Placer County cities, such as, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Auburn, Lake of the Pines, Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley, Colfax, Yuba City, Marysville, Alta Sierra, and beyond since 1942. To be in business for this long, people trust the name Arch’s and the team behind the name for auto repair Grass Valley.
We are a family owned and operated business that has been serving the Grass Valley community since 1941. We provide friendly, fast, and professional service for all vehicles. That is how we get you in and out quick!
Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog was started in 1941 by Arch & Carol Brooks. Back in those days they worked on every component of the vehicle.
We did not have a choice, there were few specialized shops back then so we had to make do with what we had, and we did a good job.”
Arch Brooks - 1986
Arch passed down the business to his son Wally Brooks in 1976 until he retired in 2004. Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog is now owned and operated by Kevin Maltese — who has been with Arch's Automotive for the last 31 years — and Arch’s grandson Brendan Brooks — who, after 4 years in the Navy came back to the business.
I grew up here, I love it up here, and I'm honored to keep this business thriving that my grandparents started over 70 years ago.”
Brendan Brooks - 2004
Arch’s Automotive works on most domestic and import vehicles. Our technicians are ASE certified, and are continually being trained and educated in the latest developments concerning the auto repair industry. We want to earn your business and trust.
Our Services
Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog is the place to trust your vehicle to keeping it running. Serving Grass Valley, Nevada City, and surrounding area car owners since 1942. To be in business for this long, people trust the name Arch’s and the team behind the name.
As a Grass Valley Smog Inspection Station we Check and Repair your vehicle to reduce green house emissions daily.
Every day, the Smog Check program helps California remove an extra 100 tons (yes, that is 100 tons!) of smog-forming emissions from the air. This helps protect our kids from different kinds of respiratory illnesses.
General Repair
We take the approach that we only want to do the job once. That is why we put the best parts we can on your vehicle, whether it is OEM or from the dealer.
We only want to do the job once. It is a lot easier to do the job right the first time than to try and take short cuts that only come back to bite you in the pocketbook even harder.
Engine Diagnosis
Today’s vehicles are very sophisticated machines, and we are the beneficiary of such incredible technology, occasionally things go astray and that check engine light comes on indicating that there is a problem with one of the vehicle’s components.
You will want someone with the experience to properly diagnose and repair your vehicle using the right parts and know how to get you up and running again.
From the brake pedal to hydraulic brake fluid, brake master cylinder to power brake booster, drum brakes to disc brakes and electronic anti-lock brake sensors, Arch’s technicians know every part of your brake system inside and out and can perform brake repair on most makes and models.
Tune ups and overhauls
Coolants are not made equally; listen for more.
Foreign or Domestic
We can service most makes and models, contact us to see if we can get your vehicle back on the road in great running condition.
Smog hours may change depending on how many cars are in line.
Professional and Friendly
Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog is a professional Vehicle Testing Station and DMV Services Provider dedicated to providing fast and courteous service. We take pride in our technicians.
Certified Smog Check Station in Grass Valley, California
In California, all vehicles must submit a smog inspection every two years in order to renew your car registration. If you are new in California, your car will be required to have an inspection to register, even if you have a current certificate from your previous state. Testing can be completed at Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog in Grass Valley, California.
Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog, we are proud to be a Certified Test and Repair Station by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). We use the latest in diagnostic technology to make sure your car is safe.
Why is a Smog Inspection Important?
The Planet & People
As a Smog Inspection Station we Check and Repair your vehicle to reduce green house emissions daily. Every day, the Smog Check program helps California remove an extra 100 tons (yes, that is 100 tons!) of smog-forming emissions from the air. This helps protect our kids from different kinds of respiratory illnesses.
Engine Diagnosis
If the smog inspection fails We will diagnose the issue with your Emission’s System and let you know what needs to be done to repair it so you can get back on the road.
Engine Repair
If your Emission’s System needs to be repaired so you can pass smog inspection, we will take the time and repair it right, not just so you can pass today, but to see what issues are causing you from passing in the future.
Brake Inspection, Service, and Repair
Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog Brake Experts
From the brake pedal to hydraulic brake fluid, brake master cylinder to power brake booster, drum brakes to disc brakes and electronic anti-lock brake sensors, our auto repair technicians know every part of your brake system inside and out and can perform brake repair on your vehicle. No wonder Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog Smog is one of Nevada County’s brake service leaders.
Brake Warning Signs
You know you need brake repair when:
the brake dashboard light glows amber, indicating problems with the anti-lock brake system (ABS)
the brake dashboard light is red, indicating a system imbalance
the brake pedal is spongy or slow to respond or goes to the floor when pressed
the brake pedal feels soft or goes to the floor when pressed
you hear grinding or constant squealing during braking
the brake or anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light comes on
the car jerks or pulls to one side when braking
the steering wheel shakes, wobbles, or jitters when braking
Any time you notice these or other symptoms, it is a good idea to have your brakes checked. At Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog, if our inspection reveals you do need brake repair service, we will explain exactly what is required, what is optional, and provide you with a written estimate before any work is done.
Brake Systems - Too Much Information
Brake Warning Signs
Your vehicle’s brake system has one job – to stop your vehicle. But it takes several key components to deliver that singular end result. To bring a vehicle to a halt, three things are necessary: leverage, hydraulic force, and friction. Leverage is supplied by the driver’s leg pressure and the brake pedal. The pedal is connected by levers and rods to the back of the power booster. The power booster uses either engine vacuum or a hydraulic pump to multiply and transfer the force of that leverage to the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the heart of your vehicle’s brake hydraulic system. It uses applied leverage to force a reservoir full of brake fluid through valves, steel lines and rubber hoses into hydraulic calipers and wheel cylinders. That hydraulic pressure is then used to help create friction.
For example, disc brakes use a hydraulic caliper fitted with brake pads to grab a spinning disc (or rotor). Drum brakes, on the other hand, have a hydraulic wheel cylinder that pushes a brake shoe against the inside of a spinning drum. Either design involves highly engineered parts and precise movement. The more force a driver applies to the brake pedal, the greater the stopping force that is applied at the wheels.
In addition to this primary braking system, most of today’s vehicles utilize an electronic Anti-lock Brake System. Using electronic sensors and high pressure pumps, under certain conditions, your ABS system can measure vehicle speed, wheel slip and brake force. Then it actually pumps the brakes for you during an emergency stop.
That is why it is essential to be proactive about testing overall brake components. And to know whether a brake component needs simply to be serviced or totally replaced.
Keeping Your Brakes in Working Order
Why is brake service important?
Because brakes are made of materials and components that wear down over time, they need to be inspected and repaired or replaced on a routine basis.
When brake inspections and maintenance are overlooked, it can lead to costlier repairs and replacements, as well as a dangerous inability to stop your vehicle. And no one wants to worry about that.
How often do you recommend brake service?
We recommend you have your brakes checked every 12 months or 15,000 miles, but it is always a good idea to check your owner’s manual for your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.
Brake Fluids
Brake Fluid Change
Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated as moisture builds up. Most brake components contain copper and when copper is exposed to moisture, it begins to erode. As brake components erode, particles can begin to contaminate the brake fluid - and that means it is time for a brake fluid change.
During your free brake check, our Grass Valley Auto Repair Tire and Auto Service Professional will inspect and perform a strip dip brake fluid test to determine if you need a brake fluid change. If the strip dip brake fluid tests reveals that your brake fluid is contaminated then it is time for a brake fluid exchange.
Brake Bleeding
The need for brake bleeding arises when air gets into your brake fluid line. The introduction of air into the brake fluid can be caused by a leak, overrunning of the master cylinder, or simply from having had recent work done on your brakes. If air has made its way into your brake fluid line, it causes your brake pedal to have a soft, spongy feeling when you press down on it. If you are experiencing this when braking, you may need brake bleeding to correct the problem.
Brake Fluid Leaking — Nasty Business
Brake Rotors
Brake Rotor Replacement
A sure sign that it is time to replace brake rotors is if your car is wobbling or pulsating when you drive at highway speeds. Wobbling or pulsating sensation indicate that your brake rotors are warped or worn. Over time, the pressure of the brake calipers pressing into the brake rotors can lead to heat spots and grooves which damage brake rotors. Another cause of damage can come from brake pads wearing too thin. When this happens, the metal of the brake pads scrapes against the metal of the brake rotors.
If you are wondering when to replace brake rotors, stop by Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog to see one of our Grass Valley Auto Repair Professionals that will perform a brake check and inspect the health of your brake rotors. If brake rotors have significant wear or are warped they will be measured to see if they need to be replaced.
When to Replace Brake Rotors
When it comes to replacing brake rotors, every car is different, dependent on manufacturer standards and driver habits. The need for brake rotor replacement or resurfacing is best determined with an inspection and review of manufacturer standards. If your car begins pulsating or wobbling, or your brakes begin squealing, screeching or squeaking, have an Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog Professional inspect your entire brake system, including your brake rotors. These are all common brake problems on cars and trucks.
Save yourself time and costly repairs by bringing your car in at the first sign of trouble — your future self will thank you.
View of Brake Rotors — for Those That Never Seen One
Nevada & Placer County cities, such as, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Auburn, Lake of the Pines, Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley, Colfax, Yuba City, Marysville, Alta Sierra, and beyond.
Effective Date: November 2, 2024 This policy outlines the information Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog website collects, how we use that information, and how you can control how we share your information. This policy applies only to Arch’s Automotive Service & Smog Website (“Site”), operated by Davenport Website Designs (hereinafter “DWD”). Please be aware that when you follow a link to an outside site, this privacy policy does not apply, and we have no control over what information that site might collect from you.
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![Carol & Arch Brooks [circa 1950s].](/_parts/images/history/carol-and-arch-brooks-circa-1950s.webp)
![Mark IV Auto Air Conditioning Diploma [1962].](/_parts/images/history/markIV-auto-air-conditioning-diploma.webp)
