Los Angeles Auto Repair

Wet weather is right around the corner so here are a few safety tips to help keep you from being caught in the rain. Driving in the rain can be intimidating and sometimes dangerous for those who are not prepared. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make your drive safer and limit the risk of getting into an accident. Let us look at some tips for making your next rainy drive a safer one. Replace Worn Tires One of the biggest contributing factors to accidents is the condition of the tires on your car. Worn down tires do not grip the road like they should, which could lead to hydroplaning and accidents. If your tires seem worn down it is time to have them checked by a professional and replaced if necessary. Most drivers understand that worn tires can be dangerous in snow and ice, but the same is true for wet roads during or following a rainstorm. Check Windshield Wipers The windshield wipers on your car are essential when it starts to pour ou ... read more

Since there was so much wildfire smoke in the air in August and September, we have had several people ask us if that would affect their engine air filter. No, forest fire smoke will not do anything to your engine air filter. The smoke particles are so tiny, they just pass through the filter like other small particles. The smoke may irritate your eyes and lungs, but it is harmless to your engine. However, most cars have a cabin air filter, which is designed to clean the air blown out your cabin air vents. This filter will remove the small particles that bother people and smoky air will shorten its life. A lot depends on how often you use your heater and air conditioner, or even just turn on your fan. Also, most cars allow you to choose between outside air or recirculating cabin air. When you recirculate the air, the filter is bypassed and not used. When you switch to bringing in outside air, your filter is engaged, and this will eventually clog it up. Some cabin air filters are conv ... read more

A bouncing car is never a good thing. When you drive, it is supposed to feel like a smooth ride. When you experience a bumpy car ride even when you are not driving over potholes or on a damaged road, there can be a few things wrong with your vehicle. Here are some of the most common problems that cause your car to bounce: Bad Tires The first thing you should inspect if you are experiencing a bumpy ride is your car’s tires. Do they look flat or deformed? When was the last time you checked your tire pressure or refilled them with air? Bad tires are the most common problem for a bouncy car and luckily not extremely expensive to repair or replace. Transmission Problems Plenty of drivers tense up at the idea that their car may have a transmission problem. This is because replacing a vehicle’s transmission can be costly regarding both parts and labor. If you are experiencing a bumpy ride while driving, your car’s transmission may be to ... read more

Car alignment problems can be a major pain for drivers, especially on long trips. However, alignment problems are more than just a nuisance. They can cause your tires to wear unevenly and even damage to your car’s frame if left unchecked for too long. Let us look at some common reasons why your car may pull to one side or the other when driving. Car alignment problems can be a major pain for drivers, especially on long trips. However, alignment problems are more than just a nuisance. They can cause your tires to wear unevenly and even damage to your car’s frame if left unchecked for too long. Let us look at some common reasons why your car may pull to one side or the other when driving. Alignment When one or more wheels are out of alignment, your car will start pulling to one side. Generally, when your car is inspected or you get new tires, the shop will do a wheel alignment and tire rotation to ensure this does not happen. However ... read more

Chances are that you want your vehicle to last a long time. With the right practices and maintenance, your vehicle can keep you driving safely and efficiently for many years. Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle. Stick to the Maintenance Schedule  Do you know that book that usually comes with the car that you rarely, if ever, look at? That book, also known as the vehicle’s owner’s manual, contains a schedule for maintenance. It tells you what on your car should be checked out or replaced and when it should be addressed based on your vehicle’s mileage. Sticking to the maintenance schedule will help extend the vehicle’s lifespan and keep it in good shape. Don’t Neglect Your Vehicle’s Fluids Fluids make your car run smoothly and soundly. Always make sure your vehicle has enough fluids for things such as the engine, transmission, bra ... read more

During the hot summer months, it can be hard to keep cool, and when your car’s air conditioning stops putting out cold air, it can be miserable trying to drive anywhere. It is a pretty common problem for cars to have air conditioning problems, and oftentimes it is a simple fix by a licensed mechanic. But what about AC recharge kits, are they a good solution to the problem? Let us take a closer look at common causes of air conditioning failure in cars as well as how recharge kits work. Causes of Warm Air The most common cause of air conditioning not working in a car is a leak of the refrigerant. This leak can happen anywhere within the air conditioning system, and different leaks will have different methods of repair. Finding the source of the leak is an important part of diagnosing the problem and correcting it. How do Recharge Kits Work? AC recharge kits work by refilling the refrigerant that has leaked as well as sealing any leaks in the sy ... read more

Whether you have been driving for decades or you have just gotten started, the open road can be both liberating and dangerous. Thankfully, there are methods that you can employ to stay safe while you drive. Today we are going to be talking about some of the most common driving hazards and how you can avoid them. Distracted Driving We live in a busy world and the road is no exception. There are flashing billboards, your cellphone, the radio, passengers, and other drivers that are all vying for your attention. Though it may feel okay to take a quick glance at your cell phone or change the song on your playlist, these moments where your eyes are off the road can turn deadly.   Before you start driving, set your playlist, and do not touch it. Put your phone on silent and do not pick it up until you’re safely parked at your destination. If your passengers are being rowdy, remind them that you need to focus on the road for both your safety and theirs. The key ... read more

Most drivers know that brake pads and rotors need to be replaced regularly, but did you know there is more to maintaining your brake system than that? Brake flushes often get overlooked by car owners when they think about brake maintenance, but it is an important part of keeping your car safe and in top shape.   What is a brake flush, and does your car need one? Let’s look more closely at what a brake flush is, and why your car likely needs one to remain in peak working condition. Dirt and Debris Over time as the brake fluid moves through your brake system, it will begin to pick up dirt and debris from the natural deterioration of the brake system. This dirt and debris then continue to circulate through your brake system indefinitely, until you have a brake flush done on your car. This dirt and debris make the brake system less effective, making your car less safe to drive, and over time leads to more damage. Moisture Moisture is also ... read more

There are many components that are essential to keep your car running smoothly. One of those components is the timing belt. Let’s take a closer look at what a timing belt is, what it does in your car, and what kind of maintenance it needs. What is a Timing Belt? The timing belt is a belt in your engine that ensures the parts of the engine run in time with each other. The belt is used to synchronize the opening and closing of valves in the engine so that everything runs smoothly and optimally. When Should it Be Replaced? Because the timing belt is so integral to the engine, it is essential to replace it before it wears down or breaks. Because of the location of the timing belt, it is a complicated process to replace it, but it is very important. Because of this, each car has a recommended interval that the timing belt should be replaced. Generally, this is recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Having a belt that is in good shape and runnin ... read more

Emergencies can happen anytime it is important to have some key things in your car in case of an emergency. You never know when you might be stuck on the side of the road or run into an unforeseen circumstance. Here is a list of eight things you should always keep in your car in case of an emergency. First Aid Kit A first aid kit should be the first thing to go into your car’s emergency kit. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, a first aid kit can be a literal lifesaver. Commercial first aid kits can be purchased that include everything you might need in an emergency, or you can put one together yourself using bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, etc. Spare Tire A spare tire is a good idea no matter where you are driving. Instead of being stranded on the side of the road you can use your spare tire to get you where you need to go. If you do have a spare tire, make sure to also have a jack ... read more