Posted on 4/1/2021
Choosing the right auto repair shop is crucial for the longevity of your car. Your end goal is to find one that is reliable, knows how to service your vehicle, and is trustworthy. To help you determine if an auto repair shop is worth your time and money, here are some things to look for. Good Reviews Reviews are very telling of a business. They come from a variety of people who have already worked with the auto repair shop. Oftentimes the reviews are very honest, and you can easily get an idea of how the shop handles vehicle repair and maintenance needs. Save yourself time and money by taking the time to search online for auto repair shops that have plenty of good reviews. Certifications Does the shop have any certifications? The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) line of certifications has become the industry standard. Do not be afraid to ask an auto repair shop to see their certifications. The right shop should be eager to show you just how trustworthy and experienced a me ... read more
Posted on 11/2/2020
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
Posted on 8/24/2020
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
Posted on 8/3/2020
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
Posted on 6/30/2020
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
Posted on 3/15/2020
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
Posted on 1/1/2020
Preventative Maintenance is More Important as Vehicles Age The average age of vehicles on the road is rising, and as cars get older, they need more service and repair. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists who own an older car, truck or SUV become more diligent about preventative maintenance. “With the average vehicle age exceeding 11.5 years, the chance of a breakdown or service issue on an older vehicle is much greater,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “The Car Care Council urges drivers of older vehicles to implement a preventative maintenance plan for their vehicle to minimize the chances of a roadside breakdown and to also help their vehicle run more efficiently and economically.” According to Experian Automotive, the average age of passenger vehicles on the road is rising, up from 11.29 years in the first quarter of 2015 to 11.61 years in 2019. The most common maintenance procedures to keep a car operating safely ... read more
Posted on 8/23/2019
Children are the biggest joys in our lives in protecting them from danger is a fulltime job whether you are their mom, teacher, scout leader, or their bus driver. Bus drivers are skilled drivers who must also deal with keeping a busload of kids safe at one time, so keep that in mind when you are dropping your kids at the bus stop. Give your child’s bus driver the support they need by helping to teach your kids about proper bus riding etiquette. The greatest risk to your child is not riding a bus but approaching or leaving one. Before your child goes back to school or starts school for the first time, you and your child need to know traffic safety rules. Teach your child to follow these practices to make school bus transportation safer. FOR PARENTS Safety Starts at the Bus Stop Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus: at least three gia ... read more
Posted on 8/16/2019
Your smog test can be just as daunting as taking your SATs if you are unprepared. If you don’t pass, you can’t keep legally driving your car and the repairs can get costly. This test ensures that your vehicle is not producing more than its’ share of emissions and that it is contributing to keeping the air as clean as possible. These following tips may just help increase your chances of passing when it comes time to have a Smog Test done. Investigate That Check Engine Light This is the biggest and easiest issue to avoid; if you go into your smog test with your engine light on, it’s an immediate fail. Simply get your vehicle diagnosed and resolve the issues to get one step closer to passing. Make Sure Your Tires are Properly Inflated To The Correct Tire Pressure Most states run a dynamometer test, which forces your car to run at high speeds while staying stationary. When your tires aren’t fully inflated, your engine must ... read more
Posted on 11/1/2018
When it comes to your vehicle cheap parts just won’t do! You rely on your vehicle to get you and your family to important places like work and school safely and on time. Cheap parts tend to fail sooner than higher priced and better quality parts. When they fail, you also risk having them damage other parts of your vehicle, further raising your repair costs. As a result, you need to take the time out of your busy schedule to find an auto repair shop to correct what should have been repaired correctly in the first place. That is, if you are lucky enough not get stranded on the side of the road somewhere and now add having to deal with more lost time and towing as well. At Westside Transmission & Automotive we have been providing excellent auto repair services for all makes and models of vehicles in Los Angeles for over 20 years now. Jack, the owner, has been in the auto repair business for over 26 years. We perform all auto repairs on all makes and models and specialize ... read more