West Los Angeles Auto Repair

Have you ever wondered what those gases coming out of your car's exhaust pipe are and what they consist of? The fumes that exit the tailpipe may seem like a simple byproduct of your car's operation, but they are actually a complex mixture of chemicals that can have a significant impact on your health and the environment. Firstly, let's define what exhaust fumes are. The exhaust fumes are the result of the engine combustion process. In simple terms, when the fuel and air mixture in the engine cylinder ignites, it produces energy that powers the engine. As a consequence of this combustion process, exhaust gases are formed, which include water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. Water vapor and carbon dioxide are relatively harmless and are considered greenhouse gases. Nitrogen and oxygen are also present in the atmosphere, so their presence in the exhaust is not harmful. However, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are two compounds har ... read more

As a driver, one of the most important things you can do is pay attention to the warning lights on your dashboard. One of the most critical of these warning lights is the brake warning light. The indicators mean that your vehicle's braking system needs to be checked out because it is compromised. The brake warning light can mean a few different things depending on the vehicle, but generally, it indicates that there is a problem with the brake system. The most common cause of the brake warning light is low brake fluid. When the brake fluid level is low, it means that there is a leak in the system, which can cause a loss of brake pressure. Another common cause of the brake warning light is a worn brake pad. When the brake pad wears down, it can cause the brake warning light to come on. If the brake pads are worn, it is important to have them replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the brakes are working properly. The brake warning light can also indicate a problem with the bra ... read more

Regular tire inspections are essential for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. By monitoring your tires, you can identify issues early on and prevent accidents caused by tire failures. Here are some of our top tips on what to look for when inspecting your tires: Check the Tread Depth The tread on your tires is what provides traction and stability on the road. As you drive, the tread wears down, reducing its effectiveness. To check the tread depth, use a penny and insert it upside down into the track. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are worn out and need to be replaced. Look for Signs of Damage Inspect your tires for any symptoms of tire damage, such as cuts, punctures, or bulges. These can weaken the tire's structure and cause a blowout while driving. If you notice any damage, it's best to have the tire inspected by a professional to determine if it needs to be replaced. Check the Tire Pressure Proper tire pressure is crucial ... read more

As a driver, you want your car to run smoothly, efficiently, and reliably. A key component of this is a well-functioning cooling system. This system is responsible for keeping your engine from overheating and, in turn, helps to ensure the longevity of your vehicle. It’s therefore essential that the cooling system receives regular maintenance to prevent problems and keep it functioning properly. So, what kind of maintenance does the cooling system need? Here are some of the most important parts of the cooling system and what you need to know about them. Radiator: The radiator is one of the key components of the cooling system. Over time, rust and debris can clog the radiator, causing it to be less effective in removing heat from the engine. A professional can clean the radiator or, if necessary, replace it. Hoses: Hoses are responsible for carrying the coolant from the engine to the radiator. Over time, these hoses can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. If you notice ... read more

Oil changes are arguably one of the most important ways to maintain your vehicle’s integrity and reliability. They are quick and accessible, yet drivers tend to put this maintenance task off for as long as possible. Unfortunately, skipping oil changes can put your engine at great risk of damage later in the vehicle’s life. To stay on top of your oil changes, here are the top three ways to tell when it is time to replace your engine oil: Number of Miles  Miles is one of the most effective ways to determine when your next oil change is due. Every car manufacturer recommends oil change intervals in mile increments. The numbers can vary depending on your vehicle’s age/model and the type of oil it takes. You can find your vehicle’s specific interval in the owner’s manual. Older vehicles with simpler engine designs tend to use conventional oil and require oil changes every 3,000 miles. Whereas, newer model vehicles take synthetic oil, which can last betwe ... read more

No matter where you drive, what kind of terrain you drive on, or how often you drive, your vehicle’s tire maintenance is something that you never forget. When you neglect to inspect and service your tires, you’re putting your safety on the line, losing money that could be saved over time, and bringing down the performance of your vehicle.  Tire maintenance includes regularly performing the following tasks:  Rotating your tires Monitoring your tire pressure  Checking your tire treads Getting wheel alignments and wheel balancing Knowing when to replace your tires To make things easier for you, here are some of the signs that indicate you are due for tire maintenance: Sign #1: Odd Vibrations  Does your drive never feel smooth, even when driving on a flat road surface? If you get random wheel vibrations, your tires may be improperly inflated or you require a wheel alignment and/or balance adjustment.  Sign #2: Tire Pressure Drops  In the ... read more

The check engine light can be quite scary for motorists in Los Angeles. Essentially, your automobile is telling you that something is wrong. And to properly diagnose it, you can count on the experts at West Coast Tire & Service. But what if the light is blinking? Read on to learn the differences between a flashing vs steady engine light. Steady Engine Light When the check engine light stays on your dashboard, it means that you have an engine-related problem. Thankfully, the issue isn’t deadly. So in most cases, you will be okay to continue driving for a short period. Regardless, you should bring your car to your trusted auto repair shop ASAP. The problem can likely escalate, and you may notice the light flickering. Flashing Engine Light A blinking check engine light is a major concerning sign. In this case, you should stop driving immediately and call for a tow to an auto repair shop ASAP. Please remember to put on your emergency lights and pull away to a safe location ... read more

The California sun can get harsh, especially during the summer. Now that fall is finally here in LA, we think you should crack down on your car maintenance. Fall is all about recovery, and the team at West Coast Tire & Service wants to help you with your auto maintenance this season so that you and your loved ones can stay safe on the road. Here are our top 10 fall car care tips! Replace your wiper blades - The heat and harmful UV rays can harden your wipers and cause them to crack.  Check car fluids and top them off - Your vehicle has many different fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, and more.  Test the car lights. They include your headlights, taillights, high beams, and more. Over time, these bulbs naturally burn out or the lens gets oxidized. To ensure optimal visibility while driving, please have a mechanic check these out.  Inspect tires - Using a pres ... read more

The automobile’s suspension system is key to ensuring drivers enjoy a smooth and pleasant ride. The system is quite complex, consisting of shock absorbers, struts, springs, and more to help absorb the impacts of bumps and other road imperfections. By keeping your suspension in check, you will have a safer, smoother, and more efficient ride.     Suspension maintenance is not difficult at all. All you have to do is keep up with your vehicle services by bringing your car to the experts at West Coast Tire & Service. We have knowledgeable technicians who can thoroughly inspect your suspension components and check to make sure that they are performing their job.    To understand what needs to be done with your suspension system, you should first know what its primary parts are. They include the shock absorbers, coil springs, struts, leaf springs, and the tires.  Shock absorbers are long cylinder-shaped pistons filled with fluid or gas. They suppor ... read more

If you know a thing or two about electric vehicles or EVs, their batteries are the powerhouse of the vehicle. Instead of gasoline, the electric engine gets its converts energy from the battery to move your car. That is why it is important for EV drivers to find mechanics that they can trust to service their vehicles.   Batteries are complex in EVs, and they were the primary reason why people are skeptical about buying an electric car in the first place. Before, batteries couldn’t hold as much power as EVs. However, the rapid advancements in recent years have increased EPAs, the estimated range for the number of miles that a vehicle can travel in both city and highway driving before needing to be charged. As a result, electric cars are more resilient than ever before, gaining more and more popularity.    So, you’re probably thinking of the big, winning question: how long do batteries in electric vehicles last? EV batteries are typically covered up to ... read more