West Los Angeles Auto Repair

As electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids become increasingly popular, many drivers are wondering how regenerative braking works. Here's a quick overview: In a traditional gasoline-powered car, the engine converts chemical energy into mechanical energy, which is then used to turn the wheels. When you hit the brakes, that mechanical energy is wasted as heat. In a hybrid or EV, braking is done using an electric motor instead of the engine. As you slow down, the electric motor acts as a generator and converts the vehicle's momentum into electricity that can be stored in the battery. This regenerative braking helps to reduce fuel consumption and extend the range of your vehicle, making it a crucial part of the hybrid/EV driving experience. Types of regenerative braking systems Mechanical Braking System Mechanical systems use a physical connection between the wheels and the electric motor to slow the vehicle down. The most common type of mechanical system is called a friction brak ... read more

It's normal for you to feel concerned when one or more of your dashboard warning light comes on. One symbol that you might catch on your dash is the TPMS, or tire pressure monitoring system, light. It is often described as a horseshoe-like symbol with an exclamation mark inside it. When this light comes on, it means that one or more of your tires are too low in pressure.   What to Do First: Manually Check Your Tire Pressure Manufacturers will list the recommended psi for your tires on a stick in the doorjamb of the driver's door. Otherwise, you can refer to your vehicle's owner's manual. Use a gauge to measure your tires' psi to determine which ones are impacted. If the numbers don't match up, adjust the air.   Next, you can take your vehicle to a tire-filling station at gas stations to refill your tires with air. Most importantly, don't lose the valve caps when doing so. Once the tires are all at normal pressure, the TPMS light should reset o ... read more

The fuel system within your automobile is usually either mechanical or electronic. Most of today's vehicles are equipped with an electronic fuel system. The fuel system usually comprises the fuel tank, pump, filter, and injectors or carburetor.  The fuel pump is needed to pressurize fuel from the gas tank and deliver it to the engine.  In an electronic fuel system, fuel injectors eject fuel into the motor's combustion chambers. The car's computerized system manages this process along with the position of the throttle, the air-fuel ratio, and the exhaust byproducts. The fuel pump is electronically controlled to obtain the fuel from the tank and deliver it throughout the system. You can find it inside or next to the fuel tank. The fuel filter filters out dust and debris from the fuel, so it does not get into the engine. These contaminants can sometimes get picked up when the gasoline moves from different areas.  The best way to care for your fuel system and ... read more

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and you may be brainstorming what to get your significant other. If you're reading this, chances are your romantic partner is somewhat (or very much) a car enthusiast. So, if you're not sure of what to get your automobile fanatic for the holiday, please continue reading. Maintenance Auto Service An excellent (and practical) gift to give to any driver is a minor service, such as a tune-up or oil change. If you want to go make it more meaningful, you can even bring their car to the auto repair shop to get it done instead of a gift certificate. The professionals at West Coast Tire & Service will take great care of your companion's overdue car service. This is super thoughtful as it will surely lift some weight off of his/her shoulders. Aesthetic Auto Service Another wonderful idea is the gift of car detailing, car wash, or headlight restoration. Who doesn't love a shiny, clean, and like-brand new vehicle? At West Coast Tire ... read more

A standard tune-up is the perfect type of service to help maintain your car's integrity and performance! If you want your vehicle to last you for years to come, we recommend that you take it to West Coast Tire & Service for a much-needed tune-up. Our ASE-certified mechanics at our auto repair shop in Los Angeles have the necessary skills and equipment to tune your vehicle no matter what make or model you own. We even tune-up hybrids!    A tune-up at West Coast Tire & Service will typically include the following services: Oil change and replace the oil filter. Replacing fuel filters. Replacing air filters. Inspecting or swapping out PCV valves. Fuel induction service. Examining distributor cap. Replacing spark plugs and ignition coils. Checking and changing fluids. (Flush fluid if necessary) Inspecting hoses and belts and make replacements if needed. And more. What Are the Benefits of a Tune-Up? It can extend the life of your car. It can improve your ... read more

While electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream at a higher price tag, traditional hybrids still have the best of both worlds. Regardless, hybrids continue to render some of the most fuel-efficient methods of transportation. Thanks to ongoing battery and powertrain technology improvements, some hybrids deliver nearly 60 mpg in combined driving. We thought we'd give a shoutout this month to the top 6 standout hybrid cars of 2021. #1: Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Starting price at $23,200, EPA-Rated 58 MPG Combined Very affordable even when fully optioned Tech-savvy, apple carplay compatible Unique, youthful style #2: Toyota Prius Starting price at $24,525, EPA-Rated at 56 MPG Combined The mother of all hybrid vehicles Fuel efficient and reliable All-wheel-drive is an option on LE and XLE  #3: Honda Insight Starting price at $22,930, EPA-Rated 52 MPG Combined Based on the Civic but gets its attractive, understated looks from the Accord Extraordinary 55 mpg city fuel eco ... read more

It's October, and fall is officially here. Though we don't get much of the seasons in LA, things are changing. With football season here, pumpkin spice everything, and Halloween right around the corner, it's time to go over the ultimate car maintenance checklist to ensure you're safe on your Los Angeles commutes.   Having your vehicle inspected may feel like a chore, but it will save you a headache in the long run. Here are the five maintenance items you should check this fall! 1. Test Your Battery Your car battery probably took a lot of wear and tear this past summer. To ensure it's still getting the proper charge, our West Coast Tire & Service team can quickly test your battery. We will also check to see if there are any signs of any corrosion.  2. Top Off Fluids We highly recommend you monitor your fluids regularly, regardless of the season. Please check to see if you have enough of the following fluids:  Engine oil Power steering fluid ... read more

It is not rare for drivers who operate gas-powered cars to perform their own minor maintenance, such as an oil change. However, performing do-it-yourself (DIY) maintenance for hybrid vehicles is much more complex and challenging because of their special components. At West Coast Tire & Service, we have the skills and experience to work on both hybrid and gas vehicles.   The amount of maintenance of your hybrid vehicle varies depnding on the make and age of the vehicle as well as your driving habits! A hybrid vehicle has most of the same parts as a gas-powered car, but with the addition of an electric system. Below are a few distinctions of maintenance services for hybrids that separates them from standard vehicles. Less Frequent Oil Changes The electric motor of a hybrid does not endure as much wear and tear as the engine of a gas-powered car. Due to this advantage, hybrid cars have a lower risk of motor failure and can endure longer intervals between oil changes. Longer ... read more

As bright of a city as LA is, we still have to rely on our car lights at night. Whenever our headlights start to look dim or even flicker in the slightest, it could dangerously weaken our visibility of the road ahead of us. Various problems can cause your vehicle's lights to shift. The three most common areas where the problem can usually be traced are your battery, alternator, and ground wires.   Battery  The first electrical component you should consider inspecting is the battery. Your battery could be old and need a replacement. An old or defective battery could be the cause of your dimming lights. The best way to test your battery is to have a professional do it. At West Coast Tire & Service, we have all the proper equipment and tools to test your battery for you.   Alternator The second most common explanation of faint lights in your vehicle is a weak alternator. A damaged alternator will only cause the lights to dim or flicker when the car is on. This ... read more

Your dashboard can give you the 411 on the conditions of your vehicle's complex systems. It can remind you to get maintenance, and it can also signal trouble. There are five important warning symbols on your dashboard that you should never ignore: Electrical system fault warning light Tire pressure warning light Oil pressure warning light Engine temperature warning light Check engine warning light Electrical System Fault Light The electrical fault light resembles a car battery and is one of the most critical warning lights on your dashboard. When it lights up, it means that there is a problem somewhere in the electrical system of your vehicle. While neglecting it might not cause significant damage to your vehicle, you might not be able to start your car next time around. It is vital to take your vehicle in for maintenance while it is still running.   Tire Pressure Light The tire pressure light on your dashboard is another one you should be aware of. It usually resemb ... read more