West Los Angeles Auto Repair

Your car needs an uninterrupted flow of coolant that is supplied from the radiator to the rest of the engine. The system uses a water pump to maintain the flow. When it is working optimally, your car maintains low-temperature levels even on a hot day, and the engine runs smoothly. The pump is run by the engine's drive belt and pushes the coolant as the belt turns. While most water pumps last long, they are prone to normal wear and damage. Here are some symptoms to know that the water pump is failing. 1. The coolant leaks at the front of the car Several gaskets are in place to seal the inlets to the pump. However, if the gasket seals wear out or break, the coolant leaks and forms pools just below the car's front. You may see some red or green substance where you had parked your vehicle. Also, you may notice low levels of the coolant in the reservoir a few days after refilling it. 2. Whining sounds from the pump pulley You may also hear a high-pitched sound coming from the fr ... read more

Motor oil has a purpose for your vehicle. It reduces friction, lubricates your engine parts, and greatly reduces the likelihood of engine grime and residue. Additives, on the other hand, are the chemical compounds in the oil that are added for the sole purpose of optimized performance and can come as part of the oil or be added in at the consumer's discretion. Without additives, oil can burn much faster than expected, which decreases its own life and adds wear and tear to your engine. Plus, as your oil burns, these essential additives can get lost, which is one of the main reasons to consider putting in an additive anytime between oil changes. There are some considerations when it comes to making your choice, and doing some research is beneficial. One is the warranty that comes with your car. This is something you should read before considering what should or should not be included in your engine's motor oil. A good balance of the right type of oil with the correct additives ... read more

Gasoline fuel injection engines are a special type of technology used in a vehicle to go through the fuel they have more efficiently. This works well because they are able to get more power, give off cleaner emissions, and provide the best fuel economy around. How Do These Engines Work? Gasoline engines are able to work because they suck a mixture of air and gasoline into a cylinder. This is then compressed by one of the pistons and ignited through a spark. The explosion that happens with this one will drive the piston down, producing power. With a traditional method, the air and gasoline will be mixed ahead of time, but this is not true with a gasoline engine. In this type of engine, the air will come into the area with the intake manifold that is found inside of the engine. This will help the cylinder to receive the gasoline without any additional steps. . Why Is This Beneficial? There are a lot of benefits to using this system compared to others. Basically, it will help give yo ... read more

A blowout can often be confused with a flat tire; however, the two are different. A flat tire usually has a slow release of pressure. A blowout, on the other hand, involves a rapid loss of pressure. When a blowout occurs, you will hear a loud bang sound due to the rapid pressure release. You will also hear a flapping sound as the blown-out tire continues to make contact with the road. What do you do if you experience a tire blowout? Steer straight When your tire blows, the car tends to wobble and pull in one direction. You need to firmly grip the steering wheel and try to steer the car in a straight path. You may be tempted to overcorrect or steer the car in a different direction. Avoid this and try to keep your car moving forward. Do not step on the brakes Applying the brakes is a terrible idea when your tire blows out. Instead, you need to gently accelerate so that you can regain control and keep moving forward. Ideally, accelerating does not put you in any danger as a blown tir ... read more

You expect your commute home to be smooth and uneventful, but out of the blue, the steering wheel starts shaking. If the road is smooth and driving conditions are normal; the steering wheel should only move when you turn it. A shaking steering wheel is a big sign that something has gone wrong. Unfortunately, a steering wheel that's vibrating won't fix itself. A shaky steering wheel can not only disrupt your drive but can be dangerous. Various reasons can impact the steering wheel's performance; below are three common reasons to look out for.  The suspension components are worn. If you're driving an older vehicle, the suspension may be worn, or the alignment can be off. Suspension parts become loose over time; if ignored, they can cause your steering wheel to vibrate. If the suspension parts are worn, the vibrating will be most noticeable when driving over 45mph. Potential suspension issues should be inspected right away; without professional atte ... read more

Most drivers have heard of the head gasket, but many aren’t entirely sure what it is and the vital signs that it needs professional attention. Understanding the head gasket can help steer you in the best direction for a successful diagnosis and repair. The head gasket is mounted between the engine block and cylinder head, preventing oil and coolant from escaping into nearby cylinders. This isn’t an easy job because the head gasket must withstand the other two surfaces’ movements and stresses. The engine is already extremely hot, and if it fails to regulate its increasing temperature, the head gasket can fail. A blown head gasket can cause significant engine damage and should be inspected as soon as it’s safe to do so. To prevent a hazardous driving circumstance, below are five of the most common signs your vehicle has a blown head gasket.  The Oil or Coolant is Contaminated If the head gasket is blown, it will not adequately prevent cross-contam ... read more

Most vehicle owners focus on the mechanical aspects of their vehicles, such as the engine or transmissions. The outside of your car is just as important as the interior mechanical components. Car washes are essential, and after washing your vehicle, a wax should already be included in your regular maintenance routine. While it’s critical to keep your car clean, waxing your vehicle has lasting benefits that make it worth the extra few dollars. A good car wax is more than just shiny paint; below are a few reminders of the benefits to regularly waxing your car.  Wax Offers Protection Against Scratches  Wax has petroleum distillates, natural oils, and other ingredients that harden the wax on the paint. Dirt, grime, and drive-thru car washes can leave superficial scratches in the paint. Wax offers a clear coat on top of the paint that gives an additional layer of protection.  Prevents Sun Damage  Older vehicles that have been lef ... read more

No matter if it’s a short or a long drive, your engine creates a lot of energy and heat the moment your car starts moving. Your vehicle’s exhaust and cooling system work together to ensure your engine stays cool and doesn’t overheat. Antifreeze or engine coolant is a critical aspect of removing any excess heat from within the engine. The coolant not only absorbs heat within the engine but also stops all engine water from boiling, especially during hot temperatures. One significant way to maintain the health of your cooling system is with a coolant flush. What are some common benefits of a coolant flush? Coolant flushes prevent old antifreeze from becoming acidic. This is important because acidic antifreeze is damaging to all aluminum components, the rubber hoses, and the water pump. The new antifreeze that’s added has additives that work to help extend the life of your water pump. Coolant flushes remove rust and scale deposit build-up ... read more

The job of a car's suspension system is important - it helps to make your steering and control reliable and accurate while also helping to create the friction between the road and your vehicle. The suspension system is also responsible for absorbing and reducing shock from the road so that you don't feel every bump in the road while driving.  While suspension components are typically resilient, they aren't completely void of issues and can have problems arise over time. The main components of the suspensions system include the springs, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, and more. Being exposed on the bottom of your vehicle, these parts are constantly exposed to debris, rocks, speed bumps, potholes, and other driving occurrences which can potentially damage components.  Here are the most common suspension problems and the symptoms to look out for that can indicate you may need a suspension system repair:  Poor wheel alignment - this can cause damage to ... read more

July 4th is one of the most celebrated holidays here in the United States. Typically, you'll find family and friends gathered either at home, at festivals or events, or at fireworks displays. While this holiday is a tradition and is loved by many, this year looks a little different.  Due to the current pandemic, we understand how you may not be able to celebrate how you used to. Now, you have to limit your gatherings and many events, including fireworks displays, are canceled. While this can put a damper on your usual celebrations, there are still ways in which you can enjoy yourself on this day.  You can still fire up the grill, play some games, and eat your favorite foods. You can even enjoy some fireworks! If you are still planning on having a fun day this July 4th, we recommend following these safety tips to ensure a successful celebration:  Driving somewhere this July 4th weekend? Keep in mind that July 4th is one of the most dangerous days of the entire year ... read more