West Los Angeles Auto Repair

You turn on your vehicle's air conditioning system only to find that no air flows out of your vents - at all. You try the heating system to no avail, and wonder, why isn't air coming out of my car vents? Lets take a look at some of the causes for air blockage.  Your vehicle's HVAC system pulls air from the outside of your car and pushes air outside of your car. It also cools air for the air conditioning, heats air for the heater, and filters air so that you aren't breathing in harmful pollutants from the outside. If your vents suddenly stop working, you may be stuck driving uncomfortably in a stuffy cabin. Additionally, there may be something wrong with your vehicle. While the issue may not directly affect your ability to drive, it will definitely affect your comfort and the quality of air you breath in.  Here are some of the most common causes of why air doesn't flow out of your vehicle's vents:  Your air intake is clogged, meaning that air is ... read more

Gas prices have been on the rise for years, and if you commute to work everyday, more than likely your wallet feels the effect of expensive gas prices. We know it can be tricky waiting for gas prices to go down, which is why there are actually certain things you can that can help increase the overall fuel efficiency of your car. When your car has better fuel efficiency, you'll receive better mileage to the gallon and save yourself money over time.  The following tips will help you save money on fuel:  Make sure that your gas cap isn't loose or missing. A loose or missing gas cap can cause gas to evaporate.  Ensure that your vehicle's tires are always at the correct air pressure. Having regular inspections to check the thermostat for accuracy Replace the spark plugs as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer Get a proper wheel alignment every 6,000 miles or as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer Keeping up with regular maintenance is th ... read more

Whether you’re planning to travel by car this winter season or will just be driving to and from work each day, prepping your car for winter can help you avoid car troubles on the road and keep you safe while driving in winter weather conditions.  Before you hit the road for any type of extended travel, we recommend bringing your vehicle into our shop for a winter car inspection. This will give you peace of mind on the road knowing that an expert took a look at your vehicle and made sure that everything was in working order to stay reliable in the cold weather.  Here are some of the top ways in which you can prep your car for traveling this winter:  Get your car serviced if it is due and inspected for other issues Check your manufacturer’s website for any recalls Inspect your tires to verify they have good tread and are in overall good condition Install new windshield wipers and top-off wiper fluid Check all vital fluids  Be sure to test your vehi ... read more

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at West Coast Tire & Service! We hope that you had a wonderful holiday with friends and family. With all the holidays comes lots of travel, so if you are planning a road trip in the near future, we recommend that you check off some important travel measures before you hit the road.  Be sure to have your vehicle inspected by the experts here at West Coast Tire & Service before you hit the road. You never want to be caught in a situation where you are stuck without a working vehicle, so guaranteeing that your vehicle is ready for any road trip will keep your family safe and bring you peace of mind on the road.    Pack ample blankets and coats for the road to keep warm if you’re traveling in the cold this winter.    Have an emergency kit on hand in your trunk to help out in cases of emergencies. Some things to make sure you have with you include a spare tire, jack, wrench, flashlight, flares, cell ... read more

You get into your car and crank the ignition - nothing. You may hear that click-click-click noise, but your car doesn't start. Is your battery dead? And if so, were there any warning signs that could of helped you avoid this?  A dead battery is often unexpected, especially because it happens suddenly. Luckily, there are a few warning signs that you can look out for that can help you avoid these types of situations. On average, the typical car battery lasts between 3-4 years, depending on your vehicle and driving habits. Keeping record of when you last replaced your vehicle can also help you avoid a dead battery. If it's been 3 or 4 years since your last battery replacement, bringing your car or battery into West Coast Tire & Service for a battery test can give you an idea of how much longer your battery will last you.  Accidentally leaving an electrical component on for an extended period of time, like the lights or radio, can also cause your battery t ... read more

Everyone wants to make sure their car is safe to drive. Most people know how to check their tire pressure and coolant level, and are conscientious about regular oil changes. They know that regular maintenance is the key to keeping their car working at peak efficiency. However, many people don't know how to check the tread on their car tires. Tire problems are a factor in 1 out of every 11 vehicle crashes, usually resulting in an expensive auto repair. Worn tread is one of the primary reasons for crashes caused by faulty car tires. In fact, vehicles with shallower treads (less than 1/16" deep) were three times more likely to experience pre-crash tire troubles than those with deeper treads. Treads ar ... read more

There are many great things to love about Los Angeles, California. The climate is always beautiful. The beaches are warm and inviting. For an auto enthusiast or auto repair buff, there are plenty of car-related attractions to enjoy. Unfortunately, traffic and commutes definitely are not one of the things to love about LA. In fact, Los Angeles roads have become synonymous all around the world with lines of cars stuck in traffic. However, if the idea of spending hours waiting bored on the freeway sounds like a nightmare to you, there's hope! There are alternate routes to take to avoid some of LA's worst snarls if you know them. Fortunately, we've gathered some of LA's top auto repair and towing experts for their best shortcuts and tips. Before we show you the shortcuts, here are a few gener ... read more

You'll feel a special kind of pride when your odometer crosses 100,000. With timely car repair, and if you keep up on your oil change schedule and other maintenance, you can make a car last what seems like forever. One man even has a Volvo at three million miles, still driving to this day. However, you need to know what matters and what doesn't. You'll hear a lot about high-mileage oils, half synthetics, full synthetics, etc, but do you know what it all means? When checking in for your next oil change, it will serve you well to know exactly what you're getting. Synthetic Oil Versus Conventional Oil You'll find untold numbers of debates and confusion about ... read more

Imagine your warranty has just run out. You now have to decide; do you keep going to the dealership you've been going to for years? You might not think you should change. Your dealer uses original manufacturer's parts, and their mechanics are trained by the factory. However, if you ask your friends, you're sure to find recommendations for independent mechanics to get your car repaired. Your friend with the independent mechanic will surely promise you'll save money too. So, which do you pick? ​ Dealerships Can't Give You a Personal Experience Dealerships work on hundreds of cars every month. No one will remember you when you bring your car back. When you g ... read more

Cars are something that most of us can't get by without nowadays. However, buying a brand new car can often be a little out of the question. A used car is a much more economically viable alternative to a new car. In addition, a cheap used car makes a great first set of wheels for that inexperienced or younger driver. Still, others are looking for a good deal on a cheap fixer-upper. With a little auto repair, they can turn around and ‘flip' the car to a new buyer, earning plenty of money in the process. However, it may be daunting to find a good used car. It pays to know how to navigate through the sea of used car advertisements and postings about ‘great deals' for a used car. Here are some great tips from the auto repair experts. These tips can help put you on the right road ... read more