West Los Angeles Auto Repair

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

Windshield damage should be taken seriously, whether it is a small chip or a large crack. Unfortunately, most drivers are tempted to overlook it, especially if it's not limiting their ability to see when they drive. However, you must know that even the most insignificant cracks or chips can grow easily and quickly. Consequently, it will bring about more safety hazards and put you at risk every time you get into your vehicle. So let's go over the dangers of cracked auto glass.    The Dangers of a Cracked Windshield Inclement Weather & Extreme Temperature Can Worsen the Damage Whenever it rains or snow, water will trickle into the chip or crack. If the area remains damp and enclosed in cold temperatures, then the crack will worsen. Extreme heat from the summertime can also cause the damage to worsen if left ignored. Higher Potential of Car Accidents  If your cracked windshield is blocking you from clearly seeing while driving, then you need to get it repa ... read more

The "summer beach body" is probably something you have heard people talk about, or if you are like most of us, have at least thought about yourself. Your vehicle is no different. Summer brings an entirely different slate of challenges and that means every vehicle owner should bring their vehicle to their mechanic for a summer tune-up. That should include: New Oil and Filter You will likely be taking road trips and running up the miles throughout the warmer, nicer weather. Additionally, if your last oil change was a while ago, winter weather runs your oil through the wringer. Address both and start fresh with an oil and filter change. Check the Fluids In addition to oil, the other fluids that help your vehicle run need to be checked as well. These include: Transmission Power Steering Coolant Brake You should also check your windshield wiper fluid and make sure that is up to handling the onslaught of bugs during summer night driving. Tire Pressure Winter is really ro ... read more

You've most likely seen shocks and struts talked about interchangeably. While they do perform the same function, the difference comes in their design. Similar to how a car and truck serve the purpose of transport, they have different shapes and constructions immediately telling you they aren't the same thing. Every Vehicle Has Struts or Shocks The four corners of your vehicle all need suspension support attached to the tires to give you a smooth ride and take some strain off the chassis. Often you'll find struts on the front with shocks on the back instead. It's also common for struts to be used with vehicles that have no upper control arm. Independent or solid axle-based suspension systems will use shock absorbers. The Difference Is Small But Important Shock Absorbers There are three types of shock absorbers used today. You have mono-tube, dual, and coil-over shocks. Each one is set up to handle the impact of the road differently depending on the type of vehicle i ... read more

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