Los Angeles Auto Repair

A tune-up is a process of inspecting, correcting, and adjusting the parts involved in the engine combustion process. It is a type of maintenance that is vital to ensure your engine and ignition operate smoothly. A tune-up can include the following: Replace spark plugs Change engine air filter Replace fuel filter Adjust ignition timing Clean throttle body and fuel system Change the PCV valve … & more (as needed). A car tune-up can vary from car to car, depending on model, age, and the wear and tear it has endured. When a professional technician recommends certain services, it is most likely a priority. We believe in full transparency at our auto repair shop, which is why we are happy to provide any explanations. Newer cars don’t need as frequent tune-ups as older vehicles. Depending on mileage and age, your tune-up may be more complex. Just like when anything gets old, parts will need to be replaced. Signs That Indicate Your Car Needs a Tune-Up Dashboard warni ... read more

Brakes are some of the most important parts of your vehicle, but they are often overlooked when the time comes for maintenance. However, changing your oil is just as important as checking your brakes. And there are A LOT more to the brakes than the pedals themselves. There’s the brake pads, rotors, calipers, fluid, and more. The great thing about brakes is that they will show signs when they need service. Below are the top 3 common signs of worn brakes. 1) Brake Warning Light Illuminated Most cars nowadays have warning lights or messages that can alert you of various problems. If you notice a brake warning light or ABS light displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard, it means you have a problem with one or more of your brake components. It can be anything from leaking brake fluid to worn brake pads. To be certain of the issue, it is imperative that you bring your car to University Tire & Auto Service for repairs.  2) Squealing, Squeaking, and Grinding Brake Sounds ... read more

Your car's cooling system is one of the most important systems in your vehicle. It helps to keep your engine from overheating, and it also helps to keep your car's cabin comfortable in hot weather. If your cooling system is having trouble, it can be a big problem. Here are some top signs that your cooling system is in trouble: 1. Your Car Is Overheating One of the most obvious signs that there is a problem with your cooling system is if your car starts to overheat. This can happen for a number of reasons, but if it happens frequently or if your car overheats very quickly, it is likely that there is a problem with your cooling system. 2. Your Coolant Level Is Low If you notice that your coolant level is low, it could be a sign that there is a leak in your cooling system. Coolant leaks can be difficult to find, so if you think you may have a leak, it is best to take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out. 3. Your Car's Heater Is Not Working Properly If your ... read more

Smog checks, or emissions testing, can be intimidating and stressful. If your vehicle does not pass this government-required test, then your car will not be registered to drive. To avoid the stress of fees and expenses, we’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure you pass your emissions test with flying colors.   In order to pass the smog check, your car should run efficiently without releasing too many harmful pollutants. Here are some things you can do or take care of before your scheduled test: Repair Check Engine Light - If this dashboard warning light is on, it will result in an immediate failure. Make sure you have your check engine warning diagnosed, repaired, and reset before your test.  Get an Oil Change - Dirty motor oil is high in hydrocarbons, which are a type of harmful pollutant that can lead to smog test failure. Therefore, it is wise to fill your car with clean oil before your test. Plus, an oil change service will allow professionals to inspect for any ... read more

Seeing a warning light on your vehicle’s control panel can catch you off guard at first. Depending on the symbol or message, it can signal a major emergency.  The truth is: you should never ignore ANY warning light.    When it comes to your ABS light, or anti-lock brake system light, you should bring your car to University Tire & Auto Service for repairs promptly.    As mentioned, ABS is your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system. This system prevents your brake from locking up in hazardous situations. Multiple sensors make up a large part of this system, and they monitor your brake performance and wheel rotational speed. There are several reasons that can explain why this light is on: General poor brake performance Low brake fluid Blown fuse or bad wiring Broken sensors Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the light’s behavior can indicate the nature of the problem. However, you can always count on the auto professionals ... read more

If you've been in a car accident, there are a few things you should do next. First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Once you're sure everyone is okay, move your car to the side of the road, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights. If the accident is minor, exchange insurance information with the other driver and file a police report. You should not admit liability. If the accident is more serious, wait for the police to arrive and don't try to move your car or the other driver's car. The police will investigate the accident and file a report. Once the police have left, you can start the process of filing an insurance claim. Gather all the information you need, including the police report, collect evidence to help your case, take photographs from different angles showing the extent of damage, and contact your insurance company. They will walk you through the next steps. Seek Immediate Medical Attention A ... read more

Between the skyrocketing gas prices and the negative environmental impact of gasoline vehicles, it's become more important now than ever to implement fuel-saving practices. If you’re looking for some great gas-saving tips, you’ve come to the right place. Monitor Tire Pressure Improper tire pressure can lower your gas mileage by 1% for every pound per square inch (PSI) below the recommended PSI. It is important for you to routinely check your tire pressure and adjust when needed.  Lighten Up Heavy cargo could be doing more than weighing down your car; it can be weighing down your wallet too. If you can reduce how much you haul in your vehicle, your car can be more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient.  Use Cruise Control When You Can Your car saves more fuel when you are driving at a constant speed. When you’re driving on the highway without stops, make use of the cruise control feature to maximize your MPG. Keep Up with Maintenance When your vehicle is ... read more

In the warmer months, many people tend to have travel plans to get away and have some fun in the sun. However, you never know when the unexpected could happen, such as a fractured windshield, cracked window, or other chipped glass surfaces. When you find yourself with auto glass damage, don’t panic. The auto glass professionals at University Tire & Auto Service are here for the rescue.   When summer rolls around, it tends to be dry and hot outside. Because of this, rocks and rubble tend to fly out and about on the road and can hit your windshield while driving. If this does occur, the best thing to do is find a trusted auto repair shop that can repair your damage as soon as possible.   Glass damage does not mesh well with extreme heat and cold. Cracks tend to spread quickly, especially in the heat, so having the glass damage repaired promptly can prevent the crack from worsening and obstructing your vision. If the fractured spot is big enough and in your line of ... read more

Any car owner knows that there is nothing as disturbing as discovering a scratch on the car's surface. Although it's hard to avoid scratches because car paint does scratch easily and can be caused by car accidents, poor parking, vandalism, and other parking issues. These scratches should not worry you too much, since you can quickly fix them. Depending on the scratch's depth, there are methods to remove scratches from car paint. Check out the following guide on removing scratches from your car paint. Access the Damage Before fixing the damage, it's crucial to outline if the scratch qualifies for you to do it yourself or if you need to take it to a professional. Therefore, you should run your fingernail across the scratched area to determine its depth. If your fingernail slides over without catching, then it is a minor scratch that you can fix. However, if your nail catches in the scratch, it may be more profound than you can resolve; it would be best to visit a profes ... read more

Every driver needs to understand the lights, messages, and signals their car gives them. And your dashboard is not one information center that you should neglect. The dashboard warning lights can indicate all kinds of problems with varying severities. However, these are the five most common warning lights that you should know about: Check Engine Light This yellow light is the most important one of all that can pop up on your dashboard. It reveals a problem with your engine or engine-related part, and most of the time, it requires repairs. Various things can cause the light, so it's best to have a professional diagnose the problem with scan tools. Coolant Light The coolant temperature light is a symbol of a thermometer dipped in liquid. When it is lit and red, it can signal a dangerous overheating problem. You should pull over and turn your car off ASAP when you catch it. It would be best if you waited for your vehicle to cool off before checking things out and driving again. O ... read more