Los Angeles Auto Repair

Most vehicles come with a factory maintenance schedule nowadays. This guide is a complete list of maintenance items along with their suggested time frames of when you should have them done throughout the lifetime of owning the vehicle. They are specific for your car’s exact make, age, and model.   Your car’s maintenance schedule can cover anything and everything, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and timing belt changes. You can find it in the owner’s manual. However, most automakers have them published online too. It is imperative that you stay on top of this schedule if you want your vehicle to last as long as possible.    While you are not forced to follow your maintenance schedule for the tea, it is highly recommended that you do so. After all, the guide is made by the very own people who made and built your vehicle. In some cases, you have to follow the schedule to keep your warranty with the manufacturer valid.    You ... read more

Now that it is warmer out, you're probably focused on ways to keep your car's electrical system functioning. However, most people only think of the battery as the main power behind everything. While the battery does is important in starting your car and running your electrical systems, the alternator is equally as vital. The alternator is responsible for charging your battery and supplying power to your electrical accessories. The alternator can be found in the engine compartment creating an "alternating" current. Over time, the alternator can wear down and fail. Without a working alternator, your vehicle won't run much longer as your battery will use up all its power.    If your alternator is not working as it should, you will notice one or more of the following warning signs:  Electrical warning light turns on - Even though the symbol for this light depicts a battery, the origin of the problem could be related to the alternator.  Dead ba ... read more

Because the muffler is the only part of the exhaust system that people can see, they often think it is merely that. However, the exhaust system is much more complex than you think. All of its components work together to control noise and direct the engine fumes away and out into the atmosphere. Its operation also impacts your vehicle's fuel efficiency and performance. The exhaust system is a collection of pipes running underneath your car. Here are some of the critical components of the vehicle's exhaust system: Exhaust Pipes: Funnels the exhaust gases from front to back Exhaust Manifold: Collects the gases from the cylinders and directs them all through one path monitored by one or more oxygen sensors Catalytic Converter: Responsible for changing the toxins to safer gases, like carbon dioxide and water, for cleaner emissions Muffler: A metal pipe designed to minimize the noise of combu ... read more

As the weather gets warmer in Los Angeles, most drivers start embarking on vacations and road trips again. And to be sure that your road trip experience meets your expectations, you should consider getting a vehicle inspection. The last thing you want to deal with on your spring break is a vehicle breakdown. Have your car looking good and get peace of mind by taking your car to One Stop Auto Care for a pre-trip inspection.   During a pre-trip check, our ASE-certified technicians will assess all your vehicle's safety components to ensure there are no problems. Some items that we will check include: Brake system Electrical system, including battery and alternator Tires (pressure, tread, etc.) Various fluids (motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, etc.) Filters ... & more. If we find any problems, we will inform you about the nature and severity of it. Additionally, we can also provide you with recommendations and estimates on repairs ... read more

As your motor runs, dirt and other contaminants can get into the oil. The oil circulates through the fluid lines and through the oil filter, where the filth is captured. Over time, this oil filter can eventually get clogged up — so much so that oil cannot flow freely through the filter and into your engine. Consequently, it can overwork your machine and put it at risk of overheating.     Consequences of Running on a Dirty Oil Filter Lack of engine performance Engine sputtering Metallic sounds from the engine Exhaust smoke Dropping engine oil pressure High risk of engine overheating Most manufacturers suggest changing the filter with every oil change, which is why it is important to get a filter to match your oil and vehicle's needs. A standard capacity oil filter usually lasts several months and thousands of miles/kilometers before the change. However, whenever drivers upgrade or switch to synthetic oil, it's best to get a filter to match the longev ... read more