Los Angeles Auto Repair

When you bring your car to our shop for service, one of our techs may ask if you want to have your timing belt inspected. You might ponder the question because far too many people forget about their timing belt, let alone when to replace it. Today, we will discuss what the timing belt is, why it is important to inspect/replace it, what kind of warning signs it may display when it goes bad, and more! The timing belt is an essential engine component that ensures the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft is synchronized for the opening and closing of your engine valves. In simple terms, it ensures the proper amount of air and fuel gets burned at the right time. The belt is made of rubber, which is capable of drying out, cracking, fraying, and breaking as you put more miles on your vehicle. A timing belt breakage is something that you never want to deal with as a driver. First off, it is bad because your car won’t be able to start (at all). Furthermore, It can cause your pistons ... read more

Driving this time of year can be a little difficult with the sun setting early and rising later. Plus, let’s not forget about the holiday traffic that will be coming around LA In the upcoming months. That is why your visibility as a driver is more important now than ever. Not only do you need to see the road ahead, but you want other motorists to see you too. Here are 3 ways you can improve your visibility! 1) Check Your Heater and Defroster While you may ask, “what does the heat have to do with this”. Your defroster is crucial in clearing up foggy windows caused by drastic temperature changes. If your windshield surface keeps fogging up, you should check to see if the system is working correctly.  2) Test Headlights, Tail Lights, Fog Lights, & more! Your vehicle has various lights that keep your vehicle’s surroundings bright even on the darkest nights. Furthermore, your headlights and fog lights can make driving in fog ... read more

Modern cars are equipped with incredible heating sensors and cooling systems that keep the engines running smoothly even during hot summer. However, your vehicle might still overheat despite the state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems due to several issues. These include: Faulty radiator fan A leaking or clogged cooling system Defective gas gasket Broken water pump Issues with belts and hoses Malfunctioning thermostat Low coolant levels Understanding the causes of overheating engines and how to react will help you remain calm and sober as you strategize on the best action. What to Do When Your Engine Overheats While Driving If an engine overheats when you are driving, it is accompanied by several red flags, including: Thumbing noises High-temperature gauge record Unusual burning smells Your vehicle's hood is excessively hot Your car engine can overheat at the most unexpected times, including when driving, with no safe place to park. In such a case, you must remai ... read more

Headlights are more than aesthetic accessories, but they are necessary to keep you and your vehicle safe. When drivers have trouble seeing, your first instinct is to turn on your headlights. Furthermore, headlights help other drivers see you too.    While your headlights may not require as much maintenance as your engine or transmission, they should still receive regular cleaning treatments. Over time, your headlights might appear fuzzy and yellow even after washes. Though your headlights may appear dim for various reasons, blurry and yellowed headlights are caused by oxidation with the headlight lens. Fortunately, we are here to share these helpful DIY restoration tips.  How to Remove Headlight Oxidation with Household Items First of all, you’ll need a soft (preferably microfiber) cloth, soap (gentle enough to be used for cars), and water. To make the cleaning solution, you will need one of the following items: METHOD 1: BAKING SODA - When you combine baking ... read more

Haven’t you heard? This month is brake safety awareness month. To celebrate, we are inviting you to our auto repair shop for a thorough brake system inspection. There are many pieces at play when it comes to your braking system. All of the following components work together to ensure your car slows down and stops properly: brake pads, brake rotors, caliper assembly, master cylinder, brake fluid, hoses, and more.   We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep up with the brake services recommended by your automaker. Your braking system should be checked by professional technicians. At One Stop Auto Care is equipped to handle all your braking needs. Below are some of the signs of weakness that we check for: Odd Sounds: Squealing, grinding, and clicking are all audible cues that indicate trouble when it comes to your brake system. More often than not, they are your brake pads’ wear indicators. Low or Soft Pedal: If the brake pedal is loose and gets pushed ... read more