Northridge Auto Repair

It's smart to put that parking brake on when you are situated on a hill for any length of time. You can protect your transmission from wear and tear by doing so. But when you come back from wherever you were and you try to head out, what if your parking brake is stuck and you can't get it to turn back off? Driving with it on is sometimes possible, but you can cause a lot of damage to your braking system. Avoid this issue and solve it before you take the vehicle on the road. Here are some causes of the parking brake sticking: Cold Weather If it's really cold out, ice can cause the brake to freeze into place. To help it thaw out, turn the car on and the engine can help to melt the ice away. You can gently rev the engine to heat things up as well and then after the car has warmed a bit, try to disengage the brake. Rust Brakes can become rusted or corroded over time and if that happens, the parking brake can definitely get stuck. It's ... read more

Changing the filter should always come with getting your oil changed. It's no use driving with fresh oil while still having a dirty, contaminated filter, as the leftover particles can seep through to all parts of your engine and wreak the worst havoc on it. But the life of your engine depends on quality, and knowing the right kind of filter takes professional expertise. Dirt, grime, and other toxins have an ugly way of sneaking into your engine, and the primary task of the filter is to wield it out efficiently for the life of your vehicle. Plus, a good oil filter can keep old motor oil from making its way back into your engine. One of the first air filters that comes to mind is the full-flow oil filter, which is specifically designed to deep clean any toxins or impurities out of your vehicle's oil. These impurities can cause dirt and grime to collect on your engine and may block it from running properly. Plus, the full-flow oil filters can help protect your car from winter dam ... read more

Fuel injectors are a preferred choice of fuel delivery system in the engine for vehicle manufacturers nowadays. Injectors have taken over the job of their predecessors-carburetors, in a much more technologically and environmentally efficient way. Understanding Fuel injector A fuel injector provides fuel for the internal combustion process in the engine to produce energy. A fuel injector is managed by the internal computer of the vehicle, which directs the time, pressure, direction, and frequency of fuel delivery in the combustion cylinder. The spray of fuel inside the cylinder results in the ignition of hot, compressed air and a small explosion that moves the pistons forcefully to generate power. Indications of a Malfunctioning Fuel Injector An efficient and clean fuel injector is vital for optimal engine performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency. It is essential to perform proper and regular maintenance of the fuel injector to prevent any disruption in the engi ... read more

Coolant prevents the engine’s hot metal parts from overheating and causing extensive damage. Adequate coolant levels are necessary to keep your radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses working in top condition. Coolant serves a few helpful benefits. It transfers the heat produced in the engine to the radiator and prevents engine freezing during cold weather. It also keeps the engine healthy by preventing corrosion within the gasket and other essential components. The cooling system needs regular maintenance because coolant can degrade, and holes can develop within the system with time. A hole inside the cooling system can cause severe damage to your vehicle. Some of the costliest damage is caused by the engine overheating. To prevent future repairs, your coolant should be inspected at least twice a year. To help you stay informed of potential problems, we’ve listed three common warning signs that your vehicle has a coolant leak.  There is leaked coola ... read more

Fall is the best season to check your vehicle’s fluids. Your car has to work overtime during summers in Northridge. Hot temperatures take a toll on your car, but proper maintenance can prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. Several fluids work together to power your vehicle. This fall, your maintenance routine should include checking these five critical fluids to keep your vehicle running strong for October car care month. Engine Oil The engine oil is like the blood of your vehicle; it allows the engine to function optimally. The engine oil should be changed regularly during your oil change. Furthermore, many new cars now require synthetic oils. While oil changes are essential, don’t let them stop you from inspecting the engine oil every month to ensure the oil quality is still in good condition. Coolant/Antifreeze ... read more