Northridge Auto Repair

Cars are not heatproof. Whether a vehicle is fresh off the lot or a high mileage old faithful, protection against the sun is essential. UV rays don’t just affect the paint; too much heat can also kill car batteries and affect the engine. If resale value, high performance, and longevity is a priority, sun damage must be prevented. Below are a few practical tips to protect your vehicle from the sun.  Keep your car clean. Staying on top of car washes removes minerals, dirt, debris, and dead bugs from the surface of your vehicle. If left on your car, the sun can cause these particles to become stuck and fade the paint. Some bugs have a bacterial decomposition that releases acids that can damage the paint surface. A run through the car wash with wax can offer maximum protection. Park in the shade. If you’re in a rush, it’s easy to choose a parking spot in the direct sunlight. If possible, take additional time to find a shaded parking spot. The ... read more

Safety is paramount the moment you start your car. While your seat belt is one of the most critical safety features, your brakes and tail lights are not far behind. Your brake lights illuminate to let the drivers behind you know that you’re slowing down or preparing to stop. In comparison, your tail lights are only activated when your headlights are turned on. They help with nighttime visibility or severe weather, such as heavy rain. Both lights work together to provide a safe driving experience. However, what happens if your tail lights are fully functioning, but your brake lights aren’t? Below are a few common reasons why this would occur: Malfunctioning Turn Signal Switch In some vehicles, the turn signal switch and the brake light share the same circuit. If the turn signal switch isn’t working, the other may not be either. Once the wire is replaced, both should be fixed appropriately. Blown Out Light Bulbs If you have an older v ... read more

Car horns are unique because they are the background soundtrack for many cities around the world. There are many interesting aspects of vehicles for a car enthusiast; it makes it easy to take the car horn for granted. Below is a glimpse of the history of the car horn and its modernization over the years. Before there were interstates, in a period of horseless carriages – drivers used bells, whistles, and even hand-squeezed horns to notify pedestrians and other drivers of their presence. It wasn’t until 1908 that young inventor Miller Reese Hutchison patented the Klaxon Horn. Hutchinson, who also worked alongside Thomas Edison, created two versions of his Klaxon Horn. According to MoparMagazine, one version of the horn was motor-powered with batteries, and the other was manual with a small hand crank. Both versions of the Klaxon Horn gave a distinctive “aoogha” to announce each vehicle’s presence. Today if you honk at a pedestrian, you may startle them or ... read more

Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time during road trips. Audiobooks provide a story filled with personality, and some studies show they improve mental health. For a car enthusiast, entertainment doesn’t have to start under the hood. Massive platforms like Audible offer a variety of options of books to keep car lovers entertained. Below are a few well written car-themed audiobooks for your next road trip:  The Toyota Way by Jeffrey Liker If you’re a fan of Toyota, this would be the perfect book to listen to as it explains what made them successful and how you can adapt some of their principals in your own life. Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide by Patrice Banks  Banks is an engineer-turned mechanic who provides a ‘do-it-herself’ book of tools geared towards women who are trying to navigate through auto maintenance, honest car repair, and roadside emergencies. The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car ... read more

Driving in warm summer months here in California can definitely take a toll on your vehicle. The high temperature and increase in driving can add wear and tear, so these helpful tips on how to summerize your vehicle can ensure that your car is properly prepared and ready to take the heat. Here are some ways you can summerize your vehicle: Check the level of coolant - low coolant can quickly lead to engine overheating, especially in the summer. If the coolant level is low, we recommend bringing your vehicle into our shop. There may be a leak in the system, and just topping off the coolant may not solve the issue if the coolant continues to leak. We will also ensure that the cooling fan is in proper working order.    Test your vehicle's air conditioning system for proper function.   Take note of the age of your vehicle's battery, and if its been over 3 years since you last replaced it, you may want to have it tested. We can do so at our shop to see how much j ... read more