Northridge Auto Repair

A blown head gasket, what exactly is it? Well, it's really not that complicated, read on to learn more about a head gasket, its purpose and warning signs. Purpose of a Head Gasket If you take a look at your car's engine, you'll notice that it is made up of two separate parts, a cylinder block and the cylinder head, In the cylinder block you'll find the pistons and cylinders and in the cylinder head you'll find the valves, spark plugs and camshafts. You'll find the head gasket in between these two parts. The head gasket is one of the most significant gaskets in your car. This is because the head gasket seals the cylinders' firing pressure and also prevents coolant as well as engine oil from leaking in to the cylinders and to the outside of the car. The head gasket has to be able to withstand the stresses of both of theses surfaces while also fulfilling its purpose. What Causes a Blown Head Gasket? There are two main scenarios which may lead to a blown h ... read more

Summertime is meant for exciting, new adventures. Whether you are going on a road trip or to do a new activity, you’ll most likely need your car. Read on to learn some cool and fun summer car activities that are a must-try this season. At Home Car Wash While this may seem like a chore at first, it can be made fun with a little music and other people. If you have the luxury of a driveway, make use of it. Invite the family out to wash your car(s) together. It is also a great way to cool off in the summer heat. And all of your hard work will pay off in the end. Gaze at the Stars Sit back and relax by enjoying the view of the night sky. If you have a moonroof in your car, this is a great activity to do. You can even grab a blanket and snacks to make it more comfortable. You may even see a shooting star if you’re lucky! Go to a Drive-In Movie Theater Many of these old-fashioned theaters are still open today, and they gain some popularity during the summer. You can roll up ... read more

Your vehicle’s water pump is a vital component of your cooling system. It makes sure your engine runs at an optimal temperature by controlling the amount of coolant flowing through the engine, hoses, and radiator. A belt from the crankshaft is responsible for powering the water pump so that the antifreeze mixture continues to flow into the engine block to keep it running smoothly.   Maintaining a water pump is just a part of cooling system maintenance. Before anything else, you should always make sure that you have enough coolant in your car. The role of antifreeze/coolant is to keep temperatures cool and to act as a rust inhibitor for your cooling system components. If you lack coolant, it can overwork your water pump, leading to failures.    Signs You Need Your Water Pump Replaced Engine overheating Coolant leaks Whining or grinding noises under the hood Corroded water pump Typically, water pumps can last anywhere between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. It can la ... read more

When most people think of cleaning their car, they only think about the outside, but did you know that you can clean certain components under the hood? Your battery is a prime example; this critical component is prone to corrosion around its connecting points. Vehicle owners must clean off their battery terminals if they see corrosion forming. Otherwise, you may need a new battery a lot sooner if it continues to develop. Plus, cleaning your battery ensures your electrical functions and engine run smoothly. Here is what you'll need to gather before cleaning: A pair of gloves Baking soda Water Brush Petroleum jelly/Vasoline Rag Prepping the Cleaning Solution The first step is making a cleaning paste with these common household ingredients: 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 cup of water. You will need to mix it thoroughly. Locate the Battery Before you dive in, please make sure your engine is turned off and cooled down. Put on your gloves. You'll need to disconnect your b ... read more

Owning a car is a wonderful privilege as it is one of the most convenient transportation methods. Unfortunately, many drivers often forget about the impacts of emissions caused by burning gasoline, contributing to pollution and global climate problems. We thought we would share these green driving practices in honor of this month's green holiday! Keep your tires properly inflated to improve your gas mileage and preserve your tires. Check and replace the engine air filter, as a clogged filter can decrease your mileage up to 10%. Avoid idling. It can strain your engine and other parts while also wasting a significant amount of gas. Turning the engine off and on at a later time is your best bet. Don't carry hefty things. Extra weight = higher fuel consumption. If you don't need the item, leave it stored at home. Plan efficiently. Combine your short trips and run your errands all at once.  Don't heavily accelerate or brake as it can lead to extra gas consumption ... read more