Northridge Auto Repair

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

If you've ever driven in a foreign country (or even in another state), you're probably unaware of all the area's traffic laws, even the strange ones. We've compiled some very bizarre driving laws; check them out!  In Thailand, it is illegal for men to drive topless. They can be fined up to 500 of their currency. In Russia, you can be fined for driving a filthy car. In Australia, it is illegal for motorists to stick their arms and hands out the window unless it is to signal to other drivers. It is against the law to drive and smoke a cigarette in Greece. In Spain, you can be fined for wearing flip-flops to drive. You can be fined if you accidentally splash through rainwater or mud on a pedestrian when driving in Japan. Driving with headlights on is required 24/7 in Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia. This is probably due to the very few daylight hours in the winter. In South Africa, you will be fined up to $500 if you do not slow or stop for livestock tha ... read more

Usually, when you turn on your AC or heat, you don't expect any scent to come out of your vents. However, whenever you start noticing foul odors, it could mean bigger problems for your car's ventilation. It's vital that you try to find the source of the stench as it could potentially harm your health and the overall safety of your vehicle. Below are some common explanations for smelly vehicle air vents: Fluid Leak Leaking chemicals are a common reason behind strange car smells. The air circulating out of your vents actually comes from the engine bay. Therefore, oil, anti-freeze, and other fluids in that general area of your car can leak onto your cooling system. Most of the time, you can distinguish with oil, as it can smell like burnt oil. On the other hand, coolant has a sweet syrupy smell to it. Mold Growth In Vents If you live in an area prone to humidity, bacteria may be susceptible to growing in some regions of your home A/C system. Your car is no exception. Bacte ... read more