Northridge Auto Repair

All car combustible engines release harmful byproducts that need to be released. While the gasses move through the exhaust system, it produces a lot of noise and pressure. And the muffler in the exhaust system is responsible for doing just that! It is the piece of the puzzle that allows our car to run quietly and smoothly. Read on to learn about the various parts of the muffler Inlet: Exhaust gasses and sound enter the exhaust system through the inlet. Resonator: The resonator is exactly what it sounds – it is a part of the device that alters the engine noise by reducing the overall volume of the engine and neutralizing sound waves.  Perforated tubes: There are metal tubes within the muffler that control the pitch of the sounds. They also help minimize the sound and play a part in your vehicle’s overall performance. Outlet: The outlet is the portion of the muffler where both sounds and safer gasses get released from the car. As you can see, the muffler alone contai ... read more

August is Brake Safety Awareness Month, and it is a special time to give your brake some much-needed attention. Most drivers don’t think about their brakes until there is a noticeable problem. Unfortunately, that is not safe for you or your vehicle. Your car’s brake components go through wear and tear throughout the year. To prevent any safety hazards from arising, we invite you to RM Automotive for a thorough brake inspection.   Auto manufacturers and mechanics recommend that you have your brakes inspected at least once a year. During a brake inspection at our auto service shop, we will look for several warning signs. They include: Unusual noises - The first red flag of bad brakes is noise. If you hear a squealing or screeching sound coming from your brakes, it means that your brake pads are worn. This component has a unique, metal wear indicator that erupts when the brake pads wear thin. Low or soft brake pedal - A soft brake pedal is an indication that your car ... read more

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